RE: Sterling Puddle Jumper 1/2 A RC Air Boat, anyone got one?
Half a hec,
The big puddle jumper didn't have side skis per the plans. I was so new to the hobby at the time that I didn't think of them, but I bet they would have helped. I did make a couple .049 (half-A) airboats, purchased and home-made, and determined that the power of my Cox tee dee .049 was a bit low to get them running as fast as they might when using standard size radio equipment. Perhaps if you used new small servos and a tiny receiver and batts, the power to weight ratio would be better...
Regarding the fiberglass over the plastic hull: like airplanes, boats shouldn't be built to crash! Best to build it relatively light and steer it away from nastys!
Overall, build the models you want and have a great time at it!
Best wishes,
Will