John Dowd

Where the rigging is connected to the Deck, Masts and the Booms needs careful attention to ensure the points are strong enough. It is no use having very strong rigging lines if the attachments are too weak. ALL hooks must be made from Piano Wire which is the spring steel wire used for Model Aircraft under carriages. About 1/16 inch diameter should be big enough, larger if the boat is very big. Bending this wire takes some practice, use good pliers and wear some goggles, just to be safe! Make…

Smaller Scale boats, up to 40 inches long will still need strong rigging line, such as Dacron, which can be bought from the Kite shops. The line must not stretch, lots of fishing lines do stretch, so be very sure when buying line, to ask if it stretches. Bigger Scale boats can use fishing Trace Wire, it is usually Nylon covered and is available in very many strengths, do not underestimate the strength of wire required. The Nylon covering on the Trace Wire magnifies the actual wire size, so it…