martno1fan,
Looks like a nice boat. Should be a real fun project. I definately spent a bunch of time figuring out the electronics. Winch arm geometry, rudder servo placement, batteries, receiver placement, antenna routing, sheet routing and deck hatch access / sealing. If you get those plans hopefully they have some info on servo placements, mounting, etc.

I used a 10mm carbon kite spar for the mast and 8mm for the jib and main booms. The fishing rod idea sounds good as long as you can get it properly supported with shrouds, spreader, etc. Dowell material would work for the booms but I got a deal on the kite spars. I have also seen some nicely shaped spruce spars that would be fairly easy to construct.

I am in the process of learning how to make paneled sails. Right now I am tying the main to the mast using spectra loops spaced about every 6" - I have seen this on other RC boats and it looks like a simple and effective method. I have been using Sevenstrand fishing wire and crimps for rigging wire and spectra fishing line for sheets, etc. Bowsies I have made out of old / extra servo arms.

My goal is to make everything I can from scratch - I really enjoy the build / thinking process.

FYI - I built my hull using the balsa planked method listed in the US1 meter construction guide. Went fairly easy. I probably could have painted or varnished the hull but I wanted a bit more protection from water intrusion into the balsa. I did glass the hull using epoxy and thin cloth (.75 oz) that I got at the hobby store. That thin cloth is much easier to work with than the typical 6oz and heavier stuff I have used for small boat repairs. I ended up putting on a second layer of the same cloth since I got real close to completely fair but the cloth was a bit thin and I went through in a couple of spots. If I do it again I might go with 1.5 or 2 oz and only one layer. After I knocked out the interior sections I brushed on a thin layer of epoxy (no cloth) over the interior.




spin,