Its for a friend's boss' birthday. I've always done round and square cakes. So I want to be able to do something completely different. I'm so nervous. Do you have any advice for putting together? Thanks in advance.

They are not the easiest cakes to do - I baked a rectangle shaped cake and made a template of the shape. I pre made the canopy and let it dry - it was made from fondant. I also pre made the railing - they were made from icing - it used my icing gun to get the shape of the railing and posts and then put them on the cake last.

You will need a photo to look at when you are making it to ensure that you get the right shape.

Here is the link to the photos on cc - there are more photos of this boat.
http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-photo_1472553.html

Good luck, let me know if I can help any more.

I have never done a boat b ut I was thinking maybe it might be a lil easier for you to get the shape you want, if you bake maybe oval shaped cakes and then start from there. Just a thought.

Bass Pro Shops is a great way to start. If there is one close to you, stop in and pick up a flier. Go see what you are up against with regards to detail. I would start with a rectangle cake several layers thick and then carve the front. The back is usually pretty squared off. Use modeling chocolate to form the motors and other goodies. If I am going to do a custom cake and am able, I always take a field trip. Have fun.