Hi Andyinanglesey,
If the thought of months of work to complete a model is beyond what you are prepared to do, then, a RTR, ready to run is probably the best course to take. There are a number of excellent yachts on the market if you would consider sailing, the Dragonforce65 is a good example. They are readily available from a number of firms and vary in price as to whether you want a transmitter to be included. I have two myself. As far as RTR power boats, there are umpteen on offer, mainly of the go faster variety, but also some more sedate, like tugs or motor cruisers. However many of these are basically toys, so you need to be a bit careful when making your choice.

Cheers, Nerys

Hi Andy, I have just finished a police launch from Vintage model Works a really great kit and the end result has proved it was a good choice.
Have a look at my blog at
https://model-boats.com/blogs/78377

If you mainly want a boat - buy a ready-to-run. That might just require a bit of assembly - perhaps not even that - much like a car or chopper.

A lot of people enjoy building a boat as much as running it. If you want to get into that, the best thing to do will be to get a kit.

If you would like to try building a boat but not spending much money or time, then I would like to wave a flag for one of my own sites which offers free downloads of the old Keil Kraft EeZeBilt series of starter kits.

The original EeZeBilts are a bit small and simple, but the newer '50+' range offer a half-sized Sea Queen, a PT Boat and an OSA1 missile boat, at between 20" and 32". These are designed to be completed in a few evening's work - give it another week for sanding/painting/drying...

Look here to find the plans - http://eezebilt.tk/plans.html

Months - yikes, I guess I’m used to spending a few evenings during the week to complete a car or helicopter kit. I’ll do some digging and see if I can spot something 2nd hand to keep me going whilst I choose. Thanks.

Ok so I guess a semi scale type about 36"? As you don't have lots of building time would you not be better looking for a ready built model as even a kit build is going to take several months and you will need to source motors and running gear.
There are many suppliers on the web and a quick search has revealed in alphabetical order
https://www.cornwallmodelboats.co.uk/index.html
https://howesmodels.co.uk/
https://marksmodelbits.com/
https://www.mobilemarinemodels.com/
https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/shgmodelsupplies
There are more but this may help with your search.
If you type Model Boats for Sale using Google you will see a good selection of models that fit your requirements. It will be based on your location, London?
If you do consider this option be aware that wooden hulls can and do leak so I would stick with a plastic or F/glass hull.
Good hunting

Dave

Thanks Dave, I popped along to the boating lake and the vast majority of the guys appeared to be sailing scratch-builds, unfortunately I don’t have time for that. Ideally something like a tug / cruiser / merchant vessel / pilot or rescue boat would suit the lake better as it’s not well suited to speedboats. Size wise, probably no more than 36” to start with - it’ll have to go into a Skoda Octavia hatchback.

Hi Andy
Welcome aboard.
As a start I suggest you find a local club and give them a visit to see a selection of model boats sailing. This will help you decide what type and size of model appeals to you, and a vast source of local knowledge on building and sailing model boats. Model shows are another good source of inspiration but are a bit thin on the ground at present but I believe the Blackpool show is scheduled this Autumn.
There are many suitable kits available and most have moulded hulls. As you are clearly not a novice modeller I am sure you are aware how to find suppliers.
If you already know the type of model boat you wish to build then please give us an indication so we can suggest something suitable.
Dave