Boat Care / Radio Care / Batteries - Out There Laser User Manual

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How to Sail
Sailboats cannot sail directly into the wind. If a boat is pointed into the wind,
the sail will luff, or flap like a flag in the breeze. Sailboats can only sail when
they are at an angle to the wind. Depending on the direction you want to sail
relative to wind direction, there is an angle at which the sail should be set. To
sail a close-hauled course (almost directly into the wind) the sail is "in
tight" i.e. at only a slight angle to the center line of the hull. On a run (sailing
away from the wind), the sail should be all the way out, perpendicular to the
center line of the hull. Reaching, or sailing roughly perpendicular to wind
direction, has a sail position about halfway between close-hauled and a run.
To pull the sail in and sail a close-hauled course, move the sail stick down. To
ease the sail out to reach or run, move the sail stick up. When you move the
rudder stick to the right, the boat will turn to the right. When you move the
rudder stick to the left, the boat will turn to the left. As a guide to trim the sail
properly, no matter what course you are sailing, ease the sail out until it
begins to luff. Next, pull it in until the luffing stops.
Now you should be ready to put your RC Laser in the water. Good luck and
good sailing!
SAIL HEADING TERMS
wind direction
Close hauled on
starboard tack
Reaching on
starboard tack
Running on
starboard tack
Close hauled on
port tack
Reaching on
port tack
Running on
port tack
Boat Care
The RC Laser requires little maintenance. As long as you sail your boat in
fresh water, you can store it immediately after removing it from the water.
When storing your boat, remove all pressure from the back edge of the sail
by sliding the boom sliders until they are loose. Keep your boat and radio
away from excessive heat. If you sail in salt water, rinse the hull, the fittings,
the mast, the boom, the keel, the rudder and the sail in fresh water after
sailing and before storing your RC laser.
Radio Care
Moisture is your radio's enemy. When storing your RC Laser, leave the hatch
cover open to avoid condensation, and store the transmitter in a cool dry
place. Do what you can to keep your radio equipment dry! If you drop your
radio in salt water, it might be salvaged if you take the batteries out and
wash the radio in fresh water immediately. Use a blow dryer to dry wet
equipment.
Batteries
Your RC Laser requires four 1.5 volt disposable alkaline batteries or five 1.2
volt rechargeable batteries. Alkaline batteries are good for approximately 10
hours of sailing. These can be bought at almost any store, but must be
thrown out after use. Rechargeable Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries
are the recommended choice. You'll need a special 5-cell pack for your boat.
These batteries, and chargers, are available from your RC Laser distributor
and most hobby shops.
For your transmitter, you will need 8 AA size alkaline batteries.
Batteries, whether alkaline or rechargeable, are good for several hours
depending on wind strength. If the sail control stops working, or the low light
on the transmitter comes on, you must sail to the shore as quickly as
possible or risk losing control of your boat.
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