Robbe Windstar, first 1m yacht

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Joules - 23 Sep 2005 13:08 GMT

Is this a good model for learning, and progressing to more competitive
activities later. It seems a comprehensive kit, with optional sails
being available, at a good price?

Joules

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DB4 - 25 Sep 2005 17:40 GMT

First class kit and also competitive in 1 metre class, only DO NOT use the
Robbe 'Stablit' glue the kit recommends. Its a polyester based glue suited
to polyester based glass fibre hulls and the hull in the kit is FAR superior
to polyester - its an epoxy based GRP hull. The 'Stablit' glue the
instructions recommend will not bond to the epoxy based hull - I know, I had
to clean and re-bond everything the next day!.

Bond with epoxy based resins such as 30 minute araldite, etc. Also, epoxy
GRP builds up a bit of a waxy finish that can inhibit bonding. Give the area
to be bonded a bit of a clean with acetone first (nail varnish remover). I
upgraded some of the deck fittings to stainless steel from the Graham
Bantock catalogue and used his mast spreader which can be taken down for
easier transporting rather than the plastic one in the kit. Graham will post
you his catalogue if you ring him at his shop called 'Sails Etc' - e-mail me
direct if you cannot find his number.

Where do you live? I'm the Leeds area and would be happy to go over a few
of the very small changes I made in the fittings. Overall , a splendid kit
and well worth the money. I built mine five years ago and it still looks as
good as the day I finished it.

Regards,
Dennis

> Is this a good model for learning, and progressing to more competitive
> activities later. It seems a comprehensive kit, with optional sails
> being available, at a good price?
>
> Joules

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Joules - 25 Sep 2005 22:23 GMT

Thanks for the reply Dennis, I tried to contact you, but your email
address keeps bouncing from my my ISP...

Here's the message I tried to send: -

Yep I would like to know more about the changes you made to the kit. I
was going to just get one for myself, but I think I may need to get two,
as my son seems very interested. I wondered about getting one and
buying a hull separately, and making the rest, or would it just be a
whole lot easier to buy a second complete kit. I'm in Rotherham, down
the road from you.... So to speak.

I'll keep in mind using epoxy, or araldite rather than Robbe's suggested
glue.

Regards

Joules

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DB4 - 26 Sep 2005 21:42 GMT

Hi Joules

Cheaper to buy the kit as the hull and sails/mast etc are separate items.
The hull comes with all fitting, lead bulb and foils. It would probably
cost you more to tool the mould and cast the bulb. My e-mail is
kubaton@tiscali.co.uk

I can takes some digital pics of my hull at the weekend to show some of the
parts I've used and give you the part numbers from the Bantock catalogue
(although mines a bit out of date so the numbers may have changed).
Regards
Dennis

I have a brand new Hitec sail winch I could sell on if your interested (be
around £40). Not as fast as the more high end ones costing £100 + but would
be OK if your not planning to race it. I bought a whirlwind winch for mine
which I can also highly recommend but their a bit pricey!

Regards
Dennis

> Thanks for the reply Dennis, I tried to contact you, but your email
> address keeps bouncing from my my ISP...
[quoted text clipped - 14 lines]
>
> Joules

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Model Forum / Radio Controlled / Water Models / September 2005

Robbe Windstar, first 1m yacht