I'm the proud owner of a Century 750 and a Hurricane 1000 - both bought on evilbay[sm=48_48.gif]. Both plastic kit boats from China.

I wont even talk about the Century 750 but will mention the 1m Hurricane 1000.

Everything that can be, on this boat, is made to be as cheap as possible. The boat was designed to be photographed, but never near water!

Having said that, after 6 months of upgrading and fixing, this boat now outsails my other 1m boats in light winds. But that's afer 6 months of annoyance. In the interim I've scratch built 3 other boats. The Chinese hulls seem to be copied from the best of existing hull designs and the mast, rigging design is good. On my Hurricane I've kept the jib sail and replaced the main with a proper panelled sail. The drum winch had no elastic tensioners which I now know is crazy. On the plus side the radio and electrics do work. For the price, if I had my time over, I figure these Chinese boats helped me to learn about how to build a boat. As in what to look for that will sink a yacht and the crucial bits to watch. Jib tack, faulty chainplates, weak backstay, hatch that serves no purpose. Plastic rudder clevis that breaks immediately. Rust. Bulb so light it's a joke. I had to add extra 500gms.

Just remembered my favourite bit about the Hurricane. If I leave my boat laying in the sun on its side for more than 15 minutes; the keel will bend! Made of hollow plastic. Nothing like having a bulb pointing at 15* away from the keel line. Have to put the boat back on a stand with bulb weight down in the sun for keel to bend back straight.

Worst thing about these cheap boats is that it will put so many people off rc yachts. A well tuned yacht sailing hard into a stong breeze is a thing of beauty. A quick tack with sails spread gullwing makes the heart race. Another tack and race to home. Boat keeled with a wake behind. Spectators ask - what size motor do you have.......

Enjoy a real RC YACHT. My AU Class 1.7m boat.

Larry L.