High Performance MPX Foil/Self-righting Trimaran-The Test Model

You do realize Doug that if you just put up a shared spreadsheet on Google Docs all these possible transcription errors would go away and the whole thing would be much more readable.

https://accounts.google.com/Service...?q%3DShared%2BGoogle%2BDocumen&ltmpl=homepage

 

MPX Test Model--Heads Up

Well, I'll probably get some time in on the boat this weekend and the plan is to set up a test rig to get the shrouds and forestay correct. I'll use dacron line to get these done and hopefully will have the jib(and maybe the Code Zero) ready to test rig. IF I get this done and IF the wind dies down I hope to have pictures of the boat with the rig up by the end of the weekend. I'm anxious to see what that rig looks like on the boat.
It will still be a while before test sailing-as long as a month- but maybe sooner if I get a break. Stay tuned.....

 

MPX Test Model

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The boat is ready to take outside but the wind is too strong for the initial set up. Theres a remote chance it may still die...

 

MPX Test Model

This shows the aluminum mast step, ball bearing jib swivel, and jib mount(needs touch up) , swivel position and adjusters on the jib boom and jib gaff and upper outhaul. Furthest back point is rig with jib/Code Zero. Farthest forward position is main only. Or somewhere in between.......
click--

 

MPX Test Model-heads up(again)

Initial rig set up very soon with pictures of the boat and rig. First sail may not be far off........

 

Your status is good to hear.

Keep good notes & take lots of photos / videos. We want all the details.

 

MPX Test Model

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I've got a go-pro and two other cameras available for video and stills. First sail I'll probably be alone unless Scott(sailmaker) can get free. But there will be an ongoing program of getting video hopefully including on-board video. In addition, I have a little gps type device(igotu GT-120) that will track speed-to be added after she's going well.
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Probably going to sail first with the main and jib, rather than main + Code Zero- just to make sure she balances well and because it will have less power. I think the main and wing mast has enormous power and I want to get used to this configuration before I try the Code Zero. Fun times ahead.......

 

Good Luck with your first sail Doug.

 

Looking forward to seeing the first videos.

 

MPX Test Model

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Thanks Paddy-it will be a while yet but getting closer.....

 

MPX Test Model

I'll be able to work some on the boat for the next 4 days but the weather doesn't look good for setting up outside. But you never know for sure.......
Will whittle away at the final details including putting red stripes on the foils to make it easier to determine exact flying height. The ama foils need to be wet sanded first. The main and rudder foils seem to have come out real smooth.
Need to fire up the radio equipment and finish the winch installation. Need to rig up both sheets and hook up the rudder pushrod so that it can be removed for transport. Need to make up the Code Zero boom and bowsprit and make a forestay so the boat can be sailed without the jib or Code Zero.
Need to rig the wand system and attach the springs and devise a transport "stop" for the wands. Thats just about it.

 

MPX Test Model

Here are a couple of shots of the Dual Wand System installed. It will stay in position for transport with a line holding the wands up a bit higher than in these pictures. The Rocker Arm spring is not attached yet. Looks like Friday will be the next best chance to put the rig on the boat outside......
click for better view--

 

MPX Test Model---"chainplates"

Seems a bit much to call these chainplates so we'll just call them Spectra Shroud Attachment Point(s). So the SAP is made of 500lb spectra line which is lead off the back of the forward crossarm to get the shroud as far aft as possible(without using a bridle). The shrouds will be made of 150lb spectra and I will experiment with using a "bowsie" as adjuster. Now, spectra is slippery but in tests with the line wrapped around the bowsie there was no indication of slippage. I've got miniature turnbuckles to use if necessary but they would probably be borderline in this application.
Note: each knot tied in the spectra line is covered with cyano acrylate glue. And the line used is three to 5 times stronger than the required load. Cyano works good as long as it stays relatively dry. There have been a number of RC sailboats built where the modeler cyanoed the keel bulb in pace only to lose it after a couple of hours sailling. So far I've never had a spectra knot slip or fail after using cyano. There is at least one "expert" that says using cyano on the right knot makes it nearly as strong as a splice.
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The middle picture with the bowsie laying on the turnbuckle may allow you to see the three holes in the bowsie if you click twice . You can rig a bowsie at least a couple of ways-in-line or with a twist. The twist makes it very difficult to adjust the bowsie under load and thats fine for this application:

 

MPX Test Model

Heres the final(?) jib attachment system. It uses two carbon tubes that slide
(hard) into the molded in receptacle on the deck. Adjustment is possible between the two marks on the deck. To attach the jib the forward and aft tubes slide out and the jib pivot swivel is held in position so that the forward tube can be slid into position. Then the aft tube is slid into position firmly. Their is substantial resistance to moving the tubes when they are in place which I think will be enough to hold them in place considering the load from the jib / Code Zero. Initially, the jib will be set at the aft mark and there is plenty of fore and aft adjustment on the molde in deck receptacle and on the jib boom.
Note: theres a bit of cosmetic work still left.....

Pictures- L to R- 1) jib attached, 2) jib removed-transport position, 3) Wand transport retainer-attached after sailing for transport to hold the wands up:
click-

 

MPX Test Model

I brought the rig back in the shop(house) from where it's been hanging in the garage with the wind blowing 12-15 but it's really gusty around the corners of the condo between the garage and here. This thing is a handful! I was concerned about an area around 2/3rds the way from the tack up on the luff:
but when I was able to fill the sail with wind so that I could still hang on to it the problem had disappeared! Well, I need a picture or to study it under way but the sail looked like a million dollars- no creases and nearly perfect shape.
You have to tighten the gaff "halyard" first then adjust the vang/downhaul.
Well, I didn't adjust the vang and the thing was still almost perfect shape.
I'm still concerned about that area of the luff in very light air but we'll see.
Way too windy-like the other times I've been free this past week-to rig the boat but all is ready......