Billing Boats White Star BB0570 – RC kit of an American sport fishing boat
The Billing Boats White Star RC kit BB0570 is a classic RC model boat for model-makers who wish to build a compact, radio-controlled motorboat model with a nautical look. The model is based on typical American sport fishing boats, such as those used particularly in Florida, along the US east coast and in the Caribbean for tuna fishing, deep-sea fishing and sport fishing. Featuring a pre-formed plastic hull, wooden parts and fittings, the kit combines a straightforward build with the characteristic appearance of an American sport fishing boat.
The history of this type of boat is closely linked to the development of American deep-sea and sport fishing. In Florida, along the Atlantic coast and in the waters of the Bahamas, high-performance motorboats were developed in the 20th century that were specifically designed for fishing for large fish such as tuna, marlin and swordfish. Unlike simple working boats, these sport fishing boats had to be fast, manoeuvrable and seaworthy. At the same time, they offered an open working deck, space for fishing tackle and a raised helm position for good all-round visibility.
Particularly after the Second World War, a distinct culture of offshore fishing developed in Florida. Anyone wishing to venture far out to sea needed boats with more powerful engines, a stable hull shape and good manoeuvrability. Typical features of these American sportfishing boats included a distinctive bow, an open cockpit at the stern, superstructures with a cabin and, later, a flybridge, radar, outriggers and elevated vantage points. This design became the epitome of American fishing boats and shaped the landscape of harbours in Florida, the Bahamas and along the Atlantic coast for decades.
The White Star by Billing Boats draws precisely on this design. It is not a replica of a single historic vessel, but a model of a typical American motorboat used for sport and tuna fishing. This makes the kit particularly suitable for model builders who are looking for a characterful RC boat with a classic shape, but do not wish to be tied to a single, precisely documented vessel. The colour scheme, details and fittings allow scope for a design that is either true to the original or customised to your own taste.
The Billing Boats White Star kit is designed for radio-controlled operation. The pre-formed plastic hull makes assembly easier and provides a good basis for the RC conversion. Wooden parts, plastic parts, fittings and superstructures ensure the typical Billing Boats model-building character. Thanks to the included construction plan and assembly instructions, the RC model boat can be built step by step. Careful work is particularly recommended when fitting, painting and installing the RC components.
A realistic overall picture emerges from build reports and model-making forums: the Billing Boats White Star is described as an interesting and practical RC model boat kit, particularly due to its cleanly moulded ABS hull, smooth plywood parts and the numerous metal and detail parts. At the same time, the kit should not be regarded as a model intended purely for beginners. The instructions, any necessary adjustments and the RC conversion require some experience, patience and model-building practice. For advanced beginners and RC model-builders looking for a compact, sporty motorboat with a classic American look, the White Star BB0570 is an appealing project.
Product features
- Pre-moulded plastic hull
- Laser-cut wooden parts
- Includes wooden, plastic and fitting parts
- Many metal and brass details
- Superstructure in the style of classic sport fishing boats
- Includes details such as seats and radar
- Designed for conversion into a radio-controlled model
Technical specifications
Length: 540 mm
Width: 160 mm
Height: 300 mm