Welcome Lewis

just about to post it here
"The base is there purely for the process of making the mold - it won't be on the finished model. A cardboard wall is stuck around this base and the rubber poured over the master, the walls of the mold are about 1cm (ish) thick, so the base is about that much wider than the boat, I'll take some photo's and put them up here that may explain the process if you're interested.
The wheelhouse assembly will be a separate piece and there will also be a bit of 6mm dowel for the foremast.
The first casts should be made Sunday - so a picture of the finished article maybe Monday (painted). Will put up a picture of the first casting with just an undercoat as soon as I can."
I will reserve a couple

as these look great your best work yet
Are you tempted to dabble in the period Lewis?