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Model boat plans are
more difficult to come by than model airplane plans, so seeing this article in the
August 1954 issue of Air Trails magazine for a small, free-running hydroplane
was a nice find. Its simple, inexpensive construction makes it a quick build for
those rare modelers that still build their own models out of wood. The Skiddin' II
can easily accommodate a modern miniature radio control system and a brushless motor
setup. The original model was designed for a transom-mounted glow fuel outboard
engine, but those things make model boat plans look plentiful. If you really want
an outboard, try
eBay, and be prepared to pay a couple hundred bucks for it.
Skiddin' II Racing Hydroplane
 By Frank Ehling
Who's skiddin' who? We're skiddin', too. We mean we've been having lots of fun
racing this free-running scale-like outboard racing shell. Although you can put
a bridle on Skiddin' II and run it in circles on the end of a tether line from a
center post, the real thrill comes from letting this speedster operate on its own.
That photo above shows the craft making a turn in a sheltered cove. It was running
with engine turned to produce a 4-foot circle.
Free-running miniature outboard racer can be turned out in an
evening, will give you months of exciting operation
This boat is somewhat longer than the average, We wanted a real stable craft
so the beginner in speed boating would have an easy time getting started, The extended
length helps prevent the boat from flipping (in an inside loop!).
We used Berkeley's 1/20" thick mahogany veneer for top decking and bottom covering.
No splicing was necessary since the wood is available in good size widths. It requires
only staining and fuel proofing. Keep your cement off the outside surfaces and edges
of the mahogany or you'll mar its final appearance.
Five quick steps make up the boat: cement bulkheads to bottom; add stringers;
cement in cockpit sides; then add the top deck; follow with the hull sides.
Elongated design was evolved to produce more stable craft which
would not loop-the-loop when running in choppy water.
Note of caution: when changing the boat's heading (direction), don't lift the
screw (prop) from the water if engine is still running. If you operate in a pool
with cement sides or rock edging, protect your racer with a sponge-rubber bumper
cemented to bow.
Skiddin' II Racing Hydroplane Plans
Vintage Outboard Model Boat Engines (Sherline Products)
Posted September 8, 2023
(updated from original
post on 3/29/2014)
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