Im new to IOM and want to make a Homemade IOM (Rhythm) old chine design. I have full plans but would appreciate any help on any topic of building.
Making sails, any easy way?
Making a keel bulb without casting or buying or stealing! Im thinking of using lead window tape wound on a metal bar to a rough shape then fining off with resin or filler for shape!
Rigging, Ive seen pictures of wooden rigging? anyone else got this?
I know i wont be the fastest, but someone has to come last!
IMHO, rigs and fins are of utmost importance, followed by practice. If you look at the current World Championship standings, many of the current hull designs are competitive, and if yours is well build and balanced, it's a great way to start.
Constructing your own hull is satisfying, building competitive sails is tougher. Home building rigs (with all the fittings) is probably not cost effective unless your time is free.
Build the hull, try to build the sails, buy the parts to make up the rigs, and buy fin/rudder.
As long as your bulb is the right weight and fair, making one is OK but messing with lead casting is a bit of a hassle and potentially dangerous to your health.
For all the trouble involved in melting/casting lead for the sake of £20 I found it was much easier to buy one...same went for the sails (I think) my first set were £35 from housemartin They got me on the water, got me winning which was perfect for me.
If you are new to the IOM's it's hard to know how a set of sails should "look" and while you might not be perforamnce orientated now, getting a set of sails to give you an advantage is better than getting disheartened if your sails leave you sailing the course on your own.
Just my thoughts
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