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Mini Tug Boat - Little Otter 1:18


Tony Ray Tugboat, Tug Boat Model Boat, Model Building Boat Little Otter, Little Otter Tug

In 2025, we are proud to introduce our first model boat in the series: the Little Otter 1/18. The design of this product is inspired by fond summer memories, imagining serene evenings spent guiding a charming little boat across a quiet lake or backyard pond, enjoying moments of peace and joy with our children. To share this delightful experience with more people, we have created an entry-level model boat suitable for enthusiasts of all ages.


As the first product in our model boat series, the Little Otter 1/18 is designed for easy assembly, making it accessible even to beginners who are new to model building. We have carefully crafted every detail to ensure that this product is not only visually appealing but also offers an engaging hands-on experience during assembly. Its adorable and unique appearance makes it a perfect gift for friends and family.


When developing the Little Otter 1/18, we considered the needs of various age groups. For children, it provides an excellent opportunity to improve their hands-on skills and spatial imagination. For adults, it offers a relaxing and entertaining pastime, providing a brief escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Whether you choose to keep it for yourself or present it as a gift, the Little Otter 1/18 is a high-quality model ship that should not be missed.


Looking ahead, we plan to expand our model boat range, including standard wooden-structure model ships, to cater to a broader audience. We believe that through our continuous efforts, more people will find enjoyment in model building, experiencing the joy and relaxation it brings. Let’s look forward to more exciting products and embark on a wonderful model ship journey together!


The Little Otter Tuboat is now available! Click here!

Tony Ray Tugboat, Tug Boat Model Boat, Model Building Boat Little Otter, Little Otter Tug

High-Quality Materials

Thanks to the use of high-precision photosensitive resin, the small parts of this model have been precisely replicated, ensuring high detail and durability.

Tony Ray Tugboat, Tug Boat Model Boat, Model Building Boat Little Otter, Little Otter Tug

What You Get in the Kit

If you purchase the KIT+FULL SET package, you will receive the complete model kit along with all the necessary electronic components (excluding batteries, remote control, and receiver). Now, let’s walk through the assembly process.

Since the hull is pre-molded in one piece, the number of wooden parts is minimal. If you have assembled one of our slow flyer kits before, you’ll find this boat quick and easy to build.

Tony Ray Tugboat, Tug Boat Model Boat, Model Building Boat Little Otter, Little Otter Tug

Step-by-Step Assembly

Before attaching the deck, I first installed and tested the electronic components. The boat requires the following equipment:

RC Transmitter with at least 2 Channels

Rudder: 1 pcs 9 g servos

Motor: 180 Brushed Motor

ESC: 30a brushed ESC  

Battery: 2s 400-1000 mAh LiPo Battery

Similar to our slow flyer kits, we have designed dedicated brackets for the servos and motors, making it easy to integrate and secure the electronic components. After verifying that the electronics were functioning correctly, I proceeded to the final painting stage.


The Little Otter Tuboat is now available! Click here!

Tony Ray Tugboat, Tug Boat Model Boat, Model Building Boat Little Otter, Little Otter Tug

Tony Ray Tugboat, Tug Boat Model Boat, Model Building Boat Little Otter, Little Otter Tug


Tony Ray Tugboat, Tug Boat Model Boat, Model Building Boat Little Otter, Little Otter Tug

Painting and Detailing

After sanding and polishing all the surfaces, I applied a coat of gray primer. Then, I used the following colors for the final finish:

  • Red (Mr. Color C-144)

  • Black (Mr. Color C002)

  • White (Mr. Color C001)

Tony Ray Tugboat, Tug Boat Model Boat, Model Building Boat Little Otter, Little Otter Tug

Tony Ray Tugboat, Tug Boat Model Boat, Model Building Boat Little Otter, Little Otter Tug

Once the main structure was completed, I began installing various detailed accessories, including windows, searchlights, horns, and antennas. These details enhance the overall appearance of the model.


For the door of the boat, I installed four metal hinges, allowing it to open and close smoothly. Additionally, we designed an extra hatch at the rear of the deck, which can be opened to inspect the steering rocker arm for maintenance purposes.

Tony Ray Tugboat, Tug Boat Model Boat, Model Building Boat Little Otter, Little Otter Tug

Tony Ray Tugboat, Tug Boat Model Boat, Model Building Boat Little Otter, Little Otter Tug

Tony Ray Tugboat, Tug Boat Model Boat, Model Building Boat Little Otter, Little Otter Tug

Tony Ray Tugboat, Tug Boat Model Boat, Model Building Boat Little Otter, Little Otter Tug

Final Touches and Sailing

The final step was preparing the boat for sailing. To improve stability, I added metal bolts as counterweights, weighing about 100 grams. This helps maintain balance and prevents capsizing during turns, ensuring a smooth sailing experience. Stability is crucial, especially when enjoying recreational sailing, so these counterweights play a key role.


For safety reasons, we recommend operating the boat in calm waters. This minimizes the risk of accidents due to water turbulence and provides a more enjoyable sailing experience. If children are involved in operating the boat, adult supervision is essential to ensure safety.


Safety and Enjoyment

While the added counterweights enhance stability, safety remains our top priority. Always remain vigilant while operating the boat to avoid any potential risks. By taking the necessary precautions, you can fully enjoy the pleasure of sailing and share this joy with others.


We hope you will enjoy assembling and sailing the Little Otter 1/18. We look forward to bringing you more delightful model boats in the future. Let’s sail towards new adventures together!


The Little Otter Tuboat is now available! Click here!

Tony Ray Tugboat, Tug Boat Model Boat, Model Building Boat Little Otter, Little Otter Tug

Tony Ray Tugboat, Tug Boat Model Boat, Model Building Boat Little Otter, Little Otter Tug

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