Peapod Class sailors should be aware of the hazards attendant with the use

of any LiPo battery packs. For more info read the article on page 28, issue #160

of M/Y( our magazine). Especially important for Peapod class sailors since our boats

are primarily of all-wood construction with much epoxy in our joinery.

  Most other class(es) do not frown on the use of these LiPo packs and admittedly

seven ounces, or more can be saved by using these products, however, the risk of a

fire is great if these packs are wetted. Recommend shaving weight in our development class

in other ways. Use aluminum beams in place of hardwoods, by installing small wood blocks

during build to attach your beams.

  In closing, when these  new battery designs evolve, such as hermetically sealed Li-Ion types, then safety will then be assured. When purchasing these packs be aware that special voltage regulating chargers are required as well, or fatal battery collapse can result.

 This is a Peapod Class alert only, at this time, since we do not desire to change our class rules if all our class members are responsible in battery pack use.

Capt.Sam Bell ,Ret.

Peapod Class Secretary