The varnished transom trim piece was epoxied on on Thursday, so I was able to mount the rudder yesterday,- now have to connect it to the servo.

JB

Getting closer to getting it wet. Front and rear servo space covers painted and fitted (side seals to be fitted and retaining tabs to make.) keel bulb and hull painted with the first coat. Having trouble with the marine paint (original international marine paint rolled on) doing odd things in the cold weather, so have sanded it back and put another brand of spray coat on after the one shown.

JB

Finally getting somewhere, new jib made (with boom) jib sheet sorted (main sheet changed to higher ratio,) First test sail completed and reasonably successful, but with some improvements required. Keel skeg had to have an extension added to its' front edge, as the center of effort on the sails, and center of resistance on the hull here a bit out of whack. Milled a slot in the front of the 6mm x 50 skeg, and epoxied in a 3mmx 50 insert, then glassed it all in. Now has double the skeg width, which should stop it wanting to run off to leeward and go sideways as it did in the test.

Made a larger rudder blade, slackened the jib sheet off a bit and sheeted the main in a bit (at full in) to give the main more windward effect. I should now have enough adjustments to get the boat balanced. The skeg has the various adjustment 'shims' (for fore and aft) so can be adjusted further than before for better lateral balance. Skeg is now a 'hockey stick' shape and is fitted from below, and held in place with 2 dowels on top of the centerboard case.

Battery pack made (6v 4x AA batteries with a voltage regulator set to 5v for the RX winch and rudder)- fits under foredeck to port i a plastic bag, RX fits in plastic enclosure under foredeck to stbd. Lead for rudder runs in the bottom of the cockpit and sealed in place with external building sealer.

Just waiting for the paint to dry on the new rudder blade, and then it will be time for second test, (if the weather clears up) Boat looks a bit like the original (last pics)

Video of first test.

JB

All the new mods done, and ready for the next test. Seats are now held in with small tabs, so they can be removed to access the rudder servo drawer, which would foul the port seat when slid out, if glued in permanently. Have also fitted a battery monitor.

JB

Thought I'd add something to lend a bit of realism to the boat, (all boats need a crew)
'Bob' was disemboweled and had part of an aileron horn inserted in his nether region. A servo tray was made under the seat, and a cord from the servo arm runs back, round a 'pulley' and connects to the aforementioned insertion. His right arm was amputated and joints converted to macrame string for extra flexibility. His rear is screwed to the seat between the slats (seat slats) ☹️. Seats are located with tabs so they can be removed easily. 'Bob' and his seat comes out as a unit. Seems to work ok, but he's complaining about the lumps on his head😠
A vid of the first test. Also made a quick new cheap stand for the boat.

JB