Model Boat Mayhem
The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Yachts and Sail => Topic started by: Boomer on March 29, 2012, 03:42:41 pm
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The Nirvana is as close to a "turn key"or "ready to sail" boat as you are likely to find. Once it arrives, in very short order - no more than 30 minutes you are ready to go sailing. I am not aware of any boat of this or similar size that is as easy to assemble and to transport as the Nirvana ll. It is so well designed, a monkey could assemble one, well that may be overstating it a bit, but my wife can do it! It comes complete with a radio 2.4 ghz radio and receiver. The Nirvana has a carbon fiber mast and booms, comes with durable and functional sails. Like many production boats, a set of custom sails can help this boat achieve it's true potential. (one man's opinion)
The Nirvana does well in light to moderate weather conditions, doesn't draw as much water as some larger boats, and is ideal for first time sailors. It is fun, fast and forgiving. Each time I sell one, I get another one. I actually miss sailing the darned things. They are a handsome yacht - fashioned in the likeness of a racing sloop. It is ruggedly built, but not heavy and with very little maintenance, it will provide years of fun. Another terrific factor is they have terrific resale value.
In contrast to other larger and more expensive boats, a well tuned Nirvana ll, with a good skipper at the sticks, can give many of them a run for their money. One of the more interesting facts about these boats is that they are so well designed they are very simple for a new sailor to master, but complex enough to keep the attention of advanced sailors as well.
Many Nirvana owners add their own refinements to their boats - some for the sake of appearance and others for functionality. They are great right out of the box and really don't need any changes.
Here in the US these boats are very popular with thousands of them being sold over the years. The North American distributor is sailrc.com they also handle Lasers. I am pretty sure they ship world wide so if your interested check out their web site. The Nirvana has it's own "Class One Design Racing" in the AMYA and is a great boat to get you started in club racing. I posted a few photos for you to take a look at.
I have quite of few RC sailboats and continue to enjoy sailing my Nirvana. :-))
Boomer (Formerly Windchaser before the forums melt down)
Nirvana II Racing Class Sailboat
FEATURES:
Construction: Composite low drag hull design with removable racing keel and ballast bulb
Sails: Constructed of Polyester film that will outlast and out perform all others, the manufacturer states these boats are designed to withstand up to 20 knot (23mph, 37kph) winds, jib features lightweight boom and adjustable clew tension
Mast: Rigid carbon fiber with quick release foot for portability
Keel: Ballast bulb racing style features quick release
Servo: Heavy duty, metal geared sail winch type
Radio Compartment: Self sealing for water tightness
Rudder: Large area, deep water type
SPECS:
Length: 32"
Beam (Width): 7.75"
Height: 64"
Weight: 5.5lbs
Sail Area: 525"
Sailing Speed: 6 knots (7mph, 11kph)
Top Wind Speed: 20 knots (23mph, 37kph)
Radio Range: 1500' (457m)
RC Nirvana
Class One Design Racing Rule (2012 rules from http://sailrcnirvana.com/Racing_Rule.html)
(http://s16.postimage.org/5xwwp16dt/102_0197_2.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/5xwwp16dt/)
(http://s16.postimage.org/t0nfo77v5/102_0198_2.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/t0nfo77v5/)
(http://s16.postimage.org/72qyuesup/Copy_of_P1060657.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/72qyuesup/)
(http://s16.postimage.org/hqzb6zs7l/DSC_0013.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/hqzb6zs7l/)
(http://s16.postimage.org/xf0ids7td/DSC_0614.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/xf0ids7td/)
(http://s16.postimage.org/f0pz9svip/P1060033.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/f0pz9svip/)
(http://s15.postimage.org/qx7i01ksn/Web_1138.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/qx7i01ksn/)
(http://s18.postimage.org/ibi0kocyt/102_0190_2.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/ibi0kocyt/)
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Recently a National Nirvana regatta was held in the southern part of the Unitd States. Sailors came from a wide area of the country to participate. I am having some issues posting the photos, once I get this sorted out I will share some pictures of this event.
Boomer
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Here are some photos of the Nirvana National Regatta. As you can see, there was some great racing and good fellowship at the regatta. These are terrific boats and great fun to sail.
It'd be nice to see some interest and activity on the other side of the pond for these extremely popular boats.
Enjoy
Boomer
(http://s19.postimage.org/ezhbx10mn/Nirvana_Nationals_11.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/ezhbx10mn/)
(http://s19.postimage.org/z84piqzxr/Nirvana_Nationals_3.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/z84piqzxr/)
(http://s19.postimage.org/txzqrgfov/Nirvana_Nationals_8.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/txzqrgfov/)
(http://s19.postimage.org/7akhlb04v/Nirvana_Nationals_4.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/7akhlb04v/)
(http://s19.postimage.org/w53zfdkz3/Nirvana_Nationals_1.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/w53zfdkz3/)
(http://s19.postimage.org/odn9gtgtr/Nirvana_Nationals_9.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/odn9gtgtr/)
(http://s19.postimage.org/47jrhxl67/Nirvana_Nationals_7.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/47jrhxl67/)
(http://s19.postimage.org/evnigrv5b/Nirvana_Nationals_16.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/evnigrv5b/)
(http://s19.postimage.org/i3wl7k6sv/Nirvana_Nationals_17.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/i3wl7k6sv/)
(http://s19.postimage.org/7icpvk0hb/Nirvana_Nationals_13.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/7icpvk0hb/)
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If you have read the information and are interested in learning more about these boats, please post your questions or comments. These boats are extremely popular here in the U.S. must admit to being surprised that there is not a similar following in the UK or Europe.
Another terrific RC forum based here in the U.S. is rcgroups.com this forum has a significant Sailing section that is very active and covers a very wide range of topics and boats. There is a Nirvana thread that is of the most popular there - it is not limited to discussions on the Nirvana, and is open to just about any topic that those who follow it might be interested in sharing. It has well beyond 265,000 hits and is approaching 8000 posts. Please, take a few minuties to check it out - worth a visit. http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=794969&page=513 (http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=794969&page=513)
I enjoy this forum and appreciate the level of craftsmenship some of the builders exhibit here. RC sailing is a terrific hobby and it'd be nice if it were to grow at least to a level near that of RC aircraft O0
Hope you take time to visit the other forum - enjoy :-))
Boomer
Event: 2013 Nirvana North American Championship
Class: Nirvana
Date: June 21-23, 2013
Location: Lake Tomahawk, Black Mountain, NC.
Host Club: Ashville & Black Mountain Yacht Clubs
For more information go to the host club website:
http://blackmountainyachtclub.wordpress.com/ (http://blackmountainyachtclub.wordpress.com/)
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I have a new in the box Nivana II for sale.
I'm going to list it on EBay but was not sure about what price to list it at.
Can someone enlighten me, please.
Thank you,
Giovanni
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A used Nirvana just sold on E-bay for $274 plus shipping - the fellow had some accessories with it as I remember - oh, and the main sail was discolored. I was a bit surprised at that price but on E-bay anything can happen.
If yours is new in the box and has the 2.4 ghz radio, you should get close to what you paid for it. Suggest you list it on the rcgroups.com classifieds as well.
Not sure why you want to sell it - they are really terrific boats and lots of fun to sail.
Boomer
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It is my son's sailboat. He likes his new Laser sailboat much better.
I have an Infinity-54 sailboat and love it.
Thank you
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I understand. Laser's are terrific boats too! Interesting the same company sells both of these fine boats. Sailrc.com
You should have no problem selling your son's Nirvana. They are very popular as I have reported and there are folks out there looking to save a little money. Good luck on your sale.
Boomer
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It doesn't have a radio. The stock radio is not that good, anyway.
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A personal note. I have owned a couple of dozen RC sailboats over the years and would like confirm my observation that of the boats produced over the last 10 years, the Nirvana continues to represent one of the best overall values for mid sized RC yachts. (32" or 812.8 millimeters)
While many of the models produced in this period of time have bee discontinued, the Nirvana is still being produced and sold world wide in numbers that others surely envy. My point is simple - this true becasue of the value the Nirvana provides to those interested in getting into RC sailing and is designed to a point that it has stood the test of time year in and year out.
Enough said. Just sayin..........................worth a look!
Boomer
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Update on
2013 Nirvana National Regatta Asheville Yacht Club and Black Mountain Yacht Club are co-hosting the 2013 Nirvana National Regatta. Dates are June 21, 22, 23. Friday afternoon will be check-in and practice, racing on Saturday and Sunday am. Race site will be Lake Tomahawk in Black Mountain, NC. If you would like an information packet on the area, hotels, campgrounds, restuarants, send email with your address to: pinkodomday@yahoo.com and a packet will be mailed to you.
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If it is as good as you say
why is it not sold in UK?
Ned
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Hi Bloomer, are you the salesman by any chance? %)
Regards, Tony.
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If it is as good as you say
why is it not sold in UK?
Ned
G'day Ned
My observations regarding the Nirvana are based on first hand knowledge having owned several of these boats over the years, (still have one) and from others owners that year after year continue to enjoy their boats. I think I have stated fairly my observations, but if you'd like to get additional insights into this boat a good place to go to do that would be a forum called rcgroups.com - it is an RC forum that covers just about anything RC and has a very active sailboat section. One of the most active sections or threads is the Nirvana thread - Here is a link to the first page of the thread: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=794969&page=538 (http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=794969&page=538)
If you do visit the site you will see that the thread has been on going since 2008 and is approaching 300,000 "hits" or views and over 8000 posts. Granted not all are the posts are specific to the Nirvana but there is a great deal of information about these boats, including their strengths and weakness.
I have a dozen RC sailboats - the Nirvana is a boat that is just fun to sail, easy to maintain and it always works. That's all, it is not magic.
Why is it not sold in the UK? Good question. I don't know and my response is speculation and not first hand knowledge. A company called Megatech produces these boats. They are based from what I am told here in the U.S. and have the boats made "off shore" like most producers to keep their costs down. A year or two ago they assigned a North American Distributor Sailrc.com to market the Nirvana in North America - as I understand it, to get the exclusive dealership, requires ordering a container full as the minimum order.
I don't know how many fit into a container but I do know the size of the box they come in and it would take a whole lot of them to fill the containers I've seen. My point is that it maybe that if that is a requirement to sell their boats in a given part of the world, there may not be that many folks willing to make that large of an investment. That is my sense of it, but it could be any one of dozen other things. I know that as of the last month they company here is sold out of them and has ordered more. But why not in the UK?? Can't say for sure.
Tony, It's BOOMER (no L) To answer your question - I am not a salesman for Nirvana. I posted my comments to find out what kind of interest and or knowledge there was on these boats on your side of the pond. I could only find a few mentions of Nirvana's with in this forum, so I started this thread to get some feed back. The Nirvana forum or thread has members from around the globe, so it is clear that there are other parts of the world that have Nirvana owners, so one might conclude that they are sold in other countries besides the U.S.. I am interested in learning about the boats I like, and really was just curious. I am surprised that there is not much known at least in the UK, about the Nirvana. I asked the owner of Sailrc.com if he'd ship to the UK and he said he would. I mentioned that should anyone be interested in getting one. Right now the best place to get one might be on E-bay since they are sold out here in the States. I have several different kinds of RC boats, winged aircraft, and I am just getting into "helis". I have not tried scratch building yet, but hope to do so in the near future. Before I retired I only had time for kit boats and planes. Now that I am retired, I have the time to do some building. I enjoy using the boats and planes in my collection more than building them, perhaps in time that could change. Time will tell. I am confident that if you chaps take the time to look into the Nirvana, you'd find my observations are "spot on". If not, hey that's ok. It's all good. Boomer
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The 2013 Nirvana North American Championship for Nirvana's is now in the record books. The event was held June 21-23, 2013 at Lake Tomahawk, Black Mountain, NC. and hosted by: Ashville & Black Mountain Yacht Clubs.
As you can see from the pictures posted the location is beautiful and all the participates had a great time. The winds were light, but the racing was still very exciting. The host club did a terrific job organizing the event and are to be congratulated on putting a together a perfect event.
Participants brought their spouses and some off-spring as well. All in all a great weekend of sailing and fellowship. There is growing interest from Nirvana owners in other parts of the country to hold regional regattas - time will tell if will happen.
Hope you enjoy the photo.
Boomer
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When I went looking for my first sailboat, it was the Nirvana that seemed the best ARTR option on the market.
Sadly it was not available in my market. For some reason I have only seen these in N America, it may be to do with supply chains, or with class restrictions (speculation), i.e. it may be that they do not fit into a European or Asian racing class. If the latter were the case, distributors may not be interested in introducing them to a new market.
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Lovely Pics Boomer :-)) :-))
What a beautiful location.
TT, Thers are enough non- class rubbish offerings in the UK.
There are very few that will sail in anything but whispers of winds without a load
of mods (modifications not moderators >>:-( >>:-( )
Even my Victoria is a different yacht with the Canadian Mods.
I shall get a Nirvana somehow oneday.
Ned
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Hi Boomer just spent ages accessing sailing rc very strange as soon as you click on any subject on the home page you get bumped back to the previous site you were on.
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Hi Boomer just spent ages accessing sailing rc very strange as soon as you click on any subject on the home page you get bumped back to the previous site you were on.
Correct web site is http://www.sailrc.com/ (http://www.sailrc.com/) - give that a try. That should get you there without issues. Since
Nirvana's are currently not in production, with no solid production date known, for those wanting a Nirvana I suggest monitoring the US E-bay - Here is a link to try: http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p2053587.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.XRC+SAILBOATS&_nkw=RC+SAILBOATS&_sacat=0&_from=R40 (http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p2053587.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.XRC+SAILBOATS&_nkw=RC+SAILBOATS&_sacat=0&_from=R40)
Another possible would be the AMYA site in the Classified section: http://www.theamya.org/classifieds/ (http://www.theamya.org/classifieds/)
Another is to post a want ad in the rcgroups.com Classified Boat section: http://www.rcgroups.com/boats-fs-w-104/ (http://www.rcgroups.com/boats-fs-w-104/)
RCGroups.com is the most active rc sailing forum with members around the planet. If you monitor these sites regularly you should be able to find nice previously owned Nirvana at a reasonable price. The Nirvana thread at rcgroups.com is a very active thread as of this minute there has been 324,355 viewings and over 9200 posts - that is a pretty active group by most anyone's metrics. The thread is not limited to Nirvana's, with lots of interesting "rabbit trails" and characters. Fun site. Anything one might want to know about a Nirvana is there and a whole lot more. Good group for sure! Might be the best place to find a Nirvana for sale. Many of the group have more than one. Just sayin, couldn't hurt. O0
Good hunting!! :-))
Boomer
Boomer
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I'd tried that already no good and just used your new link it opens the site as soon as I click on nirvana or anything else it just boost me back to this site .If iwas not on any other site at all it would close IE very strange
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I'd tried that already no good and just used your new link it opens the site as soon as I click on nirvana or anything else it just boost me back to this site .If iwas not on any other site at all it would close IE very strange
Wonder what is up with that?? I just tried it again and it works fine for me. Try goole or another search engine to see if a link through them might work?
Boomer
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Hi Boomer I tried always this morning links several from google all the same effect. I wont use any other browser than IE perhaps someone else might try from the UK maybe a sensitive firewall from anything outside the States Ha!
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That is really strange! Did you try any of the other links I posted? Be interesting to see if they work or not. Can't image the cause of the malfunction?
Sorry. Checked that site again and it is fully functional. {:-{
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links worked fine for me, and hopped around the site no problem
cheers
vnkiwi
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Nope just tried again the same site opens ok click on a link on it and I.m back here
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Nope just tried again the same site opens ok click on a link on it and I.m back here
Got to be at your end? Sorry about that!
Getting more photos to share of the Regatta - The event location was as this picture shows, absolutely beautiful. The 2nd image is of the AMYA Nirvana Class Secretary's personal Nirvana "the Vulture". Crash as he is known in racing circles is a great friend to RC sailing and an avid competitor! :-))
Enjoy
Boomer
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Boomer
All the pictures have done a runner <:(
Saw the first lot but the second lot have
taken the first lot with them
Ned
They have appeared by magic now %%
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Got to be at your end? Sorry about that!
Not Quite Boomer Its my security there is something on the site it does not like might well be just a particular cookie .I had it tried in work by the IT guys they got the first page same as me the n a link but though the link opened there was a Warning about the page . Now believe me this is not just an ordinary Works IT . .
I'm talking about but very high level . Though as said it may just be Suspicious cookie albeit Harmless cookie
Not to worry
cheers
Quote moved outside letter
ken
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Here are some recent pictures of a weekend of sailing of one of the U.S. based Nirvana Sailing clubs. This one is located in Southport, North Carolina (St. James Plantation). Breezy conditions are normal in this area, with near perfect coastal breezes are from 6 to 12 mph. This is an active club that currently sails only Nirvana's.
Since the Nirvana is currently out of production, their new members find their boats on EBay or other RC forums or listed on the AMYA's web site. We are hoping some point in the future, the owner's of the molds and rights to produce these terrific boats will bring them back! :-))
Even thought these boat are in very short supply, the loyalty continues and those of that are fortunate enough to own one remain faithful.
Really terrific boats to sail. Unfortunate that they were not marketed on your side of of the pond <:(
Boomer
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I have just received some very good news from a reliable source that Nirvana's are going back into production. The first shipment is tentatively scheduled to arrive in the U.S. in February 2014. As in the past they will be sold by sailrc.com and can be shipped worldwide.
I believe this is really great news for the industry. The Nirvana over the years became a staple in the market place particularly here in the United States. It was my first RC sailboat many years ago, and am happy to report I still have one in my fleet. I will post a notice here when I am able to confirm the new inventory is in the distribution warehouse and ready for sale.
For those of you on the other side of the pond not yet familiar with these boats, I'd suggest this boat would make a great first boat for anyone interested in getting into RC sailing or for any more advanced sailors that would enjoy sailing a well engineered and trouble free sailboat. :-))
Boomer
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Hopefully they might get to the U of K then.
There would be a market for another decent
Sail boat.
Ned
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The Nirvana North American Championships 2014, will be held from the 18th -20th July 2014 at the Seaside Pond, Oceanic Drive, St James Plantation, Southport, North Carolina
Entry forms with all details, including hotels and Sailing Instructions are available from:
pwilding_97@yahoo.com
Hotels fill up fast around here as we are a resort area.
The latest news on the release of the newest release of these fine boat is they a shipping the U. S. distributor on June 20. I am assuming that would by ship which would translate to arrival in August or Sept. by the time the shippment clears customs etc.
The arrival of these boats will be welcome news to many here in the States. I have no information on their status in other parts of the world. But sailrc.com will ship overseas once they have their inventory.
That is all I have for now.
Boomer
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I have been advised that a container full of new Nirvana's is on the high seas heading for the United States. If this information is accurate then the North American distributor "sailrc.com" should have them for sale sometime in September 2014. :-))
This is certainly good news for those that have been hoping these great boats would return. Even though they have been out of production for a year or so they continue to be sailed and raced by those of use fortunate enough to have one. Even though I have a dozen RC Yachts of different sizes and shapes, the Nirvana is still great fun to sail for me.
When I get more definitive information I will post same here. Posted a couple of photos of my Nirvana just for fun. {-) Mine is a stock Nirvana ll with the exception of minor changes to the graphics and the addition of sailsetc. rigging screws to the shrouds and back stay.
Boomer
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Should anyone be interested, Nirvana's are available. I don't know if there are hobby shops in the UK or other parts of the world that sell Nirvana's but you can get one from sailrc.com here in the U.S. Have no idea how much the shipping would be, but I am sure they'd check it out for anyone interested. I just read that there have been more than 12,000 Nirvana's sold in the U.S. since 2004.
I copied the information below from an article posted on the sailrc.com web site on the "sea trial" report on the latest version of the Nirvana. The article was written by Steve Lang - owner of Sailrc and accomplished sailor.
I did the very first “see trial” with a sample Nirvana back in 2003. I was sailing on a reservoir in Colorado, and for a trial horse, I used a race-ready CR-914. Today, the Nirvana is well known for her authentic scale looks, performance, simplicity, and durability.
I have had the experience of racing the Nirvana a lot over the years, and our company has handled the sale and service of thousands of these boats. That means that we have more experience with this boat than anyone in the world.
Since we had worked at length with the manufacturer to “fix” a few things, my test sail of a pre-production Nirvana was very nit-picky! After I was done, I went back on Skype with the production company in China, to tweak a few of the new features even more.
If you have owned and sailed a Nirvana before, you will recognize the little changes we made, however some of them are not even noticeable by eye. For instance – we had a number of parts on earlier Nirvanas that would break in rough sailing conditions, or after prolonged sun exposure. Most notably were the fittings that make up the gooseneck and the boom vang. Even though new fittings for these areas are designed, production chose to produce these boats with the old design parts made with stronger materials. So visually, nothing new. Time well tell whether these new parts hold up to the rigors.
Sheet Friction – Likewise, SailRC proposed a new routing of the sheets for the 2014 boats aimed at cutting down the friction in the system. The complaint has been that the sail servo was not strong enough to handle the sails in windy conditions.
So one way to help out would be to make the routing, turning blocks and other turning points produce less friction. In the end (one bite at a time), production only removing the sheaves from the two side-deck turning blocks and replacing the sheet line with a better, more flexible string. This has made a big difference.
Of course the other issue (which many did not recognize on older boats) was the spring-loaded hub on the sail servo arm. So when many thought the servo wasn’t strong enough to pull in the sheets, the real problem was that the “servo-saver” springs in the arm would give and not let the servo fully trim the sails. The new boats have the spring-loaded hub disabled (glued in place) to make sure the full power of the servo is transmitted to the arm and the sheets.
Of course, production also double-checked the specifications on the sail servo and made sure the servo manufacturer was QC'ing their production. The result is an improvement for sure. But we are already looking forward to a complete change to the sheet routing to makes things even better.
Frozen Rudders – How many calls did we get about frozen rudders? Hundreds!!! No matter how many times we warned folks to keep the rudder shaft well lubricated, some didn’t get the word. And one day the rudder shaft would freeze into the shaft tube and “Houston, we have a problem!”
We solved this issue by replacing the metal tube in the boat with a hard plastic tube. So there is no more metal-to-metal contact to cause the corrosion that froze the old parts together. We do have a limited supply of the new plastic tubes in stock and we are writing upgrade instructions shortly for those that want the new shaft log.
Wire rigging is gone. Leader wire is a choice for some larger models even though many of the new strings (no stretch, high tensile strength) are a much better choice, in my book. So all new Nirvanas have line rigging all around, instead of the wire shrouds, and wire forestay, that were such a nuisance.
Boom Sliders – One thing that is really noticeable is the new fittings on the booms. Many of you that sail Nirvanas know that the holes through the booms for the sheets to pass, would soon cut their way through the sheets and that was that. So SailRC encouraged a change to simpler system of boom fittings that are easier to use.
The production version of these boom “sliders”, is a little bulkier than I had hoped, but boy do they ever work well. The “O rings” are still used, but only to insure that the hard plastic fittings stay put when you have set them in position. Bottom line – a much better system for mounting and adjusting sails, and the new fittings will fit older booms too. We have had some problems come out in the first couple of weeks of sailing. Some have reported that these fitting slip if the wind is up. I have witnessed this first hand and know that somehow, the manufactured booms must have an outside diameter (OD) just a hair too small. But testing with a ring of clear plastic tubing (3/8” ID) is a good replacement for the “O” rings.
New Box – First we have a brand new box – at least the outside. Now instead of the difficulty in getting the boat, in its protective foam shell out of the end of the box, the box now opens on the long side. As soon as you lift off the top of the box, you will find posted on the foam interior specific step-by-step instructions on how to unload the parts from the box, and assemble the boat the first time. Yes, there is still a manual inside that explains with pictures how the boat goes together, but these new instructions bridge the gap and get you from box to initial layout of parts.
The boat still has the signature “letter” stickies to help you rigging the boat the first time (hook A into hole A, etc.) And, unlike before, the boat is free of advertising stickers – simply the name of the boat on each side and a smaller one on deck, and the newly adopted Class insignia on the mainsail.
So let’s go sailing! As soon as you have the boat rigged and batteries installed, you are ready to go. Nirvana is so far ahead of other boats on the first assembly, it isn’t funny. No knots to tie, and only one screw that needs a Phillips head screwdriver. Simple, simple, simple. The only boat that I know of that is easier (and not by much) is the RC Laser – hmmm, same designer for each boat!!
From here on, the boat performs as it did before. Very agile (turns on a dime), and easy to control. With the new boom fittings, the sails are easier to adjust to different wind conditions. The electronics are stable and have plenty of range so you can almost sail the boat out of sight before you loose signal.
I happened to be sailing around with some Dragon Force and Micro Magic boats. Both are great racing boats but neither could keep up with the Nirvana, especially when the wind picked up. But that is not totally fair, properly designed boats with different length waterlines, sailed by equally qualified skippers – the bigger boat will prevail.
The bottom line is what Nirvana has been known for her entire existence. A quality boat at a great price – one that is super simple to assemble, and sail, and were one-design heritage demands that a brand new boat has the same boat speed as older models – that’s the rule. That means old boats hold their price very well, and parts are always available and interchangeable. No question this is one of the best club boats in the country and the only one in it’s size range that comes with qualified, experienced service folks at SailRC.
Last thing, Great Looks – Many owners put Nirvana on display at home. That’s because she really looks like a boat. Complete with cockpit seat boards, toe rails, porthole and hatch decals, and a racer-cruiser style cabin deck layout – this is a cool boat to show off in your home.
Written 10/20/2014 by Steve Lang.
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Some have asked about sailing a Nirvana in sea water: Here is a response from the North American Distributor Sailrc.com
"We (SailRC) have always contended that Nirvana is as suitable in salt water as any boat in her price range, if not even more suitable. “Price range” has to do with the quality of the “stainless” steel used in this boat, and some of the other corrosive metals like the rudder post. The composite construction of the hull/deck, keel, rudder, spars and sails is as good as boats three times the expense.
Electronics do get wet in most sailboats, even very expensive ones – so you need to adopt procedures for maintenance that maintain electronics that are prone to getting wet or working in a damp atmosphere.
Getting wet with salt water and fresh water causes the same immediate issues. The difference with salt water is that when the water dries the salt remains to attract more moisture. So sailing in salt water adds the extra maintenance step to rinse salt water off boat (and electronics if they have gotten wet) before drying.
I carry a small fresh water spray bottle to wash salt water off the electronics if they get wet while sailing. Then after preliminary drying, I always stick a hairdryer (on low) in the electronics compartment for 15-20 minutes to completely heat and dry all the electrical fittings and servos.
Another trick for maintaining electronics is to drown them in Corrosion X at least once a season to keep a protective barrier on your working electrics. Do NOT use WD 40 or similar. Corrosion X is the product and it has recently been sold by Home Depot.
The rudder post on the earlier Nirvana's is a problem, especially around salt water, because of the dissimilar metals used. The rudder post is a mild steel, and the shaft log is brass. If not lubricated faithfully, the post will freeze into the shaft log (tube), requiring considerable effort to free and repair. I make sure to remove the rudder every day or two when sailing in salt water to make sure the lubricant I use is evident and doing the job. ALWAYS lubricate before storing for more than a week! Any light grease is good, I use Vaseline.
(*We solved this issue by replacing the metal tube in the boat with a hard plastic tube. So there is no more metal-to-metal contact to cause the corrosion that froze the old parts together. We do have a limited supply of the new plastic tubes in stock and we are writing upgrade instructions shortly for those that want the new shaft log.)
The other metal parts on the boat (screws, wires, etc) may “bleed” a little if not cleaned and dried after sailing, but that is more aesthetic damage than physical.
Bottom line, you can safely enjoy your boat in salt water – it just takes a little care afterwards (as with all boats) to keep certain parts operational."
This entry was posted in --> Tips & Tricks, Nirvana by Steve Lang.
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2016 Nirvana Nationals Regatta Report
Hurricane Matthew forced the rescheduling of the Nirvana Nationals from the original dates, but 11 skippers were able to make the rescheduled event, travelling to coastal North Carolina from as far away as Florida.
The event was hosted by the St James Plantation Model Yacht club on the Seaside Pond in Southport, NC, which usually has good to strong winds, but on Saturday morning the breezes were so light that, even after a delay, only three races were completed by lunchtime. The westerlies then picked up and built to good breezes, which continued on Sunday, for a total of 22 races.
Bob Stephens of the Sun City MYC was a clear winner, scoring 11 victories in the 22 races, excelling in the light air and maintaining excellent positions and wins as the breeze came up.
Courses on both days were two lap windward-leeward with offset buoys at both marks. SJPMYC rotated in first and second Race Officers for each of the four race sessions to keep scoring eyes fresh.
Summary of the 2016 Nirvana Nationals
Class: Nirvana
Dates: October 29-30
Location: Seaside Pond Southport NC
Host Club: St James Plantation Model Yacht Club
Entries: 11
Winds: Light to moderate
Races completed: 22
Scoring system: Low point
Regatta Committee: Peter Wilding, Race Director. RO and scorekeeping: Peter Rubin, John Eckman, Harry Thranhardt, Art Solomon, Don Cunningham, Linda Eyler, Lynda McKinley, Laura Miller, Judy Rubin. Meals: Kim Wilding, Joe Meissner, Dee Thomsen.
2016 Nirvana Nationals Results
Place Skipper Sail# Points
1 Bob Stephens 55 35
2 Peter Wilding 34 63
3 Dan Deets 108 65
4 Garrett Van Koughnett 150 91
5 Jim Lillagore 3 97
6 Karl Thomsen 144 97
7 John Harrington 96 98
8 Rob McKinley 149 124
9 David Harrington 97 131
10 Dick Greene 36 166
11 Steve Anderman 250 176
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Pictures from the 2016 Nationals
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You have to admit these guys are a handsome group to be sure. All reported a great time. Normally this event draws a much larger group but the effects of the recent foul weather kept the event at only 11 participants. If nature is willing next year we can expect more skippers to turn out.
Boomer
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At the time of this posting, the national distributor of the Nirvana has retired. The company is for sale from what I am told. There is an interested party but no deal has been announced at this time. Nirvana fans are hoping some one will take over but as of now the Nirvana is on hiatus. When any solid news is available I will post it here. It is always sad when good things end. Selling rc sailboats is a challenging way to make a living for sure. <:(
Time will tell if these very good boats find their way back into production. :-)) The owners here in the U.S. are still enjoying their boats and competing, so I am confident these boats will continue to populate the lakes and ponds of world for years to come.
Boomer
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Any updates on these boats?
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Just an update for anyone following this thread. Sadly it would seem these time tested yachts are gone. No one has purchased the distribution rights or expressed serious interest in bringing them back. All good things come to an end. The good news is the boats are still being raced in the United States by the loyal owners interested in club racing.
These boats are so durable it is unclear how long they will last. Parts are very hard to find and when the sails need replacement owners make their own or contact one of the custom sail makers that has the patterns. Mine is going on ten years and sails as well as the day I got her. I have a nice fleet of sailboats that I make adjustments to now an then to keep interested.
Be well and good sailing!
Boomer
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Recently, a fellow Nirvana owner applied his 3D computer skills and created some replacement parts for some of the Nirvana owners in the States. He successfully created most of the deck fitting and blocks as well as the inner hatch cover. Owners were of course thrilled to have these replacements made available. We have been able to make replacement sails when needed so it would seem that a good number of these terrific boats will continue to sail the lakes and ponds here in the US for many more years.
Boomer
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Glad to hear that things can be kept going. 3D printing has a lot to offer the modelling world.