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Radio Control Boat Modeler, Dec 2001 by Houle, Tom

WIND WORDS

This column is for all of you RC sailing enthusiasts who just can't get enough information on this exciting facet of RC boat modeling. "Wind Words" is dedicated solely to the art and science of RC sailing design, construction and racing.

I have designed and built scale and racing RC sailboats for nearly 14 years and have written several sailboat construction articles, some of which have appeared in RC Boat Modeler. The June 2000 and March 2001 issues of RC Boat Modeler featured two of my articles for beginners. In this installment of "Wind Words," we'll review some of the basics for those who are new to the world of RC sailing, but subsequent columns will cover everything from racing techniques and hull construction to rigging and how to make your own sails.

There are basically two types of sailboats--scale and nonscale. Which one you choose depends solely on your personal preference. You may be drawn to the challenge of all-out racing without concern for authentic model design, or you may want to duplicate the real thing right down to teak deck planking and brass fittings. You may even elect to do some of both.

Non-scale boats are designed and built solely for high-speed racing and are, for the most part, extremely light with slim hulls that sport deep-fin keels and tall, carbon-fiber masts. They accelerate quickly in the slightest breeze and are ultra-responsive to rudder and sail-trim commands; but in a stiff breeze, or while running downwind, they can be a real handful.

Whether you choose to buy a kit or to scratch-build your boat depends on your building skill, available time and personal inclinations. Kits are the quickest and easiest way for beginners to become involved in RC sailing. Kit plans and instruction manuals guide a beginner through the building process by using the correct terminology and corresponding illustrations, but even those modelers who have considerable experience using gas- and electric-powered boats will need to develop a new vocabulary, learn different building techniques and use hardware they may never have seen before.

Two types of kits are available: complete and short. Short kits usually include the hull, lead keel, rudder and, sometimes, the deck; but the builder must purchase sails, spars and hardware separately, often from the same firm. This process lets you custom-fit components the way you want them.

Most kits include molded-plastic or carbon-fiber hulls that are reinforced with fiberglass, as well as decks and partially built keel fins and spars. These kits can be assembled in a few weekends. When finished, they are very fast and very responsive to rudder input.

If you like scale modeling, there are, again, many choices; options range from semi-scale, easily assembled kits to completely scratch-built brigantines, schooners, barks, yawls, ketches and the like. Many of these boats are works of art with teak- or mahogany-planked decks, gleaming brass fittings and varnished brightwork.

You will learn many new construction methods as you progress through your first kit. If the hull is planked, the frames will usually be sown or die-cut for you. Also, the frames will be faired and trued, which results in a smoothly planked hull. The kit instructions will show you how to erect the frames to ensure a straight hull. Photos and drawings showing the planking sequence will probably be included.

Planking a hull is not terribly difficult, but when you are doing it for the first time, it helps to have step-by-step instructions. If you prefer fiberglass or plastic, other kits are available. You will, of course, pay more for these, but they save construction time. These kits may include a plastic or fiberglass deck as well. Since most of the wooden parts have been cut out for you, hull and spar construction will move right along. Along with the boat kit, you will also

need a 2-channel radio and a sail winch. Some kits, such as the Kyosho Fairwind, will sail without the use of a winch, but if you want to do anything more than just steer your boat around the pond, you will definitely need one.

If your kit does not include sails, both custom and standard suits of sails are available from several commercial sailmakers. Unless you know someone who has made a set of sails, I strongly suggest that you use the sails that come with the kit or buy a commercial suit; sailmaking can be difficult and frustrating.

You can also find a wide array of readyto-sail boats complete with radios and sails from any number of outlets. High-quality kits and ready-to-sail boats are available from many manufacturers, including Kyosho, Robbe, Victor and Dumas.

To check out current model availability, visit your local hobby shop and check the ads in the model boat magazines. A number of smaller kit manufacturers operate via the mail, while others sell through both hobby shops and mail order.

If you have any suggestions for future "Wind Words" columns, I want to hear from you. Questions on boat construction, tuning tips, regatta notices and new clubs--all things "sail" are welcome.