1965 Sterling Yacht America

Started by KevinH

18 updates 138 likes 25 comments
KevinH Opening post

1965 Sterling Yacht America

My last words were "Complete the 44' MLB, then work on a non-boat project." The problem was, as you can see in the back-round inside that large sailboat hull, a 110' WPB patrol boat hull, with plans, not seen, the gunboat Philadelphia in a box in the truck, on top of that in the backseat is the 75% finished hull of a PBY flying boat. There are also unbuilt R/C aircraft kits X2 somewhere in the area, plus two ARF aircraft. (DHC-2 Beaver, and a Cessna 182, also in that ship's hull.)

But my friends, last night I had a dream, and in it was of a gloss black, full rigged sailing yacht. Reasons, number one, the hull is straight and already built, I purposely purchased a hand-held sewing machine for sails, I figure i will need it for the Philadelphia as well.

So, this week we begin, the rigging, and instructions for the same are pretty clear. I included that note from "Rob", because "Mark, or Rob" if you are out there, your "once vision" will be challenging the British in about nine months.

I hope Fair Winds are in all of our futures.

Kevin
Liked by Wolle and Rogal118 and
3 comments
  1. jumpuglyGold
    Fleet Admiral
    Built this bad boy in 1981. Great, impressive, kit despite the usual Sterling die-crushing. Lost it in a house fire in 2010.
    A worthy project!!! They go for a pretty-penny these days!
    Liked by Commodore-H and AlessandroSPQR and

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Hull Sealed

Pictures of the hull sealed, I will be painting hull color of choice soon. Probably blue. With a 6MM White boot stripe in white and Satin Black Hull. Once that is complete to the winch control. Th rigging is complex, but fairly straight forward. There is a build video online, I will rig it like that, but I will use an internal winch.
Liked by Wolle and Rogal118 and
2 comments
  1. Mike StoneyBronze
    Rear Admiral
    Hello Kevin!
    May I bring you my hull of the Mississippi sternwheeler, may I? 🤣🤣🤣
    You`ve got it under control I see!!!
    Hobbyist's greetings
    Michel-C.

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Painted Underside

Bottom paint and getting ready for boating tomorrow. I do not care what the weather is like, unless it is torrential downpour. "Death Blossom" My Tippacanoe T-37 in foreground.
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Rain! No Boating Today! But Hull Painted, Yes!

Well, that torrential rain, happened. So, the garage was available due to another project, so I took advantage. Crossing fingers that the tape lines will be sharp.
Kind of knew the weather would not cooperate, I was too ready to go. Who knows, maybe I will become adept at rigging and sailmaking, and in two weeks, have this one sewn up. Get it "Sewn UP!" Nautical Puns!
Anyhow, "See you at the pond."
I was thinking, we have a sailing club local; how would they feel about a twin masted vessel invading their 1 meters' and Solings?

Kevin
Liked by EdW and Len1 and
2 comments
  1. LewZ
    Admiral
    Kevin, these guys are pretty tight, follow the rules and probably not very flexible in mixing RC sailboat classes. They can't say no as it is a public park. Worst they can do is tell you they won't share the shelter.
    Lew
    Florida, USA
    Liked by Mike Stoney and Wolle
  2. Mike StoneyBronze
    Rear Admiral
    Oh Kevin,
    Take it easy!
    That doesn't matter at all. You have built a boat that you like.
    My mates also mocked me because my boat is 140 cm long. I take this as a compliment. .
    . . . what likes each other likes each other's sayings, right?
    Otherwise they can rattle off my bacon rolls . . in other words, very politely: slide down my hump and brake with your tongue!
    Well done, very good work
    Michel-C.
    🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
    Liked by Len1 and hermank and

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Propulsion Begun

I am acquiring new skills. Add "Sailmaker" to my resume. The stitching on this one is a bit dodgy, but I can make a new one of it does not work out.
Unfortunately, I brought the wrong set of plans to work, and on these the Main and Aft Sails are incomplete, so the Jib is where I stop for today. So, maybe not this month maiden voyage, but most certainly March-ish.

Kevin
Liked by Peejay and RNinMunich and
3 comments
  1. LewZ
    Admiral
    Kevin, good progress!

    I cheated a little with my Emma C. Berry (also a Sterling kit, same size as the America) by using nylon sail cloth. Got it from a sailmakers' loft (interesting place) in Clearwater. Was going to RC it, but only got as far as in a pool in one of the malls. I made a bunch of sails for my 50/800's.

    I did make a small sail for my trawler out of cotton cloth. It's amazing on what different skills building model boats utilizes!

    Lew
    Florida, USA
    Liked by EdW and Len1 and

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The Journey Thus Far

Well, after some frustration, I have a sail almost rigged. This process is super annoying but satisfying. Going to pause for a few hours, maybe work on the rudder. The next two sails are even more complex.

Kevin
Liked by Colin H and Len1 and
2 comments
  1. flaxbybuck
    Captain
    The hull is looking beautiful Kevin, but I think your jib is a little too large.
    When planning the sails it pays to make a card pattern which can be placed up against the mast, and allow plenty of clearance so the sails can be properly trimmed. Good luck with the rest of the build and sailing her ! 😉
    Liked by Len1 and RNinMunich
  2. KevinH
    Warrant Officer
    Hmmmm! You are correct Sir. Even though the plans call for that size jib, I can see where I will run into problems under sail. That was my first attempt, and the material I have has a decades old stain. Monday I was going to pick up some blue material to make the main sail, I will just re do the jib.

    And, that is why we post here. Helpful hints.

    Regards,
    Kevin
    Liked by Len1

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Another Sail

Obviously not rigged yet. but in place. That is all till tomorrow evening when I hope to have it rigged in.
Liked by Colin H and Len1 and

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KevinH #10 of 19

Three Sheets to the Wind!

Title says it all! She will not be ready this weekend, it will just be the 44' MLB this weekend. Maybe March. Still not rushing.

Kevin
Liked by Mike Stoney and Colin H and

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