on myvfic, footy, and soling I use the silicon RC fuel tubing for my adjusters. slide them in or out to make the adjustment. much easier than knots, hooks, and don’t have to worry about a bowsie slipping. although if you do a half turn around the bowsie. the smaller slipper spectra holds fine…
OK - managed to do most of planned updates and minor adjustments.
- made a mast base “pin” and epoxied into bottom of mast tube.
- Wrapped bottom of tube with line (orange) to prevent splitting of mast tube in heavy winds with heavy side loads
- Added a loop of line for mast attachment of Vang (white) line 1:3 adjustment
- Ran Vang line to a piece of polyethylene tubing and tied line (white) to tubing. Allows Vang line to be tightened or loosened simply by sliding tubing forward or aft on the boom.
- Orange line on right goes under 2 tubing pieces which provide resistance. Pulling on line adds out haul to foot of main.
- Main sheet post has been shortened so mast doesn’t catch on it when tacking in light winds.
- Still need to add cleat for jib-to-deck line adjustment
If we have some stronger winds than first outing will try to get some photos to post.
Hi,
Long time reader of the forum but haven’t posted much. Just finished my lastest RG65. This is version 3 - (earlier posts show previous versions). Have built same thing for my father so hopefully will get them out on the water together in the next week.
Early tests went well (didn’t sink!!!), but need to build some sails from lighter material when I can track it down. Also need to modify vang arrangement so allows the boom to swing a bit smoother when it is tensioned. Jib will also need to be resized eventually as it is a bit big.
Gareth
Gareth,
You can buy 1.4 mil Mylar from Todd Olsen at Isobar. It makes great sailcloth for the RG65. Todd is located near Wellington, NZL.
Gareth -
a couple of questions …
- what weight/type of material are you presently using for sails?
- What is the hull design?
- I used a line, wrapped around the mast base with a loop in it to attach vang to boom. The fabric of the line allowed the boom to swing acrosss the deck even when tensioned. My next RG will have a longer loop (more to twist from side to side).
I based the vang attachment to methods we used on our big catamarans - used Kevelar line. Frayed each end, formed a loop, and epoxied the frayed ends to inside of hull. Eliminated the much heaver stainless steel “tangs” for shrouds and double forestays. Then wire shrouds were lashed using 1/4 nylon line from the Kevelar line to the bottom of the shroud wire. This “lashing” allowed for some give in waves - kind of a shock absorber if you will. Today, if I was still sailing it, the stainless standing rigging would be replaced with new tech, Spectra or otherr no stretch lightweight line.
I posted a photo earlier in this forum where the idea can be seen - the bright orange line around the mast.
Hi Dick,
In answer to your questions… Sail Material is 75micron drafting film I got from a Stationary shop. I am definitely no sailmaker, and had a go with the Claudio tool to put the sails together. The sail camber / shape looks great on one tack - but on the other, it gives an impression of a windsurf sail when the camber inducer dosen’t pop through… This is likely to be my construction skills as well as the weight of the film. Have access to some nice marine ply - so are going to build a sail camber board and have a go with that. (Thanks Eric will follow up with Isobar)
Hull design is my own… result of playing with free version of Delftship - I know nothing about yacht design. Probably too wide (182mm max beam), with to much wetted area to be competitive with other RG65’s but was after a TP52 sort of look, but building 2 the same means when mucking around with my father it won’t matter to much. Total boat weight in the water is 1kg.
My vang arrangement below - after thinking about it - loosening off the screws at the attachment points has helped alot - so will have a try and see how it goes. If not will try your idea. Boom fittings etc made with an old piece of plastic chopping board, - just drill out to fit mast/ boom etc with a slight friction fit, then tidy up with file. Most of the fittings seem to work well.
Gareth
Don’t bin the sails just yet. With the “Wide Body” and some stiff sails, they may be able to be used when the wind comes up. Had the same issue on my big cat in light wind. Tied the battens in for camber but always had to grab the boom and give a shake to “pop” the battens/camber over to other side. Too bad we can’t do that (easily) on these. Once you make some lighter sails - you will be able to tell if it is a design issue - or if it is a material weight/thickness one. If they work, but still over powered, just trim off some leech on main and a bit on jib (to balance) and you may have a set of storm sails for really windy days.
My complements to you on a very nice job on the boat design/build. I value the effort some folks take to go from concept to on-the-water “Hey-It-Floats”. Seems for me, I get a lot of enjoyment in the build, and a secondary “boost” when it actually hits the water. Great idea with your dad. The one in the photo is one of 4 I built. First was for my grandson (12 yrs. old) Second was for my Son (40 something) and the one in the photos was for my son-in-law. My own (hull #4) is about 1/2 done and I have started working on it once again.
Basic sailing rule … have fun, enjoy the time on the water - and with your Dad. Time flies faster than we want and looking back you will cherish the time.
Best regards - keep us posted.
Dick
Hey Gareth, great to see your boat all finished, sorry to report that mine is still in the kitset stage, I have assembled all the parts needed to complete it but need to get off my arse and into the workshop.
If you would like to send me your sail sizes I will make you a set of sails from some very light cloth I have here.
I need::: luff, & foot, for the main and luff, foot and leech measurements for the jib.
You should still have my email address.
I am away for a few days shortly but should have something for you by the end of November if you are interested.
Cheers, Ian.
Hi Ian -
how’s the interest down there for this class? I don’t hear/see much - although there is some activity over in Australia, and a bit in South Africa. Too spotty to be called a “class interest” but seems to be growing all over - slowly, but new boats popping up all over. We have our North American’s next month in New Mexico - hosted by Earl Boebert and the “Duke City” crew. Unfortunately I can’t make it due to prior commitments - 80th. birthday for a family member, and I could kick myself for not attending the first event. Hard to tell the chatter from the actual - but will see results.
Please keep us posted of your efforts down there, and especially if the class starts to grow. Pics are ALWAYS welcome.
Best wishes, Dick
Gidday Dick, sorry to report that the class here is not really taking off.
There are a few being built around the country but nothing as yet organized for getting them together.
The ground swell may happen and we will keep you informed if it does.
Dick, I’m sorry to hear that you won’t be going to Albuquerque. I’m finally getting an RG65 done and Jim L, Scott S, and I will be invading NM with Hagerup-designed hulls and Spacie-designed rigs. I was hoping to meet you there.
Maybe next time.
Bill
Very good looking boat Gareth, congratulations !
Hoping to see more pictures in the water
Calou
Sorry Bill - but my brother-in-law who was always considered my only “big brother” turns 80 next month. Has been in poor health so I make efforts to see him when back for visit. This year he and wife flew out to see our newest granddaughter and was his first flight since coming back from Korea. Thus it was special - although he feels my daughter is one of his I guess. Anyway, Brian is going to try to put a weekend regatta together in Kentucky next summer/and I will try my darndest to make that one. I wish you well, and please give all the New Mexico sailors my best wishes. A fine bunch of guys for sure !
Dick
WOW…now that sounds like a real A Team setup… three top skippers and two top designers… things are getting serious. :devil3:
Good luck, pictures and reports please.
Well, Ian…the other two guys are top skippers, anyway 
I’ve been thinking for some time that the things we’ve learned about Footys might transfer well into this class. This will be our chance to find out, so I’m really looking forward to it.
Bill