"Katie the Kayaker" was the inspiration and result many hours of work and head scratching by designer/creator and modelmaker Graham Royle who is a member of the Buxton Model Boat Club.
Grahams full blog of his "RC Kayak" project can be found here -
https://model-boats.com/blogs/111166?...
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Here is Gaham`s latest account of the - "Maiden Voyage"
Before the maiden (!) voyage, a quick head 'transplant' !! I'd like to introduce 'Katie the Kayaker' 😂🤣
It was with some trepidation that Katie was carefully launched onto the Buxton lake. An ideal day last weekend with very little wind. I knew she would float, but would she move, and be controllable? Well the answer is yes - sort of 🤔
Thanks to Philcaretaker for the video clip.
She managed to paddle out, turn and paddle back, which was a great start. At least she didn't need rescuing. Shame she wouldn't keep hold of the paddle!
The paddle blades are not feathered at the right angle. The starboard blade is at the wrong angle and is hitting the water causing the kayak to rock excessively from side to side.
Once back on dry land, the kayak was checked inside for water. There was just a drop but nothing to worry about, which was also a relief.
So, overall it was reasonably successful, but several teething problems to be resolved before the next outing.👍
Still a bit unsure what will happen when she gets a good blow ! - I don't enjoy sailing in a howling gale but I can alter the keel weight if necessary and alter the jib fixing point along with sail area combinations.
Still all very suck it and see ! .
Enjoy !
Phil⛵
It's good to see you improving an already very successful design with a few very effective tweaks.
We should always remember that even successful designs can be readily enhanced and\or improved by our capable members!
Dr John F. Leeds and Bradford. MBC. 😊😊😊