Dumas ACE 17" sloop conversion to RC

[Frank v B]

Next on the board is a boat.  The little Ace sloop by Dumas.  Ordered it and it arrived this past week. $60.00.  Good deal.

https://www.greathobbies.com/productinfo/?prod_id=DUM1102&srsltid=AfmBOoq9IBbtEl7oTmF5iOouDOBDsuA3DI6uJ4ZA5PRtDsMBNZbcBjqX

Contemplated changes:
- will probably use a carbon rod for a mast instead of the hardwood dowel.
- will decide on the RC equipment when the sides and the bottom of the hull are in place but before the deck is glued.  Hatches will be decided then based on the access needed.
- will fibreglass the whole boat with thinned down epoxy.  It worked really well on the tug.
- installed the keel about an inch lower than the plans.  Added stability without adding weight.  The keel has a lead bulb at the bottom so it will have a big effect on stability.  In the photo the knife blade points to the designed depth of the keel....it is upside down and drying.


Frank

[Andy Hoffer]

Hey @Frank v B

Are you still eating dinner?!!

Andy

[Frank v B]

Now the customizing starts:
- need a hatch to access the radio.  Placed balsa stringers on either side of the main balsa center brace.  These will become the edge of the hatch.  The deck will be glued to it.  Photo 95 as built.  Photo 99 with the center brace cut.(red line).  The red arrow points to the servo rail.
- proper chain plates (side deck attachments for the main shrouds...to hold up the mast).  The plans show eye hooks.  Not right.  Used plate brass and glued it to the inside of the hull.  Red arrow on photo 97 points to the new chain plate.
- proper rudder- used a deeper more modern spade shape, partially balanced.  The rudder shown on the plan is not balanced (no rudder area ahead of the rudder post). See photo 94.  Red arrow points to the rudder on the plan.
Will also move the rudder further back- more responsive/better tracking.

Frank