Deans Marine “Dufresne”

[shipwrightParticipant @shipwright]

Having built a fast patrol boat (HMS Dark Biter from Nautical Marine Models), I am now looking for another kit boat to build. I like the look of the Deans Marine Model "Dufresne" – has anyone on this forum built one ? If you have what are the pros and cons ? Was it relatively easy to construct ? Did it sail well ?

Ian

[shipwrightParticipant @shipwright]

Opinions & experience of “Dufresne”

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

I recon, if you asked 10 different persons who have built the same boat, you would get 10 different answers.

How about this for a line of reasoning…..

I would only bother to build a boat (or whatever, my tastes are a bit eclectic) I really fancied building. The boat i like is the one I would want to build. I would not build a boat just because it was easy, if I didnt like it.

Just think that, after all your months of effort, you have built a boat that is, well, ok, but you chose it because it was easy (or whatever), and not because you REALLY liked it…would you be bothered to sail it much compared to the Dark Biter which is demonstrably a good looking craft and (i am guessing) quick with it.

Do you really like the Dufresne?? if so then give it a go. All boats have thier quirks. Get the kit, find out what the quirks are and it can all be sorted out.

Ashley. just a train of thought to help you decide!

[shipwrightParticipant @shipwright]

Thanks Ashley. I accept your point that if you like a particular boat then you should build it. I also think that it is reasonable to see whether there is anyone with experience of that boat who could pass on some tips (eg "goes well with 2 x XYZ motors and a 7.2 volt 10 AH battery but you'll only get 5 minutes sailing&quot. As I mentioned, I have built HMS Biter and here is a photo – does about 6 knots but should do 8 knots to be faithful to scale. (in case anyone is interested the installation is 2 x 600 ECO, 2 x 7.2 v 3300 mAH batteries in parallel, Mtroniks ESC Marine Viper 40 Amp, Acoms 2.4 2ch RC, Raboesch type D 35 mm props)

Ian

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

Ian. Certainly, having decided on a boat it is always worth seeing who has built one so you can benefit from their experience.

Your Dark Biter looks nice, I was expecting, for some reason to see it in the very striking half black, half white scheme (that was featured in the mag a while ago?? or was that in someonelses mag?). I must say that although I am not adverse to striking colour schemes, the black/white mix was not to my personal taste…it looked to me like half a dazzle camo pattern ! having seen yours, I think that the plain black is just as striking.

Ashley

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