Model Boat Mayhem
The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Yachts and Sail => Topic started by: jaymac on July 06, 2013, 10:23:07 pm
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I' m still floundering about trying to decide on a boat and now there is an older Fairwind about . is there much difference Twixt old and new and is it worth bothering about too much, obviously the price needs to be considered
Thanks
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I' m still floundering about trying to decide on a boat and now there is an older Fairwind about . is there much difference Twixt old and new and is it worth bothering about too much, obviously the price needs to be considered
Thanks
Jay
For the price you said you could get a new Fairwind lll for - go for the Fairwind lll. This is a "no brainer". The differences between the earlier models may appear subtle, but in fact are really substantial! The older versions were made out of ABS and were sold as kits whereas the Fairwind lll is sold as an RTR. The newest version is now a Fiberglass boat and not just any fiberglass boat. In my opinion Kyosho has produced a near flawless RC yacht. Specifically the deep navy blue and white gel-coat is "show" quality and the lay up is flawless. The boats graphics are rich and tasteful. If you like scale details and some deck "bling" the new boat has lots to offer there as well. In addition the keel on the new boat was redesigned making it larger and a tab deeper, which yields improved stability. They made a new electronics box that reduces the potential of water intrusion harming any of the electronics. It is just a much nicer boat overall.
I mentioned in another thread, my Faiwind lll is now a "motor sailor" making it a bit unique. I've not heard of, another to date. Care was taken to insure the proper weight and balance were maintained and as a result the boat sails the same as it did without the added electronics, motor and drive line, but now has the luxury of an on-board motor should the need arise to motor out of "irons" or other conditions that might occur.
I am not suggesting the ABS versions are not viable boats, they are, and have good resale value. It may be worth a few minutes of your time to visit a thread over at rcgroups.com Here is a link to that site http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1781219&highlight=fairwind+build&page=15 (http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1781219&highlight=fairwind+build&page=15) A buddy of mine in Canada started that thread and I think it has information on this boat you or others might find of interest. It shows some nice upgrades and customizations etc.
I included a few pictures of earlier ABS kit versions of the Faiwind as a contrast to the newer Fiberglass version - the hulls look alike, but are as mentioned different and improved!
Hope this information is of some value. These are very nice boats, and exceptionally well made. Fairwinds are not the fastest boats but sail well and are fun to race with other Fairwinds! I personally enjoy the shear beauty the manufacturer has created in this model. Makes a great front office display model as well. Good luck with your decision. :-))
Here are the specs on the Fairwind lll
Overall Length - 35.4″
Length Waterline - 34.5″
Beam - 8.8″
Draft - 11.5″
Mast top above deck - 48″
Bottom of keel to top of mast - 53″Sail Area
Standard Rig 710 sq. in.
Competition Rig 600 sq. in.
Displacement 9 lbs.
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Thanks Boomer as usual an excellent informative reply as happened the Old one was a shade to far to travel for but it went for £70 The FW111 is still on my wish list though just got myself A used Victoria to amuse/frustrate me for the Mo
Thanks
Again
Jay
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Jay
Good choice on the Victoria! Had one for years. Had a good time with it. Sold it for what I had in it too! Can't beat that! :}
Lots of good information out there for you on the Victoria. I kept mine in the "stock" configuration and would say it sailed particularly well in lighter conditions. Found whatever breezes were present and did the best with them. Modified, they can be significantly faster and more capable - some of the guys that race them here go crazy with upgrades. The AMYA class rules permit lots of modifications - I think that fact attracted a lot of guys that like tweaking and upgrading. O0
In another post I mentioned the CR 914 which has a bit of a resemblance to the Victoria - it's longer and from all I have read is one of the best sailing boats around. At only 36" long it is sailed and raced in 20 knot winds! :-)) That is impressive. Micro Magic's are another amazing boat that can sail in very difficult conditions - well beyond what their small size would suggest.
Once I get my 914 completed I will know more 1st hand information. These boats were originally made in Japan now produced here in the U.S. Included a picture of very nice 914
Oh, last thought - I wouldn't wait very long on the FW lll - Kysoho has stopped making them-there are no more in the U.S. not sure about on your side of the pond. My suggestion is if you want one, and get at the price you mentioned - at the very least you'd have a good investment there! These bring $600 USD or more if you can get one here! I suspect they will go for more the longer they are in short supply. The same thing has happened to the Seawinds, now on Kysoho's "out of stock" list with know known date for production runs. Depending on the condition a Seawind can bring crazy $$$ here.
Glad I have mine! Another one is the Yamaha Round the World - my personal favorite - rare as hen's teeth - maybe more so? They bring big bucks too! All three are Japanese made models - interesting fact not sure what it means but still............... O0
Good luck with your Victoria. Post some pictures as you move forward.
Boomer