A Lifeboat Cake

[Cairncake]

I need some advice from experienced cake decorators. My son has his heart set on a a lifeboat birthday cake, he is mad about lifeboats. His mum (moi) is not the world's best cake decorator, and the professional ones are pricey. I really want to try to do it myself. I am ok with the basic boat shaping, and covering but any tips on the details like the rails? Any advice on any aspect of this would be so appreciated.

How about some inspiration from here?

Some of those cakes are fantastic. That is exactly what DS is after. he is in the RNLI junior club Stormforce, and there was a cake in their children's newsletter. I have in mind using ready coloured icing and cutting the cake/s to shape, then adding details, but stuck on how to get them looking really good, like rails and antennas ect.

For the rails could you use those sweetie cigarette things? I think they are still available.

For the antennae, what about these?

That is a very useful site wannabedomesticgoddess, thank you. Not pricey either. My imagination is way ahead of my ability....hence needing help!

Well if you look at a pic of a lifeboat and break down each little detail that you need it will be easier.

Life rings can be formed out of fondant. As can any of the boats features like the big thing the anchor rope is wound round.

Black liquorice laces for the anchor rope.

Polo mint for the steering wheel?

I am not too familiar with boats really. But if theres anything else specific you cant think of, post it and I am sure someone will think of something!