i am going to get the dumas primetime for christmas, but i am wondering about a few things.

what would the skill level be for this build?
should i use jet propulsion or the standard prop?
what other materials would i need besides what comes with the kit?
and, where can i buy it?? i havent seen it at harbor models and another website iv seen it on but i cant seem to find where to buy it.

iv also checked out the donzi, but the primetime appeals more to me, but is the donzi better??

and finnaly, where can i get the motors and hardware for a jet drive or prop system and where can i find a radio system that can mix and combine channels so i can power the motors with one control???

oh, and where can i find a good bow thruster?
and where can i get some deck/cabin light and a sound system w/ a blowhorn noise??

Most of the running gear for jet drive, and bow thruster is produced by Graupner, and can be picked up from Hobby Lobby International

Here is Chris Keeler's build up, and a couple of others.

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_2890431/tm.htm

[8D]

I would contact Harbor Models directly to see if he has one in stock. Not all his product is listed on his website. Or contact http://www.dumasestore.com/ and verify they still produce the kit.

JJC seems to be getting a good reputation for their sound chips. They are available via
http://www.loyalhannadockyard.com/
or
http://www.jjc-electronics.com/

i contacted harbor models, but i didnt get a response. i dont think they have it anymore.

thats ok, ill just build the donzi Z65. it is a bit more for the bigenner/intermediate builder anyway.

Hope you get this message before your purchase. If you still are interested in the Prime Time, do buy it directly from Dumas. On their website, choose "DISCOUNT BOATS" - - you will see it listed there for much less than Harbor Models.

after doing a bit of reserch, both the prime time and the donzi are a bit out of my leage.

ill build an FE cat first, then, when i get some build experience under my belt, ill be looking for the prime time or donzi.

I have built both. Both kits are not for beginners. The prime time is a great looking model but a bit difficult to constrct the superstructure. Lots of filling and sanding small wood parts. Very rare to see a prime time completed. I have built one just like the plans, and also plan to build one in modification with heli pad. As far as the Donzi,, also a very nice looking model and is very impressive due to its scale and size. However, this is also difficult to construct for the average builder. Probably the most difficult is constructing alot of the outer rigging that comes along with the kit. The Mr. Darby is a little less complex and also very impressive when complete. Dumas does not have the greatest instructions. They do give you b&w photocopy of some pics which can be hard to see, and then an instruction manual that is small text and can be hard to interpret exactly what they mean. I got stuck on alot of things. In order to actually complete a dumas kit, you just need to also go with your instict and common sense when you get stuck. This web site is also a great resource. There are lots of posts on the donzi, but have not seen too many on the prime time. Good luck

i have been looking at the Mr. Darby, but right now ive got a few more projects on my hands (drifter L, high wind jet drive, Carolina red (airboat), and i still need to test my SW36 after some mods....