RS Venture Hull and fittings
Bailing System
The RS Venture has two bailing systems. The first consisting of two large rear bungee retained flaps, used to flush large quantities of water following a capsize or partial capsize. In the event of a capsize the helm should flick off the light bungee cord from the flaps to allow the maximum outflow of water. In practice make sure that the bungee cords used to hold the flaps closed are as slack as possible consistent with keeping the flaps closed. The excess water will then drain rapidly even if the bungee cords are left attached. The secondary bailing system consists of two venturii sited one on each side of the deck. These are normally sealed with a rubber bung. Two flukes moulded to the bottom of the boat alongside the bilge keels enhance the action of the venturii and help to suck out any water gathering in the bottom of the boat. If the bungs are removed the RS Venture will remain fairly dry when sailing with just two or three persons but as the load increases water will slowly enter the boat as it slows. Normally leave the bailing bungs firmly in place, only removing them if there is a build up of deck water. When sailing at a modest speed the venturii will rapidly suck out surplus water. If the boat is left on a mooring then the bungs should be removed to allow rainwater to escape. Remove the bungs when the boat is in the boat park in case the cover leaks.
Bilge Keels
The RS Venture features two 'bilge' keels. These are small GRP ridges running parallel to the keel and as an optional extra are clad with stainless steel strip to prevent scuff damage to the hull when lightly beaching the boat.
Buoyancy System
The Buoyancy system consists of a single enclosed space running the full length of the boat under the deck area. The space is extended by a raised deck in the bow area and a raised platform at the stern. This space further extends into the area along the sides of the boat behind the seating. The buoyancy provided ensures that the boat floats well clear of the water level after recovering from a capsize and that the water rapidly drains from the boat through the rear flaps without the need for the boat to start sailing.
Note that there is no compartmentalisation, any penetrating hull damage will compromise the buoyancy of the entire boat.
Centreboard Casing
The centreboard casing is a fixed GRP casting with an access hatch in each side. Importantly these hatches enable the retaining bungee cord for the centreboard to be renewed. The only access to the buoyancy chamber is via the screw hatches but these hatches give only very restricted access to the bilge area. However it is possible to get a restricted view of the bilge area and if necessary sponge out any water. There is no useful scope for storage in this area as any small object placed here would be swept beyond reach. When in the boat park these screw hatches may be removed to allow the bilge to dry thoroughly. The hatches are fitted with finger holds that provide only a poor grip - keep the screw threads clean and clear of grit to avoid jamming and consequent problems in removing the covers. TIP:After cleaning the fine threads spray with a PTFE dry lubricant to ensure easy removal. Access to the centreboard is only via the bottom of the boat.
Fittings
Fairleads
The standard RS Venture does not come fitted with fairleads but when cruising and anchoring these devices are useful for protecting the deck and gunwhales from being scuffed by the anchor warp or lines from other boats. When anchoring the anchor warp is fed via one of the front fairleads and attached to the mast at foredeck level. Fairleads fitted at both bow and stern provide the most flexible means of mooring or tying up.
Rubbing Strake
A rubbing strake is an optional extra on the RS Venture. It consists of a rigid PVC lining bolted along the edge of the gunwhale. A soft PVC insert hides the bolts and provides a soft impact surface to absorb the damage from rubbing against a jetty or pilings. The rubbing strake on the RS Venture is supplied by Wilks &Co.
Hoop
The hoop consists of 25mm stainless steel tubing to the top of which is welded a ring that holds the mainsheet pulley blocks. Whilst the hoop provides a very useful backrest and steadying point for crew and helm its main purpose is to enable the boom to be hauled in very close to the boat centreline to improve upwind sailing efficiency.
Fore Deck
The Fore Deck provides a useful sheltered storage space alongside the gennaker chute and bowsprit pole. There is room for an anchor bag and large cooler box if required. However note that in heavy weather water can enter via the mouth of the chute that is always open at the bow.
The actual deck has reinforced cross-members and may be carefully stepped upon if necessary, eg when climbing down from quayside etc.
Righting Lines
The RS Venture is fitted with port and starboard righting lines as standard. These consist of two saddle clips on either side of the boat and a length of 4mm rope threaded through the clips. A stopper knot keeps the rope in the clips and a length of bungee cord tied to the stern end keeps the righting lines taut against the gunwhale. In use the righting lines provide a secure handhold to a person standing on the centreboard when righting the boat.
Toestraps
The RS Venture is fitted with two large toestraps on each side. Each set of toestraps is fastened by 3 brackets bolted into the deck. The toestraps are tied to the brackets by rope. The toestraps tend to sag making it difficult for crew to quickly hook into the straps. A useful solution is to tighten the bungee retainers at each end and to insert a short length of pipe insulation foam into the middle fastening - this will hold the toestraps clear of the deck.
Transom
The transom is in three sections with two semi-permanent panels. These are listed below;
- Port side panel - provides a large drain flap for releasing large quantities of water if necessary following a capsize. It may also be modified to take a boarding ladder. Adding a boarding ladder involves modifying the rear panel. The boarding ladder is retained by two rubber protected eyes bolted through the rear panel with 5mm stainless steel bolts and self locking nylon nuts and washers, also stainless steel. There is a stainless steel plate sandwiched in the panel so a sharp drill is needed to make the 5mm hole (use a smaller pilot drill first). Measure carefully before drilling, with the intention of the ladder rungs being horizontal when deployed. The RS Venture has a good freeboard that makes for a difficult re entry for someone in the water. The boarding ladder is useful if the children wish to do some swimming or a capsize recovery goes wrong! If the side panels are removed to make the modification make sure that the screws are replaced with a suitable sealant.
- Starboard side panel - provides a second large drain flap and a mounting for an outboard motor, Note that the outboard panel is merely stuck on with variable quality adhesive. In hot weather my mounting plate simply fell off, fortunately when parked, otherwise it would have been lost. It was refastened by removing the old adhesive, rough sanding the GRP area and rough sanding the stainless steel plate and applying a hybrid polymer SX adhesive and then clamping firmly in position. Excess adhesive was removed with white spirit. For additional safety I then drilled a blind hole through the stainless steel plate and into the rear panel (note the side panels are not simply fibre glass, they are reinforced with a stainless steel plate sandwiched between the GRP). I then inserted a stainless steel retaining screw. This extra measure is probably unnecessary because a year later and the plate and adhesive show no signs of coming adrift.
The RS Venture is rated for a maximum 3.5hp motor but the use of a motor will reduce its safety category from C (inshore) to D (sheltered). The motor should be a short shaft type to suit the transom. View of mounted Outboard motor - Central section - provides a mounting for the Seasure rudder assembly, a tow ring and drain bung for the buoyancy chamber.