Skipjack 48 R/C Class Rules

Class Standards

The official plans of the Skipjack 48 published by Solomon’s Island Model Boat Club (SIMBC) and dated January 2002, as updated, are the official standards with respect to hull, spars, sails, keel, et cetera, related to the complete configuration of the boat.

Hull

The hull measurements and configuration shall be:

  • Exterior dimensions in accordance with plan dimensions within ±0.5 in.
  • Wooden keel, skeg and other bottom shapes shaped and placed per the plans, within ±0.25 in.
  • Hatches may be configured at the builder’s discretion, consistent with water tightness and reasonable access to radio gear.
  • Center of the mast step should be at the centerline and 11 in aft of the aft edge of the outside stem at deck level (with a 2-in fore and aft adjustment).

Lead Keel

The keel measurements and configuration shall be:

  • Keel shape and location must conform to plans and be made of lead.
  • Keel displacement is 10 lb maximum.  No minimum.
  • Only changes in keel profile allowed are fairing of the top to conform to the wooden keel.  The boat builder may reshape the keel to a tapered trailing edge, or any other cross-sectional shape desired, as long as the triangular profile is maintained.  The minimum weight of the boat must be preserved.
  • The keel must be within ±0.25 in of plan measurement from the hull at the keelson.

Radio Controls

The radio control components shall be:

  • Radio control units shall use only two channels for control of the skipjack model.
  • The use of 2.4 GHz radio technology is encouraged.

Rudder

The rudder measurements and configuration shall be:

  • Rudder shape shall conform to that indicated on the plans, but area may be increased by 25% if desired; however, the general shape must be retained.

Mast

The mast measurements and configuration shall be:

  • The mast is to be a non-rotating mast.
  • Mast and booms are to be constructed of wood.
  • Mast is to be angled at least 12 degrees, referenced to vertical.

Sails

The sail measurements and configuration shall be:

  • Luff, foot, and leach dimensions must be within ±0.25 in of the plans.
  • The sails must be attached to the mast per the plans.  The attachment point for the head of the mainsail may be no higher than 50 in above the deck.
  • Sails must be attached to the mast and booms at three locations: head, tack, and clew.
  • The main and jib may be loose footed.
  • Sail numbers: 3 in high is recommended while 3½ in is strongly encouraged.
  • Smaller rigs are not permitted, i.e. no “B” rigs.

Rigging

The rigging and configuration shall be:

  • Shrouds may be attached to the chain plates by various means: a turnbuckle, clevis, or deadeyes and lanyard.
  • Head stay may use a “fishing tackle type clip” or turnbuckle.
  • No adjustments to the stays or mast are allowed while under sail (no mechanical or electrical adjustable backstays or jib twitchers).
  • Balanced jibs are not allowed. The jib must be attached to the jib rack at the tack only.

Displacement

The displacement shall be:

  • Minimum displacement of boat with sails, mast, booms, rigging, and complete radio control equipment ready for racing: 22.5 lb.

Authenticity (optional, but desirable, features)

Skipjacks are unique traditional watercraft, and a certain amount of authenticity should be maintained. Suggestions to do that are:

  • Mast rings are optional, but are encouraged to maintain the scale appearance of the models.
  • Sail material and colors are optional.  Since these are models of workboats, some restraint in colors, markings, etc. is encouraged.
  • Boats should be painted per working skipjacks: gray, white, or light brown.  To preserve the Chesapeake waterman’s superstition, the use of blue on the hull is discouraged.
  • Names are optional, but the use of the name of an existing or former skipjack is encouraged.
  • Trail boards are optional, but encouraged.
  • Deck houses and rails that emulate prototype configurations are encouraged.

Enforcement of These Rules

In the event of protests or egregious departures from these Rules, necessarily simplified measurements will be made (enforced) by the compliance committee.  These include:

  • Overall length on deck (LOA):  48 ± 0.5 in (excluding bowsprit).
  • Depth of lead keel below bottom planking adjacent to keel: 5 ± 0.25 in.
  • Total weight: 22.5 lb minimum.
  • Sail dimensions: ±0.25 in of plan measurements.
  • Head of mainsail attachment point: 50 in above deck.

NOTES

  1. Adapted from the Solomon’s Island Model Boat Club Rules – Version III May 2002.
  2. Parts and materials for the construction of a Skipjack 48 Model are available from the Solomon’s Island Model Boat Club. Information is available on the club website: https://sites.google.com/site/simbclub/ships-store