How to Build a Model RC Sailboat
RC sailboating is a pursuit that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. From small, simple kits to five- or six-foot tall home-built models, there is something for everyone. Additionally, since they require no fuel, RC sailboats are less expensive to operate than motorized models. There is also no worry about tuning and starting finicky small engines, and the quiet grace of an RC sailboat is a pleasant alternative to the noise and fuss of RC motor-boats. Mid-level kits which require some work to assemble but can still be put together in a few afternoons are easily available online and from most major hobby-shops.
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Things You'll Need
- RC sailboat kit
- Hobby knife
- Epoxy
- Small spring clamps
- Radio-control unit (type specified in kit instructions)
- Servo(s) (type specified in kit instructions)
Instructions
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1
Lay out all of the parts on your work surface and use the included instructions to verify that none are missing.
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2
Punch the precut wooden components of the radio box out of the sheets of wood they come in. Use the hobby knife to cut around the outline of the pieces if any of them are difficult to push out. Assemble the radio box by gluing the wooden components together with epoxy in the orientations specified in the instructions. Allow the glue to dry completely before continuing.
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3
Use epoxy to affix the radio receiver, controller unit, battery pack, and servo(s) into the radio box in the positions specified in the instructions and connect the components together. Different controllers or servos may connect differently, so follow the instructions that come with your particular electronics to ensure correct functioning. Allow the epoxy to dry before continuing.
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4
Insert the support tubes for the keel and rudder into the hull, using epoxy to fix them in place. When the epoxy has dried, slide the keel and rudder onto their respective tubes in the orientation shown in the instructions, using epoxy to secure them to the hull.
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5
Glue any hull features/accessories to the hull in the correct positions and allow the epoxy to harden before moving on to the next step.
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6
Assemble the mast and boom as per the instructions, and insert them in the hull as directed (different kits affix the mast in different ways: some with mechanical fastening, others with glue). Glue any small rigging-gear components in place with epoxy and allow it to harden before rigging the model.
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7
Attach the sails.
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8
Use the included lines to rig the boat, starting with the standing lines that reinforce the mast and keep it upright. Rig the control lines that will manipulate the boom and sail to allow your boat to maneuver. These start at the tip of the servo-arm where they are tied in place and run up through eyelets in the deck to the mast/boom. Attach the sails to the mast and boom at the sail corners in the way directed in the instructions (they are usually tied in place).
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References
- Photo Credit Model boats image by TekinT from Fotolia.com
