Boys' Book of Model Boats

The book opens by reminding us that the urge to launch a tiny craft is almost universal among boys, even the youngest who turn a stray plank into a makeshift boat. It then offers a clear, friendly primer on why anything floats, explaining buoyancy, displacement and specific gravity in plain language.

From there the guide moves into the hands‑on side, showing how to shape hulls, fit fittings, and choose between simple hand‑powered models and more ambitious steam or electric versions. Step‑by‑step plans for a two‑foot steamboat, a sailing yacht, and even an electric submarine‑chaser are illustrated with detailed drawings and photographs that newcomers can follow without prior experience.

Throughout, the author weaves practical tips—like using a blow‑torch for precise metalwork or balancing a model’s center of gravity—with encouragement to experiment and personalize each vessel. The result is a hands‑on adventure that turns a quiet afternoon at the pond into a workshop of imagination and engineering.