catalog- buy in stores- age groups?

Q...Can you send me your catalogue ?

A...This web site is our catalogue. The models that you see present different models built using our kits. You can copy or draw ideas from them when you design your own boat.

Q...Can I buy Seader Sailboats in stores ?

A...No. As a hand crafted item, I can sell direct for less than what a store would charge you. Our site can tell you what Seader Sailboats are all about better than a box setting on a store shelf can!

Q...What age group are your boats suitable for?

A...More than one answer for this one, first off, these are not toddlers toys! Nor are they only for kids. Seader Sailboats should be opperated with a degree of responsibility, they also demand a bit of concentration, a 10 yr. old  depending on the individual, is okay to start.  Sailing these models has similarities to kite flying, and just like kiting, it can appeal to all ages. As for crafting the model, a 10 yr. old may need some (quality time) supervision. As a craft, it is adaptable to your abilities, we start you off with a simple design, you take it from there.

materials- sails- modify the hull?

Q...What are these 'easy to find materials' you talk about?

A...Certain plastic "poly" bags that you take home from shopping, different sized plastic drinking straws, the tags from bread bags, bamboo skewers ($1 Buys 100 at the dollar store), old bicycle inner tubes (free from bicycle shops) plastic that you can salvage from containers, lids etc. The list is not complete, it keeps getting larger all the time. Most of the stuff is free, some cost very little, 1/4 inch wood dowel rod, used to make replacement masts, cost under $1. at the local hardware store. One length is usually four feet long, enough to make three masts on a MkII. We supply you with just about everything you need to get started. You will need to buy some light, limp fishing line, $4. will buy you more than enough.

Q...How long will the sails last ?

A...The sails will last far longer than you would expect. I have models that are two years old with original sails and they are sailed regularly, and they take a regular beating from waves and rocks. You will find yourself replacing sails to test out new designs before you need to replace damaged ones. And when you need to, they are easy to replace.

Q... Can I make sails out of cloth instead ?

A...Modern high tech sail manufacturers go to great lengths to come up with sails that have the same characteristics as the basic plastic shopping bag (only on a large scale) some use the very same Mylar based material, 'sandwiched' in between synthetic cloths. I've tried all kinds of cloth, nothing beats common plastics for boats this size, and it costs nothing. Any woven material will hold water, placing weight aloft that produce knock-downs, the plastics will shed water quickly. You can try cloth if you want to, after all, its your boat, be creative! Sails can also be made with low cost vinyl, we show you how to buy a lifetime supply for a few dollars.

Q... Are hull modifications necessary?

A... No. When I designed the hulls for Seader Sailboats I used a design that would give the boat good stability and looks, plus a design with enough 'bulk' that allowed you to make changes for design specific sailing characteristics. Modifying the hull is an option that can make your model even more unique.

racing- size- more info?

Q...Can you race these boats ?

A...Yes you can! It is a different experience than RC (radio control) sailing. With the Line Control method contestants get in the water and keep pace with their boat, (this is not for beach potatoes) and the course is restricted to safe shallow water that you can wade in. Learning basic navigational rules is a good start, as in, 'Who has the right of way?' 
-An alternative method, used for sailing out into deep water, is to use a standard length of line, say 100 ft, reaching the end of your line first, would make you the winner. Your sailing, crafting, AND design skills are put to the test.

Q...Why don't you make a bigger model?

A..Generally, the larger the sailboat, the faster it can go, I cannot keep up with some MkII models under good conditions as it is, by wading through water. The size of our models also fits well with the materials that you use to rig them with.
Example: most bamboo skewers commonly available don't come longer than 12 in.
-Portability is another advantage, you can transport our models (with the mast removed) slipped into a bread bag. That means you can put them into a day pack, use a bike rack, your vacation suitcase, you can take the bus to the beach!

Q...How can I find out more?

A...Browse through the rest of our site first, there is plenty of info at our online magazine the Fairlead, and feel free to email us.

Information about Line Control Model Sailing (and Seadercraft) can be found here.
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