FAQ

How do I apply my new sail numbers?

1.         Make sure sails are as flat as possible on a large enough table to

            prevent wrinkles in the sail material from forming.

2.         Using a ruler and pencil mark the area on the sail with little marks to make

            number placement as accurate as possible.

3.         Now take a lint free cloth and Isopropyl alcohol and clean the area thoroughly.

4.         There are three layers to the decal kit (thick paper backing, the custom cut decal

            you ordered and a semi-transparent transfer paper on top)

5.         Carefully peel the backing paper from the decal and the transfer paper.

6.         Slowly position the decal and transfer sheet into place and start gently rubbing

            the decal on to the sail.

7.         Take a credit card with a smooth sweeping motion and medium pressure rub the

            decal down to remove all the bubbles.

8.         Peel away the transfer paper slowly at a 45 degree angle.

9.         Use a soft cloth and water to wipe the area if it is to become soiled.

            Do not use any cleaners or harsh chemicals.

 

Why paint my RC boat?

The primary reasons for painting your hull are:

To protect the hull from the damaging UV rays from the Sun.

For protecting the hull from water born contaminates like Tannic acid and harmful trace elements that can soak into and damage plastics and composite materials.  A painted surface that has been properly finished will he easy to maintain for years to come and will allow easy cleaning of the boat after it has been used. And most of all painting your boat helps you set yourself apart from other boats on the water and can make for a nice conversation peace.

 

What is the difference in DuPont Epoxy Urethane paint and the Duplicolor or Kylon enamel and lacquer paints that can be purchased at a home improvement store or auto parts store?

 Epoxy urethane is a 2 part mix of a resin and a hardener. This is much harder finish which is more durable than air dry lacquers or enamels. Urethane paints require a high end paint gun and a compressed air supply to apply as compared to the ease of the self propelled rattle can. Urethane finishes also provide better adhesion as compared to their air dry cousins.

 

Does painting my boat make it faster?

Yes. A uniform smooth surface is faster than one that is unprepared and unfinished.

 

Which has less drag in water a sanded hull or a polished hull?

Sanding vs polishing is very well debated subject within the RC sailing community. On full size boats that have hundreds of square feet of hull surface touching the water it is proven that a 500 grade sanded surface “MAY” provide a faster hull surface. But in sailboats that are 2-4 feet in length smooth polished hulls prove to be as fast as if not faster that sanded hulls. The one drawback to a sanded hull is that the fine scratches allow contaminates to have a bonding surface to grab onto and require continuous cleaning to prevent discoloration and parasitic drag from the associated contaminates.