Slot Gasket Replacement

I've replaced a couple of RS500 slot gaskets, so fully appreciate your problem, it was also compounded by the pivot system the centreboard used which permitted side to side movement, we managed to eradicate this by putting a compressible spacer in the centreboard pivot hole which forces the metal hangers firmly into the guides and also prevents the centreboard dropping through which it can do if say impacted with the beach or an underwater object.

So, as to the flushing strips, I used their kit which works OK, but added an additional front section which was cut to butt up to the leading edge of the centreboard. I also silicon sprayed the flushing strips to attempt to stop the rear bits being dragged up into the case. At the time I was being told by most of the regular sailors not to retract the plate anyway (we were windsurfers so did it all the time) as the boat works better with the plate down even in strong wind.

Your best move? Do what we did, sell the 500 and buy an Alto it's a far far better boat, still has flushing strips but they don't seem to have anything like the issues the 500 had, I put it down to a far better foil than RS use. I'm coming to the conclusion that RS generally don't spend a whole heap of love on their foils and bad 'too thick' foils screw up flushing strips.

Thanks, yes I like the idea of another bit of gasket for it to butt up to. Was this under or on top of the main gasket? 

Originally posted by Oatsandbeans Thanks, yes I like the idea of another bit of gasket for it to butt up to. Was this under or on top of the main gasket?  The board has to be retracted when you put the boat of the trolley, so its then when it pulls the gasket in and mashes it. I like the idea of making the whole thing more slippy, but I wonder if silicone is the best thing, maybe some fairy liquid. I really like the 500 so I'm not going to put off (and get an Icon) just because of some dodgy details around the centreboard case. I have got two boats of different ages and you can see that the latest boat is much better, the older boat needed a lot of messing about to get the board stiff in the case as it was 5mm wider at the bottom than the top, makes packing out the board rather difficult to say the least.

I didn't say get an icon, I said get an Alto it's the same sort of thing (single trap with centreboard) only just better at everything than an RS500. An Icon from what i observed at the FMO is more an inland craft for more sedate sailing, an Alto has all the hustle & bustle of crewed kite and trapeze sailing, much more exciting, like your 500 only less likely to fall over and a lot less weather helm.

As to the slot, i cut a solid piece with a shape v which goes over the top at the front with a rounded section.

Sorry, I don't wish to divert the subject of this thread but I can't allow GRF to start spreading misinformation.

Relative levels of excitement can always be argued about but please GRF, do not suggest that the ICON is in anyway suitable only for inland sailing. The reality is that it performs superbly on the open sea.

ICON 06

Originally posted by Oatsandbeans icon, alto all these new boats with funny names confuse me! The extra bit that you stick on, do you stick it on with the same stuff as the gasket? And does it stay there Ok and not fall off the first time the crew pulls the boat forward on the trolley.

Yes the glue they supply is very good and more than you need, do the strips first, have the font bit prepared, then bung it on after.

All the usual stuff applies clean everything thoroughly first, try and do it on a sunny day so the glue goes off quick, I tried to rub a bevel down the inside edges of the strips as well so they work better.