BEFORE YOU BUY YOUR FIRST DF 65 or 95

[Admiral]

This is written for prospective Australian owners. Before buying your first boat, visit a local sailing group, try sailing one of their boats and ask lots of questions. This is not a comprehensive list, but will get you started in good shape without wasting money.
DF95
The boat comes in two versions:
V1 is the original kit with standard winch, while V2 has a new digital winch and boat stand attachment to lay the boat down while rigging and tuning. There is a price difference on the Hobby Warehouse (HWH) site. Joysway will eventually only supply V2. The recommendations below about the DF65 without a Transmitter also to the DF95.
DF65
You can start with a cheap basic package by buying the DF65 Version 5 boat with transmitter for $168, but for more reliability and competitive racing, I would recommend this package. Joysway no longer supply the V5 model, but HWH may still have some in stock.
Version 6 or 7 no transmitter
Buying without the transmitter reduces the cost by about $50.
https://www.hobbywarehouse.com.au/joysway-dragonforce-65-v6-df65-rc-yacht-pnp-without- transmitter-or-receiver.html
Add Transmitter – Flysky i6
For around $30 extra, this one is fantastic value and used by almost all sailors because it has considerably more functionality. The best features are battery life in the boat is displayed on the screen, so you don’t run out and the boat sails away! Plus it has more fine tuning of the controls. There is a comprehensive operating manual (better than the manufacturer’s one) on the ADFRSA website. https://www.hobbywarehouse.com.au/flysky-fs-i6-transmitter-and-receiver-mode-2.html
You can shop around and buy the Flysky transmitter cheaper at Amazon, Banggood and eBay. There are two models – Mode 1 gives you left hand steering and Mode 2 right hand, depending on your dexterity. Also make sure you buy one that has the hard case shell for the receiver and dual antennae (for better receiver reception) – Flysky i6B. There is a version for planes that is covered in cardboard and won’t last as well. Watch for lower cost offers because they may not have the receiver inside.
Batteries – ASDFRSA or HWH
The Association supplies ONBO LiFe 850mAh batteries with part proceeds going to the Association for operating costs. Contact Phil Burgess for details. HWH supply a similar battery. Get at least 2 or 3. https://www.hobbywarehouse.com.au/hobby-warehouse-6-6v-850mah-rx-life-rechargable- battery.html
There is also a lighter LiFe battery from Hobbyking but with lower amperage. It is also under the minimum rule weight and needs a coin added to meet the 45gram minimum. https://hobbyking.com/en_us/zippy-compact-700mah-6-6v-5c-lifepo4-receiver- pack.html?queryID=a8f9b7deb65f559f4ac0d4e6cc131b4b&objectID=82559&indexName=hb k_live_magento_en_us_products
Many will be unfamiliar with the characteristics of LiFe batteries, so there is a detailed paper on their care and maintenance. Over discharging below 5.0 volts will cause them to swell up and become permanently damaged. Ask your local fleet members for all the warnings.

Battery Charger
Any charger that is designed for LiFe batteries and has a balance charge function is okay. This is a popular one from Banggood, but they are available at many places. Make sure they come with the power transformer and plugs that will fit Futaba leads (these are the black type of cable connection used in the boat) https://www.banggood.com/Original-SKYRC-IMAX-B6-Mini-60W-6A-Balance-Charger- Discharger-with-Power-Supply-for-LiPo-Li-ion-LiFe-Nimh-Nicd-Battery-p- 1422718.html?rmmds=search&ID=47184&cur_warehouse=CN
A+ Mast Set – HWH
You will quickly realise that the boat is sailed predominantly in winds under 20kts. The standard A rig (with 3/4 jib) is best from 12-15 kts. The A+ rig (mast head jib and bigger main) is used about 80% of the time in areas of lighter winds. Suggest starting with the standard rig till you get used to the boat and want to be more competitive. https://www.hobbywarehouse.com.au/joysway-881530-dragon-force-65-v6-a-complete-rig- assembly.html
Sails
The standard ones for A rig are okay but the A+ may seem a bit too heavy at 50 micron Mylar. After market sails can use lighter 36 micron Mylar, so ask your local fleet for details. You can customise the colour scheme to suit your boat and make it a bit more distinctive from the shore.
Braid
The dyneema braid supplied with the boat is pretty poor quality but it can be used. It’s better to buy some 30lb, 50lb or 80lb spectra/Dyneema from your local fishing outlet. It will wear better and is easier to thread. The strength of the braid is not as important as the friction needed to avoid slippage through the bowsies.
Spares
The low price of this gear also means the efficacy is not top of its class, so expect to replace some parts from time to time. Most club members carry plenty of spare if you are ever short. https://www.hobbywarehouse.com.au/joysway-881504-dragonforce-65-v6-dragonflite-95- digital-metal-gear-rudder-servo.html https://www.hobbywarehouse.com.au/joysway-880545-dragon-force-65-2014-version-winch- servo-set.html
There are several other smaller parts needed to make this work, such as extension cables for carrying the 65 battery further forward, antennae holders, hatch covers, hull sealing patch etc
If you plan to sail in salt water, it’s essential to buy some corrosion inhibitor. Buy some Inox or CorrosionX or similar products and use it regularly on all electrical, mast bearings and metal parts.
https://www.whitworths.com.au/corrosionx-lubricant-170g
…check out this video!!!

Assembly Guide
The manual that comes with the boat is very well written and should be easy to follow. Additional tips are available on the ADFRSA website.

[Pete]

Good stuff Col. If I had read this some 4 or 5 years ago I would never have purchased the “duct tape special” (version 5) but would have stumped up the extra $50 for a version 6.

[Author]

Posts