Went out to Ghost Lake this morning. Great ice but no wind. The back blades seem good but the layover steering will not work. Have to go back to the shop.
that is correct ,it cant work. you will need to put some kind of traditional steering on it
I still want to put the wheels on for the summer. Anyone have any ideas as to how I might make traditional steering that can bolt on? I have no problem welding to the frame, but I need to have it so I can switch it back.
Ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Brian
I made a new steering system for my mini when I have it iceboat mode that bolts on. The kingpin is slightly angled. You may have to add diagonals to your axles to keep the runners aligned too. A little flex for and aft will knock them out of alignment.
universal joint between the steering shaft and the runner - or something like that?
stephen
Having no idea about ice sailing my comment is......... does the steering blade need to remain vertical when turning? My guess is, I reckon not????
If not..... could the front blade be fitted with a 104mm x 20mm ID bush to slide onto your conventional front ends axle (just to replace the 20mm ID wheel and can rotate freely) with the blade underneath the axle and lined up with the centre line of the yacht.
The rear of this blade from the bush mounting back could be contoured along the top to clear the original steering components.
This would then give movement in both planes.
I think the front blade needs to remain vertical to keep the edge biting the ice. The layover turned ok but as the blade lay over the blade lost its hold on the ice. I could grind the blade like a skate blade then it would likely work but I don't have the equipment to do that.
Going to work with the advice of us772 thanks John
The pivot point on runners is usually located at the center of the contact surface on the ice or slightly aft. They will handle the bumps better that way. I located my front runner on a removable bolt on plank. I had to move the steering forward to avoid binding when in a hike. I also lengthened the runner plank. Eventually I built a purpose built the Mini Skeeter that uses the mini rig. Friday and Saturday looks good for wind and ice down here. Some day I would love to go to Ghost Lake to sail.
Thanks for the photo, John. I am working blind here so it sure helps. It looks like I needlessly complicated the way I attached my runners in the back. I am going to make a bolt on attachment to the front so the front runner turns flat. I will make the steering use a rod rather than the pivot it now uses. This should work. I will also put some supports for the rear axle. I will post photos to get feedback.
I have never sailed on ice. I was impressed how clear and smooth the ice at Ghost Lake was on Sunday, unfortunately, there was no wind so I did not get to see any ice boats in action. Hopefully I can get this done for the first week in March.
Brian
Select to expand quotesabydent said..
Went out to Ghost Lake this morning. Great ice but no wind. The back blades seem good but the layover steering will not work. Have to go back to the shop.
Hey Brian, As I recall Wind Pig is constructed to Lake Lefroy Mini specs and is therefore very similar to a Blokart wheel/blade base.
Blokarts seem to sail well on ice so it is worth having a look at how they are set up.
Looking at this photo my immediate thought is to have the steering blade further forward.
Blokarts do have wire stays between the chassis and the rear blades.
Back in the shop to make some changes. I wanted to make the ice blades simple to put on and remove and be able to easily switch back to wheel mode.
Since the layover steering did not work, I made a cantilever off the front using the steering tube for support.
I then created the front steering monstrosity that I hope works. This thing is getting heavy.
All the parts to make the landyacht to iceyacht conversion
I welded a 3/4 inch bolt to a 1 inch square tube this helps hold everything together. I added some metal to the round washer at the bottom of the steering tube to let me add two bolts to help hold my arm.
It should work....unfortunately I have to cut a hole in the pig's face to get the steering arm to work. I kept it as low as I could.
Two support struts added to the rear axle.
I will put the body on tomorrow and make my cut for the steering rod. I hope it works.
