Many years ago, I have built a wooden scale model of the schooner ship Bluenose. It was nice and fun but not that easy. When I designed plans for outriggers I realised that a model ship is not that far a real one. I did the same for outriggers.

10 days for making is realy fiction for my models. Working everyday at the rate of 8 hours a day took me 3 weeks, for each of them!!!! They are mounted like a cedar strip canoe while each plank are nailed and glued to ribs and glued together al the way. This process is long since we can’t work more than 2 planks in a while then let the glue dry.
Nose cones are solid wood blocks shaped with a rasp, and sanded.

If I had to sell outriggers, I would consider making a mold, using the same process for making a cedar planked canoe, using brass nails. I would be able to make a pair within few days, thus reducing production cost. But….. will people agree to pay that price, how many people will be enthousiastic enough. This market is very different from nice sailing cruisers where they ask a fortune for parts, sails etc, etc.

But there is an alternative for making outriggers from plywood. See that link below. To me they are easier to build and nice to sail with. For a bigger boat that needs bigger size ‘riggers, it’s possible to make them bigger depending of constructor’s skill.
http://www.storerboatplans.com/Canoebits/canoeoutriggers.html

Those models had a function which you discoverd. In the old days, all commissioned ships and most boats had scale models built to make sure the designer knew what he was doing. The models were shown to the investors so they could see what they were paying for.

Today, they are hobby items, but they still serve an educational purpose. The higher level models are very difficult and require alot of skill.

There is a 6 foot long model of the HMS Victory in the window of a local shop around here. I stop and just stare at it EVERY time I pass by. Finished all in the bright, it appears to be made of mostly oak, and you can see everything as Nelson did - except for the French smoke, hard by at Trafalger.

On that link:
Stitch and glue is a proven boat building method. The two boats I built with Glen-L were of that type and are still being used. One of them is close to 30 years old and still catching trout.

Thanks again, Sargon. You've reminded me of another good way to make the pontoons.

You're right concerning models versus full scale. In some maritime war museums, there are a lot of model ships, even 10 ft long. They had to be highly acurate so marine carpenters could rely on the models.

Whish I could see that HMS Victory. Any pic. The biggest I've seen was a 4 ft model of the Victory (beautiful).

I received in the past a model of the three masts tall ship Denmark from Billing Boats, 3.5 ft. But so far I never had the gut to end the project. One of my relative who started it made the hull, but died of heart attack. His brother gave it to me because he said I was the only one he knew who can do such a project. Maybe one day. I have everything, wood, glue, sails, even brass fittings the total cost is over $700.00 for parts (not constructed of course).

If you ever start outriggers construction, make sure you are using waterproof glue, stainless steel or brass nails or screews. I would fiberglass epoxy deck and hull. Don't forget marine plywood.

Ed, I'm too busy now...working. Working on plans is more than a week-end project.

Although I used to be a mechanical and electronics designer, a printed circuit drafter, machinist, It is still a long term project. Because everything MUST be perfect on paper, otherwise it won't work.

Sargon,
The next time my bike club ride through that area, I'll see if I can get a picture of that ship. It's immense.

John

John,
I would really appreciate a pic....Thank you.