RE: Zippkit .21 Outboard Rigger!!
By the way... I'm sure the ZippKits JAE's are much better, as they are more modern and developed, but are those old Prather OB outrigger shapes any good in comparison? Ron, I assume you would know. My brother had a Prather Lap Cat III - It was an interesting kit, being epoxy... But man was getting the finish right a pain in the a$$!! That epoxy had more pinholes than a sandy beach. It took at least 4 coats of glazing putty with wet sanding and primer between each application to get rid of all of them! EDIT: @Craig - I see you sorta answered my question there while I was typing. Thanks.
Posted on: 6/8/2012 10:04 AM by Author "kiteboarder" in the forum "Speed - RC Nitro Boats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11111334

RE: Zippkit .21 Outboard Rigger!!
^^^ Wow. I've been learning as much as I can about RC boats ever since I got back into the hobby last summer after a 19 year hiatus... I'm still baffled when I run into a new company I didn't know of. I admit, something must be done about marketing in this hobby. Even with the internet, it seems relevant information still propagates too slowly when compared to other hobbies and sports. O.o. I tried to address that with my article on FloatWays last fall - but it looks like I might have to do a followup soon. Anyway, I'm excited with all this OB outrigger business. This will be my next boat.
Posted on: 6/8/2012 9:55 AM by Author "kiteboarder" in the forum "Speed - RC Nitro Boats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11111328

RE: Zippkit .21 Outboard Rigger!!
I think the problem in the first post is that you were using the shortened youtube video URL. That doesn't work. And for the second one, it was a full embed code. Seems to not work either. If you use the video URL only, not shortened, it should work. Let's try it: [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/embed/KF_u36XRRbo[/youtube] EDIT: Nevermind, it doesn't work either. Something's fishy.
Posted on: 6/6/2012 8:56 AM by Author "kiteboarder" in the forum "Speed - RC Nitro Boats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11108690

RE: Zippkit .21 Outboard Rigger!!
Makes total sense. Since most of the boat rides on the sponsons forward, it shouldn't be too finicky with engine angles at the back - unlike tunnels for example that ride at the back. You've got me sold. I put my name on the list on the IW thread already. I'll start setting some money aside for another engine (I'm one of those that doesn't have an extra 3.5 lying around. :)
Posted on: 6/5/2012 9:09 PM by Author "kiteboarder" in the forum "Speed - RC Nitro Boats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11108186

RE: Zippkit .21 Outboard Rigger!!
^^^ I see. Thanks for the info.
Posted on: 6/5/2012 12:14 PM by Author "kiteboarder" in the forum "Speed - RC Nitro Boats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11107524

RE: Zippkit .21 Outboard Rigger!!
Hi guys, I'm following the thread for this boat on Intlwaters. - I have a question... The boat should be able to run just as fast as the standard inboard .21 rigger right? Just a matter of being patient and working on the setup? Or does the fact that it's an OB hinder it a bit when compared it it's older Inboard sibling?
Posted on: 6/5/2012 12:04 PM by Author "kiteboarder" in the forum "Speed - RC Nitro Boats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11107513

RE: 21 Tunnel Talk
Yeah, I'm going to run by Frys and see if I can find that stuff. I'm sure they must have it. I find that rosin core doesn't mix well with the brass and/or stainless steel these things are plated with. No matter how much heat I apply the rosin core acts like oil, it sort slips all over the place and doesn't quite "blend" with the material.
Posted on: 3/8/2012 5:09 PM by Author "kiteboarder" in the forum "Speed - RC Nitro Boats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10992107

RE: 21 Tunnel Talk
Hi Gene, Hmmm, I'll give that a try. I had the idea of soldering, then crimping the sleeve where the sable is soldered into. My guess is it should make the whole thing stronger, but I might be wrong. Unfortunately, I used the wrong tool to crimp and nearly cut through the sleeve and cable itself! But that doesn't mean it won't work if done right. I'm fine tuning my boat with help from Rodney P. So far I've made some adjustments to the engine height and tilt, but I'm also replacing the throttle cable - I originally made at a bit too short. It works but fine tuning is a PITA and I can't get the boat to idle without having my hand on the radio. (too open). I'm also adjusting the COG with a couple of stick-on lead weights. Currently the COG on my VS1 is at 7.5" from the further riding surface of the sponsons. I want to try and bring that up to 8"
Posted on: 3/8/2012 4:01 PM by Author "kiteboarder" in the forum "Speed - RC Nitro Boats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10992034

RE: 21 Tunnel Talk
Hey guys, Is there a trick to soldering the pull-pull cables into the threaded soldering couplers ? I have soldering experience and have done tons of electronics... But this is DIFFERENT. I apply heat to both parts and use soldering flux. I fill the hole in the coupler with melt solder and stick the hot cable in there. Then I apply more heat before letting it cool with zero movement to avoid a weak cold solder. I've ran the boat a couple of times with no problems. However, last night one of them came undone while I was working on the engine. What am I doing wrong. I'm using standard rosin core solder. Am I supposed to use something else?
Posted on: 3/8/2012 3:26 PM by Author "kiteboarder" in the forum "Speed - RC Nitro Boats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10991982

RE: tunnel hull question
My vote is for the VS1 over the TS3. If you take the time to seal it right, you won't have rotting issues. Mine is perfectly sealed. Of course, a Lynx would be much better.
Posted on: 3/5/2012 3:33 PM by Author "kiteboarder" in the forum "Speed - RC Nitro Boats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10987826

RE: Novarossi 46 is HERE!
Wow, 145MPH on that .45! So, how fast will an outrigger with a .12 NovaRossi go?
Posted on: 1/4/2012 10:05 AM by Author "kiteboarder" in the forum "Speed - RC Nitro Boats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10891352

RE: 21 Tunnel Talk
So I finished my FloatWays VS1 this last weekend and ran it for the very first time on Sunday! I was impressed. I took my time to build the thing and it's obvious it paid off. The boat ran perfectly straight and the initial trim wasn't that bad. I ran 6 tanks, not a single problem! Plus, I had set the servo turning end points and the turning speed and all felt spot on. The engine I bought used, but I'm not sure how much it had been run, so I'm treating it like a new engine and breaking it in. Plus, I'm not good at setting these engines yet, so running rich is a good idea as to not break it. I think I'm running the carb at tad leaner than the OS recommended setting for break-in. So instead of 2.5 turns open, I'm running the needle at 2.75 turns open. I've got some pictures and video coming soon. I just don't have them here. In the meantime, there's a photo of it on the wall of the FloatWays facebook page [link=http://facebook.com/floatways]here[/link].
Posted on: 1/4/2012 10:00 AM by Author "kiteboarder" in the forum "Speed - RC Nitro Boats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10891344

RE: RC Boats Article on FloatWays - Full-Size Boating Site
Hi Ron, Absolutely! Hopefully, every little bit counts. The nice thing about this article is it's future. It's doing well right now, but over time it'll do better and will inform many people. Plus, it's not static. I can keep updating it.
Posted on: 12/21/2011 9:17 AM by Author "kiteboarder" in the forum "RC Boats General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10869857

RC Boats Article on FloatWays - Full-Size Boating Site
I had briefly mentioned the creation of this article in the 21 Tunnel Talk thread in the Nitro forum. However, I figured it needed a thread of it's own. Back in September I started writing a piece about RC boats for FloatWays a boating and sailing site. I've gotten back into RC boats after many years, but I've always been into full size boats. I figured an RC boats article aimed at full size boaters would be a great idea to help promote the hobby. After all, it's the full-size boaters that are more likely to pick up RC boating anyway. Please help me promote it. I'd appreciate anything you can do. Here are some suggestions. 1. Share it on Facebook, Twitter and Google+ 2. Email it to friends. 3. Link to it from your blog or website. 4. Post it in your favorite RC or full-size boating forum 5. Comment in the article itself - (Comments, will not show up right away - But I approve them every day - spam control). Thanks, Danny Below is the link to the article. http://floatways.com/1522/absolute-rc-boats-guide-for-speed-loving-racers/
Posted on: 12/20/2011 10:34 AM by Author "kiteboarder" in the forum "RC Boats General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10868281

RE: RC Boat Fatalities - News stories. PLEASE BE SAFE (updated 2-8-2011
Oh my gosh! I just ran into this thread. I'm from Puerto Rico, and I hadn't heard about the Guajataca river incident until now. That's crazy. Poor kid. I see all these stories of people drowning and it freaks me out. It's hard to grasp. I'm a surfer and sailor, I'm used to swimming in horrible conditions, huge surf and currents. Diving, spear-fishing etc. It's hard to imagine because I'm a strong swimmer. But hypothermia is no joke. And there are plenty of land people that love boats that are not strong swimmers. Be safe out there.
Posted on: 12/20/2011 10:09 AM by Author "kiteboarder" in the forum "RC Boats General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10868233

RE: 21 Tunnel Talk
Well, I need to send in EPS files, cause it's all custom graphics. But... I found a guy locally that'll do them all for $40! So I'm going for that. I'll keep you posted on the results...
Posted on: 12/19/2011 5:21 PM by Author "kiteboarder" in the forum "Speed - RC Nitro Boats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10867234

RE: 21 Tunnel Talk
Thanks guys, I'll look them up. By the way... The RC article I was creating for FloatWays is done. Check it out here: http://floatways.com/1522/absolute-rc-boats-guide-for-speed-loving-racers/ I'll likely set up a proper thread for it tomorrow. I'm tired. :)
Posted on: 12/18/2011 5:54 PM by Author "kiteboarder" in the forum "Speed - RC Nitro Boats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10865696

RE: 21 Tunnel Talk
Who do you guys use for cutting vinyl stickers? The local shops here are quoting way too high. I remember seeing sign sign shops post in one of the forums offering vinyl sticker services, but I can't remember where I saw it.
Posted on: 12/18/2011 1:18 PM by Author "kiteboarder" in the forum "Speed - RC Nitro Boats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10865312

RE: 21 Tunnel Talk
Thanks Gene, I'm getting quotes. The first guy that quoted me wants $100 for 2 sets of these stickers! O.O So, I'm still looking.
Posted on: 12/13/2011 4:46 PM by Author "kiteboarder" in the forum "Speed - RC Nitro Boats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10858188

RE: 21 Tunnel Talk
Hey guys, I finally got around to deciding on the graphics for the boat... I'm going to try and get the stickers cut locally 'cause I need them soon. I have a few days off for Christmas and I'm hoping to finish the boat then. Otherwise, I was going to have a friend (from here and intlwaters) to cut the stickers for me. But he's a little far and with how slow USPS is right now I'm not sure they would get here in time. Check out the look... (Photoshopped) [image]http://dannycruz.com/forums/rc/floatways_vs1_tunnel_boat_build.jpg[/image]
Posted on: 12/12/2011 7:46 PM by Author "kiteboarder" in the forum "Speed - RC Nitro Boats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10856724

RE: 21 Tunnel Talk
I see you are taking your time. I am too. I'm working on the graphics for the boat now. -Danny
Posted on: 10/30/2011 7:34 PM by Author "kiteboarder" in the forum "Speed - RC Nitro Boats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10790057

RE: 21 Tunnel Talk
I still paid $250 for my V1 - so.. I'm not feeling hurt :)
Posted on: 10/22/2011 10:27 AM by Author "kiteboarder" in the forum "Speed - RC Nitro Boats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10777487

RE: 21 Tunnel Talk
Yeah, I wanted to get this boat running by mid-october and that's come and gone pretty much. But I'm in no hurry. I just finished redesigning the logo for FloatWays and I want to make some stickers to put on the boat. Unfortunately, the brand colors will not included orange (and I already painted the cowl orange). Ha! But it is what it is. Once I get the stickers made and applied, I can apply the very final clearcoat and then the build's all downhill from there.
Posted on: 10/18/2011 10:11 AM by Author "kiteboarder" in the forum "Speed - RC Nitro Boats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10771337

RE: 21 Tunnel Talk
Well, I finally got back to my boat after a month too busy to work on it! Sanded the hull from the first coat of clear, and applied a second coat. Also sprayed the VS1 cowl orange. The rear of the cowl is going to be purple. But it's raining today. So unless it stops, there's not painting.
Posted on: 10/18/2011 9:19 AM by Author "kiteboarder" in the forum "Speed - RC Nitro Boats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10771271

RE: 21 Tunnel Talk
Hi guys, A work-related tradeshow weeklong trip, then a fun surf trip to Mexico and a logo-design special I've been running in my personal business, have made my "catch-up-to-do-list" as big as Texas. So the sanded and sealed boat has been on the shelf and the parts in a box. I'm finally starting to see some things done. I'm hoping to be back to normal by next week and continue working on the boat. I'll have an update soon. Oh by the way, I'm writing an RC Boats article for my boating site, FloatWays.com - It be nice if some of you give it a once over before I publish it. Any volunteers? -Danny
Posted on: 10/5/2011 2:27 PM by Author "kiteboarder" in the forum "Speed - RC Nitro Boats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10750236

RE: 21 Tunnel Talk
Hi Gene, I didn't order the TS3. Great price, but I'm going to focus on one boat for now (the VS1 I'm building.)
Posted on: 9/28/2011 9:22 AM by Author "kiteboarder" in the forum "Speed - RC Nitro Boats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10738457

RE: 21 Tunnel Talk
[quote]ORIGINAL: Blackout Tower's has the red Topspeed 3's on sale for $99.97. [/quote] Thanks for the heads up!! I might order one....!
Posted on: 9/20/2011 9:44 AM by Author "kiteboarder" in the forum "Speed - RC Nitro Boats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10725831

RE: 21 Tunnel Talk
Hi guys, I've been away working for a good week. I'll be back with boat build updates when I have a chance to catch up! Later, Danny
Posted on: 9/18/2011 4:26 PM by Author "kiteboarder" in the forum "Speed - RC Nitro Boats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10723013

RE: 21 Tunnel Talk
[quote]ORIGINAL: TCHedOff [quote]ORIGINAL: kiteboarder So, I considered sealing with it, then painting with some quality spray paint and finally taking it to a auto-body shop to get it clear-coated with 2 part paint. What do you guys think? [/quote] You can buy 2 part automotive clear coat at a number of auto stores now a days; cost is @ $20/can. It is nitro proof. Comes in a special spray
Posted on: 9/11/2011 9:55 AM by Author "kiteboarder" in the forum "Speed - RC Nitro Boats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10711414

RE: 21 Tunnel Talk
@Racer - How did you apply that Marine Spar Minwax? Brushed on, spray or spray gun? And... Have you ever used it over paint, meaning as a final clear coat?
Posted on: 9/10/2011 11:45 AM by Author "kiteboarder" in the forum "Speed - RC Nitro Boats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10710222