Foil Care - RS Venture Connect Rigging Manual

12.1 - Hull Care
The RS Venture is made using a robust polyester resin, glassfibre and coremat laminate.
Although very robust, your Venture should be supported ashore on an approved RS trolley.
The hull can also be stored on the transom, but never store the boat for long periods on its
side. When dealing with a marine environment, equipment gets wet; this in itself is not a
problem. The problem starts when moisture is trapped for any length of time. Therefore, it is
very important to store the boat properly ashore.
Keep your dinghy drained and well ventilated
Ensure that the boat is stored with the bow raised to allow water to drain away at the transom,
or level enough to drain through the cockpit bungs either side.
Wash with fresh water
Fresh water evaporates far more quickly than salt water so, if your dinghy has been sailed
in salt water, rinse it thoroughly. The fittings will also work better if regularly washed. Any
stubborn marks on the hull can be removed with a light detergent, or a fibreglass cleaner and
polish.
Hull damage falls into three categories:
SERIOUS – large hole, split, crack, or worse. Don't be too distressed! Get the
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remnants back to RS Sailing – most problems can be repaired.
MEDIUM – small hole or split. If this occurs during an event, sailing can often be
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continued as long as leaking can be prevented by drying the area and applying strong
adhesive tape. CAUTION – if the damage is close to a heavily loaded point, then the
surrounding area should be closely examined to ensure that it will accept the loads. Get the
damage professionally repaired as soon as possible.
SMALL – dents, scratching. This type of damage is not boat threatening.
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The benefit of a hard-wearing fibreglass hull is that it can be invisibly repaired and refurbished
to look as new again. Any reputable GRP repairer should have the skills and materials for
most jobs, but it is recommended that major repairs are undertaken by a recommended RS
repair centre.

12.2 - Foil Care

The rudder blade is an aluminium extrusion with a loose fitting foam core. The end caps
are injection moulded in a nylon reinforced plastic, and are very hard-wearing and can be
replaced if worn or damaged severely. The rudder blades may leak slightly, but it is nothing to
worry about as very little room for water and it will normally drain out the way it came in.
Like the hull, the foils will benefit from being rinsed in fresh water regularly, when you hose
down the boat.
If you are going to trail your boat frequently, you may wish to invest in an RS Sailing padded
rudder bag. These will protect your RS Venture from any damage caused by the rudder and
blade in transit.