About the only alternative I know of is to watch for Sterling CC boat auctions on E-bay. Prices for old/vinatge Sterling kits are high because of scarcity and popularity. Example: Expect to pay $400+ for a Sterling 63 Foot Motoryacht (48' long). Also, Sterling sold cast pewter fittings sets separately so you may need to make your own fittings unless you find the right set on E-bay ( also expensive). It is possible to buy copies of plans and instructions for Sterling and Berkeley model boats from online plan services but buying sheet woods etc and building from scratch is not for beginners and is also expensive.

The unmentionable other forum is RC Groups, E-Zone, Scale Electric Boat forum where you will find many threads on refurbishing old partially-built model CC boats and NIB kits from Ebay, yard sales, etc also scratch builds from plans, etc. I am registered, contribute to, and get lots of good information from various forums.