Book excerpt: The classic mahogany runabout is a universally popular modeling subject, but many newcomers to the modeling hobby are apprehensive about completing a build. Will they be able to fit the planks perfectly? And how about the glass-smooth clear finish, which tolerates no mistakes in woodwork or polishing? It's really not so hard, just follow the steps outlined here! Model boat buff Patrick Matthews covers the entire process, from choosing a project from one of the many available kits, through building and finishing a mahogany marvel-- even the basics of Radio Control are covered. Additional suggestions are included for simple but effective customizations, as well as a gallery of models from some real masters of the craft-- temptation and encouragement for the modeler to stretch further yet. Patrick Matthews shares his enthusiasm for model boats through contributions to Ships in Scale magazine, where he covers Radio Control scale model boats. In his spare time, Patrick is an automotive engineer in Detroit.