The new high-torque winch servo is 44x22mm instead of the standard 40x20mm, so we made a new radio-plate for it today. The new plate has a bigger cut-out for the new servo, and is slightly wider. The boat will sail again next weekend so we will hear how the new servo works then.

Gone is the HiTec light-blue box, and replaced with a clear one. These servos, which HiTec calls “monster torque” are designed for either 6.0V or a LiPo pack at 7.4V. They are about 10% bigger than the standard 20×40 mm footprint, and produce 36 kg*cm (6.0V) or 44 kg*cm (7.4V) of torque. To be tried [...]

Had a chance to sail the PIKANTO in nr2 rig conditions today with pretty good results. More comments to follow later… Note to self: ran out of Malin Stainless Steel Leader, 80 lbs, which we use for stays and shrouds. Must buy more. Are there any other fishing wires that are good for IOM stays/shrouds? [...]

Got a chance to sail PIKANTO hull nr 3 today in Turku. After a bit of servo-programming to get the travel on the HiTec winch dialled in right it was on with the deck patches and onto the water. Turns out the balance is pretty darn good as we had gusty nr1 rig weather today [...]

99mm diameter winch drum for arm-winch type sheeting with powerful (e.g. HiTec) digital servos. CNC-machined in aluminium. four M3 threaded holes, weight 21 grams, price 30 euro/pcs.

Jari has added fittings, radio-installation, bulb, and foils to PIKANTO hull nr 3. Note the aluminium cnc-machined winch-drum for the HiTec winch-servo. While we have developed a good looking cnc-machined steel finmould, ruddermoulds, a bumper mould, etc. we are still not producing hulls in any larger numbers for sale due to various reasons. Stay tuned.

This fork-shaped aluminium part sits in the groove of the foredeck of the PIKANTO. It supports the mast sideways, the M3 threaded hole is for a mast-rake adjustment screw, and the forward hole is for an acetal jib-sheet lead.

Jari has been making eyebolts in brass and stainless steel with the cnc mill. These are M3 bolts with a hole/eye on the end. They are bolted to the deck of model yachts and provide attachment points for the jib, shrouds, and backstay.

As I mentioned earlier, the flanges around the foredeck openings were very time-consuming to laminate around, and very hard to release from the mould. Here I’ve ground them down with a pneumatic dremel-type grinder, and then sandpapered a bit. Next I need to fix a few dents in the gelcoat, wet-sand, and polish. Then we [...]

Jari made another red hull while I was in the USA. The flanges around the openings in the foredeck have proven hard or very hard to release from the mould, so I’ve now cut them down from the deck mould. From hull nr 5 onwards (another red one I hear) there will be no built-in [...]