| The microSAIL!
Power Ballast System™ moves ballast side to side very quickly
much like a crew on a full scale model. It is a self contained
unit with a battery box that moves as ballast on a carbon fiber
rack. The rack and ballast moves fore and aft to adjust the trim.
The rack and ballast move proportionally with the ballast moving
twice as fast as the slide. Two winches are in the control unit
which is placed low in the cockpit.
Pictured is a microSAIL! Power Ballast system installed
on a
Melges 24 which is not currently available.
The rack is mounted on the control box that rides
on a rod so that it can tilt from side to side so that the slider
does not touch the water if extended to leeward. Trapeze wires
with shock cord take up slack and cause the rack to be curved
upward to prevent any chance of dragging to leeward. It it is
extended to leeward, the rack is horizontal when the model heels
as much as 30 degrees.
Here is a drawing of a PBS system.
This device provides new possibilities for RC sailing
and racing tactics.
Roll Tacking can be achieved as well as heeling to increase water
line length and improve sail shapes. This can make models faster
in all conditions.
Pictured is a microSAIL! Power Ballast
system installed on a
Melges 24 which is not currently available.
Applications
 |
Ballast moves very quickly from side to side
and fore and aft
|
Custom applications
|
Custom applications can be used on other builders
models.
|
|
The units are moveable from one model to another.
|
|
The units' batteries provide all power for
the models they are used on.
|
|
Distance moved is controlled by radio and
can be limited for class rules.
|
|
Prices are from $280 without electronics to
$650 ready to use.
Available in two sizes
- for boats 36" to 50" and
- for boats 50" to 70".
|
|
With PBS, any model can sail in higher winds
than with keel alone.
|
Performance Data
|
The Power Ballast System™ is very fast.
- Ballast moves from the maximum extension on one tack to
the maximum on the other tack in less time than it
takes to tack!
|
|
Small PBS moves 3 lbs 42" from the centerline
and 20" fore and aft.
- Uses 1 Guyatt SmartWinch
|
|
Large PBS moves 6 lbs 42" from the centerline
and fore and aft.
- Uses 2 Guyatt SmartWinch's
|
Back to microSAIL!
Innovations |
