Focus V2 vs DragonFlite 95 (Part 1)

A bit of one on one today @ Lauderdale Canal in 20k + winds.
DF95 running "A" Rig and Focus V2 running "C" rig

[@4cpus4me]

Great video. Both boats seem highly-capable and more closely matched than I expected.

[@lowered18]

I wish I had constant wind like that, nice sailing

[@lungocicorneliu1119]

Nice boat, nice video.

[@josephbennett4236]

Thanks for posting this video. I'm tossing up between buying one of these two yachts at the moment - which would you recommend as a first RC sailing yacht? The DF95 has better club racing opportunities, I think, but I really like the look of the Focus, and the way it sails. The DF95 is more expensive (at least, in Australia) - is it built better? I would really appreciate your advice. Cheers.

[@PredatorRacingTas]

G'day Joseph, please read my replies to Jonny D below

[@MARKLINMAN1]

I wish I knew how to sail these things. Looks like a blast. Dumb question and please forgive me, how come when they are completely sideways they don't sink? Looks like the mast almost touches the water, yet it NEVER does. Would love to do this and join a club. I am in NYC. Thanks.

[@PredatorRacingTas]

You need to make sure the hatch is well sealed (we use electrical tape to seal around clear perspex hatches). If this is done correctly the boats are virtually waterproof and almost unsinkable. RC yachting is a sport that is very quick and easy to learn the basics, mastering the tuning & sailing to get the best out of your boat takes significantly longer. Great fun though. Mike

[@GUNNER67akaKelt]

The reason it doesn't tip over is the weighted keel. That's why these are called keelboats. It's a wing-like structure at the bottom of the hull. Usually weighted with (made of) lead.

[@ripmax333]

I a bit confused, the Focus V2 looks to to be an IOM designed for the masses, for what it is its cheap, it has a nice presence in the water since its a 1m boat and its how ironically the IOM class was ought to be, cheap and accessible to all. Now the price of the DF65 is close or maybe the same as the Focus V2 , But Why? what does the DF65 has more than the Focus V2? Does the Focus has cheap materials like a plastic keel instead of aluminum or something? i have an older DF65 i think its a V2 , Its sails very well and it costed me i think more than a focus V2 priced today.

[@hydrojet7x70]

Question. Starting a Sailboat Racing Group. We are looking at the Joysway DF65 / DF95 & the FocusII Of the 3, witch is the fastest?

[@PredatorRacingTas]

Given the right conditions the DF95 will always be the fastest overall but it is significantly more expensive. The DF 65 is probably the best if you are just starting out as it will sail in a much wider array of weather conditions from very light to almost gale force. (Make sure you get the V6 version as it is a great improvement on the earlier models- and only slightly dearer). The Focus II is a nice boat but not in the same league as the DF's and it needs a LOT of alterations & modifications to get it sailing well. Its a good boat for those that like modding.

[@hydrojet7x70]

Thanks for the reply. Its not my first time. Been sailing for years. Just getting back into it. Is there anything faster than the DF95? Not worried about the price.

[@PredatorRacingTas]

There are plenty of boats that are faster than the DF95 but not in the same class. An IOM (International One Metre) or a 10R (Ten Rater) are way faster but also 10 times the price. A new competitive IOM would start around $1500 to $2000 and a new 10R could be up to $6000 for a full Carbon Fibre one ready to race.

[@TheCoolhead27]

The 65 is the best bang for your buck. Cheap and fun as anything.

[@Droffilc55]

You report that the Focus is running a C rig. I have never seen any small rigs advertised. Who carries them?

[@PredatorRacingTas]

The C rig in this video was made by the Focus owner however B & C rigs are available commercially for the DF95 & they fit with a bit of fiddling. Just search in your local area for suppliers.