By putting the lead ingot in the
correct position, you are balancing the boat fore and aft. A
small change in the position will affect the performance of the
boat in certain weather conditions. You must consider the
predominate weather conditions of the lake where you are
sailing. As an example, the winds in Daytona Beach are very
light (0 to 7 mph) seven months of the year. However, on the
West Coast of Florida the wind is much stronger, about 5 to 15
mph.
Our building instructions explain how to balance the boat by
measuring from the tip of bow to the water. A measurement of
about 4 inches is a good all around position for most weather
conditions. For sailing where there are predominately strong
winds, we recommend the measurement be 4 1/2 inches. In heavy
weather the wind has a tendency to push the bow down. By
raising the bow to 4 1/2 inches and this will compensate, giving
the boat more speed. Where there are predominately lighter
winds, set the distance at about 3 1/2 inches. When the
measurement is 3 1/2 inches, it will raise the stern a little
and help when accelerating.
One of the secrets of speed is getting the
hull as smooth as possible. This will reduce the
resistance of the hull going through the water, thereby
increasing the acceleration and top speed.
Start by sanding the hull with 320 wet dry paper to remove all
the parting wax from the gel coat process. Prime paint the
hull with Krylon primer and let dry overnight. Sand hull
with 320 wet dry paper on a sanding block. These are sold
in most hardware stores. This will remove any hollows on
the hull. They will show up as dark areas. Continue to
sand until all hollows are removed. Next prime the hull
again, let dry, and hand sand with 600 wet dry paper.
Now you are ready to apply the color, use only Krylon paint .
This is a lacquer paint which works with multiple coats.
Paint the hull with at least 3 thin coats of paint, until the
color is even in tone. Now is the time to put on accent stripes
or a water line using striping tape. Let this dry for 2 or
3 days before continuing. Next apply 3 or 4 heavy coats of
crystal clear Krylon, letting each coat dry. In order to get a
super smooth finish you should sand it first with 600 wet dry
paper, then 1500, and finish off with a 2000 paper. We have put
many coats of paint on it and even though it feels dry to the
touch, it will take 4 to 6 weeks to harden. So, when you
put it in a cradle be sure to line it with a soft cloth. This
finish will feel smooth as glass and look beautiful.
Getting your boat to 16 lbs is
important; to get maximum performance from the boat. The lighter
it is the faster it will accelerate. When you weight your boat
only use a digital scale. A baby scale or a postal scale is not
accurate enough to do this right. A good scale can be purchased
on eBay for around $40.00. If you are going to be in this hobby,
it is a good investment.
Start by making sure to use the lightest materials possible. I
have used aluminum for my spreaders, but found that they bend
very easily. Now I use brass. Deck material is another area
where weight can be saved. I have tried 1/64 plywood, and found
this to be too thin and now use1/32 plywood. Some plastics or
Mylar have been used, but I prefer the look of a nice finished
wood deck. Another area to consider is the servo tray. Some
weight can be saved, but be careful, and make sure you that it
is strong enough.
Now weight the boat, and remove excess weight by drilling holes
in the lead ingot until the desired weight is achieved.
Most people use a single servo
for there rudder. This is OK but to eliminate any play or
looseness in the linkage, gang two servos together using a
Futaba Y connector. Connect one servo to each end of the the
center pivoting arm on the rudder shaft. One servo will push the
pivot arm while the other
will pull it. This will give you instant movement when you make
a change in course. You will have twice the power and stop
any play in the linkage.
The same technique can be used for controlling the sails. Use
two servos ganged together by a Y connector. Rig it so that one
servo controls the main sail and the other the jib. You will
have more power than you could possible need even in 20 MPH plus
winds.
The best way to get more speed
from your boat is refine your sailing style. The US12 weighs 16
lbs. and you have to learn how to accelerate them, especially in
light wind conditions. Sail tuning is very important and is
covered in Rod Carr's sail tuning literature, which is included
in our instructions. Back stay tension is very important. Most
of the power comes from the jib. Too much tension in the back
stay will flatten the jib.
Sailing style is most important. We have found that it helps to
ease off on your sheets a little when accelerating and then
bring them in all the way when you achieve top speed. Your
starts are critical for a good finish. Be there at the bell in
the right spot and not late. When you are going to the first
mark, plan where you want to be when rounding, especially on
starboard. The US12’s are so evenly matched that it is very hard
to catch and pass another boat. Therefore, plan your strategy so
that you make as few tacks as possible. Every time you tack you
will loose about 2 boat lengths and have to accelerate back up
to top speed again.
With practice and stick time, you can achieve your goals, good
luck!
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