2.7 - Ship Construction Sequence

A detailed description of each item will follow the list below.

1. Install cannon .  Mount all cannon first when outfitting the hull.  Cannon must be installed in their proper location and motors and other hardware must go where the cannon are not located.  About any hardware installed in the hull before the cannon are mounted will surely be in the way and have to be reworked. 
   
2. Install rudder and rudder shaft.
   
3. Install props and prop shafts. 
   
4. Install drive motors. 
   
5. Install batteries.  Install batteries lying flat usually amid ships, below the waterline.  Install them such that they can not shift, changing the balance of the ship.  Use of wood blocks glued to the hull with hooks and rubber bands to secure components is recommended.
   
6. Install the CO2 tank.
   
7. Install the pump.  Pump should be in the water channel as far aft as possible.
   
8. Install the electrical wiring.  Keep power switches easily accessible without having to remove the deck to get to them.
   
9. Install the hull skin.
   
10. Apply silkspan and paint.
    
11. If you have room for a watertight box or tube install it now.
    
12. Mount all radio control gear.   All electronic devices should be high in the hull and upside down if possible.  Never install servos on the bottom of the hull where they will get wet too easily.
    
13. Conduct initial sea trials.  This will give you a sense of accomplishment and allow you to check speed, displacement and balance.  If you are way off in any area you will want to make corrections now before proceeding to the following steps.
    
14. Install CO2 plumbing and test.   The safety switch should be located near the electrical switch in an easily accessible spot.  This is a must when recovering a sunk ship that may be shooting uncontrolled when pulled to the surface.
    
15. Build deck and superstructure.  Build them light, very light!  This is an area where most new builders fail, resulting in ships that are top-heavy and unstable.
    
16. Install Recovery Line.
    
17. Back to the pond for the final check out.  Bring lead ballast with you to adjust the trim of your ship.  It needs to float on the scale waterline according to the ship's plans.  Keep the ballast low in the hull and secure it so it will not move.  Now practice your gunnery skills before a battle.  Have floating targets to shoot at and practice rapidly changing your aim from one side of the ship to the other about 6 feet from your floating targets.  If you can swing your guns over and drop your elevation and hit the target within the time it takes for your ship to travel 6 feet at full speed you'll do your own in your first combat furball.
    

(Continued on page 20)