Hello all!

New user here. Im a mechanical engineer student, and have been contemplating building a land yacht for a long time now. The time has finally arrived to do so! As a college student, I will strive to keep this as cheap as possible, and as a mech. engineer student, as clean and streamlined and well designed as possible. With this in mind, I turn to all of you for advice and thoughts.

So far, I have collected materials. The sail I intend to use is from a 1972 Atlanta Kolibri Koralle Jr. 12 foot sailboat. The mast for this boat is 17' 4", flying about 85 sq feet of sail. I dont know if this number includes the jib. I understand that many people like to trim their sails for a flatter sail and higher top speed.

Question 1: What are peoples thoughts on this sail, and it being used as a land yacht sail? Would it be ok to use as is, without trimming?

Question 2: What is the reason behind not using a jib on a land yacht? Would the use of one likely cause the front tire to 'spin out', as the center of effort is further forward on the craft?

(Boat information page) www.boats.com/boat-details/Glenmore-Sailboats-Ltd.-Kolibri-2-12/136710

(Boat picture page) www.rvharvey.com/kolibri.htm

Now, thats what I have for the sails. On to the wheels. Today I collected several different kinds of wheels. I have attached a photo. The largest are 16x6.50, while the smaller are.... 9xsomthing? I have been contemplating using the 3 large ones. The main surface this will be sailed on shall be the beach, with some use in a parking lot. I have been thinking, that instead of the 16x6.5 wheel for the front wheel, I should make use of a wheelbarrow tire, as its profile is round.

Question 3: What are your opinions on these wheels? Would the larger ones be suitable for use on a land yacht? Thoughts on a wheel barrow wheel for the front tire?

Now with all this in mind, the wheels, the mast, etc, what would people think as a appropriate width for the wheel base, and what do you estimate the performance to be? My goal with this is to go as fast as possible, for as cheap as possible, and have fun.

Thanks everyone!