The concept started from a wish to renovate an Inga1V large motor sailor and culminated in a scratch build from keel to deck including its one off designed superstructure.
There is a comprehensive build blog on this website which details of some of the challenges and successes over the year of build. The build blog carries the title CGINGA1V to save or add to any confusion.
Regards ChrisG

Had a successful launch with heaps of help and very gratifying to see lots of hard work doing what it was designed to do.
Very little wind and sunshine what could have been better, I am a very happy bunny tonight.
Managed lots of photos with help and a couple of videos so please enjoy this post. Best Regards ChrisG

I love the yacht, superb.

I am thinking of trying to get a team of movers to assist.
It could be a big day but it could also be a disaster. Quite a big investment in time and money we all put on the water for the first time with fingers crossed.
I really hope I can get some camera savvy individual to manage some video.
Regards ChrisG

She now carries her name AQUARIUS and is no longer INGA1V, if I can get her out of the workroom and down the stairs and the weather is good I am working towards her being on the water next weekend, wish me luck.
Regards ChrisG

For anyone interested I have a Inga1V hull complete and ballasted and superstructure complete and in need of restoration but generally both hull and superstructure good condition.
I also have the original sails which could provide a pattern.
No rig but plans and original build instructions available.
This was purchased as a pattern for my wooden Inga1V which is now complete.
I would like it to go on for someone to rebuild her any offers?
I believe my build blog CGINGA1V on this website does show photos of this donor yacht.
I would prefer collection but would be prepared to cover part of a reasonable journey.
Regards ChrisG

Hello Ross
Can a recommend a good quality punch and a large hammer, you need to achieve the hole first time and the sail material is too strong to be gentle, best of luck.
Regards ChrisG

I would like to thank all who took time to comment and register their likes of my recent model, it means a lot to me and I just hope when and if I get her on the water she behaves and sails as I hope. I hope to get some photos to post if this happens and a video will be a big plus.
Regards ChrisG

Methinks a day to remember, many will remember it for being July the fourth 2024 British poling day, many for being, The American Independence Day and little old me for the completion of my most challenging modelling project.
I am surprised on looking back that it has only been 12 months but what a year it has been for me. And the transition in my head from renovating a Revel kit of the same name, if I could find one went quickly out of the window, too many of you beat me to it and in turn renovated and completed some superb sailing models easily found on this website. I took the decision to use the original INGA1V I had acquired to be the pattern for something original to me, for better or worst.
The project started with me drawing the contours of the hull with which to make formers for the plank on frame hull construction, these were fixed firmly and accurately to the base board and allowed me to start the build. Then the hull was completed rubbed down filled and again and again until a satisfactory finish for painting was achieved.
Before decking the craft I had to decide on style, size and position of all deck structures, much head scratching and research of some of the most beautiful yachts ever, I chose to make a modest copy of the topsides of an Alfred Mylne 105 ft Gaff Ketch built 1937. This entailed deciding on what to incorporate and which to ignore to not clutter to much and to attempt to have the build in proportion. This determined where the hull would have its access points.
The deck was covered in 3mm ply followed by 1mm planking of a simply but classical design.
I had decided to renovate the original rig on the basis that it was tried and tested and all I required was that the rig, boom height particularly allowed for the fitting of the superstructure.
With the superstructure modelling taking some months with cardboard cut outs to ensure headroom I was happy to go ahead and finish the building part and onto the time consuming fiddly bits.
There is nothing unconventional below decks the usual servos, r/c and, speed control and sheet control line (3). The next job was priming, painting, vanishing all of which we either love or hate, I quite enjoy it when I can use a reasonable sized paintbrush but find it a faff on a tiny model.
Nearly there, fitted the one hole stanchions which were favourite at the time and all the other pretty bits and pieces.
The rig is a compromise, as always with a model, but I do not like bowsies but to enable re rigging lakeside I have had to use methods I would prefer not to normally use.
As for the sails, newly made first attempt by my partner as yet untried and a replacement set already in build. I made a big mistake with the 6mm eyelets they should have been 4mm max.
Loose foot footing I like but will await first sail to make
further decisions on changes.
I conclude this summary of a 12 month build by thanking so many pals on this website for their help, experience, and encouragement given to me for doing something I love doing.
I hope in the near future to be able to post some shots of her on the water and I might find someone to produce a video.
All the very best to you all ChrisG

Thank you all for the kind words, your comments Doug really cheered me up and reminded me there are smiles to be had from being associated with a website like ours.
Rogal, I dont think I will be looking for any further INGA4 in the future, having lived and breathed this model of mine for it seems a lifetime if I am able to make another model it will be small and compact, perhaps a rowing boat 😂😂
I am sitting looking at my model on the bench beside me which is now 90%+ complete and wonder how many hours of my life have gone into drawing the plans, making the hull, drawing and making the above deck superstructure, and in general thinking it all through in an effort to reduce the number of inevitable cock ups. I would like a pound for each one of those hours but have no regrets.
More photos to come, and if I can enlist help to move the beast from workroom upstairs in my house to boot of my car🤞and onto the lake some reasonable videos.
Take care all and happy modelling ChrisG

Long delay in posts again, unavoidable due to another hospital spell, hope this is the last.
Before going in I managed to repair, rub down and repaint the hull, brush again and I was very pleased with the finish.
It is surprising how long it takes to work out where you left her and what was due to be the next job. I am going to leave the on deck fittings and bits to the last and concentrate on masts, rigging and sail controls probably the most mentally challenging of this build.
I have fitted the mizzen mast, always start with the easier one, and that seems to perform well.
As a bit of light relief I fitted the helmsman on his seat just behind his ships wheel on a binnacle, I hope he is happy sitting there for what might be a long time.😂😂
I have attached a photo, just a taster hope it is liked.
All the best ChrisG

Hello Rogal118
I anticipate having to produce more than the one set of sails. The set I am currently trying have the luff within the mast as with Inga but will be loose footed which I prefer.
Unlike the sails on your lovely model mine have no battens and that may be changed on the next set.
I have a restricted test bed which comprises a substantial boat cradle that can be positioned easily in front or to the side of a large domestic fan.
Regards ChrisG

The wooden element of the deck has been finished, sanded and has the 12 eyebolts fitted for the mast supports.
I have also fitted the three control lines through the deck in position for Mizzen, Main and Jib controls all moused through.
That was the good news, the other side of the coin shows what was an immaculate painted hull marked and scratched and in need of a repaint. I do it every time when will I learn.
It is great seeing this project coming together after what seems a long time. I thank you all for your interest and comments regards ChrisG

My doesn`t the time fly, with my rapid rate of progress I have managed to deck my model in just short of a month sanding and finishing yet to complete.
The decking followed the normal method, I chose a pattern so that the finished deck would have some highlights, these I picked out in mahogany and then simply followed the pattern using some 18inch lengths of 1mm x 5mm light Sitka.
I used my usual Evo Stik external to glue it all and had to protect the soft wood when holding it in place as the pins left indentations otherwise. I found a school eraser cut into slices ideal for this task.
U.K. based modellers, Tesco stationery dept. have some fabulous erasers for pennies some really large whacky ones that I have found uses for on my models especially
below decks wedging things in.
Next stage is the sanding and finishing, this is difficult as in my present condition I am only just capable of using the stairs in my house and as the model is large and heavy I have to rely on a neighbour to move it to the garage for me to sand it. Oh well.
Wishing you all good health till next time ChrisG

I am looking, now with desperation for some figures painted or not for my Inga1V lookalike. I have tried all of the most likely suppliers with no luck.
Help please ChrisG

You guys really know how to rub it in, What with various problems I am hours and hours from finishing my model which originated from the Inga. I am currently decking, sail making as well as all of the many jobs needing completion before a hoped for launch date.
I hope to post some photos soon meanwhile I hope that you both enjoy a session of fair wind sailing as well as calm.
All the very best ChrisG

I would like to thank you all for the kind wishes it is really heart warming that people are kind enough to show they care.
I have been working on my model this morning first time for over a month and have enjoyed it a lot.
Thanks ChrisG

Hello to colleagues on this wonderful website, I notice I hav`nt posted for 2 months and have not been able to go near my build since 1st March.
I have been hit by the dreaded "lurgy" and in addition to loosing my mobility I have been hospitalised. I think and hope I am getting better so here goes.
I will attach a few photos of the build as it is now and update as and when further bits get finished. Most of the building is nearly complete just assembly, decking and of course the rig and sails.
I am very happy to be amongst it again although I will have to be patient with slow progress. I will also be happy to hear from friends again.
I wish you all good health and happy building ChrisG

Hello
I have a good Inga hull sitting in my garage looking for a good home regards ChrisG

Hello Duncan
As expected wonderful workmanship from you it is always a pleasure and interesting to note the changes in methods that you often use. I must admit putting the roof on before the sides has me head scratching but on reflection looks a good idea although brave.
I continue to look longingly at my build but whilst I am keeping the NHS busy I find it hard to get into the garage where I really need to be to continue.
Soon I hope regards to all ChrisG

Hello Michael,
I think you have surpassed even yourself this time, I like you, was also looking for a smarter and more in keeping method of fixing rigging to the deck and as I am not clever enough, I have had to buy eye bots and turnbuckles. I fear that 6 of each fittings on each mast will look a little heavy but will see.
I think what you have manufactured is near perfect both tidy compact and fit for purpose. You will have to keep it clear of handrails but like you I didnt like how mine was rigged with bowsies and hooks and eyes, bowsies have a place in sailing dinghies and camping but do not belong on Yachts, my view, maybe only and I apologies for that.
Well done ChrisG

Hello luckyduck
Whilst I agree with you absolutely that pure white sails generally look better on modern and generally racing yachts, and cream or off white and natural fabrics tend to look better on older classic craft that is not always the case.
There are many yachts around the world costing many millions of pounds, euros and dollars that sport man fabric sails, they are white and bright, economical to replace and update and need far less maintenance.
Inga the yacht that is the subject of this question and answer blog is relatively new being built in 1967, which makes her younger than me and a mere child😂😂
This all makes for a very interesting blog, it ends up horses for courses and gets us all talking which is great.
Best regards ChrisG

The original yacht was built in 1967 in Germany, I believe she would look good in cotton sails or would probably have modern materials used in subsequent sail changes.
Regards ChrisG

Hello Michael
I think this might start the purists chuntering a bit but here goes nothing!
I have two samples arrive today one is Dacron at 36" wide sold as material for sail making and is around the £20, as you would expect and is enough to make a suit of sails for Inga but only just.
The other from Ebay is sold as material for making kites and outdoor flags, is water resistant lightweight nylon Ripstop and is 150 cm wide. The total price for the 100 x 150 was £3.84 p.p. inc.
Now I am aware that when it comes to important things like hobbies us retired guys never begrudge spending our money but my gut feeling is to have a go with the cheaper of the two because it feels lighter and better.
I only intend to be sailing my boat as with the others occasionally so will keep away from the lake when stormy so heavy sails are not needed.
Decision made I will post my progress 😂😂 when there is any, I hope this does not complicate things.
Best of luck ChrisG.
p.s. My "Boss" likes Roys idea, always complaining I have too many shirts but dont fancy seeing my model being projected across the lake by some of my shirts.

Hello Micheal
I am in exactly the same position as yourself being about to start sailmaking. Previously I have both bought ready pro made sails and have made a few sets myself.
I am no expert by any stretch of the imagination but for a tank like Inga albeit a beautiful tank it is easy to get carried away with costs, also because sail changes for this boat are such a faff then a suitable weight of sailcloth should be purchased, one size fits all applications.
I have just sent for some material for a set and as you only need about a mtr I have pushed the boat out for £20 worth from a recognised supplier and have also sent for a similar amount for a whole lot less than that from Ebay.
I will have made my conclusions in a few days when the material arrives if you would like to talk again then.
A restricting design of the slits in the mast and booms restricts the sail thickness which needs to be taken into considerations. Also is the model for sailing or looking at, I have bought some really good kickers for my boat instead of using the springs supplied and the sophisticated ones look most inappropriate, waste of money.
Hopefully continue this in a few days, hope you can use a sewing machine 🤣🤣
Regards ChrisG

Hello Micheal good to hear from you again. It has been busy on the site over the last week.
I am pleased with how the new build is progressing but not confident enough to show the site too much just yet , it is all so new to me that I could be nurturing a monster 😂😂😂
I need to change the title of the build blog as it is no longer relevant, how do I go about it appreciate your help.
I hope you are well and look forward to seeing your progress, Regards ChrisG

Not only a great model but the comprehensive details of the build has been very entertaining as well as amusing. I just hope that the RSPCS don’t hear about one of their fish/animals being so cruelly mutilated.😂😂
One thought I had was will the towing vessel be up to the job in bad weather or will the shark rebel and go its own way?
Rogal thanks for the entertainment regards ChrisG

Not surprised your brain hurts! mine hurts and I am on the side-lines. 😂😂😂 ChrisG

Hello Roy

Yes I did get a set of plans which helped with the general layout and the sail and rig configuration, earlier I was looking for a hull plan which is unavailable hence me having the chilling experience of drawing hull plans from my donor craft. I believe all is well in the end as I am really and chuffed with the finished hull.
Just the delights of making a superstructure that I want in proportion, I think I am getting there slowly, but what is the hurry anyway? when finished I will have to decide what to build next.
Hope you are well ChrisG

Hello Doug
This is interesting and difficult for me to get my head around, is the problem because of the material the shark is made of which has a high buoyancy level, subs and many mammals and fish use water to retain their preferred level in the water without looking excessively pregnant, why should this model be different?
This is not me doubting your expertise but my need to know and understand.
Thanks ChrisG