Introduction

Last update, November 20, 2007

Introducing The Process

The Electronic Checklist (EC) is a building process for the EC12 that starts in planning and ends sailing the boat. The "Electronic" indicates that it is a process with hyperlinks to the phases and specific tasks at hand. At the beginning of each specific process, the links will take you to all the sources for parts, tools and materials that will be needed for the task at hand. You will be given choices at every step, if there are any. For example, if you want to hand sand or power sand, if you wish to use a tubing cutter or hacksaw, etc. You may want to craft a part rather than pay others to do so. All of these things will be discussed.

There is no advertised kit for this yacht at this time. Yes, we know of the Dumas Heritage kit at Tower Hobbies. It is 1970s information and equipment and everything needed is not in their packaging. We have built them and you do not want them. Besides, Dumas Products decided in 2004 not to follow through with the class hull standard, which now places the boat outside the specifications for an EC12 certification. The Heritage EC12 is no longer being registered with the class and those that have been registered in the past are noted in the Class Registry. Some hull manufacturers and parts suppliers are starting to put together packages that will give you all the items needed for construction. Check with those listed on the class website in the Supplier's Sections for this service.

In the beginning it is strongly suggested that you plan and study the building project. The EC will take you through this process. Be patient. Don't get into a hurry. You are going to spend $1500 to $1800 through the process.

Here at DMYC we build basic racing yachts that are competitive. We avoid painting and varnish but to protect certain wood parts. There are no exotic wood planked decks, steel wool rubbed vanish finishing, polished brass, highly engineered cradles or flags flying off the transom. We do, however, pay attention to the details of weight, balance, righting moments and drag. We do have egos and leap at any chance to abuse our fellow members and our boats on the racecourse. That is our fun. As was said by an accomplished East Coast builder and competitor, "Speed is beautiful."

The building that will be presented in the Electronic Checklist is recommended building for a good sailing and and with a competitive boat. Simplicity is the theme here for competition. The options of the past have been removed for the building that begins in the fall of 2007. We are now showing you what is the best approach for a racing yacht. Tweaking is allowed and your innovations may drive the next revision of this site.

Nearly all the building and photos in the building process was done in my shop. There is little crafting and a photographer I am not. Vern is the shop hangout. He lives near the KOA RV park here in town and spends most of the morning getting here. An extra hand is needed now and then but he is not left alone.

Do not be intimidated by this effort. It is not overwhelming to those with reasonable common sense. You do not have to have a shop. You do not have to have a lot of tools. You have to craft very little. All that has been tried here at DMYC will be discussed. Even those things not tried, but understood or discussed with others will be printed. If you are going to have fun it would be good if frustration does not enter the process.

If you have friends in the hobby, that would be great. If there is a club within a few miles, wonderful. If you have been involved in another sailing class, dynamite. If you are like we were here at DMYC, where the nearest EC12 was 800 miles away when we started, you may need some help. There is support by email.

If you want to build your own EC12 racing model, buckle up and have some fun. An remember, this a hobby with a very large playground and kids you are dying to meet.

"Cooperate and Graduate through Communications."

  ...Rick West