Saphir |
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Manufacturer: Graupner
Specification:
Overall length approx. 950 mm
Overall beam approx. 245 mm
Draught approx. 260 mm
Mast height approx. 1240 mm
Overall height approx. 1600 mm
Sail area approx. 3850 cm2
Ballast approx. 1700 g
Max. displacement 3300 g
Manufacturers comments:
The SAPHIR is a semi-scale model of a modern high-speed ocean-going sailing boat with sporting
pretensions.
The model's outstanding features are its characteristically elegant appearance
combined with simple construction.
Even in light winds the boat is capable of astonishing
speeds, although it can also be sailed in moderate breezes.
This performance is due to the
modern hull design, the highly efficient keel form with its low-set lead ballast, and the strong
but super-lightweight rig.
The rig is based on a carbon fibre mast and sails made of special
fabric. The model's compact dimensions, low weight and easily dismantled rig make the boat
very easy to handle and transport.
The kit contains everything required to produce a
working model (excluding the RC system), and a simple 2-channel RC system is all you need to
control it.
A fittings and equipment set is also available, and helps to produce an even more
refined model.
The kit's high level of pre-fabrication helps the relatively inexperienced
modeller to complete the boat quickly and without problems.
The ready-made blow-moulded plastic
hull features two large access openings in the integral deck and cabin superstructure making
installation and maintenance of the RC system a straightforward matter.
The boat is easy to
sail: when fitted with the REGATTA ECO sailwinch the sails can easily be set so that the yacht
takes up any course you wish: »tacking«, »wind a-beam«, »luffing«, »going about« and others.
This is the ideal yacht for beginners to learn the art of radio-controlled sailing.
My comments:
I did not find building this model too complicated, the instructions and illustrating
were quite clear and most of the part are well made and easy to prepare and assemble.
In my model I decided to install the special speed 400 motor and folding prop made by Graupner,
this is originally intended for the Graupner Rubin but it allows the yacht to be returned
if the wind was to die down therefore saving time having to wait for the wind to pickup
again.
Building tools used:
Assortment of modelers knives and files.
Electric modeling Drill (Dremel)
Universal Epoxy, Super Glue, 5 minute Epoxy.
Universal Polyester filler
Dupli-color automotive primer and Dupli-color automotive white paint (acrylic).
Wet & Dry sandpaper
Marine varnish to cover ininternalooden parts
Running Equipment used:
Motor: Graupner Power set for sailing yachts
Radio: Graupner FM/FMsss PPM including a C17 FM S mini-superhet receiver
Servo: Graupner C 507 for Rudder Control
Sailwinch: Graupner REGATTA ECO
Speed Controller: Jeti model, JES 300
Battery: sanyo 6x3000 homemade pack (6 Cell, 7.2V, 3.0 Ah)
Performance:
Here are some pictures of my Saphir sailing yacht, unfortunately I did not take any pictures at the time I was building the yacht as I did not own a digital camera at that time.
This was and still is my only sailing yacht and before this I had never sailed a model
yacht before so when I took it down to the lake for the first time
I was quite nervous, but having read through the instruction manual
and also some information I found in the web I must say that is wasn't
that difficult, and the Saphir seems to do most of the work itself and
if you do get hit suddenly by a strong cross wind the yacht will keel over
to one side but the led ballast makes sure that it will give you enough time
for you to change direction thus avoiding and major problems.
As this is my first yacht I can not compare to any other to say its performance
if good or bad all I can say is that so far I have thoroughly enjoyed
sailing this yacht it has taught me the joy of model yacht sailing.
Links:
Here is a link to a website belonging to another proud owner of a Saphir. (site is in German)