Dumas Star 45

[dannyUAL767]

I'm just now starting on my wood Star 45 that I bought about 2 years ago from Dumas. I'm really looking forward to trying to sail this boat. My question concerns the sail control unit. Can I use one of several sailboat servos (arm) or winches or will I have to use the Dumas Probar sail control unit as specified in the kit's instructions? Hitec units range from $39.99-54.99 in the 2004 Tower catalog while the Probar unit is $99.99 :eek: . The Probar unit looks like it may be very "old school" as well. But then again, I'm sure my Star 45 is also very "old school!" Thanks for any help.

[mjmsprt40]

Use one of the new sail control units. You may have to figure out a new mount for it, but in the end you'll have a better unit. Many of these plans for "old school" boats show equipment that you just can't get anymore, I've seen stuff that goes back to reed radio sets. Why use an old reed radio when you can have all that modern technology has to offer, in a smaller and far more reliable package?

[dannyUAL767]

So I should just buy a sail winch then? Making a mount for it won't be a problem. I just want to be sure that it'll do the job that the Probar is supposed to do. As you can tell, I don't know anything about sailboats :o !

[mjmsprt40]

I have a Dumas Bingo. It was supposed to use the Probar unit, but I decided to use something else. The unit has worked flawlessly, so I would guess I made a good choice. The plans give you a starting point, and possibly useful suggestions if you don't have access to other sources for radio gear. It is not gospel, though, and shouldn't be taken that way.

I don't know if they still make the Bingo, the 50/800 class in general doesn't get much press these days. Most folk seem to be running the 36/600 boats, they're smaller and easier to handle in today's econobox cars. Your Star 45 isn't that different from mine, just a few inches shorter but a bit wider if I remember right. Most sail control units should fit and run alright.

[dannyUAL767]

mjmsprt40, did you use a sail winch? These "servos" have a large wheel with what looks like pulley grooves instead of the standard servo arms. I just went to the Tower Hobbies website and looked at them (Hitec) and saw that they also make a sail arm servo which I'm sure is like a modern Probar unit. At least I think that it is!

[mjmsprt40]

I had to dig up the paperwork on it. The one I use was made by Harris Engineering. It's a swing-arm type, putting out 80 lb./in of torque. I have no idea if they still make it, and it is older technology by today's standards. It uses limit switches and a DPDT switch operated by the "throttle" servo to make it work. At the time, they made a similar unit called the "Little Herc" which would fit in the Star 45. It put out 30 lb/in torque, so you can see these were powerful units. The DPDT switch gave directional reversing, but like all switches of its type is an all or nothing affair. It's hard to imagine anybody using one in this day of digital equipment that can give you more precise control of your sails. In 1979, when I built my Bingo, it wasn't too shabby though.

Personally, I prefer the swing-arm units, but the wheel type sail winches are good too. :D

[dannyUAL767]

mjmsprt40, okay, thanks for the information. I'm glad to know that I don't have to stick with the Dumas Probar unit. I think that I can get better for less than half the price. I'll decide later if I want to go with the winch or a sail arm.

[slat26]

let us know when you have any updates on your sailboat!

[dannyUAL767]

Chris, I haven't even started on it. Well, I have removed the parts and sanded them smooth, so I guess thats a start. As you've seen from other threads, I've got those 3 power boats that I'm still working on. I think that I need to get all 3 finished before I start a new project. Maybe later this spring I can get started on this sailboat :D .

[rcmagic]

Chris, I haven't even started on it. Well, I have removed the parts and sanded them smooth, so I guess thats a start. As you've seen from other threads, I've got those 3 power boats that I'm still working on. I think that I need to get all 3 finished before I start a new project. Maybe later this spring I can get started on this sailboat :D .

I just got a Dumas Star 45 from ebay in its unopened box. It is my first Sailboat not RTS or ARS. Even that looks challenging I will give it my best. If anyone have beginners tip, be my guest. Will post progress.

[dannyUAL767]

rc, have you started your boat yet? If so, do you have any pictures that you can post?

My boats are just begging to be built but nothing is going to happen until this winter. I'm plannin' on a lot o buildin' :D !

[rcmagic]

rc, have you started your boat yet? If so, do you have any pictures that you can post?

My boats are just begging to be built but nothing is going to happen until this winter. I'm plannin' on a lot o buildin' :D !

I just sanded the wood but really haven't done much, I have established a goal of having it built by january. I will post photos of the progress

[dannyUAL767]

I've broken out and sanded most of my parts as well. I'm not putting a timeline on my sailboat but it would be nice to have it done by the end of next spring.

Like you, I'll post pictures of the progress when I start building.

[skipgall]

don't like to but in but; i have heard the the sail winch gives some people trouble. line does not stay on winch. they have switched to the arm. all so the arm can give you two sail controls (jib/ main) the winch can to but its tricky.

[dannyUAL767]

Okay, it sounds like the arm can be easier and more flexible to use. Anyone else have any comments on this? I think that I've seen a Futaba sail arm servo, I think :confused: .

[dannyUAL767]

I went back to towerhobbies.com and found this Hitec sail arm: http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXGZU1&P=0

Hopefully we could use this instead of the Dumas unit costing almost twice as much. Comments?

[RickE]

You might also consider the Hitec 815 megasail arm servo. It gives alot more torque (on six volts of power) that can be usefull on windy days. It can be setup with a centered control arm like the Dumas unit which might work better inside your Dumas hull.
RickE

[dannyUAL767]

Rick, that sounds like a great idea! This is it and it's powerful and affordable:

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXN668&P=7