FAQ
Q: Are these RC sailboats made of real wood?
A: Yes, every Tippecanoe boat is handcrafted from high-quality Western Red Cedar and Mahogany, ensuring a classic look and high-performance durability.
Q: What are the advantages of a wooden boat?
A: Beyond their timeless beauty, wooden boats offer a "lively" feel on the water that plastic cannot replicate. Wood provides natural buoyancy and a structural stiffness that allows the hull to cut through waves smoothly. Unlike plastic, a wooden hull is a lifetime investment—it can be sanded, refinished, and passed down through generations.
Q: How do Tippecanoe boats differ from "toy" RC boats found in big-box stores?
A: Most plastic RC boats are designed as disposable toys with limited life spans. Tippecanoe boats are high-performance sailing vessels. We use premium materials like Western Red Cedar, Mahogany, and stainless steel hardware, ensuring your boat is a sophisticated racing machine rather than a plastic toy.
Q: What is the difference between the T12, T15, and T18?
A: While all three models are handcrafted from solid Western Red Cedar and feature a self-righting design, the primary differences are size and sailing power. The T12 (12 inches) is perfect for pools and small ponds; the T15 (15 inches) offers more speed and is a Parents' Choice Gold Medal winner; and the T18 (18 inches) is our fastest model, capable of crossing a mile-wide lake in 30 minutes and featuring an adjustable rudder for more advanced sailing control.
Q: Do I need prior woodworking experience to build a kit?
A: Not at all. Our kits are engineered for success with pre-cut parts and a "self-aligning" design. We provide detailed, step-by-step instructions (some over 100 pages) and use marine-grade epoxy that is incredibly strong and easy to work with, making the build accessible for beginners.
Q: Are these boats suitable for competitive racing?
A: Absolutely. Models like the T37 are sanctioned AMYA one-design class boats. This means you aren't just buying a model; you are joining a global community of racers who value precision, speed, and the skill of "tuning" a real sailing hull.
Q: Can I sail my boat in salt water?
A: Yes. Because we use high-quality marine epoxy, stainless steel hardware, and brass fittings, our boats are built to withstand coastal conditions. A simple freshwater rinse after sailing is all you need to keep the mahogany and cedar looking pristine.
Q: Is everything I need included in the kit?
A: Yes. We pride ourselves on offering truly complete kits. This includes the wood, marine epoxy, all rigging, sails, and even the high-end radio control gear (servos, transmitter, and receiver). You only need to provide AA batteries and your choice of paint or varnish.
Q: Why do you use marine-grade epoxy instead of standard glue?
A: Marine epoxy creates a chemical bond that is actually stronger than the wood itself. This ensures the hull is 100% waterproof and structurally sound for decades. It also fills gaps during the building process, making the construction much more forgiving for first-time builders.
Q: How long does it take to build a Tippecanoe boat?
A: Depending on the model, build times range from a few evenings for our smaller boats to 20–30 hours of enjoyable "bench time" for our larger RC boats like the famous T37. It is a rewarding "digital detox" project that results in a functional piece of art.
Q: What happens if I accidentally damage my boat on the water?
A: Unlike plastic hulls that crack and are difficult to repair, wood is remarkably resilient and easy to fix. Most "dock dings" can be simply sanded and re-varnished. If you ever need a specific replacement part, we manufacture everything in-house and are always here to help you get back on the water.
