new to model sailboats...need advice

[ahab]

My son saw the kyosho fairwind sailboat advertised and it got him excited. He is a competent sailor and thinks sailboat models would be just the thing for fun-n-games..

He will need complete radio set up, and I am not familiar with 75mhz AM vs FM.. Hitec vs Futaba gear , 2 vrs 3 channel,etc etc.

Help...................

Jarvis

[pmpjohn]

A sailboat is a surface model and must use a 75meg radio. AM vs FM is mostly a matter of personal preferance or budget. Since things happen at a much slower pace in a sailboat than an aircraft a slight glitch that could destroy a plane will hardly be noticed in a recreational sailboat.
Most recreational and competition sailboats use 2 channel control. Rudder and sail trim. Both main and jib sheets are connected to a common sail winch and work together. A simple 2 stick 2 channel radio with the left stick set up with a throttle ratchet will set and hold the sails and the right stick will run the rudder.
More complex boats can use independent main and jib winches, mast warping and even running a spinniker up or down.
Sounds like you need two boats so you have a race. You might consider a class design boat that you could race with a local club and have even more fun. Check with the LHS or the American Model Yacht Assosiation for activity in your area.
Hope this helps some.

John

[ahab]

John thanks for the response..

Tower hobbies web directory lead me to.. boats..sailboats.. and I found a few informative sites.. AM rxs seem to be more durable and smaller than their FM counterparts.

We have a place on barnegat bay .. a large marine environment and a few lakes are nearby.. Have not noticed model sailboats in use so we may be able to start something here..

Found a few clubs a reasonable distance from us and will get in contact with them for info and advise.

Thanks again,

Jarvis

[dgoebel]

Ahab,
I just checked the AMYA Club list and there's this club listed at
http://www.amya.org/clublist.html#NJ

Northern Barnegat Bay
UP BAY CR914 Assoc. (#120)
Connie Pilling, 732 892 3693
1 Arnold St.
Mantoloking NJ 08738
Site: New Jersey, Northern Barnegat Bay
Classes: CR-914

I'm sure they'd be glad to have any new RC Skippers sail with them, regardless of class.

Have you checked with the AMYA's Fairwind Class to see if there are any registered Fairwind sailor's near you?

http://www.amya.org

[ahab]

Dgoebel.. The CR914 seems to be ok on the local waters and the supplier sells complete kits including hitec tx, rx, sail servos etc as a complete package for $450. My son looked into it..this model is a strict one design with restrictions on any changes.. Must use mgf supplies sails and all. Nothing else to buy..just finish the hull with really fine sandpaper etc and enjoy.

Will have to check what frequencies are available.. By the way..I understand the rx can use any channel on it's frequency without a problem..but the tx..the 75 and 27 frequencies...are they like our rc aircraft?? ae; does the tx have to be retuned if you jump 3 or more channels?? Or can you buy a few channels and switch to an unused one at will????

It will make life a lot easier..

Jarvis

[pmpjohn]

Jarvis,
I'm not sure of the exact FCC stand on 27 & 75 meg channels but it is common practice for car and boat racers to carry extra crystal sets.

John

[ahab]

John.

thanks for the response.. will have to contact club...

Jarvis