Dragon Force 65 waterproofing

Started by flaxbybuck
9 replies 29 likes Last activity: 3 years ago
#10

Dragon Force 65 waterproofing

Awesome, glad it worked. Someone had mentioned it to me in the past and it seemed to work. Good stuff 👍🏻
Liked by ChrisF
#9

Dragon Force 65 waterproofing

Thank you Trident73 for your suggestion about testing a hull for leaks. Your idea of blowing into the drain hole whilst covering the hull with soapy water worked a treat. It was so easy, simple and quick to do with immediate results.
In my case I discovered leaks around the three grommets at the stern, and at the attachment point for the halyard.
I would recommend this method to anyone. 😉
Liked by ChrisF and Trident73
#8

Dragon Force 65 waterproofing

Thanks guys for all your suggestions. I will have a go and let you know how I get on 😉
#7

Dragon Force 65 waterproofing

De rig the hull, take into the garage at night, turn the light off and shine a small torch the the battery opening then the radio hatch, you will see any cracks or holes. Cracks are usually radiating in the bottom of the hull around the keel box. This can be caused by either over tightening the keel box fixing screw or not supporting the keel bulb during storage.
Liked by RodC and dave976 and
#6

Dragon Force 65 waterproofing

Another here as regards the deck eyes. If you haven't already got a plastic hatch cover I'd get one and secure with electrical tape. Available from RC Yachts www.radiosailing.co.uk who are a great source for spares etc.

Chris
Scratch building 7 Faireys at a scale of 1:12
Liked by dave976 and Trident73 and
#5

Dragon Force 65 waterproofing

The other replies are right on the money with seling the deck eyes etc. The only other thing I can suggest is to ensure the hatch is sealed with PVC tape. I have never had any leaks in my DF 65 after sealing the deck eyes and ensuring the hatch is also sealed. I did a series of videos on perparing the Focus 3 and the approach is exactly the same with any Joysway boat. Here is the link to the channel, hope it helps.
https://www.youtube.com/@JulieNelson-og4fe

Bob
Liked by ChrisF and dave976 and
#4

Dragon Force 65 waterproofing

Put the deck patches on the hull openings to seal it. Soak the outside of the hull with a soapy water solution. Blow reasonably forcefully into the hole where the bung goes and look for bubbles forming on the hull. 👍
Liked by dave976 and Colin H and
#3

Dragon Force 65 waterproofing

They did have a tendency to leak a little water where the mast fixes into the hull if able to take undo the mast and keel and have a look inside the mast support inside with a torch mine had a minor crack in that point but manged to get a little glue on the crack and it’s never leaked since other than that submerge in bath and do the old puncture repair test look for any bubbles popping up
Liked by Trident73 and Len1 and
#2

Dragon Force 65 waterproofing

Is this one of the original prototype Joysway models? It was a while ago but I suppose there may be a few about on the second hand market, mine is still sailing. I have one and was told to seal the flimsy plastic bow by pouring some resin inside the hull and standing the model on its bow until set. I also had to use epoxy all round the metal eyelets on the deck. The only other problem was the rudder crank (plastic) which was replaced with a metal crank. The small rudder servo also doesn't like more than 5 volts, mine burnt out (melted) with 6v. There are two opening on the deck. I put the battery in the smaller hole and use (sign writing) Vinyl tape to seal the hole. I have a plastic plate over the main opening where the winch and rx sit and cover this with another piece of Vinyl to cover and seal all over. The rudder servo enters the hull and should have a rubber expandable shoe covering the joint- it may have perished.
dave976
Liked by Trident73 and Len1 and
#1

Dragon Force 65 waterproofing

I am trying to find out where my DF65 is leaking but had no success yet. I have immersed the hull in the bath almost up to deck level and no water has come in.
A thorough inspection has revealed nothing.
Any suggestions please ?? 😉
Liked by Wez and MikeC3

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