With the genetic "heritage" from my dads side of the family alone we always say that we are of the Heinz 57 variety.

Thank you, much appreciated since that is my FIRST ever attempt at making a model boat from scratch, I usually carve miniature sized aircraft using just a sharp knife, a wood rasp and sandpaper BUT Henry joined the Sea Scouts, yes a big odd sounding since we are in a city that is 300 miles from the nearest coastline, 2 years ago and this year graduated to be a Cub-scout so I figured his own model boat to sail on the Twin Lakes out in South Broken Hill would be the right thing to make for him.

@Triphid He'll enjoy that, I'm sure.

@Lilac-JadeCanada Though I am now wondering as how his Mum and Dad will react when at every possible chance he will be asking to be taken out to a local park, known as the Twin Lakes, so he can sail her on them.
Mind you they are ARTIFICALLY made lakes and are only about 3-4 feet deep at best but the surrounds of them are ideal for family picnics, get-togethers, etc, etc, there are often outdoor Weddings held there as well.

@Triphid Personally, we & our 3 kids lived for our camping trips to lakes big, small or otherwise.

Tested her, ships are ALWAYS females btw, out in a bath tub filled with water and a large deep pond in my back garden as well.

As to the hours of work, well at a rough guess, about 6 hours per evening over a total of approx. 5 weeks all together, all of them SOLO hours as Henry has NO idea that I made it for him as yet.

@Triphid Have you named her or will Henry have that honor?

@Triphid Wow! That is about 210 hours of work. Truly a labour of love. Henry will be thrilled. When will he get to see her?

@Betty Hand over to her NEW Owner takes place tomorrow, Sunday here, Matt and Naomi know that "she" is ready and certified as Sea Worthy (she should be the entire hull is sealed and 100% water tight.
So I guess "her" maiden voyage will take place soon after Henry takes delivery.

@Triphid Please take pictures and give us all the details. Will Henry be christening her with a bottle of ???. Can't wait to find out what he names his new ship. He's going to be a very happy young man.

@Betty I am hoping that I get invited to be at her Official Launching and Inaugural voyage tomorrow some time during the day.
I too want to take my own photos of her as she greets the waters for the first time ever.
Perhaps dribbling a wee bit of something NON alcoholic like Cola or something across her bow at her launch could be arranged as well.

@Triphid Don't forget, you'll need to paint her new name.
Just a thought...Do you have a special nick-name for Henry? It might be an inspiration.