M1 Soling
Customer Assembly Instructions

This is an Almost-Race-Ready kit. The hull, deck, keel shell, and rudder are pre-formed and mostly ready. You will still need

to assemble the keel, install electronics, rig the boat, and finish/paint as desired.

Note: Servos, receiver, battery, charger, lead shot, and slow-cure epoxy are customer-supplied unless you purchased a Full Kit.

Important Safety Warnings

• Stainless steel rigging wire has extremely sharp ends. Wear eye protection and gloves.
• Cyanoacrylate (CA) glue bonds skin instantly. Keep debonder nearby. Never use near eyes.
• Lead shot for ballast is toxic if ingested. Wash hands after handling.
• Epoxy resins can cause skin sensitization. Wear disposable gloves and work in a well-ventilated area.
• Always work on a protected surface with good lighting and ventilation.

Essential Tools

• Sharp hobby knife (X-Acto #1) + fresh #11 blades
• Needlenose pliers, wire cutters
• Small hammer + center punch
• Drill + bits (1/16", 3/32", 1/8")
• Wet/dry sandpaper (220, 400, 600, 1000 grit)
• Digital kitchen scale (critical for ballasting)
• Measuring tape, clamps, masking tape
• Long ball-end hex wrench for rudder tiller

Recommended Adhesives

• Keel shell to spar / filling: Slow-cure epoxy (WEST #105 + #206 or equivalent low-exotherm casting epoxy)
• Deck to hull: 30-minute epoxy (slightly thickened) or high-quality polyurethane construction adhesive
• General plastic/wood: Medium CA + accelerator where appropriate

Finishing: Wet-sand progressively (220 → 400 → 600 → 1000+). Apply primer + 2–3 color coats + clear (Super Poxy or

automotive system). Seal and clear-coat wood spars and any exposed wood.

Target Keel Weight: Approximately 7 lbs (3.2 kg) of lead shot + slow-cure epoxy.

Process:

1. Install the internal plywood or carbon spar into the keel shell if not pre-installed.
2. Weigh the complete boat (with all electronics, rig, and sails installed) to determine how much ballast is needed.
3. Mask the top of the keel thoroughly.
4. Mix small batches of slow-cure epoxy and add lead shot gradually. Stir thoroughly after each addition.
5. Weigh after each layer. Continue until you reach the target weight.
6. Prop the keel in a tub of water (not covering the top) during cure to manage heat buildup.
7. Allow 24+ hours cure. Top off any shrinkage and sand the top perfectly flat.
8. Install the finished keel using the provided bolt/wing nut system (removable) or permanent epoxy.

Typical Setup:

• Sail Winch/Servo: High-torque sail arm winch or standard high-torque servo with long arm. Mount on the servo tray over

the keel trunk area.

• Rudder Servo: Standard size (HS-311 or equivalent). Connect to rudder tiller arm with pushrod and Kwik-Links.
• Receiver: Mount opposite the rudder servo using Velcro. Route antenna as needed.
• Battery: 5-cell NiMH 6V pack (1500–2000+ mAh) secured with Velcro. Include an on/off switch.
• Testing: Test all functions on the bench before closing the hatch. Ensure full smooth travel of sails and rudder with no

binding.

Standing Rigging: Use stainless wire or Spectra line for shrouds and forestay. Attach with bowsies or crimps. Keep tension

moderate and even.

Running Rigging: Main and jib sheets run from the sail winch arm through fairleads to the booms. Use bowsies for fine

adjustment.

Mast Rake: Adjust with the backstay and jib forestay/uphaul. Slight aft rake is common for good upwind performance.

Vang: Controls mainsail twist. Tighten just enough to control the leech without restricting boom swing.

Jib Trim: The jib is usually sheeted slightly more open than the main upwind. Watch telltales on both sails.

Finishing: Wet-sand the entire hull and deck progressively (220 → 400 → 600 → 1000+). Apply primer + 2–3 color coats +

clear coat (Super Poxy or automotive system recommended). Seal and clear-coat any wood parts.

Final Setup:

• Check that the keel is straight and securely attached.
• Verify rudder alignment and smooth operation.
• Confirm all rigging is properly tensioned and hardware is secure.
• Test radio functions thoroughly before launching.

Sailing Tips: Start with moderate, even rigging tension. The Soling 1M rewards clean, simple setup. Watch telltales,

practice smooth tacking and jibing, and adjust mast rake and vang for the conditions. Lighter boats with good balance are

generally faster.

Congratulations! With careful assembly and proper setup you will have a competitive and beautiful Soling 1 Meter that

provides years of enjoyment. Sail safe and have fun.

This manual is based on the Soling 1 Meter Almost-Race-Ready kit from 3DRC Boats with updates for proven building and

sailing practices.