Dockside help / Before and after the test
FAQ: At the Model Dock
Small models invite useful questions. Start with material identity, keep the water controlled and treat a surprising result as a reason to inspect.
Does a floating model prove a full-size boat is safe?
No. Model observations do not establish full-size strength, stability, capacity or seaworthiness. These guides do not design or certify passenger-carrying craft. Scaling dimensions changes more than appearance; seek qualified professional guidance for any occupied craft.
Which reclaimed wood should I choose?
Use sound, untreated wood of known origin. Reject unknown paint, preservative treatment, rot, oil contamination and hidden metal. A known workshop offcut is generally easier to assess than anonymous demolition timber. Read the mini-yacht guide before shaping.
Can any recycled plastic become a hull?
No. Choose clean, intact material of known origin, preferably an uncut food container. Reject brittle or cracked plastic and containers that held chemicals. A recycling mark identifies a material family, not its suitability for glue or structural use. See the material comparison.
Why does my miniature yacht lean?
Check asymmetric shaping, off-center weight, a heavy or tall rig and wind force. Return to an unloaded baseline and change one factor at a time. Do not keep adding ballast to compensate for an oversized rig; reduce the sail or simplify the model first.
Is ordinary craft glue waterproof?
Not necessarily. Check the product’s material compatibility, cure instructions and suitability for water exposure. Test a spare sample first. Ordinary craft PVA may soften, and many plastics resist common adhesives. A sound seam and compatible system matter more than a thick glue bead.
Can I float a coating once it feels dry?
Not on that basis alone. Dry to the touch is not fully cured. Follow the manufacturer’s full cure and immersion guidance. If the product has no appropriate immersion instructions, select another method or keep the model out of water.
Where should I run the first test?
Use a stable shallow tray or basin with close supervision and retrieval from a dry position. Do not use natural waterways for these experiments. Keep electrical equipment away, clean splashes promptly and empty the tray after the session. Never enter water to retrieve a model.
How much load can my platform carry?
These guides provide no rated capacity. Use only small secured comparison loads, keep substantial freeboard and stop before deformation, leakage or a submerged edge. The test record helps describe observations; it is not a certificate.
Can children take part?
Children can observe and help with suitable simple tasks under continuous adult supervision. Adults should handle cutting, drilling and unsuitable chemical products. Keep small parts and all test water controlled. Choose tasks according to the child’s abilities, the tools and the product instructions rather than assuming one project suits every age.
Does the build-note tool send my message?
No. It creates a local plain-text draft that you can copy or download. You must use your own email application to send it. Review the text before sharing, and avoid personal details that are unnecessary to your question. Open the drafting tool.