Stormy 40: Steam or Electric

About the Stormy 40

The new Stormy 40 is a beautiful, classic wooden yacht based on the elegant motor launches from the turn of the century. The Stormy 40 is both a joy to build and a joy to run. With swift speed and responsive steering, the Stormy 40 running about on a lake or a pond brings back a nostalgic feeling of elegant days gone by! 

Before the turn of the century during the Victorian era, these launches were usually powered by steam engines. After the turn of the century during the Edwardian period, internal combustion engines had become more common. The elegant lines and the graceful, easily driven hulls were a product of the limited horsepower that small steam plants and early combustion engines could supply. These boats were popular in England and America. Nathaniel Herreshoff designed several motor launches with lines similar to the Stormy 40. The draketail transom on the Stormy 40 is a popular design feature from the period. 

The Stormy 40 is a medium-displacement open launch with realistic appearance and performance. The yacht is powered either by an electric motor or by live steam. The boat is easy to build from the precut parts and other materials provided in the complete kit, from Tippecanoe Boats. 

The Electric Motor Powered Stormy 40

There is one version of the kit for building the electric powered Stormy 40 which includes the electric motor, battery power pack, battery charger and speed controller and everything necessary for completing the boat except paint and varnish and double A batteries for the transmitter. 

The Steam Engine Powered Stormy 40

The second version of the kit is for builders who are planning on installing a working steam plant in their Stormy 40. The Steam version of the kit comes complete with everything except the steam engine. The Building Manual recommends a number of different steam plants that are suitable for powering the Stormy 40 and the different companies that produce these steam plants. The Building Manual includes detailed instructions discussing different types of steam plants and instructions for installing a steam plant in the Stormy 40. 

To purchase the Steam Engine Powered Stormy 40, click on the dropdown menu, directly below the words "Steam or Electric Powered:" at the top of this page, and select the "Steam Engine Powered Stormy 40" option. 

Both the electric version of the Stormy 40 Kit and the version of the kit for Steam Power include all of the electronic components with full range transmitter, receiver, rudder servo and servo for the throttle and forward/reverse. (a third servo will be required for reverse if the builder chooses to use a slide valve steam engine as opposed to an oscillating engine.)

The Stormy 40 Kit

The Stormy 40 kits come with everything you will need to build the boat, including the marine epoxy and all of the RC gear. For the Electric Motor Powered Stormy 40, all you need is paint or varnish and AA batteries! The Stormy 40 Kit includes:

• Hull, deck, and cockpit seat pieces pre-cut to an accuracy of 1/1000 of an inch from the highest grade of marine Okume plywood
• Optional decorative veneer deck kits for additional nautical luxury (Accessories - Ambassador Veneer Deck Kit or Festival Veneer Deck Kit)
• Marine-grade hardware
• Pre-cut mahogany pieces for cockpit coaming and bulwark railings.
• Marine-grade WEST System epoxy, along with epoxy brushes and syringes
• Complete electric motor and radio gear (All reliable Hobby Gear, not toy gear) including:
• Transmitter
• Receiver
• Rechargeable Battery Pack and Charger (electric motor version)
• Two Servos
• Electronic Speed Controller (electric motor version)
• Brushed Electric Motor (electric motor version)
• NOTE: The electric motor is not included if you opt for the steam engine version. The Steam Engine must be purchased from a third party. 

Please call 1-360-966-7245, or email fun@modelsailboat.com, if you have further questions about this beautiful boat. Happy Sailing!

NOTE: The figurines and flags featured in some of the photos are not included in the kit, but they can be purchased online from E-Bay or from a local toy store.