RE: nirvana II tips and tuning guide
Guiri: I would agree with you that a beam reach would be the most practical situation in which the wind exerts the most force on a sail servo. Then again, it is almost impossible in my experience to hold a true beam reach on an RC sailboat. She always wants to head off into the wind if you run with a slight weather helm. I have only been sailing since August of last year and didn't know anything about real sailboats before hand but have done a lot of reading since. It seems the real boats have something called a centerboard that they can lower into the water to help balance the forces acting on a boat and keep her sailing a true 90 degrees to the wind direction. On hard gusts I will let out the sails a little to keep the Nirvana from tipping over too hard or going into luff..but for a boat her size I find the 120 oz. in. torque sufficient to sheet in when desired. No doubt on a larger boat...maybe even a one meter...this might not hold true. ~TC
Posted on: 7/18/2007 8:05 AM by Author "Templus_Catticus" in the forum "RC Sailboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6125635

RE: nirvana II tips and tuning guide
It's interesting because the Nirvana is a 32" boat with 525 sq.in. of sail area. I think 200 oz.in. of torque may perhaps be reassuring pyschologically but it is certainly not necessary on the Nirvana. I run a Hitec HS-645MG and find the 120 oz.in. of torque quite adequate. I think if you are sailing your boat in the wisest manner there should never be a need to sheet in directly against the full force of the wind. This is something you learn through stick time and experience..how to sheet in at the most advantageous time. For example: Say you are coming off a strong downwind run wing on wing and begin to come about for an upwind tack. The momentum of your boat speed into the turn should carry it nicely through until she is abeam of the wind and I don't begin to sheet in until at least this point. This considerably lessens the torque needed to bring the boat to tacking trim as you gradually but smoothly bring the stick to this position. I think a lot of these "torque problems" are solved as novice owners pick up on the smartest way to sail and realize it doesn't take as much brute force as they maybe initially thought when they learn to manuveur the boat better. Have others had this experience as well? ~TC
Posted on: 7/16/2007 4:16 AM by Author "Templus_Catticus" in the forum "RC Sailboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6116471

RE: nirvana II tips and tuning guide
One other tip that I highly recommend for Nirvana II owners involves the electronics compartment. When the sheets in the e.c. go slack there is a good chance that at some point they will snag on either the rudder servo linkage (that "Z" shaped fitting that points upwards at the end) or on the battery holder itself when you try to sheet in. This could possibly strip out a servo and at the very least cause loss of control of the boat. It is a cheap and easy thing to prevent. I took a small piece of plastic..in my case the kind that is used in office file folders..and sized it to shape and fit the e.c. I cut out a small section at the top port side to enable easy access to the on-off switch. Also you trim it with scissors so that it will accomodate the sail servo. Slide it under the sail servo arm and over the top of the battery holder and rudder servo. Note that this doesn't have to be rigid plastic like plexiglass etc. although I'm sure that would work as well. It just has to give the sheets a surface to lay on when they are slack. This has the added advantage of baffling any water that comes in from the sheets to the sides of the e.c. where it will run down the side. Because all of the electronics are by design suspended about 2-3cm above the bottom of the e.c. this small amount of water that could get in is likely to cause no problem.
Posted on: 6/15/2007 9:40 AM by Author "Templus_Catticus" in the forum "RC Sailboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5990659

RE: nirvana II tips and tuning guide
Dino: I would use medium to slow setting CA glue to seal the shroud fitting. Don't use the thin kind..it does not have good gap filling properties and that is what you desire in this case. I am used medium Jet (a brand name) CA to seal the brass rudder post tube on my V-32 build and it made a great watertight seal. I've stopped working for now on the V-32..summer is here and it's just too much fun to be out sailing Miss NIrvana. I'm saving the rest of that project for colder winter days. ~TC
Posted on: 6/14/2007 5:27 AM by Author "Templus_Catticus" in the forum "RC Sailboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5985782

RE: Nirvana II Pro Or Sanibel?
JP: I suppose one's choice of radio and receiver have a lot to do with the conditions under which one is sailing. The 2.4Ghz (like Spetrum) would be great if you sail in an area where there are other RC boats on the water or in competition and want to be able to prevent channel interference. With the exception of one power boater who was on the 27Mhz band, and who I have only seen once on my pond, I am the lone RC sailor and interference is not much of a concern. I also like the fact that a sailboat is quiet in operation and doesn't churn the water and leave big pluming wakes like the power boat guys. I think the fisherman on the pond get annoyed with the power boater for "scaring the fish." To me the power boats would be boring. You steer and they go where you point them..no real skills needing to be learned or to keep you on your toes. :) ~TC
Posted on: 6/4/2007 7:18 AM by Author "Templus_Catticus" in the forum "RC Sailboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5942132

RE: nirvana II tips and tuning guide
JP: Am I glad I read your post. I hadn't even thought about that and went to check the suspect area. I've had my Nirvana since August last year and sail her two or three times a week for 2-3 hours average and the sheet running through the boom was so frayed it's a wonder it had not broken already! The jib sheet was frayed also; not as bad as the boom but still enough that it would cause a problem down the road. Careful to preserve the bend in the sheet where it runs off the boom to the zig fitting I used a few drops of Super Jet medium CA glue. It's good stuff..dries hard as steel! Did the same thing to the frayed area on the jib sheet as well. I think it should work but I will keep an eye on this area in the future and keep your idea in mind as well. A craft store near me sells glass and plastic beads. If you could find one the right diameter to fit the boom and jib holes one could CA glue them in place and have a good smooth surface for the sheets to run though. I've read on this forum about some skippers using these for fairleads etc. Sanding would also be an excellent idea and simpler. I've read many people rig their boats with high quality fishing line. I don't want to go that route unless I have to. Fishing knots can be hard to tie and the line is thin and hard to work with for me. I don't relish the idea of having to re-rig the whole sheeting system! Thanks for the tip! ~TC
Posted on: 5/25/2007 5:42 PM by Author "Templus_Catticus" in the forum "RC Sailboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5901742

RE: nirvana II tips and tuning guide
Touch N' Go: Congrats! I guess I am just lucky. I have never had any problem with water getting in on the port side (with switch), only on the starboard side where the sheets come in..and even then only in the fiercest blows when one is sailing more horizontal than vertical. :) What water does get in the "sponge trick" handles well..I have never got to the point where the sponge was saturated enough to start leaking water even after hours on the pond with the strongest winds. I would caution everyone once again to NOT get petroleum jelly on the soft hatch cover..it will cause it to wharp! I coat the sheets with bees wax (comes in a tube from "Burt's Bees" company) to lessen friction on light wind days and use petroleum jelly to lube the rudder post and carbon fiber gooseneck where the main boom swivels on the mast...but keep p.j. away from the soft plastic. ~TC
Posted on: 5/25/2007 6:09 AM by Author "Templus_Catticus" in the forum "RC Sailboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5899552

RE: Nirvana II Pro Or Sanibel?
Mikeby: You are right about the "Sanibel." I was thinking it was 28" boat but with an LOA of 36" it will have stability and sail much better than a 28" model. This would give it a leg up (keel up?) on the Nirvana II at 32" if the hull design and balance of the boat were equally sound. A CR-914 (another 36" boat) could out sail in speed and agility a Nirvana II easily enough...the Sanibel I am not so sure. I think the purpose of both boats is different and that goes into design philosophy. The Sanibel looks to me as if it were designed to resemble a more scale look of an actual sailing pleasure craft...it would appeal more to the people who are looking for a picuresque leisure sail while dreaming they are off the coase of Aruba. :) Nothing wrong with this. A sailboat is a personal thing and people get from the hobby that which is fun for them. Some love to build...others not at all. Some want a performance based boat that looks and handles like a cup racer (that would be me) and others want more realism and scale in appearance. I have read through the Sanibel thread and she has problems with her drum winch. The Nirvana II has some problems with her stock electronics (or did...the newest version supposedly has improved electronics) and can have problems with watertight integrity of the electronics compartment. I have read and believe that ALL true RTR boats have some flaws (I'm talking entry level under $300.00 class...not the more expensive RC Laser) so the trick is to choose one that requires the least radical or expensive alterations to make a seaworthy boat. This assumes you are interested in entry level and perhaps don't even know how much you will enjoy the hobby and don't want to spend a fortune to find out. I have dreams of going up to the 1m size some day..I am leaning towards the Kyosho Seawind...but am still having a blast learning the ins and outs or rig tuning and wind reading on the Nirvana II. All I can say is read what others have to say, search the web for reviews/articles about your boat and go by what factors or combination of factors appeal to you. No one but you can ultimately determine that. ..and whatever your choice happy sailing! ~TC
Posted on: 5/25/2007 5:39 AM by Author "Templus_Catticus" in the forum "RC Sailboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5899522

RE: Nirvana II Pro Questions
I really don't know much about the Sanibel but from what I have read she has her fans. The Sanibel uses a drum winch servo which gets a bit more complicated...the strange thing to me about her design is you normally do not see a drum winch servo on smaller boats like her. Sanibel is an atractive looking little boat but I doubt she would sail to the standards of a Nirvana II. If you are not interested in racing and just want to tool around the pond I imagine she would be okay. Some of what I am saying is just "best guess" work though...I've never seen a Sanibel sail so just going by sail material and area, size, functionality and adjustability of rigging etc. Do a search on this site and there is a good thread on the Sanibel somewhere in the archives. You should find some good info there. ~TC
Posted on: 5/23/2007 9:09 PM by Author "Templus_Catticus" in the forum "RC Sailboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5893730

RE: Nirvana II Pro Questions
When you get the Nirvana without electronics you have to remember that the slots and mounting holes for the servos are a certain dimension (lxw) and Futaba standard servos will NOT fit the mountings without some sanding/grinding/cutting and probably (not certain about this but it follows logically) cutting some new screw mounting holes. On the other hand, Hitec standard size servos (I run the HS-311 for rudder and HS645MG for sail) fit perfectly in the provided mounts with no modifications needed. I've heard conflicting reports on whether Futaba receivers will accept the type of connector used in Hitec servos...not sure what to believe so I just used a Hitec AM 2 channel BEC receiver. I've also heard many people prefer an FM receiver to AM but I have not personally ever experienced any difficulty with my Hitec interference wise or loss of signal. Hitec offers an FM surface receiver but it is 3 channel and a little more expensive. I know people argue that Futaba is the best on the market but all I can say is I have never had problem one with my Hitec setup. Hope this helps. ~TC
Posted on: 5/23/2007 8:51 PM by Author "Templus_Catticus" in the forum "RC Sailboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5893639

RE: nirvana II tips and tuning guide
Dandelave: Looks like a great club! I especially like the photo of the two Nirvana's about to meet nose to nose...makes me wince...looks like some paint chipping in progress there. :-) In writing to Mr. Lang he thinks we will be an AMYA sanctioned boat sometime soon...the AMYA knows we are coming and is planning to feature the Nirvana in one of the 2008 issues of "Model Yachting" magazine. I plan to sail the "Alcyon" (my Nirvana II) this afternoon...some light wind sailing about 4-8mph winds predicted. Wish I could post a photo of her but I am on an MSNTV computer. It's kind of the "Edsel" of computers and can't do a lot of the things that a real computer can. I can send photos in e-mail but can't link to post here. Good luck with your thriving club and really enjoyed the website. ~TC AMYA #14983 Sail #78 P.S. I would encourage all Nirava owners to join the AMYA and reister their boat...she deserves to be in a sanctioned one design class. Note: DO NOT put petroleum based products (like Vaseline etc.) on the soft hatch cover of the Nirvana for waterproofing...it will cause the soft platic to warp and make the problem worse.
Posted on: 5/11/2007 7:35 AM by Author "Templus_Catticus" in the forum "RC Sailboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5840024

RE: nirvana II tips and tuning guide
T&G: I don't really feel it is necessary to go the "one pulley instead of two" route. What you should do is inspect the sheets (lines going into the electronics compartment) to make sure they run cleanly and in parallel to each other. In other words, that the factory workers didn't install them so that they are crossed over and create undo friction. That happened on my Nirvana and once it was straightened out the sheets run clean and no problem with the dual pulley arrangement. I might add that having the second pulley insures that the sheet to the main boom runs true to the deck fitting guiding the line to the hole in the boom and zig fitting. The placement of the single pulley is a problem..too far forward and you are going to be creating friction from the angle of the sheet coming from the electronics compartent...too far aft and this becomes true for the deck fitting to the boom that the sheet runs through. Look at your boat and visualize it and you will see what I mean...where do you put the darn thing? That's why I like the two pulley placement. See the previous posters info regarding Steve Lang's "Sail RC" website. The bad news (if you have not purchased your boat from him) you have to join "Club Nirvana" to get access to his "Tips and Tricks" section and this will set you back $25.00. However...I feel it is worth it! No way I could have learned as much about rigging this little boat for light air, race tuning, particular indosynchracies of this boat and improving watertight integrity without his tips. In general, in light winds (5mph) you want to move the O-ring connectors on the outhauls (boom fittings) more inward to put more curve (I believe it's called camber) in the sails. About a quarter inch or a wee bit more if the wind is really light. Keep the boom vang tight in light air. Leave a light tension on the backstay...you want the mast as straight up and down as possible on the Nirvana. I have rigged and adjustable jib pivot with O-ring connector to the jib boom so that I can slide her back in light winds to move the boats center of effort more astern. In medium to heavy winds do the opposite to varying degrees. Ex: In 10-15mph winds I leave hardly any slack in the sails...pull the outhauls back near the end of the boom. Hope this helps and good sailing. ~TC
Posted on: 5/9/2007 8:03 AM by Author "Templus_Catticus" in the forum "RC Sailboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5831162

RE: Sailboat kit
LtDoc: This is the only wooden sailboat kit I have ever run across. It's made by an outfit in Colorado and is 37" long selling for $265.00 as a kit. This seems to include radio gear, all building materials (epoxy etc.) needed for assembly only lacking the spar varnish and they offer that as an option. Seems like a quality boat: www.modelsailboat.com/t37sail.html I was tempted to get one but went with the Victor V-32 (under construction) as my first kit build as they sail in my area. Regards, TC
Posted on: 2/21/2007 4:24 AM by Author "Templus_Catticus" in the forum "RC Sailboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5451010

RE: Electronics Package for Nirvana II Pro
Ahoy Jim: I used Hitec servos because they fit into the pre-cut slots of the Nirvana II with no modification to provided screw holes and all. For the rudder the HS-311 standard servo is more than adequate and for the sail serve a Hitec HS-645MG has served me flawlessly. If you buy the standard Hitec on-off switch it also fits the "II" with no modification whatsoever. That's the good news. I used Hitec's HP2RNB AM 2 channel reciever and this does not fit where the smaller (and much cheaper made) Megatech reciever goes. The original Megatech reciever fits on the plastic shelf that supports the rudder servo and the Hitec is just too wide to go there and still fit the battery compartment. What you must do is trim/cut/grind (I carefully used a dremel tool and small grinding wheel) this excess plastic away on the port (left side looking from the stern) side of the electronics compartment down close to the wall. Don't worry...you will still have enough plastic left over to support the rudder servo. You'll see when you size it up. Next step is to cut out some of the plastic in the battery compartment slot so that the battery holder moves more to center starboard of the boat. The reciever will then fit lengthwise on the port wall of the compartment. Again...you can size this and see how much of the plastic you will need to grind off to fit. Also I did not like running the antannae of the battery through the rubber grommet through which the rudder steering linkage alsoo fits as Megatech does. The steering rod tends to pull on the antennae and I can't believe this is a good thing over time. I drilled a 1/32 inch hole in the aft part of the battery compartment below the lip where the hatch fits and ran the antennae out that hole and up the backstay. I wish I could post a photo but I am on MSNTV which is not exactly a "real" computer and it is not possible. I can send you a photo via regular e-mail if you wish to send me..say..a hotmail e-mail addy via this websites mailbox if you are comfortable doing that. I do have a photo of the E.C. after modification that will give you the picture...so to speak. You will love the Nirvana II with these components and I believe you won't find a less expensibe entry level boat that runs this great right out of the box. Okay eveyone...I know...V-32...but I said "less expensive." :) ~TC
Posted on: 1/31/2007 8:24 AM by Author "Templus_Catticus" in the forum "RC Sailboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5349989

RE: MicroMagic vs. Victoria vs. Nirvana
I also own the newer Nirvana II and am quite happy with it, but for your pond and wind conditions I would have to say go with the Micro Magic. I have never heard a discouraging word said about the MM and this among the most experienced and knowledgeable RC Sailors on this board. In other words, people whose opinion you can trust. The Nirvana has a 12" draft and a weed catching keel. This is not at all a concern at my sailing venue as the pond is weed free and a good depth even at launch points. I've never even gotten a toe wet launching or retrieving the boat. Your situation is different. Your low wind speeds also beg for the light agility of the Micro Magic...you want something that can move in those conditions and be responsive. Many posters have also said that the MM can handle higher wind conditions than one might think...another plus...versatility. From all indications the MM is not a difficult kit to build. The only other good weed boat I can think of is the Victor V-32 but it is way over your price range rtr and the kit is labor intensive. The MM kit seems as if it would be much easier for a beginner. In short, they are all good boats in their own way but for your situation I would choose the MM. Happy Sailing, TC
Posted on: 12/4/2006 7:06 AM by Author "Templus_Catticus" in the forum "RC Sailboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5073170

RE: Concensus on the Aquacraft Paradise?
Jan: Thanks for the Canadian website link. Interesting reading and some great photos. I will probably wait until next year to get the MM kit as I have the V-32 kit to occupy me this winter and with Christmas coming...budgeting gets tighter. :) It will save money that the MM runs on standard servos and I will just order a receiver with the same channel as the transmitter (HiTec) that I have now. I am the lone RC sailor on the pond in the park behind my apartment (lucky to have a body of water so close...a 30 second walk and I'm sailing!) so as of yet I have no worries about channel conflicts. Funniest question I get asked all the time when I am sailing the Nirvana; "What kind of motor does your boat have?" I tell them the "Mylar 525." Mylar sail material and 525 sq. in. of sail. :) Best to you, TC
Posted on: 11/13/2006 8:16 AM by Author "Templus_Catticus" in the forum "RC Sailboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4989478

RE: Concensus on the Aquacraft Paradise?
Ahoy Jan: Having read a great many of your posts and knowing how knowledgeable you are on the subject of RC Sailboats, I have to say you are doing a great job at convincing me that there is a Micro Magic in my future. :) I could really use a boat that would still move in very light winds. Here in the midwest U.S. we have good winds in the Fall and Spring...even the winter when you can tolerate the temperature. However, in mid-Summer the wind can be just barely moving at 2-3 mph (sorry...I don't know how to compare that to bft...suffice it to say that this kind of wind is so light I don't even take the 32" Nirvana out on days like that). With a Micro Magic sailing in this wind would again become an option as I would judge she is light enough to get some movement. The AMYA, of which I am a member and is the sanctioning body for RC Sailing in the U.S., is a bit "stuffy" in the sense that they are biased toward the more traditional RC Boats. At least that is the impression I get reading between the lines. They like the large sizes and the boats with a history...a bit apprehensive of the young upstarts like the Nirvana and MM. :) Like all things this should change over time. Thank you for your comments and advice, TC
Posted on: 11/6/2006 5:27 AM by Author "Templus_Catticus" in the forum "RC Sailboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4960687

RE: Concensus on the Aquacraft Paradise?
Ahoy Jan and hpiguy: I agree that in spite of its small size the Micro Magic must be a first class boat. I have read nothing but praises for this little craft on this and other forums. The Micro Magic is a kit but it is stressed (like the V3 here in the U.S.) that it is an easy kit for the beginner. I almost bought one myself...the only thing that stopped me was that here in Cincinnati the clubs run the CR-914 (a little pricey and not a good kit for a beginner), the Soling 1-meter (a boat that seems to need a lot of modification and extra cash put in to her to sail really well...they even say you need a special jig tool to set the keel properly) and the Vic-32. The Micro Magic is affordable in the U.S. (about $170.00) though with elecronics etc. you are probably going to wind up spending near $250.00 U.S. dollars. The Micro Magic does not (yet) have a big following in the U.S. club wise...but if you are not worried about getting into the racing end of sailing in the future and can afford the little extra cash she sounds like a proven performer. ~TC
Posted on: 10/28/2006 4:25 AM by Author "Templus_Catticus" in the forum "RC Sailboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4924364

RE: Concensus on the Aquacraft Paradise?
First impression is that she looks like a soundly built boat but she is very small at only 26." I know that is one of the qualities that appeal to you as long as you are also aware of the trade off you are making in the bargain. It's a big trade off, because I don't feel she would sail very well in any wind over (maybe even a little less than) 8mph. Another bad sign is that she uses two standard (and not one at a higher torque) servos. Standard servo is quite adequate for the rudder but only in the lowest winds is she going to give you sail trim control. I would imagine she would be only good for those summer days (like we get in the midwest) in which you average 3mph winds. If the size is not too much for you I would look into the 32" Nirvana II from Megatech. Get the pro version (minus electronics...Megatech's electronics for this boat are not well done and will break down on you in all likelyhood...they did me) and order a radio, receiver etc. set from Hitec or Futaba. It will cost you no more than the Paradise does as is for $200.00 and you will get a well designed boat with great sails that will sail in much more diverse wind conditions. I know for a fact that Hitec's standard servos (I run an HS645MG for the sail) fit the Nirvana's electronic compartment without any modifications...just screw it in. I've also read (but don't know for a fact) that the Nirvana's supplied sail servo horn will fit the Hitec...not knowing this I sanded mine down a bit and CA glued (with one retaining screw in the arm for added strength) her to the suppoied Hitec horn. OH..another thing...the Nirvana comes with Mylar and carbon thread fiber sails that are excellent and tough. One of the best features of the boat. I've also ordered a V-32 as my first kit build project. I like the 32" size as it does make it easy to transport in and out of my apartment and down to the pond fully rigged. ~TC
Posted on: 10/26/2006 7:59 AM by Author "Templus_Catticus" in the forum "RC Sailboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4916639

RE: rc lasers
Ahoy Matey: First of all you should know that the RC Laser is NOT a 1 Meter boat. she is a great little performer but is not considered a part of the 1 meter class as she is 42" LOA. She is in a one design class all her own. She is also ever growing in popularity so I hope you can find someone (or better yet some club) near you if not now then soon that runs the Laser. My problem with her is purely one of aesthetics...I just love the look of a sailboat with a jib and the RC Laser is just (a strange criticism) too perfect. Nothing to fuss with or really test yourself on to get "just right." If you want a high performance sailboat that will take a tough knocking about by the kids and will sail in virtually any wind conditions ... and don't mind the look of a dinghy...and runs like a champion straight out of the box...she's your girl. ~TC
Posted on: 10/10/2006 7:05 PM by Author "Templus_Catticus" in the forum "RC Sailboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4851498

RE: What batteries?
I agree with the good doctor. I'm just burned out on chargers..I have charger for the cell phone which keep me busy enough and a wall full of outlets always in use. I find I get a good running time for the money and just buy the economy (store brand) alkalines which are just as good as name brand as far as I can tell. Also at 6V you do get that little extra torque on the sail winch...though I don't know if that would be really all that much of an advantage except of perhaps the most blustery of days. I'm just at the age where I like to keep things simple and the extra expense over time is worth it to me. ~TC
Posted on: 9/27/2006 6:12 AM by Author "Templus_Catticus" in the forum "RC Sailboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4798183

RE: Anyone have the new Nirvana II (Pros & Cons)
John: I also noticed that Megatech had the sheets going through the two blocks on deck in such a way that they crossed over each other. After observation discovered that the sheet going to the boom "prefers" to ride on top and redid the sheets accordingly undoing the croos over. She works much better now with less friction...although I am sure your modifications improve on this condition also. One final modification I did was to the boom vang. The swivel point had too much friction and would not turn freely with the boom. I sanded her down to clear that and she runs out to a full 90 degrees downwind on the main sail now without a problem..at least to port. The fact that the sheet has to cross over the fitting on the starboard side creates a little more friction and can hinder this in light winds. ~TC
Posted on: 9/11/2006 6:34 PM by Author "Templus_Catticus" in the forum "RC Sailboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4736865

RE: Help to select first boat!
Sorry Samoa...I got the Nirana website wrong in previous post...I was about to have you flying again. :) Try www.sailrc.com ~TC
Posted on: 9/5/2006 9:42 PM by Author "Templus_Catticus" in the forum "RC Sailboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4715094

RE: Help to select first boat!
Hello Samoa: You've certainly got the perfect sailing location! I would take a pass of the Fortune 612...it is just a little too much in the borderline between simply a toy and a boat that at least somewhat sails as a real racing yacht would. My recommendation...get a Nirvana 2 from Megatech. It is in the same price range (ok..maybe 40 dollars US more) but the design of the boat is much more sound and it will give you more of a real feel for RC sailing. I think 32" is about the minimum length you can go and still have a boat that will faithfully mimic the real thing to some extent. In any event, see what you think at www.rcsail.com The best info on the web about the Nirvana 2..and don't worry...if you can master flight sailing should be a (no pun intended) breeze. Happy Sailing, TC
Posted on: 9/5/2006 9:37 PM by Author "Templus_Catticus" in the forum "RC Sailboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4715064

RE: Anyone have the new Nirvana II (Pros & Cons)
off." Hope this is useful and happy sailing, Templus Catticus
Posted on: 9/4/2006 8:23 PM by Author "Templus_Catticus" in the forum "RC Sailboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4710372