Hi, i'm Matei, 10th grader in Atlanta GA, and am making a landyacht for my Personal Project (a major assessment in 10th grade). I've been reading a lot of threads on Seabreeze on land yacht construction, and I've gathered enough to sort of start deciding how my yacht will be. I want to make a Class 5 sized yacht (but specs aren't really important since I'm not trying to go official or break any speed records) with a T-frame shaped chassis, and will most likely be using a modified lawn chair for the seat. Still, I have loads of questions:

-How are the back wheels attached? I've looked but haven't found many good pics to answer the question, if anyone could post a pic or two of their back wheel attachment that would be great.
-Is camber important on back wheels? I know that this can be useful when you go on two wheels, but is there any other reason (eg aerodynamics or something)
-Wheel/tire type and size: here in Atlanta, we don't exactly have a beach; I'll probably be sailing in a big parking lot, or go down to Savannah (there's a beach there 4 hrs drive from ATL). What kind/size of wheels and tires do I need?
-Steering: I'm probably going to try using the Club 88 steering setup, but I'd still like to weigh pros and cons for other types. I noticed the 'C' fork steering setup on the yellow Promo yacht that Landyacht built; how does that work?
-Rigging setups: what are the best options, pros and cons
-Mast and sail: size, type, etc. I'll probably be using a 5 sqm or so windsurfer sail; will i have to cut it down or modify its shape? Do i need bigger or smaller? Is a boom important or can I do without?
-Bearings: what are they? why are they important? which type are needed? do they vary in size depending on wheel? how are they attached?

If any of you could answer any number of these questions, it would be much appreciated

Based on the limitations of your sailing places, I would also recommend the LLM sized rig. They work very well in small areas, and also work well on dry lake beds, beaches, etc...

Use the wheelbarrow wheels for simplicity, and $$$ savings.

Good luck, and keep the questions and later the pics of the build coming.


www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Land-Yacht-Sailing/Construction/Build-a-Landyacht-Lake-Lefroy-Mini-Yacht/?page=1

Gidday youngster,
You will find the Lake Lefroy Mini is going to be ideal for what you need, compared to a class 5 (A class 5 is just too big for carparks)
If you are using carparks and grassed areas like sporting grounds or parks you dont even need to modify windsurfer sails, just use standard sails and booms.
As for the LLM steering- you will have no problem using it at all, The steering is easy to operate, the yacht can be left in one piece and lifted onto a small box trailer for transport, or the rear axles can be slipped out to fit in the back of a station wagon or decent sized 4wd.
I often just drag my lefroy mini to the local park using a piece of very light steel tube hooked onto the front axle.
One tip for you- stick to the plans and you wont go wrong.
There are a few blokes in the USA on this forum who have built lefroy mini's and they will be able to help with information regarding locally available wheels and bearings and other stuff too.

All the best!

Youngster
I fully agree with the comments above I too had reservations about the
rotation aspect of the LLF mini steering but it really does feel quite natural
when you get to use it It just feels like a push motion in action to me
They are a great little yacht simple and cheap to build and perform well

Lake Lefroy mini, do it .
trust me on the steering, it even works with 1 foot.
That's DaughterS , people, the girls are turning into wind addicts

Youngster:

As a first time builder, I had a lot of questions and concerns. After a careful examination of this site and researching everything I could find about land sailing I decided to go with the lake lefroy mini. This machine is a cumulative effort put forth by a number of well seasoned veterans. They have been kind enough to share with us their years of experience and the results of years of trial and error. I strongly suggest you follow the plans as closely as you are able. You can show your personal artistic flair when you construct your seat and do your finish.

Take lots of photos and don't be afraid to ask questions. I found everyone to be most helpful, even Nikrum.(though you may need an Australian/American dictionary)

Have fun and enjoy.

Brian