Category Archives: Design

Model Land Yachts Design Hints By Robert Weber

DSC02498Once you are into land sailing it becomes more and more a mystery why this clean and fast sport with practically no maintenance hasn’t caught on more than just a trickle here and there. Did you know the BLM ( bureau of land management) made a 10 minute video, promoting our sport to be environmentally sound. Hear -Hear !!!!!

No messy expensive fuel or batteries, no noise, no pollution, just simple exciting fun.

Weight distribution, center of effort, suspension and selection of wheels play a major role in the way a land yacht is handling. You want to make sure the front end allows you to control the yacht in adverse conditions. You don’t want to have “rudder” problems, even the Bismarck was sunk because of that. The nice part is we walk on the substance we sail on. Most model and full size land yachts break down into 3 major components:

  1. Mast/sail
  2. Body/front end
  3. Rear axle (plank)/wheels.

On some of the models 60lbs line is used for stays, which have enough ”give” to act as vibration dampeners.

Three aircraft type wheels with 2 ball bearings installed are used in various sizes. Foam wheels are very light and offer great traction on just about all kinds of surfaces.

Sail materials used vary depending on sail area, size and type of rigging.

Receiver batteries are mounted just before or behind the plank, which is normally the location where the pilot sits in a full size yacht.

The most inexpensive 2CH ground frequency Radio will do for the boom and steering control, on larger models an arm type sail servo is required.

Great attention is paid to keep all parts of the model non corrosive, since a lot of people have to run their models on beaches. Since the main sheet is hardly ever moved you can run you model all day on a full charge of batteries.

In the heat of the battle at speeds up to 30 mph collisions are often unavoidable, therefore a rugged construction is a plus and untangling of models is all it usually takes. For the same reason you want to have the controls protected.

As you run a land yacht with a stayed mast, the down force on to the mast is considerable.

Having a soft of a flex in the plank will cause the yacht to bottom out and slow it down.

To stiff of a plank will allow the surface vibrations to transfer on to the rig, causing loss of lift and traction do to bouncing.

Boom control and sail shape are accomplished by one control function. Built-up body and wing mast are used in most models, yet the Stiletto features Body, Tail cone, inverted wing profile plank and double tapered wing mast all made out of molded fiberglass.

Weight of the models ready to run vary from 1lbs to 3 1/2lbs. Depending on the size of the model.

All kits are complete to the smallest detail less glue and paint. The Stiletto has a choice for either standard or low wind sail option.

Model land yachts perform best at wind velocities of right around 8-10mph.

For further info. Please contact Robert Weber at (909)585-2372 or email robertsmly@charter.net. Please visit my website at www.modellandyachts.com .