Hi Folks,

Decided to go 'where the wind blows' for my next boat project..

A couple of challenges though :-

1. Quite like the look of "Yacht Ardent" which I think, originally, was a Model Maker plan. I have, previously, seen this on Sarik's website, but, the name "Ardent" seems to now refer to a different model (a tug ?).

2. Would quite like a quote from a laser-cut kit supplier to take said plan and deliver a kit (at least for the hull). Preferably, someone with boat experience !

So, if anyone could supply the MM plan code, (assuming it's a Model Maker one), I could try and run that by Sarik unless, perhaps, someone has a plan for sale maybe ?

Thanks for any assistance,

Dave C

Thanks both. I see SLEC and Sarik are advertising on the columns to the right of the posting windows…..

I believe SLEC do kits based on supplied plans for aircraft, so, will try them.

Eddie – does Ardent sail well ?

Ray – do you have any spare capacity on your Myford ? I'm looking for a lathe (and Mill drill) at present but not having much luck on the more affordable used market.

Cheers,

Dave

Just found it ! "Under Sailing Boats and Yachts" (155) – with your SKU. – Most bizzare !

I think they need to work on their database search facility…

Dave

Thanks Eddie – a few further queries if you don't mind…

I've asked SLEC to quote for a laser-cut kit, but, on looking at your build thread there doesn't seem to be all that much cutting out to do – at least for the hull frames ?

I'm a bit nervous about making the sails though. Is this covered on the plan /article ?

Also, I'd like to experiment with vane steering and Arduino control at some point. Others have commented that I'll probably need a 'Y' shaped backstay to achieve this. However, I'll probably start with conventional RC initially.

One other thing I'd like is to have a small motor with folding prop as a 'get-out-of-jail' option mid-lake. I think Dave M suggested (in another thread) that Graupner used to do an all-in-one motor /shaft /prop unit that seems ideal…

Any views /experiences here most helpful,

Cheers,

Dave C

Thanks Ray – that's reassuring. I'm probably being over-cautious !

Coming back to lathes, is yours an ML7 ? I don't think I'll have room for a floor-mounted model, but, I'm currently looking for a bench-top one. About 2-3 foot between centres and 7.5" swing over the bed….any recommendations ?

Cheers for now,

Dave

Thanks all for the info',

I knew a lathe would be useful somewhere along the line !

I found that machining carbon fibre needs a good dust collection system otherwise my shelves etc get covered in fine carbon dust…whereas, with good old-fashioned ali' and brass I can get away with a dust pan and brush.

Not tried silver soldering yet but, have just bought a new TIG machine to try out…maybe on very low amps ? Otherwise, a butane /propane torch and the right flux and solder ?

Regards,

Dave

I tried both "Belair" and "SLEC" for a quote for a laser cut kit for yacht Ardent.

No reply from Belair (probably not their thing as they do mainly aircraft stuff)…

SLEC replied (eventually) but want to see the plans first, plus a list of required parts – I would have thought they could work that out from the plans !

As I'm just looking for an 'order of costs' at this stage I was wondering if anyone else has similar experience.

Eddie – looking at the plans on-line, there doesn't seem to be all that much fretting /cutting out to do ? Is that fair comment ? (I'll be doing it manually)…

Regards,

Dave