Michael A. Writes:

Hello Dean,

Here are some shots of my recently completed Amsterdam. I started the kit in mid April (after checking out your site), and it went for its first trials last week (early August). Thought I’d share some observations:

It’s a great kit, but getting a good finish on the wood parts was tough. I used a lot of “high-build” style sanding primer (I think around 6 spray cans total!).

I spent a lot of time (too much actually) fairing in around the rudder and prop area so the hull has a nice smooth finish.

I had to put braces in the superstructure because the wood had a warp to it and it wouldn’t sit flush on the deck. I also added a combing strip around the base of the superstructure to hide gaps.

I’ve used a Dumas 12V motor and a Graupner bow thruster. The motor works fine, but may be a bit small. After about an hour of running it gets a bit warm. BTW, I’m using a Vantec speed controller which works great. I wish the plans made a recommendation as to a motor type, since I’m kind of new to all this…. If I were to do it over again, I’d seriously consider one of the beld reduction drives for the Dumas motor like the sub guys use.

On the water it is very stable. My first test was in a 15 mph wind, with a lot of chop on the water. It did great! If it’s ballasted down to its scale waterline, the forward part of the rear deck will be very close to the water. Water can splash onto the deck and, since it really can’t drain overboard, will drain down past the front part of the rear access hatch into the hull. It was pretty rough on its first outing, and it took on a little water that way. I’ve since sealed the area up with foam weather stripping tape.

The bow thruster is a “must!” The boat turns very wide without it, and maneuvering around close to shore (especially in the wind) at low speeds I used the thruster almost more than the rudder.

Ballast really is big! Mine took around 15 pounds, plus two really big 6V SLA batteries. Total weight is probably pushing 40 lbs or so!

I used a small elastic cord to help secure the superstructure to the deck by pulling it down from inside the hull. In wind and choppy water I think the superstructure could work loose if it was just sitting there. Despite the rough water, there was NO problem with water splashing onto or past the rudder access hatch (I thought that area would be susceptible to taking on water).

I also used some very small music wire to make cradles under the lifeboats so they aren’t always swinging around on their stays. They help a lot, and are hardly noticeable! I also made some cool looking “canvas” lifeboat covers out of tissue paper and white glue. I couldn’t get a really good finish on the inside of them, so this was the easy way out!

More testing this weekend if the winds are calm, and I’ll try to pass on some more on-water pics shortly!

Michael J. A.