iom rc yacht rigging

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Rig building

Building an IOM rig.

The starting point for a really good rig is ensuring that you set up the mast to match the sails as far as possible. To halp you achieve this, there are some general guidelines on this page. Most boat builders supply a rigging guide with their hulls, and it is worth getting your hands on the guide for your particular boat. Prior to commencing the rig building process, make sure you have a plan to follow.

PREBEND tHE MAST

Why put pre-bend into an IOM mast? The purpose of using pre-bend is to increase the amount of forestay pressure that can be generated. Without pre-bend, the end result will be a forestay which sags.

The amount of pre-bend and the distance over which it is placed, depends on the luff curve of the mainsail. It is not dependant on the design of boat – often one hears skippers talking about the amount of pre-bend for a particular hull design, but this is not the defining factor. When ordering sails, you should ask you sailmaker how much pre-bend they recommend for the luff curve of their mainsails. The final outcome that is required is a mast curve which matches the sail’s luff curve, with good forestay pressure.

To achieve this, the following factors all need to be right:

The type of mast – diameter, style (groovy or round) and material

The amount of pre-bend

The distance over which the pre-bend curve is bent

The height of the shrouds

The backstay crane length

Some typical examples can be found in the rigging guides for the various hull designs – although these assume you are using sails from the hull builder. Most recommend using 11.1mm high tensile aluminium masts.

Most new masts will not be perfectly straight. Find the existing curve in the mast and use that to assist you to achieve your desired pre-bend. Pre-bend around a curve of 700mm radius works pretty well. You will need to go slowly at first, as some masts bend easily, and only require one or two bends around the jig, whereas others may take quite a few.

The top 200mm of the mast does not bend uniformly, so it is worth chopping that amount off after the bending is complete.

It is wise to pre-bend the mast prior to drilling any holes.

Make sure that the mast remains in exactly the same orientation each time you bend it around the curve, otherwise the result will look really wobbly!

DRILLING HOLES

If you can get your hands on one of these drilling blocks, they are worth their weight in gold! The block on the end of the mast holds the mast in the same orientation all the time and allows for the mast to be rotated through 90 degrees or 180 degrees. The drilling block ensures that the hole will finish up in the centre of the mast every time!

Follow your rigging plan to place the holes in the position you want. for the shrouds, consider drilling just a single hole in the front of the mast, rather than two holes either side. As a general guide, shroud height higher up the mast will provide better sideways control of the mast, but allow for less forestay tension. Conversely, lower shroud positions will allow you to generate better forestay tension at the expense of sideways bend.

Run your shrouds through the hole, and pull them out the top of the mast. Run both shrouds through a plastic ball, and crimp them off. Once that's done, pull the shrouds back down, so that the plastic ball sits up against the front edge of the mast. This will spread the load of the shrouds over a larger area.

The mast plug can be adjusted so the small metal arm which the top of the sail is tied to, rotates really easily. Tap a thread into the bottom of the mast plug’s smaller hole, and screw a small screw with a flattened end into the hole. Sharpen the bottom of the wire arm which swivels, so that it is a point. When the wire arm rests on the screw, it will rotate easily. The method is shown in the Obsession rigging guide from Craig Smith.

The mast crane should be long enough so that the backstay only just clears the leech of the sail. If the crane is too long, it will put too much mast bend into the top of the mast when you pull on backstay tension. A shorter "lever" is better.

Many skippers have their spreaders too long. The spreaders should deflect the shrouds by only 10 to 12mm at most. When the rig is loaded up, the windward shroud will be under much more tension that the leeward one. Longer spreaders will have the effect of pushing the mast to leeward at that point when the shrouds are loaded up. The result is that the jib slot closes and the mainsail backwinds when under pressure.

The outer end of the spreaders should not snag the jib topping lift. The method is shown nicely in the Obsession Rigging guide drawn by Craig Smith

In addition, you may wish to retain the jib topping lift with some elastic at the bottom, so that if the jib boom lifts, the topping lift remains taut.

The invention of variable geometry goosenecks has been an important development in ensuring more correct mainsail leech angles at all points of sailing. There are a number of these around – notably the goosenecks from AA Parts and from David Potter at Ullman Sails. Fitting these to the mast requires accuracy, so that the shaft of the gooseneck is exactly parallel to the mast when viewed from astern.

The small locking screw at the bottom of the gooseneck allows the bottom end of the gooseneck barrel to move aft when the main boom is sheeted in. This screw can be adjusted independently of the boom vang, so that mainsail leech angles can be set up for upwind and downwind independently of one another.

If using a parallel gooseneck - for example a ball raced gooseneck from Radio Yacht Supplies Australia (Bantock), then you can achieve the same effect by wrapping sticky back sail cloth three times around the mast at the bottom of the gooseneck. This offsets the axis of the gooseneck about the right amount.

when you attach the downhaul on the mainsail, it should pull to a point aft of the axis of rotation of the main boom. In this alignment, the downhaul will become tighter when the boom sheets in, and will loosen when you sheet out.

JIB PIVOT POINT

The aim is to get your jib boom as low to the deck as practical. If the jib boom is too high off the deck, when a gust hits, the jib boom will move to leeward first and forestay sag will develop, resulting in loss of pointing ability and lee helm.

There is a good knot that you can use to attach string to the jib boom. There is a You Tube video which shows this knot, called “How to tie a “tonys knot” - a great video from Tony Gonsalves.

The placement of the pivot point is critical to the functioning of the jib. Too far forward, and you won’t be able to generate sufficient forestay tension. Too far aft, and the jib boom will not lift when a gust hits, and the angle of attack of the jib will be too wide, reducing pointing ability. As a guide, the jib boom should lift with about 320 to 350 grams of pressure.

JIB COUNTERWEIGHT

If your jib boom is low enough, you will find that the jib counterweight may hit the foredeck of your boat. To counteract this, try placing two right angled bends in the shaft of the counterweight, so that the weight sits higher than the line of the jib boom.

The first bend sends the shaft upwards and the second bend returns the counterweight to a direction parallel to the jib boom again. You will need to tie this in place, so that the counterweight cannot rotate downwards.

When setting up any bowsie, try to have the bowsie pull in the same direction as the control you are pulling when you are tightening the string. This is especially important on the backstay. Try to get the bowsie puling downwards when the backstay is being tightened. It makes it much easier to get adjustments right.

Bowsie threader – you can make a simple bowsie threader which will save you hours of time and frustration by simply bending thin wire over in two. Push the bend through the bowsie hole, and thread the string through the loop in the piece of wire. Pull the wire back through the bowsie hole.

A Very Useful Knot

You can watch a short video about how to tie a really useful knot by clicking on the "Play" button.....................

Instructions about how the knot can be made as follows:

Pass the piece of string through the hole that you want to tie to.

Tie a double overhand knot in the end of the string. You can burn the end.

Using the double overhand knot end of the string, make a single overhand knot around the string that passes through the fitting or loop. Pull tight. This knot will not undo unless you want it to, and will hold tighter the more pressure placed on the string.

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Achieve Your Potential in Competition IOM Sailing

Vickers RC Sailing

Producer of the V11 Competition International One Metre Design by Ian Vickers.

Our workshop opened in 2014 with the V8 IOM. Since then we have produced hundreds of hand crafted IOM yachts in the Vickers design range. Yachts that have helped IOM competitors around the world achieve their potential and exceed expectations in competition.

We are currently offering the V11, the innovative design that finished 3rd at the 2019 World Championships in Port Alegre, Brazil.

When our clients return, they know they are tapping in to smart, competitive technology in IOM design and build. Stiff, Lightweight boats, that are Easily Assembled, Fast and Forgiving to sail. Join the fun!

Improve your results at the club and the regatta, with the fast and forgiving V11 from Vickers RC Sailing

Set Up and Sail

The V11 detailing is simple but effective. In conjunction with the V11 Set Up Guide, assembly is straight forward, and vital tuning information assists you to quickly understand and master your V11's potential

Vickers RC Sailing build processes are well refined and thought out.

Our boats are light, stiff and clever,  keeping to a simple and effective philosophy around detailing

The V11 design is a hull, foils and bulb package to compliment the full range of conditions experienced in RC Sailing. The hull design has full volume forward and features the familiar chines and tumblehome of the modern IOM for reduced weight and windage, as well as good tracking characteristics. The V11 features our peaked style foredeck for efficient water shedding when buried downwind and a geometrically strong shape for the forestay and mast ram areas.

Foils are slippery and strategically positioned with the rig to balance the yacht. The V11s forgiving balance through the wind range, allows the skipper to focus on the race at hand, and not rely on micro steering to maintain a consistent VMG.

The rig sits solid on its deck stepped mast step, complimented at deck level with an encapsulating mast gate arrangement over the mast ram. The rudder tube is rigidly supported inside the moulded servo tray. 

Hull construction is from E-Glass Fibreglass Cloth and High Grade Epoxy Resin.

The foils are Carbon Fibre Layup with High Grade Epoxy Resin.

Paint system is a 2 pot Urethane and the boat is thoroughly post cured before finishing.

The V11 Features-

Plastic main hatch access. 

Ready to accept RMG Winch and Standard sized Rudder Servo

Bow Bumper attached.

Hardware is Bantock including an adjustable mast ram, adjustable mainsheet post and tiller arm.

All necessary fittings attached for standing and running rigging.

The V11 comes out of our workshop in Beach Haven, Auckland New Zealand and is ready to accept rigs and electrics.

We also make sails that can be added to the order, or ordered separately.

So hit the enquiry button to discuss delivery times and options.

We are ready to help.

Essential to success in sailing comes down to the  Rig and how it is set up and tuned. The V11 comes with a Set Up Guide that covers all the expert information needed to set up like the guns. It specifies the hardware, construction and tuning information to get your rig and sails set up and sailing near optimum straight off the bat, so you can enjoy your racing and punch above your weight.

Include Sets of sails from Vickers RC Sailing and enhance the experience.

Vickers Rc Sailing is back taking orders again for the V11

We look forward to hearing from you 

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IOM Complete Rig Kit

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• Variant Marine Hardware

  Product Description

This is a complete rig kit for the IOM. The kit features Variant Marine Hardware and is suitable for A,B,C rigs The kit includes Mast, Gooseneck, Variant "A" profile Main and Jib Boom kits with all fittings, Backstay hook, Backstay crane, Mast head plug, Head board wire, bowsie 6pack, Stainless steel rigging wire, Spectra sheet line A pair of variant rigging Screws, Spreader kit, jib head stay hook, Jib Counter Balance. The kit is composed of the following components: 1 - 11mm dia 2500mm long Clear anodized Aluminum mast 1 - VM005 Variant Marine Main Boom Kit 1 - VM004 Variant Marine Jib Boom Kit without Jib Swivel 1 - VM001 Variant Marine Gooseneck Pack for 11mm Mast 1 - VM023 Variant Marine Head Board Wire 1 - VM013 Variant Marine Mast Head Plug 1 - VM007 Variant Marine Rigging Screw M3x20 set 1 - VM032 Variant Marine Jib Counter Balance 1 - VM019 Variant Marine Spreader Kit 1 - VM017 Variant Marine Jib Head Stay Hook 1 - VM021 Variant Marine Backstay Crane 1- VM011 Variant Marine Backstay Hook 1 - VM009 Variant Marine Bowsie 6 pack 1 - RW100 Stainless Steel Rigging wire for Varinat Spreader Kit. 1 - SSL100 10 meters Spectra sheet line

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Variant rig Kit

Posted by Daryl USA567 on 14th Mar 2014

Great product, well engineered parts, but the kit does not come with any instructions of description of what parts are for. Add a rigging guide or descriptions and it is a 5

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Quick Overview

Pack contains spars, rigging and fittings sufficient to make one A rig . Full Overview bottom of page.

5% discount when ordered with a B and C rig kit.

Product code. IOM-RIGKIT-A

Availability: In stock

• Ball raced gooseneck + £24.75
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• Ball raced headsail swivel - 120-100 or 120-110 or 120D + £15.25
• 31S rigging screws for SAILSetc boat + £5.00
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• Product Description

The standard rig pack contents.

Pack contains spars, rigging and fittings sufficient to make one A rig with the following features: General features: •    comprehensive plan and step by step instructions •    anodised mast material - 7075 T6 grade - natural (silver) or black •    mast or no mast as chosen •    anodised, stainless steel and/or nickel plated fittings as appropriate •    headsail boom counterbalance weight •    gooseneck/kickingstrap unit is simple to fit to mast •    faired, clip on spreaders  •    flexible 7 strand rigging wire for standing rigging •    Dyneema rigging cord for running rigging •    self locking rigging screws, fastenings and terminations

The better boat suppliers provide rigging plans specific to their designs. Always use the dimensions in those in preference to the dimensions given in our rig plans. Then the rig tuning instructions given by the boat's designer will be relevant to the rigs you have built.

If you require the kicking strap to be extended so that it is easier to operate on boats where the gooseneck is sunk low in the boat, please choose the 'kicking strap extended' option.

Consider having the mast cut into two pieces and supplied with a joint piece to reduce the cost of packing and carriage significantly. Alternatively, consider having additional mast tubes sent for the same packing and carriage charge for use as spares or for friends.

You will need the following materials to supplement the pack; cyano glue, tape for limit  marks (measurement bands).

DRILL BLOCKS

Make completion of rig and boom kits easier by using the drill blocks (to aid drilling holes in the correct place and attitude) and boom fitting assembly block (to add fittings at correct attitude). See DB-BOOM , DB-MAST-110 and BFAB .

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At the age of fifteen David Potter started sailing model boats at the world famous Birkenhead Model Yacht Club.

In 2012 he decided to turn his passionate hobby into a business and launched Potter Solutions.

As a qualified engineer, with a good eye for detail, he produces a range of equipment for the majority of radio controlled model yacht classes.

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Model ship clubs of the usa.

• Updated on: 24th January 2021
• Written by Gary Renshaw

Model Ship building is a craft that has been around since water transport first began. Every boat ever built has a unique story to tell. The model ship clubs of the United States have an important part to play in continuing the skills and tradition of the art of model ship building. Here we have compiled a list of the model ships clubs that are situated across the United States.

California Model Ship Clubs

Ship modelers association.

The Ship Modelers Association (SMA) is the largest ship modeling club in California, and one of the largest in the nation. They seek to foster research and interest in the nautical heritage of the United States by researching and building scale ship models. 

Sacramento Mo del Shipwrights

The Sacramento Model Shipwrights, are a club of radio-control model ship enthusiasts, who sail at the lake in Elk Grove Regional Park in Elk Grove, California. They are known for building civilian and military models, which are powered by electric motors, steam engines, or sail.

South Bay Model Shipwrights

The South Bay Model Shipwrights is a club to learn and share info on shipbuilding techniques using a variety of materials.  Member’s projects include model ships from plastic and wood from commercial kits and scratch built vessels in resin and wood. 

Club members have built ships ranging from 3’ to 56” in Over All length.  Members have built vessels from all timeframes in human history.  This includes rafts, Viking Ships, Galleons, Clipper Ships, Japanese and Chinese Sailing ships, Steam Ferry Boats, and modern era combat ships.

At club meetings they discuss maritime construction, current events, history, and archaeology.

Channel Islands Maritime Museum Ship Model Guild

The Channel Islands Maritime Museum sponsors a Ship Model Guild, an active club of local model builders, who meet once a month at the Museum.  The public is welcome to the monthly meetings, third Tuesday of the month at 6:30 PM and all are welcome to join the Guild.

Learn Maritime history by building models of ships that made history.  Techniques for wood, plastic or metal construction are addressed at the meetings.  Every meeting is different as members discuss their progress during the “show and tell” sessions.  Interesting bits of information are exchanged about the ships of adventure on the high seas. 

Inland Nautical Society

Inland Nautical Society is a club for Radio Controlled Model Boaters. The club have beginners who have never built a model before, to the experienced modelers who have built museum quality models. The club has a reputation of friendly and knowledgeable members who are eager to share a wealth of their knowledge and expertise of radio controlled modeling.

San Diego Ship Modeler’s Guild

The San Diego Ship Modeler’s Guild welcomes people of all ages with an interest in preserving maritime history through the art of ship modeling. Membership ranges from new ship modelers to experienced master modelers. Ship model projects include period sailing ships through to contemporary steel navy.

Hyde Street Pier Model Shipwrights

The Hyde Street Pier Model Shipwrights are associated with the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, a unit of the National Park Service, and have a model shop aboard the historic ferryboat Eureka berthed at the Hyde Street Pier.

Anyone interested in model shipbuilding is welcome to attend their meetings. Members can offer advice and support on all stages of model shipbuilding, from selecting a kit for your first model to advanced layout and scratch building.

San Francisco Model Yacht Club

Colorado model ship clubs, rocky mountain shipwrights.

The Rocky Mountain Shipwrights group of model ship builders in Colorado dedicated to promoting, developing, and furthering scale model shipbuilding. With about 50 members, building many types and sizes of model ships – from Egyptian barges to WWII destroyers, ships in bottles to all-paper models, miniature liners to four-foot men of war. Several members and their creations have won national and regional awards, and some have built models now on display at maritime museums nationwide.

But they are not all expert modelers. Some members are working on their first models. They get advice and encouragement from those who are more experienced, and the goal is for everyone to enjoy the hobby of building model ships and to get the satisfaction of completing and displaying their work.

Connecticut Model Ship Clubs

Connecticut marine model society.

Connecticut Marine Model Society are a group of enthusiastic ship model builders from Connecticut. They meet on the second Saturday of the month from September to June in West Haven, Ct. They build models from scratch or from kits; both wood and plastic. The subjects range from wooden sailing ship to present day ships of steel.

Florida Model Ship Clubs

Southwest florida shipmodeler’s guild.

The Southwest Florida Shipmodeler’s Guild purpose is to provide and promote a forum from which its members can share their model ship building knowledge, skills and techniques, personal experiences, nautical history and any other related maritime interests that might benefit its membership. Their goal is to learn and grow in competence in pursuing the construction of ship models in an atmosphere of constructive fellowship, assistance, and active participation.

Their members come from all walks of life and represent all levels of ship modeling skill from novice to expert. Meeting in a friendly and informal environment at the beautiful Fort Myers Riverside Community Center.

Tampa Bay Ship Model Society

The Tampa Bay Ship Model Society brings together model ship builders, both newcomers and veteran builders, for the mutual benefit of expanding their knowledge of ships, research, techniques, and further develop their abilities in all areas relevant to ship model building and maritime history.

Members model in all materials; wood, metal, paper and polymers, from plans only, or commercial kits, vessels from every era and purpose; Exploration, Steel Navy, Submarines, Yachts, Tugs, Commercial, Fishing, Liners, Working Small Craft, Coast Guard, River/Paddle Wheel, Racing Power and Sail.

Georgia Model Ship Clubs

Atlanta model shipwrights.

Atlanta Model Shipwrights aim to educate and promote model shipbuilding through fellowship mentoring and instruction in a non-competitive environment. Meetings are held the second Saturday of each month from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Illinois Model Ship Clubs

The north shore deadeyes.

The North Shore Deadeyes primarily focused on static scale ship models with an emphasis on the Great Age of Sail, but builders of models from all eras and at all levels of skill welcome.

Midwest Model Shipwrights

The Midwest Model Shipwrights was formed in 1982 by individuals who had a common interest in model ship building and maritime history. Goals of the club are to discuss and share modeling ideas and concepts while making new friends.

Vessels built by the Shipwrights represent a variety of types and eras. Sizes range from miniatures a few inches in length to radio control warships over five feet long, and from basic to amazingly complex. Their membership includes beginning through to advanced modelers, some of whose works can be found in museums, galleries and private collections.

In spite of all these accomplishments, the organization’s primary focus remains the interaction between expert, intermediate and novice.

Indiana Model Ship Clubs

Admirals of indianapolis.

Admirals of Indianapolis club’s members build and operate scale merchant ships, pleasure craft, work boats, military ships, sailboats, and just about anything that floats or submerges (in the case of submarine models). Many boats are built from kits and some are scratch-built from plans and photographs. The models are powered by electric motors, steam engines, or wind power in the case of sailboats.

Kansas Model Ship Clubs

Kansas city square riggers modeling association.

The Kansas City Square Riggers Club are a model ship-building enthusiasts club based out of the greater Kansas City area. They welcome builders of all skill levels and interests. If you are into naval research and model building they would love to hear from you.

Massachusetts Model Ship Clubs

Uss constitution model shipwright guild.

The USS Constitution Model Shipwright Guild is the largest model ship association on the East Coast. Meetings overlooking Old Ironsides at the USS Constitution Museum are well attended.  In addition to monthly meetings, the Guild takes part in the annual meeting of model clubs from Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. They also attend the annual Salem Maritime Festival and the Antique & Classic Boat Festival, as well as the biennial Woods Hole Model Boat Show.

Novices and experienced model builders alike can have fun developing resources, experiences, and skills by joining us. SS Constitution Model Shipwright Guild

U.S. Vintage Model Yacht Group

The US Vintage Model Yacht Group is a Special Interest Group of the American Model Yachting Association. Their organizational goals are the preservation, building, and sailing of older model yacht designs and the study of the history of the sport of model yachting.

“Vintage” primarily means any older model sailboats no longer sailed (or never raced) in serious competition. These encompass free-sailing model yachts, older designs converted to R/C and pre-1970s R/C sailing models. This includes class racing yachts, non-class sailing models, and commercially-built toys of the past. There are also replica models built to the older designs and new designs recreating older sailboat styles.

The group also support those who sail traditional sailing craft models, such as Schooners, Skipjacks, and other scale models. The hulls are generally made of wood, with some fiberglass models, and range in length from 1 to 6 ft. The rigs are usually constructed from wood or aluminum, with cotton or dacron sails.

Marine Modelers Club of New England

The Marine Modelers Club of New England have about 50 members, based in the greater Boston area.  They meet monthly, usually pond-side, when the weather allows it.  Meetings are rather informal, with little time spent on business, and lots of time talking about RC boats. 

Their members are a creative bunch, and there is usually an interesting array of models at gatherings. Their modelers are a creative bunch and there is usually an interesting array of models at their gatherings. Their interests include tugboats, warships, pleasure craft, sailboats (both scale and racing) and pond sailors.  

Merrimack Valley Ship Model Club  

The Merrimack Valley Ship Model Club are an enthusiastic and friendly group of model ship makers who share a particular interest in the naval history of Newburyport, and the Merrimack River Valley area.

Maryland Model Ship Clubs

CBMM’s volunteer Maritime Model Guild supports the curatorial needs of CBMM with exhibition models and building kits that are available for purchase  online  and at the Museum Store. In addition, the Guild offers classes for building scratch models, and the annual  Maritime Model Expo  featuring “live” steamboat models, skipjacks with working sails, speedboats, tugs, and other radio-controlled miniatures.

The group also hosts children’s model-making activities at CBMM’s signature events and other outreach and educational programs throughout the year. 

Washington Ship Model Society

The Washington Ship Model Society (WSMS) was founded in 1929 and is the oldest continuously active ship model club in the United States. The organization is composed of active ship model enthusiasts from the Greater Washington, DC, Metropolitan Area. Its purpose is to provide a socially enjoyable means for serious ship modelers to meet, share, and expand upon their common avocation through the exchange of ideas and knowledge.

The society draws its members from all walks of life and many different occupations. The modelers’ skills range from absolute beginners to professionals who have constructed models for maritime exhibits in the Smithsonian Institution and other museums throughout the United States and Europe. Over the years, members have written numerous articles for nautical research and ship model publications. Society membership has included such notables as President Franklin D. Roosevelt, then Major (and later General) George Patton, Howard I. Chappelle, and Paul E. Garber.

The interests of the modelers are as varied as their occupations, ranging from 17th-century sailing vessels to radio-controlled models of modern powered craft. All types of ship models have been constructed, in static display and operating versions, and in wood, brass, plastic, and card media. 

The society conducts monthly meetings, alternating between Virginia and Maryland locations. The meeting format consists of brief society business, informal discussions of members’ model projects and a program or presentation relating to a nautical or ship modeling topic.  Society members also form subgroups to focus on common modeling interests, such as steel (modern) ship modeling or plank-on-frame modeling. Subgroups are open to all members and meet on a periodic basis, generally in members’ homes. The club’s newsletter, the  Lynx , is published monthly. 

Maine Model Ship Clubs

Down east ship modelers guild.

The Down East Ship Modelers Guild is an active group of static and R/C modelers, ranging from novice to experienced. They meet on the second Thursday of each month from 1 pm – 3 pm at the Legion Hall in Bath, Maine. The group has a long history of association with the Maine Maritime Museum , also in Bath, ME.

Michigan Model Ship Clubs

Great lakes nautical society.

The Great Lakes Nautical Society is a club consisting of model shipbuilders, who are interested in persevering Great Lakes history through model ship building, the model ship shows and educational seminars put on by the club members. The club is open to anyone with an interest in model shipbuilding and the Great Lakes.

Minnesota Model Ship Clubs

The state of Minnesota currently has no model ship clubs listed. 

Missouri Model Ship Clubs

St. louis admirals model boat club.

The St. Louis Admirals R/C Model Boat Club is a group of hobbyists dedicated to sharing the knowledge and fun of the R/C model boat hobby. The depth and breadth of experience the club offers, combined with its laid-back atmosphere, attract the beginner modeler and master builders alike.

Nevada Model Ship Clubs

The state of Nevada currently has no model ship clubs listed. 

New Hampshire Model Ship Clubs

Their members are a creative bunch, and there is usually an interesting array of models at gatherings. Their modelers are a creative bunch and there is usually an interesting array of model at their gatherings. Their interests include tugboats, warships, pleasure craft, sailboats (both scale and racing) and pond sailors. 

New Jersey Model Ship Clubs

The ship model society of new jersey.

The Ship Model Society of New Jersey is dedicated to the pursuit and enjoyment of ship model building in all its forms. They welcome those who enjoy or would like to learn more about this fascinating hobby. Membership spans all skill levels, from novice or highly accomplished and from gadget guru to historical recreator.  Meetings aim to share collective wisdom and resources, and provide the opportunity to enjoy the company of other modelers. 

South Orange Seaport Society

South Orange Seaport Society is a group of folks of all ages who like model boating. They have boats from kits and scratch builds, electric and steam-driven, quite a few fun electric race boats, and some eccentric things. A group of people from all walks of life who like RC boating. 

New Mexico Model Ship Clubs

The state of New Mexico currently has no model ship clubs listed.

New York Model Ship Clubs

Buffalo model boat club.

Radio Controlled model boating is a fascinating hobby that can be as simple or as complex as one wants and can be enjoyed by all age groups. There are as many types of model boats as there are full sizes: enough to satisfy all tastes and interests. Those who enjoy the excitement of speed will find plenty of thrills and competition in the fast electric field. Sailing enthusiasts will find that the racing of radio-controlled sailboats offers all the challenge and exhilaration of the full-sized yachts. Builders of exact scale models get the added satisfaction of operating their craft under full radio control. 

The Model Shipwright Guild of Western New York

Upon a chance introduction at the Military History Society of Rochester New York in 2015 several like-minded individuals, working through the Nautical Research Guild, were able to form our group.  They quickly realized they were an enthusiastic collection of ship modelers and researchers interested in the history and preservation of our maritime legacy in the age of sail and more.

The Model Shipwright Guild of Western New York brings together members from near and far;  Rochester NY, Syracuse NY, Buffalo NY and even Lisbon Portugal. From all walks of life, experience, endeavours with varied nautical interests making for a very dynamic group.

They draw in subject matter experts to enlighten the club meetings on the historical nature of the naval and maritime craft, and their accurate modeling.

Empire State Model Mariners

The Empire State Model Mariners club was founded in 1988, by a group of model boat enthusiasts. The club is a non-profit organization aimed at recreational RC boating and building, with emphasis placed on helping each other and welcoming new members.

We welcome all classes of modelers, from beginners to experts. Boats can be ready to runs, semi kits, kits and scratch built. Whatever your passion is, pleasure crafts, speedboats, workboats, fishing vessels or military replicas.

North Carolina Model Ship Clubs

Carolina maritime society.

The Carolina Maritime Model Society exists to promote the production of high-quality ship models and encourage members and the public to participate in this craft that is as old as shipbuilding itself. 

The society is the only such organization in the entire state and has become a major vehicle for widening public interest in North Carolina’s maritime history and culture.

Ohio Model Ship Clubs

Shipwrights of ohio.

The Shipwrights of Ohio is a club dedicated to model shipbuilding. All types of ships and boats: sailing to steel navy, wood, resin, plastic, kits to scratch built, static to radio control. for all ages – young to retirees, and all skill levels – beginner to expert. Members share their skills, ideas and expertise.

The Shipwrights of Ohio were founded in 2004. Its purpose is to provide a socially enjoyable means for serious and not-so-serious ship modelers to meet, share, and expand their common avocation through the exchange of ideas and skill knowledge. Skills range from beginners to those who build museum quality models.

Oklahoma Model Ship Clubs

The state of Oklahoma currently has no model ship clubs listed. 

Oregon Model Ship Clubs

The state of Oregon currently has no model ship clubs listed. 

Pennsylvania Model Ship Clubs

Philadelphia ship model society.

The Ship Model Shack is the home of the  Philadelphia Ship Model Society , the oldest ship modeling society in America. The Museum is home to over 50 ship models, but this is the only place to see them being created right before your eyes. Have a seat, and watch a model come together while talking with the modelers. 

Rhode Island Model Ship Clubs

Tennessee model ship clubs.

The state of Tennessee currently has no model ship clubs listed. 

Texas Model Ship Clubs

Gulf coast ship modelers society.

The Gulf Coast Ship Model Society is a welcoming group of amateur and professional ship modelers who enjoy sharing their work and discussing tips and tricks of the trade.

Meetings are held on the second Saturday every odd month from 10:00am – 1:00pm at the Houston Maritime Museum. Members are encouraged to bring models they are working on for a ‘show & tell’ discussion.

Utah Model Ship Clubs

Utah State currently has no model ship clubs listed. 

Virginia Model Ship Clubs

The Washington Ship Model Society (WSMS) was founded in 1929 and is the oldest continuously active ship model club in the United States. The organization is composed of active ship model enthusiasts from the Greater Washington, DC, Metropolitan Area. Its purpose is to provide a socially enjoyable means for serious shipmodelers to meet, share, and expand upon their common avocation through the exchange of ideas and knowledge.

The society draws its membership from all walks of life and many different occupations. The modelers’ skills range from absolute beginners to professionals who have constructed models for maritime exhibits in the Smithsonian Institution and other museums throughout the United States and Europe. Over the years, members have written numerous articles for nautical research and ship model publications. Society membership has included such notables as President Franklin D. Roosevelt, then Major (and later General) George Patton, Howard I. Chappelle, and Paul E. Garber.

The interests of the modelers are as varied as their occupations, ranging from 17th century sailing vessels to radio-controlled models of modern powered craft. All types of ship models have been constructed, in static display and operating versions, and in wood, brass, plastic, and card media.

The society conducts monthly meetings, alternating between Virginia and Maryland locations. The meeting format consists of brief society business, informal discussions of members’ model projects and a program or presentation relating to a nautical or ship modeling topic.  Society members also form subgroups to focus on common modeling interests, such as steel (modern) ship modeling or plank-on-frame modeling. Subgroups are open to all members and meet on a periodic basis, generally in members’ homes. The club’s newsletter, the  Lynx , is published monthly.

Hampton Roads Ship Model Society

The Hampton Roads Ship Model Society, founded in 1967, is an association of individuals who are interested in pursuing the art of ship model building and the exploration of maritime history. The primary purpose of the society is to bring together persons interested in building quality ship models so that they may have the opportunity to exchange views and improve their skills. Members are people representing a wide range of ages who come from many varied occupations and backgrounds. Members come from as far north as the Northern Neck, as far west as western suburbs of Richmond and as far south as the border of North Carolina. Honorary members hail from such dispersed locations as Annapolis, Maryland and Toronto, Canada.

The interests of our members runs full spectrum, from the historical (photos and records), artistic (painting), decorative (pond yachts/half hulls), radio-controlled (RC) models, to highly detailed and historically accurate scale reproductions of all ship types. The skill level of members runs the full gamut from complete novices to highly skilled experts who have won top awards in highly regarded competitions both in the United States and abroad. Models built by past and present members of the Society can be found in many of our nation’s premier museums. Model builders of all skill levels are always welcome. The Society is dedicated to helping ship model builders new to the craft learn new skills while giving experienced builders the opportunity to perfect their abilities. Even the most highly-skilled members are always seeking to improve their techniques with the help and advice of other Society members.

Washington Model Ship Clubs

The state of Washington currently has no model ship clubs listed. 

Wisconsin Model Ship Clubs

Wisconsin scale boating association.

The Wisconsin Scale Boating Association is about promoting and enjoying the model shipbuilding hobby. 

They are a “scale” model club.  Models are representative of an actual boat or type of boat, either static or operational.  Radio-Controlled models attempt to recreate authentic operation and look like a full size boat. 

The club participates in several events throughout the year.  Membership is open to anyone who has an interest in the model boating hobby.​

KNOW A MODEL SHIP CLUB NOT ON THIS LIST?

If you know of a model ship club that is not on this list of United States Model Ship Clubs please let us know  here

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