Star 45 RC Sailboat Build Blog

(UPDATE: It is now called the Salish 475 as of 10 May, 2015! Click the link to see the completed boat!) Call me crazy, but I just took delivery of another Star 45 Frame kit , as well as the Fin & Rudder kit and the Radio Tray kit! Not sure when I'll start it (maybe next fall/winter) but just wanted to have them around for when I'm ready to start building. IF I build a second one, I think that I'll make some modifications to it. Perhaps a forward raked transom or an open transom. Yes, I know that it will not be class legal, but since my current Star 45 is the only one in Seattle that I know of, it's not like I'll need it to be class legal anyway. However, I may otherwise build an RC hydroplane. Thinking of the Slo-Mo-Shun V (U-37) in 1/7th scale . Thoughts? Regardless, not much boat building will happen this summer, so if you don't see many posts for a long time you'll know why. Hopefully next fall I'll have figured out what my new winte...

I was able to put the Star 45 Construction Manual on Lulu.com to have them make on-demand printed copies! Unfortunately, because the manual is 95 page and in full color with a coil binding (that stays open at your work table), I have to charge $35. Yikes... If you're interested in a printed copy, click here and go to Lulu.com . If you'd prefer a PDF copy then send a Paypal payment to stevedeligan@gmail.com and then email. I will reply with the PDF copy. The links all work in the PDF copy! Thanks for your orders so far! Peace!

It's ready! The Star 45 Construction Manual is now available for purchase! Please send a PayPal payment of $20 to stevedeligan@gmail.com and then email me at the same address so I know where to reply with the PDF manual. I will send you the full 93 page PDF manual. At this time it is available only in PDF form. You have permission to print one copy for your own personal use. This way you also have the option to print out just selected pages to have at your work area. The PDF version allows you to visit all the links, and to zoom in on the pictures to see details that a printed version can't show. You can also view it on your computer, tablet, or mobile device. Please do not distribute the manual electronically or otherwise. I'm relying on the honor system and appreciate your help! You can also visit the Star 45 Manual website and download a 15 page sample copy. Thank you!

Finished the final bits this morning and then, after six months, took her out for the maiden voyage! It was perfect! The boat sails wonderfully and I am so happy with how it did! And it happened on Opening Day of Yachting Season too! Perfect sailing day! My Star 45 RC Sailboat on its maiden voyage! It was a very gusty morning with some good winds and a few calms... got to try her out on just about every type of wind. Now it's time to do some tweaking and to finish the construction manual. Can't wait to sail her again and I really hope that some others decide to build their own Star 45 in the Seattle area so we can get a fleet going. Contact me if you're building one in the Seattle area. In the picture below you can see the cedar planked bottom. I think it looks great! In these images  you can also get a good look at the Carr Sails that I'm using. Rod Carr, one of the original Star 45 sailors, makes beautiful sails. He suggests a way to use small,...