I want to make a cake for my dad's birthday this weekend that looks like his boat. I have never done a 3D cake before and I have a few questions. I am planning to make a 9x13 because it would be big enough. Do I HAVE to have pound cake, and after I cut the cake and stack it, do I need to freeze it or refrigerate it? Does it need dowels (or straws) for support? After that do I just go at cutting it? I want to make a motor out of fondant and paint it with black powder/vodka mix. I need to let the fondant harden first right, then paint, then attach to cake? How do I attach to cake?
Sorry I'm asking so many questions. I have learned so much on this website but when it comes to actually doing something I want to be 150% sure. Thanks!!
What a sweet gift for your Dad!
I would dowel the cake at the bow and stern (ha!) just to be on the safe side. No need to freeze the cake if the layers are dense. As long as the cake is dense it will carve better. A light fluffy cake will crumble when you carve the boat shape. Freezing would make it easier to ice.
For the motor you can shape the fondant and paint it with the color and vodka (lemon extract works well too). I don't always wait for the fondant to dry--too impatient--so I can't say if it really matters one way or the other. To stick it on the cake, place a large dab of buttercream or royal icing on the cake and tick the motor on. If the motor is too heavy you could pierce it with a toothpick and stick it into the cake. Be sure to remind the quests that a toothpick is in there 
Hope that helps you. Good luck and be sure to post a picture!
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