August 30, 20232 yr Having watched a number of both DF 65 and DF 95 races I decided to take the step and have a go, I chose the DF 65 as my first yacht and made the purchase last week, over the weekend I watched some U-Tube videos of reviews and builds of the DF 65. I was surprised to see that there are a number of additional steps that are needed in the assembly of the yacht, for example the use of silicon sealant to seal the keel to the hull and to seal the balance weight to the keel. Is this a standard approach to the assembly of the DF65? The application of grease to the rudder stem and bellows, what type of grease should I use? Is there anything else I need to consider in the assembly process of the yacht. Thank you Andy
August 30, 20232 yr I believe the silicon applied to early versions of the hull. I've had to replace my hull twice and there was no way I could get the eyes out, and until the first one split it was entirely watertight, and the second one is still watertight
January 17, 20242 yr On 30/08/2023 at 08:34, Andy Shutt said: Having watched a number of both DF 65 and DF 95 races I decided to take the step and have a go, I chose the DF 65 as my first yacht and made the purchase last week, over the weekend I watched some U-Tube videos of reviews and builds of the DF 65. I was surprised to see that there are a number of additional steps that are needed in the assembly of the yacht, for example the use of silicon sealant to seal the keel to the hull and to seal the balance weight to the keel. Is this a standard approach to the assembly of the DF65? The application of grease to the rudder stem and bellows, what type of grease should I use? Is there anything else I need to consider in the assembly process of the yacht. Thank you Andy Hi Andy, just ordered mine, which UT video did you find the most helpful? Simon.
January 17, 20242 yr Hi Zimba, Do not put silicon anywhere on the hull. There are a number of reasons for this. I had a new DF 95 and sailed it as supplied. The only grease I use is vaseline. I have seen DF sailors filling the keel void to keep water out. Silicon is denser than water and this will actually make the boat (slightly) heavier than just allowing the small void to fill. Once silicon has been anywhere on the hull or insides it will rule out any future damage repairs in that area. Since any boat may crack in the highly loaded keel area, for example, if hitting an underwater obstruction. OK for sealing house windows though. Richard
January 17, 20242 yr 2 minutes ago, Richard98 said: Hi Zimba, Do not put silicon anywhere on the hull. There are a number of reasons for this. I had a new DF 95 and sailed it as supplied. The only grease I use is vaseline. I have seen DF sailors filling the keel void to keep water out. Silicon is denser than water and this will actually make the boat (slightly) heavier than just allowing the small void to fill. Once silicon has been anywhere on the hull or insides it will rule out any future damage repairs in that area. Since any boat may crack in the highly loaded keel area, for example, if hitting an underwater obstruction. OK for sealing house windows though. Richard Thanks very much, duly noted.👍
January 17, 20242 yr Regarding vaseline application. As a throw back to full size sailing I am a fan of natural Lanoline rather than Vaseline as it does not thin to much when in the heat ( eg when out of the water). The more water on it, it cools and stiffens, becoming a good sealent. It was used on stuffing glands for old type prop shafts.
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