I finally got started on my class 5 build. I decided on going with the YOTT type build(Clemco style). It is designed to use 26 inch wheels but I am holding off on the axle attachments until I find wheels to use. Not sure if I want to build those as well. I would like to set it up exclusively for the dry lakes like Ivanpah since I can be there in 20 minutes. Im not sure what the differences would be anyway. Last Saturday I welded the frame up. Definitely not the prettiest but it will definitely hold together. It has been 20 years since I have welded anything.

Not sure about the size pipe to start with for the mast step yet or the exact placement. Also, should it have an adjustable rake? Ive seen different styled yachts with a few different designs. So for now, when I find out what I am going to use for wheels, I will then build my axle attachments. Then go from there. One more question for now. How much clearance should I need underneath the car, 3 to 4 inches?

Yeah, that should do, so that when you sit in it you still have plenty of clearance for when you go over bumps and land back on three wheels

I would go with an adjustable mast post , On my yacht the measurement to the centre of the mast post to the centre of the back axle is 1250.
Have a go at making your wheels they are well worth the effort and are real easy to make.

www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Land-Yacht-Sailing/Construction/My-New-26-Carbon-Fiber-Land-Yacht-Wheel-Video/#1244482

I will definitely go with an adjustable mast step. How critical is the length and height of this. I know it cant be too short and what degree of mast adjustment should be built into it. Hopefully that makes sense the way I wrote it.

The tube I used for my mast step was I think 76 OD x about 3mm wall thickness. I then had it presses with a 50 x 50 square section placed inside. It finished up being 51mm ID x 90mm ID. Mine is 250mm high off the main spine.
As far as ground clearance goes I like to have at least 150mm when fully rigged with pilot on board. You will be surprised how much everything flexes when you hop on board. Allow at least another 100mm. More if you are on the heavy side.

I have some flat iron for the mast step to weld between pipe halves. I do have access to a press if I find something around 3 inches to squeeze down though. This would definitely look better considering my way out of practice welding ability. And I will definitely keep in mind how much flex there is in the chassis before I finish my axles since that will control my final clearance. Thx for the help.

Hi 1browski I have some measurements of Clem's YOTT that might be some help to you. I too built a YOTT inspired by Clem's Class five. It seems alot of people find it a very desirable design.

Heres a few pics of mine I just completed also inspired by Clem's YOTT

Nice job Yankeesailor ! I had to make one change to the original plan to accommodate the new Frog sail. The new sail is much longer at the foot and is designed to be raked back more than my old sail so I had to move the mast step forward 100mm. From Y to center of mast is now 650mm. Also pod is not attached to Y axles at all. Makes for a very lively ride. Scares the hell out of me now. I may have created a monster. How is yours going?

Select to expand quote

yankeesailor said...
Heres a few pics of mine I just completed also inspired by Clem's YOTT

(...)

That looks great, yankeesailor.
How did you build the seat? The finish of yours is much better than mine. Do you have any pictures of how you made it?

Select to expand quote

Clemco said..

Nice job Yankeesailor ! I had to make one change to the original plan to accommodate the new Frog sail. The new sail is much longer at the foot and is designed to be raked back more than my old sail so I had to move the mast step forward 100mm. From Y to center of mast is now 650mm. Also pod is not attached to Y axles at all. Makes for a very lively ride. Scares the hell out of me now. I may have created a monster. How is yours going?

Hi Clem. If i said it took awhile to complete it would be a understatment, but its done except i must redo the rear wheel axles. i built them with to many moving parts to adjust toe and camber and they move too much. so new ones being built now welded fixed. I completed it on our last day to sail here and didnt get much sailing because of the axle problem. but next go at it ill take some video.

Select to expand quote

SJK said..

yankeesailor said...
Heres a few pics of mine I just completed also inspired by Clem's YOTT

(...)

That looks great, yankeesailor.
How did you build the seat? The finish of yours is much better than mine. Do you have any pictures of how you made it?

I built it out of foam and covered it with fiberglass, like your project. i really like the process because the foam it light , cheap , easy to work with and shape and endless shape possiblilties. that being said i would do the next one different, i would use foam to shape a plug but remove the foam because i think its heavier because you need double the glass and resin to cover the foam on the inside. the finish came out pretty smooth with alot of sanding, but instead of getting it perfect and painting it gloss paint, I used truck bed liner paint to hide all the inperfections. i worked great and gave it a textured finish that looks really good. and its UV resistent, durable scratch resistent.

h

ea

It turned out pretty kick ass. Everyone yachts look pretty bad ass. I found some 1 inch steel tubing in my dads junk pile for my front fork. Im going to use a single fork type but that is all i have decided on so far. I have no access to a pipe bender though so i will be just cutting and welding. One question about the Y frame. Is galvanized fence post strong enough for these frames?