ML Boatworks GP400 Hydro
I started this build over on R/C Groups, but I thought there might be a few people over here that might be interested in building something like this, so I'll put it here too.
I bought this kit from Mike at ML Boatworks to slowly build up for our EB (6s) Sports Hydro class. But because the weather has been holding up the painting of the U-95 1/8th Scale Hydro, & my Whiplash, I started on this one.
[link]http://www.ml-boatworks.com/Page.asp?n=62521&snid=dOJ%40Z0K4V&org=ml-boatworks.com[/link]
As you can see the same basic hull comes in different sizes. GP265, GP310, GP330, GP400 & he's working on a GP480.
Comes with all frames, stringers , skins, & fibre glass cowling. (2 types to choose from.)
The laser cutting is excellent & the whole thing just falls together if you follow the manual. I won't post many photos, because the manual is full of them with the instructions. I'll just highlight where I changed or added something to suit my building style.
This is the manual.
[link]http://forums.offshoreelectrics.com/showthread.php?32580-ML-Boatworks-Sport-12-20-20L-and-40-Hydroplane-Online-Instruction-manual[/link]
The two sponsons were put together on the coffee table in one evening while watching the TV. See photo 1.
The main tub was assembled the next day in about 4 hours. Photos 2, 3, & 4.
I did add a bit of extra 1/4" stock around all the joins of the air break and around all the joins around the curved trailing section of the sponson. Photos 5, 6, & 7.
In photo #7, you will also see that I extended the stringer on the outside edge of the air break section, forward one more bulkhead than shown in the manual. Just for a bit of strength in that area as I'm not going to add any glass or carbon fibre to the inside of the sponsons.
I also added a 1/4" stringer, half way between the air break, & the non trip chine, from the transom to the second bulkhead. Unfortunately I didn't take a photo of that.
Installing the non trip skins was quite simple, following the manual.
The ride pads, however were a bit more difficult.
I used Jans' suggestion of heating up the skin with a heat gun & forming a bend in it while the glue in the ply cooled & reset. It was then an easy task of gluing on the section over the transom & the first two bulkheads. Once that was dry, I applied CA to the rest of the stringers & bulkheads & held the ply in place with tape and a couple of clamps. Photos 8, & 9.
After adding a piece of 1/4" ply to the inside of the heel of the right hand sponson, I coated the whole of the inside of both sponsons & the tub with epoxy resin.
Then I just filled the sponsons with two part Eco Foam. Also the two front sections of the hull. It only added 5 oz but it adds a lot of strength to the skins. Especially the top one when it goes on. Photo #11 shows one sponson with the foam sanded to shape (also the front sections of the tub) & the other one as the foam had grown out of it ready for cutting & sanding.
That's where she sits at the moment. Top skins go on next, & then glue the sponsons on to the tub.
For anyone who likes building hulls Mike has a huge range to choose from.
Cheers.
Paul.