While Quark is still in the water and I am waiting for better weather, I have decided to get started on my winter projects
DIY Wind sensor “Yachta”
While looking for a cheap (haha) wireless wind sensor, I came across the “Yachta” project over at Open Boat Projects (https://open-boat-projects.org/de/windsensor-yachta/). I really love this simple, no-frills design. I printed the parts in PETG with 0.12 layer height and lacquered them with the suggested DUPLI-COLOR AEROSOL ART CLEAR COAT. I ordered the PCB from Norbert and am now waiting for the remaining hardware to arrive. As soon as that’s the case, I will post an update in a separate blog post.
New windvane self-steering
I decided to replace the sturdy (but hefty) original direct-to-tiller wind-steering system with one that uses a trim-tab. I am still researching a number of designs and guess it will take me a while to make up my mind regarding a solution. Once I have, I will post updates on the project in a separate blog post.
Transom-hung daggerboards
The cockpit centerboard has bugged me throughout this first full season. I therefore have decided for a pair of transom-hung daggerboards instead. The plan is to not doo them in ply/epoxy but rather in a glass/epoxy sandwich with a 3D printed ABS core. Currently modelling them in Autodesk Fusion 360 and will probably soon post about the progress separately.
New rudder
Last, but definitely not least, I will make a new rudder. Quark’s current one is way bigger than in Janusz’s original plan and it feels like dragging a barn door in light winds. So, I am looking into the basics of rudder-design now. Not meaning to second guess Janusz in any way and I will definitely seek his advice and approval before actually laying it up.
New hull design
I really like the design that Onno gave Quark when he bought her from Arek but I want something different. Have been playing around with Janusz’s drawings in photopea and after some time ended up with this preliminary design:
