You are right, LewZ, my "boat totes" take up space. Storing them at home is not a problem for me and so far, there is plenty of room in the cars. When I get to the pond the boxes go under the table, out of way. They are much more protective of the models and it makes it possible to carry a boat with a single hand which makes it really easy to put them down pick them up again to take out keys, open doors and so on. Years ago I did have some "boat totes" with extra arrangements to hold transmitters, tools, lunch, etc. Eventually I built a custom "field box", with compartments and drawers to hold batteries, transmitter, launching sling, and so on. One nice feature is that I can leave a bunch of stuff like tools, rinse bottle, launch sling in it ready to go. It also easily carried with one hand. So to for a quick sail, I only need to drop the transmitter and batteries in the field box, and I can carry the boat in one hand and the field box in the other.😜

Looks very nice. Good workmanship. However the carriers look like they would take up some space.

I made simple stands (see photo) for all of my boats. The base is about 1/2 to 1 inch longer and wider than the extremes of the boat. This way when the are on a flat surface (like in my SUV) the hulls do not contact each other. The boats remain on these stands while on display on my shelves, in the auto, and on the benches at the park. As for tool storage, I have a "salesman's case" that has rollers and an extending handle. I holds my tools, battery spares, signs, water pumps, and even space for a few transmitters. I use the same case for both model boat and model tank meets.

The other type carrier I use is for my armor. Same basic idea, the base is larger than the perimeter of the vehicle so they can all sit next to each other without damage, but in this case the carrier also carries the transmitter and accessories for the vehicles. The vehicles stay on these carriers from display at home to the table at the tanks meets.

I guess we all have our favorite designs. I needed to keep my ideas on saving space and weight.

Thanks for sharing your photos!

Lew
Florida, USA

some very good ideas. The models look great. Len

Transporting models can be a difficult thing. Typically they need to held with two hands which means the boat needs to be put down to open doors etc. Sometimes they can be damaged going through doors, up and down stairs, around corners, in and out of the car, etc. To make boats much easier to carry I build a custom carry box for each boat. They are easy to make, built basically like a crate/toolbox to save weight. It makes it possible to handle a reasonable size boat with one hand, and prevents accidental bumping and scratching. I feel anyone with the skills to build a model boat can make one of these.

Typically I make my box 1-2 inches longer and wider than the boat. If you decide to make one, make sure you allow extra height to easily wrap your hand comfortably around the handle. I use the thinnest cheapest plywood from the local store. I prefer cedar for the framework to save weight. Plywood is anchored to frame with staples and glue Start with the bottom that will determine overall size. Cut the plywood and begin the framing, then figure then out and build the ends and sides. Now is the time to drill the holes for the handle, I've used an old broom stick for this or piece of pvc pipe, any dowel will do usually around an inch thick. The front is attached with hinges to open easily and you need to work out something of your own choosing to keep the door shut.

Note in some cases I've made my mast removeable for easy transport and created a fixture to hold it separately. The Orca needed and extra fixture to keep the bow pulpit from bumping the end.