Building US Coast Guard MLB

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So I still need a rescue boat for my fleet, the little cat built last week underperform because the motor was way too small for towing, otherwise it's pocket size is really convenient to carry around.

At last, found a powerful workhorse..the US Coast Guard 47' Motor Lifeboat (MLB). This is truely a remarkable little vessel, it is designed as a first response rescue resource in high seas and surfs under heavy weather environments. The 47' MLBs are built to withstand the most severe conditions at sea and are constructed to endure impacts of 3 times the force of gravity , it can operate in hurricane force winds and are self-bailing, self-righting and almost unsinkable.

Specifications of US Coast Guard 47' Motor Lifeboat

Length : 47ft 11 7/8 in
Beam : 14ft
Draught : 4ft 6 in
Speed : 25 knots

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When they say can operate in hurricane force wind and endure impacts of 3 times the force of gravity, this is what they mean...

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This is rock'n roll..

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This boat is a bit overkill for calm punggol pond , but good to have coast guard around to watch out for illegal speeding...someone running a Lamborghini soon..

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Encoutered a problem...there is no plans available for building, so I had to patch up my own...cut and paste from every other source I could find . In the end, I choose to deviate a bit from the real MLB by using a step-hull.

The model will be 1/30 scale, 18.9 inch lengthwise, very easy to transport.

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Not many parts, so straightforward.

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Have to get the skeleton right to give her a nice posture later

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Planking is a bit different for this kind of boat.

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Now the sides.

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Done and varnished. You can see the step-hull, meant to reduce wetted surface and drag...no choice, want to be fast, boats at punggol are all speed demon..

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I used 1/16 balsa for planking, a bit thin so better glass it up.

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Rudder plate was cut from brass stock.

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Slotting 1/8 brass tube to make rudder rod.

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Soldered in place. The rudder is made slightly bigger to help counter motor torque because I intend to install a 540.

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Stabilizer front and back views.