MONOGRAM 'SPLASH DANCER' CABIN CRUISER

This is my 1/10th scale Monogram 'Splash Dancer' cabin cruiser that I purchased from Ebay in August 2018 for a reasonable 102.50 USD. It is quite rare and was released in 1988 as an unlicensed(?) replica of the then-popular 1:1 1987 Bayliner 2550 Ciera Sunbridge cabin cruiser. Bayliner is an American manufacturer of mid-level boats (think the 'Chevrolet' of boats) that has been in business since 1975 and use to offer models ranging from small bow-riders and center-consoles to larger cabin cruisers and big motor yachts back in the 80's and 90's. They're still in business but only offer the smaller bow-riders, center-consoles and deck boats now. I assume that Monogram didn't want to pay a costly licensing fee BITD so they couldn't use the Bayliner name but the likeness is too obvious for it to be a random coincidence. This kit comes with an odd 2-speed fwd/rev MSC, 540 motor and all the usual hardware so all I have to do is add a period-correct radio and battery. The hull is surprisingly made of thick, sturdy ABS and the boat has some nice components like metal handrails so it seems to be a high-quality kit. I have no childhood connection to this model and only knew Monogram for their static model kits. Therefore, I didn't know it existed or even that Monogram made hobby-grade r/c boats before discovering it but I am extremely familiar with Bayliner boats particularly the 1:1 model below the 2550 known as the 2450 Ciera Sunbridge which was the family boat that we had from 1986 - 2013. My father and I poured our hearts and souls into maintaining and running that boat for 27 years so my family and I were sad to see it go when it's age finally caught up to it requiring a costly $9,000 repair that did not make financial sense given the boat's age. That's why this kit struck a cord with me when I saw it and will be how I remember that boat. More to come once this is built. Thanks for looking and hope you enjoy.