http://www.efly.co.il/forums/attachm...1&d=1294066825
Hobby King Gemini 600 review
When I was asked to review the Gemini 600 catamaran I grabbed the chance immediately, a catamaran is defiantly the fastest and most fun way to sail.
Huge sails area low weight/draft/drag the catamaran concept introduced to the sailing world what the jets offered to aviation.
As RC sailing implements same principles of full size sailing boats, I was very happy to enjoy all catamaran benefits over my RC keel boat (HK Monson).
Packaging:
un typical for HK packing was not done properly, the bows of the boats penetrated the cardboard protection and this have resulted in damaging the left bow.
http://www.efly.co.il/forums/attachm...1&d=1294067089
http://www.efly.co.il/forums/attachm...1&d=1294067145
Kit Contents
Hull (Length: 600mm, Width: 285mm)
http://www.efly.co.il/forums/attachm...1&d=1294067419
http://www.efly.co.il/forums/attachm...1&d=1294067419
Boat stand
http://www.efly.co.il/forums/attachm...1&d=1294067520
Mast (Height: 1100mm)
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Rudders and centerboards sets
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Sails set (Sail area: 1700mm2)
http://www.efly.co.il/forums/attachm...1&d=1294067748
Hatch lids set
http://www.efly.co.il/forums/attachm...1&d=1294067816
Required for Completion
2~3S 7.2~11.1V lipo battery
Radio System (3ch) & Receiver
Assembly
The Hobby-king Gemini 600 will require some assembly work to have it complete. This Almost ready to sail was ready with about 2 hours of work
Done by the factory
Motor installed
All servos installed
main and jib shits installed
Shrouds installed
The builder needs to
build the boat stand assembly
Install the rudders
Install the centerboards
Install radio system
Attach the main sail to the mast
Assemble the rig
Building review
• Builder needs to attach mainsail to mast by method of rope loops which isn’t that neat.
• Although specifically mentioned and refer to in the manual the hexagon wrench wasn’t supplied in the kit.
• The rudders axis slots in the hulls were clog up and had to be re-drilled
• The left rudder's hexagon securing screw was missing (I have used a screw I have taken for an old propeller hub).
• The rudders control rod was too long and I had to bend it in order to fit to length
• The railing holes do not fit the railing
http://www.efly.co.il/forums/attachm...1&d=1294068140
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Conclusion
The fiberglass hull is beautifully built with many scale details like: wooden deck, fore-deck net, windows, etc.
Very nice sails including sail battens and fingers load patches, got a blue colored jib which was very refreshing comparing to the common white.
The Gemini sails like a dream, very easy to handle even in gusty condition as the catamaran configuration is very successful in limiting the boat from getting to high heeling angles.
Big advantage over keel boats as there is no need for ballast lead shots. Also, the model has very small draft and can be sailed in very shallow ponds.
Last but not least: that 380 motor give you extra confident (I have used it with a 3 cell battery), now any day is a good day for sailing, no more mid pond drifting till wind will resume, just turn on the motor and your Gemini will be back ashore before dark.
Pluses
Excellent looks
very stable and easy to handle boat handling
motor backup
Low draft
Minuses
tacking to wind could be somewhat tricky.
Electronic hatch quiet small
Light wind maneuvers are difficult
Boat might capsize by sudden gust.
Sail control servo isn’t strong enough to handle the sail loads in strong wind conditions
Sail control servo doesn't have enough travel to allow the sails to by fully released for downwind sailing.
