As the co-founder of the original Suncoast Scale Model Boat Club (in 1973), I want to let everyone know that the resurrected club (in January 2014) is still dedicated to scale model operating model boats. We are now in our 12th year of new operations and have introduced many people to this hobby. Although my first boats are long since retired I am continuing to build new ones and am committed to keeping this club free and fun for all to enjoy! I noticed that almost all model boat clubs do not update their web sites, some for many years. However, I have and will continue to do updates, rarely letting this website get over two weeks old! Lew
What are you looking for?
What's new on this site?
When is the next meet and how long does it last?
Where are the meets held?
Can I just watch even if I don't have a boat?
What if I loose control or my batteries run out?
What does it take to join the SSMBC?
How do I launch my boat?
Do you have race boats?
What's New?
Last (March 15, 2026) Meet: A nice showing of members and guests met at Lake Seminole Park. Everyone was happy! The weather was great, with a very light breeze The water was clear, grass mowed, pond edged, all making for nice sailing day. We are currently on "spring break" and the next scheduled meet is April 5, 2026.
The Members Photos page needs updates. Reminder, this page is for you to search for a boat you might have seen at one of the meets. If yours is not listed and you want it to be, contact Lew so we can get photos and details.
The SSMBC is easy to join, free, and no club officers. Just fun - fun - fun - until your better half takes your boat away!
SSMBC Meets Information
Days and Time we meet: Suncoast Scale Model Boat Club - we meet (weather permitting) on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month. We may not meet on certain Sundays due to holidays. We usually start setting up at about 11:00 AM and continue as long as there is interest and good weather. This could well run on to mid-afternoon. with most meets running to about 1 to 1:30 PM.
Place/Location: We normally meet at Lake Seminole Park, located at 10015 Park Blvd, Seminole, FL 33777. (See map at right.) This is a 250 acre Pinellas County park between Clearwater and St. Petersburg on Florida's west coast. This is at Pavilion (shelter) #1.
Pavilion (shelter) #1:
The pavilion provide plenty of shade and is open on all sides for great ventilation. There are a good number of picnic table providing work space and seating. It is very close to the parking lot and floating dock, both within a clear view of each other.
Parking and utilities: Park very close to the first shelter. Additional parking is nearby. Rest rooms are close by as well. Electricity is available.
Want to relax and just watch? Scale model boat meets are kind of rare in the U.S. There are probably 30-40 clubs nation wide. We have one of the best facilities and being located in a public park the area is open for all to enjoy! Bring a lawn chair and your camera and find a nice shady spot (or in the sun if you prefer). Most of the time you can find a member who will let you pilot their boat. You can also view the boats out of the water where we have them setting. Questions? Ask away - members are happy to talk about the boats.
Park access is free, along with parking and nearby restrooms.
We are all about radio controlled scale model boats. Most members have enough skills to build virtually all kits and often build from scratch. New members are welcome, even if you need help to get you up to speed. We are not about not-to-scale sailboats (pleasure/competition) nor speedboats (hydros, etc.).
To the Rescue!
Every once in a while something may happen to a boat causing it to be rescued. Most common is an electrical problem, bad connection, battery, etc. Other times it could be mechanical like a steering servo link or universal joint breaking free. So here is what we have with our boat meets:
Enclosed lake: The lake (or pond) is about 310 feet in diameter. About 90% of its perimeter is free of trees and shrubs and sometimes there is some water growth extending out 10-15 feet. The majority of time the wind traditionally blow toward the launching dock or either side. In all the years I have been operating there I never saw any boat get caught in that area.
Lake depth: Members have had to make some rescues because of sunken boats, but that is extremely rare. Only two boats sank in the last 10 years. The pond is only about four to five feet deep in the center.
Rescue boat: We have a rescue boat, the "Miss Amelia" for pushing disabled boats back to shore. heavy boats are no issue. Some of the other boats (tugs) have padded bows to assist in pushing boats as well.
Rescue boom: We have an extendable boom with over a twenty foot reach to get to other areas around the edge of the pond out past the in-water shore line growth.
Enclosed lake: The lake (or pond) is about 310 feet in diameter. About 90% of its perimeter is free of trees and shrubs and sometimes there is some water growth extending out 10-15 feet. The majority of time the wind traditionally blow toward the launching dock or either side. In all the years I have been operating there I never saw any boat get caught in that area.
Lake depth: Members have had to make some rescues because of sunken boats, but that is extremely rare. Only two boats sank in the last 10 years. The pond is only about four to five feet deep in the center.
Rescue boat: We have a rescue boat, the "Miss Amelia" for pushing disabled boats back to shore. heavy boats are no issue. Some of the other boats (tugs) have padded bows to assist in pushing boats as well.
Rescue boom: We have an extendable boom with over a twenty foot reach to get to other areas around the edge of the pond out past the in-water shore line growth.
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Meet Information
Days and Time we meet:
Suncoast Scale Model Boat Club - we meet (weather permitting) on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month. We may not meet on certain Sundays due to holidays. We usually start setting up at about 11:00 AM and continue as long as there is interest and good weather. This could well run on to mid-afternoon. Most meets run to about 1 to 1:30 PM.
Place:
Please see the Meet Location by selecting this or the tab near the top of this page. It contains information, a map and directions to Freedom Lake Park.
Parking and utilities:
Park right across from the first shelter. Additional parking is nearby. Rest rooms are close by as well. Electricity is available.
Want to just watch?
Scale model boat meets are kind of rare in the U.S. There are probably 30-40 clubs nation wide. We have one of the best facilities and being located in a public park the area is open for all to enoy! Bring a lawn chair and your camera and find a nice shady spot (or in the sun if you prefer). Most of the time you can find a member who will let you pilot their boat. You can also view the boats out of the water where we have them setting. Questions? Ask away - members are happy to talk about the boats.
What is the SSMBC? We are all about radio controlled scale model boats. Most members have enough skills to build virtually all kits and often build from scratch. New members are welcome, even if you need help to get you up to speed. We are not about not-to-scale sailboats (pleasure/competition) nor speedboats (hydros, etc.).