What we cover in our boat building eBook

Download a sample of our eBook

Chapters include:

  • Strip planking the hull.
  • Fibreglass strengthening.
  • Mould and casting lead keel ballast.
  • Electrics installation.
  • Spray painting and masking techniques.
  • Sail making.
  • Mast, rigging and tuning of sails.
Purchase eBook $14.99 USD PayPal, Google Pay, Credit Card
internal structure - 3d model illustration

Build Your Own Radio Controlled Yacht

This book is designed to help you build a RacingSparrow 750 from scratch using minimal materials and a very minimal tool set. When you buy the eBook you download a PDF version complete with detailed plans, clear illustrations and photos. It lists all tools & materials and shows centimeters & inch measurements. 

Are there other plans I can build?

You can download these plans for free , 7 differing sizes and designs.

The techniques and materials detailed in the book can easily be adapted to the other plans to get a boat that suits your tastes. Along with the RS750 the other very popular boat is the RG65 designed RacingSparrow. The RG65 can be used to race and measures within the rules.

How much does it cost?

Some modellers manage to build for as little as $50. This might be someone who has some of the materials already or are good at repurposing old things. The authors boat cost around $300 including the radio gear. That was for all the materials described and used in the book. 

Download some free pages from the book. View as Two-page view (in Chrome).

Racing Sparrow model yacht glossary page from the eBook showing an illustration of a red boat with diagramatic text explaining all the parts of the model.

Anyone can build a Racing Sparrow

The book has been designed to make a quality model yacht. One that looks stunning, sails like it's on rails yet is playful and fun on the water. Also not cost the earth or require specialist tools.

What tools do I need?

Not that many as you can see in the picture. Those are all the tools used in this eBook. One less excuse to build that model boat you've always dreamt about. Get amongst it!

Racing Sparrow model yacht toolset showing the 20 tools spread out evenly and clearcut on white background

Common questions

Is the book translated in many languages?

The original book is written in English. You can also buy translated versions in French and German.

What radio gear do I use?

For a radio-controlled sailboat in 2023, you need a transmitter, receiver, 4xAA battery holder, and 2 servos (1 for sail arm, 1 for rudder) that plug into the receiver using JR connectors. Waterproof options and different servo sizes for sail arm and rudder are abundant. You can choose from a range of transmitter and servo options, from simple to high tech.

Futaba Sail Arm

The simple setup NZD$70(cheapest):
Transmitter & Receiver
Servos x 2
Battery Holder
Batteries

The mid-range setup NZD$230 (all waterproof):
Transmitter
Receiver
Sail arm servo
Rudder servo
Rechargeable battery

The no-limits setup: NZD$720
Transmitter
Receiver
Sail winch servo
Rudder servo
Rechargeable battery

Is it that hard to make a boat?

Is pouring lead within my skillset and safe?

How much does it cost all-together to build a boat?

The radio gear and servos will set you back a few hundred, depending on what you end up buying and what needs you have. To start the project however, you really only need the balsa to build the hull. This will keep you quiet for some months. I'm willing to bet in that time you will spend time on the internet choosing components for your yacht including radio gear. You will need things like paint, resins and cloth, small aluminium lengths, lots of small and cheap parts which will add up. Most people doing this project may already have most of what they need. The toolset required is very simple. No specialist tools are needed. A craft knife and ruler will get used the most. You won't need to buy any special or expensive tools.

A budget between $300-500NZD would be realistic, this is spread out across typically a 6-12 month project. Fitting this in between the rest of your life!

Garry Angel's Racing Sparrow one-meter model yacht, showcasing beautifully planked decks with alternating light and dark cedarwood strips. A stunning-looking model.

Some of the boats people have built using this book. Awesome!

You can send us your images and we'll post them on this site.

Andy Saunders + Son, New Zealand

Sep 9, 2021

Andy Saunders and son holding a model yacht, balsa construction, Location: New Zealand

Alan Brown Catamaran Racing Sparrow derivitive, Perth, Western Australia

Jul 23, 2020

A radio controlled model yacht of a paper tiger catamaran. The hulls are both blue and it looks very much to scale of the real dinghy sailboat. It is sitting on a cradle next to a swimming pool, Location: Perth, Western Australia

John Clark, Perth, Western Australia

Nov 22, 2008

a red model yacht sailing upwind on flat waters, Location: Perth, Western Australia

Ralf's RS760-3D, Germany

May 11, 2025

hero 20250510 080544, Location: Germany

You really have designed a great boat and the assembly was easy and I had a lot of fun.

Alan Brown, Perth, West Australia

Jul 23, 2020

A model yacht posing by a swimming pool, Location: Perth, West Australia

Hi Bryn

I purchased your plans in February (Perth, West Australia) and just thought you may be interested in my first build. Plans are brilliant and so easy to follow.
Attached is a pic of my first attempt. Have already finished my second hull. Just waiting on RC to arrive. I planked with 2.5mm balsa this time and achieved a really smooth hull, no filling required before fiberglassing..
Thanks for the plans 
Regards
Alan.

Eric Rosenbaum, USA

May 4, 2009

A racing sparrow sailing downwind on a flat water lake, sails winged either side, Location: USA

Hamish Coubrey, Auckland

Sep 10, 2013

two rc model yachts, one blue, the other grey and yellow. They are both racing sparrow 750s, Location: Auckland

Hi Bryn, I recently finished building these 2 Racing Sparrow RS750s which i really enjoyed, it was a great project and kept me busy for a few months. They have been for a successful maiden voyage and sail great and now just need a few tweaks in the sail department to get them sailing even better. Thanks.

Chip Hackley, Illinois USA

Oct 15, 2024

Chip 2, Location: Illinois USA

Read this blog post about the boat with more photos.

Eric Rosenbaum - A fine fine model yacht, USA

May 4, 2009

Sparrow Day 1 E 01, Location: USA

3D - RG65 Racing Sparrow Prototype #4, Nelson, New Zealand

Jun 18, 2025

Racing Sparrow RG65   protoype #3, Location: Nelson, New Zealand