Model Boat Mayhem
Dry Dock / Shipyard: Builds & Questions => Yachts and Sail R&D: => Topic started by: longshanks on May 07, 2015, 10:56:06 PM
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Hi Folks
A friend of mine has asked for suggestions to meet the following Criteria
He would like to obtain / build a simple sturdy yacht suitable for his 4 year old to sail on the local pond. Under supervision of course O0
Radio control or steering vane.
Thanking you in advance for your thoughts and suggestions
longshanks
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Joysway Dragon Force 65 is my recommendation. If the pond is shallow then add the short keel fin.
When the child is sick of it the parents can play with it.
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Hi I think RC is a bit beyond a 4 year old so I assume it is for a 'parent'.
My limited experience working in an Infant school was that 7 year olds were the youngest that could cope with reversing left and right when a boat is coming towards you. This was a specific test and most did not appreciate the difference at 7 years old. I have come across a significant number of adults too, not able to do this as well.
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So also consider a cheap boat on a string!
Good luck,
Roy
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It's a pity one can't get these any more.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Davilon-The-Morocat/166285200077317
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k43oHbHM6Dc
They are brilliant, and have two of them, and one I'm converting to radio interference.
Sail brilliantly in a stiff breeze, across the wind.
I've had kids as young as 5 sail these, ni problem at all.
cheers
:-))
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I've had good luck with Seaworthy Small Ships wood model kits. They are free sailers, but are fun for adults and kids alike (provided you have a pond where you can get to all sides so as to recover and relaunch sailboat). When I can't get to all sides of a pond, I have sailed the schooner using a fishing line attached to the bow; tug the line to tack back to shore (like Vnkwi's video)
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If you like kit-bashing: I converted the "coaster schooner" into a brigantine, and the "skipjack" into a sandbagger. Both sail nicely.
The pinewood model kits are good too; your 4 year old could help make them, I bet. I'll take 4 of them (completed models) with me to the pond for kids to sail/race. They are simple, robust, and easy to repair if a mast gets broken (just a 1/8" dowel).
http://www.seaworthysmallships.com/ (http://www.seaworthysmallships.com/)
The website was down tonight, but it's been active as recently as Christmas 2014.
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Thanks for that buddy just the job O0
My mate was dead impressed when he saw you need a hammer to build the boat ok2
longshanks
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Their Neon Tetra rubberband sub is pretty cool too. It works: dives to bottom and runs along until rubberband unwinds, then surfaces. I took the concept (using rubberband motor and rubberband prop) to make 3 other subs. I've seen a friend's rubberband tugboat run, and that's fun too.