Jerry Dunlap

Well, I finally got started on a project for the Challenge. I'm working on a JD WOF 1/4 Scale "Kneeler." I began the project on March 19 and have been using Great Planes Pro Foam Safe Medium CA. You can build things really fast with this stuff. I'm ready to join the sponsons to the center section. But, that will need to wait till I return from the World Outboard Championships in Charleston, SC.

JD

Jerry Dunlap

Here's a few more photos.

Jerry Dunlap

More photos.

hydroracer11g

Take lots of pictures during this build Jerry. I think next winter I will need to build one of these hydros.

Mark

P.S. Have fun at the Worlds.

Jerry Dunlap

Ok, back in town from the 2008 World R/C Tunnel Championships. Time to start gluing things together. I'll post some photos in the next couple of days.

JD

Jerry Dunlap

I've decided to apply the West Systems Epoxy to the sponsons and center section before attaching them. Much easier to do this with the components.

JF

Jerry Dunlap

Got a coat of West Systems on most of the parts this evening. Going to apply more in the morning, hope it sets by afternoon and then glue the sponsons to the center section. My goal is to test the boat on Sunday.

JD

Joe Petro

My Feedback: (1)

That looks awesome, Jerry!
Sunday? Where did you find the energy? I'm still tired from the outboard champs... And I flew!

What are the dimensions? Probably around 36 inches?
What are you gonna power it with???

Looking forward to seeing some running pics!

Joe Petro

gooycheese

Jerry,

If you are hoping to test by Sunday does that mean you will test without paint?


Paul

Jerry Dunlap

The boat is 35" in length. The West Systems epoxy seals the boat. I often run my new WOF boats with just the West Systems. Being retired definitely allows me more time for a model boating project.

JD

Jerry Dunlap

Had an opportunity to get the sponsons glued to the center section today. The first photo is my "Curing Oven" - top of our Pontiac Grand Am with a hood temp of 80 degrees. The second photo shows the index line for the center section on the sponson. It's a bit hard to see because it's a pencil line. I used 6 minute epoxy to glue the sponsons to the center section. A small clamp holds the back and tape the front. Rubber bands were used when attaching the second sponson. I also held the pieces in place till the epoxy set. There were some gaps between the sponsons and the center section that I've filled with West Systems mixed with a filler.

JD

Jerry Dunlap

Hey, is there an award for being the first "2008 Builders' Challenge" boat to hit the water? Took the "Kneeler" out for it's first run today. Weather wasn't great, windy, but no rain. On the first run I managed to run over a submerged stump that I've known about for over 30 years. Who said, "Older and wiser?" Hitting the stump spun the boat and then the receiver battery decided it was drained. The boat went into a slow, tight turn. Amazing how low an O.S.21 OB can idle. I rowed out and managed to grap it and shut it off. Back to the house, install a new rx battery, and back to the lake for another run. Thankfully, I live about 10 minutes from this lake. With the charged battery the boat ran pretty well considering the choppy water conditions. I never really tried running it very long at WOT. Managed to both run the boat and shoot some photos. BTW, I made the driver from balsa wood. Engine is an O.S. 21, prop an Octura M440, 65% O'Donnell fuel, Futaba PKS 2.4 FASST radio. The radio box is from a Top Speed 2.

I'm hoping for better water conditions on Sunday when our club has a practice race.

JD

hydroracer11g

Looking good Jerry.

jetpack

My Feedback: (1)

Congrats Jerry,

Looks nice! Really would like to see it handle in the turns, I've never seen a scale outboard hydro handle before, only tunnels...

jetpack

My Feedback: (1)

Congrats Jerry,

Looks nice! Really would like to see it handle in the turns, I've never seen a scale outboard hydro handle before, only tunnels, they look to be lots of fun!

chief3452

Hey Jerry,

Cool looking build, nicely done. I bet it would look very scale with a tuned pipe hangin' off it. Kneeler Scale Hydro...Might be a fun new class, eh? Take care,

Scott

Jerry Dunlap

I made a couple of adjustments, added 5 oz. of lead in the nose and slanted the turn fin towards the boat, and did a quick test this afternoon. Water was smoother and with the fin adjustment and added weight the boat was running nicely. I'll probably have to race in 20 stock tunnel tomorrow since there isn't enough "Kneelers" for a class. But, there could be enough boats for a class at our April 13 race.

JD

jetpack

My Feedback: (1)

Great that it is running good for you. A new class would be great to see!

I've been kicking the idea of builing an outboard hydro for a few years now, and besides having made a few sketches of my ideas, I've also contacted the designer to help out with a few details. Hopefully, there will be more time eventually for me to keep the project going!

It is not a newer style hull, but from the late sixties and seventies.

rosecrafts

SO JERRY, SINCE GREAT PLANES HAS DISC. THE TOP SPEED WHEN IS THE NEW TUNNEL COMING OUT?

Jerry Dunlap

Had an opportunity to get in some really good runs with the "Kneeler" today. One of our boat club members ran the boat will I took photos. The hull really carves into a right turn. However, left turn adjustments need to be made delicately. The boat floats down the straightaways with the sponsons touching side to side. As the photos show, it's definitely riding on a cushion of air. If a couple of guys can get their "Kneelers" done this next week we might actually have a race next Sunday.

JD

Rick Sowell

My Feedback: (2)

Jerry: looks good, could you email me the vegas pictures from today, probably post them to the vegas thread also, I am sure some would like to see them.

FurnalFlyer

Looks like a Hedlund that you are modeling after.. My dad just finished building an 1/8th scale Sid-Craft just for show. Frames and all..

jetpack

My Feedback: (1)

Yep you're right FurnalFlyer it is a Hedlund. They had a special bottom to pack more air under them.

I used to own and run an A/B class Sid-Craft in earlier years...would love to see pics of your Dad's project!

Jerry Dunlap

I used some ideas from Bill Blackwell, who has designed and raced both full size "Keelers" and models, and from photos of the real boats. Bill and his dad, Roy, have been racing full size "Kneelers" in APBA Region 10 for many years. Roy was hurt in an blow over accident a few years back and I think he's "hung up" the life jacket. I've invited Bill to join us on Sunday for what I hope will be the first 20 Outboard Kneeler race ever held.

JD

FurnalFlyer

Lets try this here are some of the photos that I have of it..