Model Boat Mayhem
The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => BMPRS - British Model Powerboat Racing Society => Topic started by: craig dickson on April 09, 2013, 06:14:23 pm
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Hi Folks
Having enjoyed my introduction to BMPRS in 2012 mainly being pit man for my twin brother, I thought it was time to build a boat and get some racing in myself for 2013. I have opted to build the Crusader II from Bernard Holder powered by an SC46 engine with a Prestwich tuned pipe. This boat is proving an absolute joy to build as its hull design gives loads of access and plenty of room for all of the components.
The purpose of my topic is to share some build photos. These may be of interest to seasoned builders but hopefully also beneficial to any folks relatively new to model power boat building and wanting to see some angles of how a model power boat can be put together.
My first challenge was engine and prop tube installation: Shaft angle was kept as low as possible being 9.5 degrees. The exit hole for the tuned pipe was later widened in diameter to allow for clearance.
(http://i734.photobucket.com/albums/ww350/DICKSONUK8/Crusader/TunedPipeMount.jpg)
This photo shows the prop tube and rudder externally (front of the skeg and rudder have been sharpened to reduce drag):
(http://i734.photobucket.com/albums/ww350/DICKSONUK8/Crusader/RudderampProp.jpg)
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Rudder servo mount in place:
(http://i734.photobucket.com/albums/ww350/DICKSONUK8/Crusader/RudderServo2.jpg)
Servo vertical alloy brackets to take the clamp mounts:
(http://i734.photobucket.com/albums/ww350/DICKSONUK8/Crusader/ServoMountPlates.jpg)
Water pick up externally:
(http://i734.photobucket.com/albums/ww350/DICKSONUK8/Crusader/WaterPickup.jpg)
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Battery pack suround. To take a 5 cell pack wrapped in foam secured with plastic ties:
(http://i734.photobucket.com/albums/ww350/DICKSONUK8/Crusader/BatteryPack.jpg)
Radio box surround:
(http://i734.photobucket.com/albums/ww350/DICKSONUK8/Crusader/RadioBox.jpg)
Internal reinforcement of radio box flange for lid:
(http://i734.photobucket.com/albums/ww350/DICKSONUK8/Crusader/RadioHatchSupport.jpg)
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Access hole cut out:
(http://i734.photobucket.com/albums/ww350/DICKSONUK8/Crusader/RadioBoxinterior.jpg)
Dry fit of radio box:
(http://i734.photobucket.com/albums/ww350/DICKSONUK8/Crusader/RadioBox1.jpg)
Box fitted in pre-fibreglass tape:
(http://i734.photobucket.com/albums/ww350/DICKSONUK8/Crusader/RadioBoxInstalled.jpg)
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Those importat pilots of the boat.....
(http://i734.photobucket.com/albums/ww350/DICKSONUK8/Crusader/PilotsDecaled.jpg)
Alloy fuel tank cradle:
(http://i734.photobucket.com/albums/ww350/DICKSONUK8/Crusader/TankCradle.jpg)
Tank in place:
(http://i734.photobucket.com/albums/ww350/DICKSONUK8/Crusader/TankMount.jpg)
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Front grab handle:
(http://i734.photobucket.com/albums/ww350/DICKSONUK8/Crusader/HandleFront.jpg)
Grab handle mounts (alloy backing plates fitted underneath the deck for strength):
(http://i734.photobucket.com/albums/ww350/DICKSONUK8/Crusader/HandleMount.jpg)
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Dubro fuel filler valve and mount bracket:
(http://i734.photobucket.com/albums/ww350/DICKSONUK8/Crusader/FuelValve.jpg)
Iternal fittings:
(http://i734.photobucket.com/albums/ww350/DICKSONUK8/Crusader/Internals.jpg)
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Top hatch retaining brackets and quick release clips (one each side):
(http://i734.photobucket.com/albums/ww350/DICKSONUK8/Crusader/HatchClip.jpg)
Front bulkhead (with vent holes for expanding foam to be added):
(http://i734.photobucket.com/albums/ww350/DICKSONUK8/Crusader/Bulkhead.jpg)
Hull and deck joined with plenty of clips:
(http://i734.photobucket.com/albums/ww350/DICKSONUK8/Crusader/DeckJoint.jpg)
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The front bow section has now been filled with expanding 2 part marine grade PU foam.
I will post further photos once the final build stages have been completed.
Cheers
Craig
PS. If you have read this far, thank you for your time in reading/looking at these threads.
Please feel free to make any comments or ask any questions.
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about time craig,nice build so far mate :-))
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Looks good :-))
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Hi Craig, nice build and very useful photos.
I can't see where your cooling outlet is, but make sure its high up on the left so the jet can be easily seen from the bank. Another tip is to lay absorbent kitchen roll in the bottom of the radio box. Then, if you do get a slight seepage (oooh matron!) then the odd drops will be soaked up rather than being bounced about in the box until they find something interesting to wet!
Cheers and have fun
Danny
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about time craig ! great build m8 just watch out for luke :-)) :-)) :-))
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Thanks very much for your encouraging comments!
Oh just on a typo error, this hull is the Crusader III (not the II as first stated).
Danny, thanks for your note on the water cooling outlet. You are very observant. That is the one hole in the hull that I forgot about despite buying a neat brass outlet fitting.
I will fit it on the left side as per your good suggestion.
Cheers
Craig :-))
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Hi Craig, Builds looking good so far, take it you will be testing this weekend then!?LOL :-)) :-))
Steve.
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Hi Craig, I like the use of the MG hood fastener you are using to hold the lid on, very clever too. You are doing a very nice build, thanks for sharing. Mick B.
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Hi Craig, nice build and very useful photos.
I can't see where your cooling outlet is, but make sure its high up on the left so the jet can be easily seen from the bank. Another tip is to lay absorbent kitchen roll in the bottom of the radio box. Then, if you do get a slight seepage (oooh matron!) then the odd drops will be soaked up rather than being bounced about in the box until they find something interesting to wet!
Cheers and have fun
Danny
One word Danny Tampons oohh err {-) soak up plenty of water and then some lol.
Mart
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Hi Mart
Though I laughed the tampon idea seems a cracker! I wonder what my wife will say if I ask her for a tampon. She'd probably say "Shouldn't you go and see your doctor first Craig?" {-)
Mick, the clips that hold the deck on came from Prestwich Model Centre. I didn' know they were MG clips. All I did was use some 3mm thick alloy plate bent and drilled to hold the clip horizontal.
Steve, unfortunately won't be ready for this weekend. Despite a few days holiday I have been busy fitting thirteen 6x5 foot fence panels today and boy that is harder graft than I expected.
Cheers
Craig
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Should we bother with hatch flotation devices?
I decided to attach some flotation to this hatch on the basis of if it comes away from the boat I will be able to retrieve it. Also if the boat flips and the hatch remains attached (as I hope it will) the foam will give extra buoyancy to the boat.
I opted for plastic securing ties for minimal weight and with them being a neutral colour they are hardly noticeable when viewed from outside the hatch.
Cheers
Craig
(http://i734.photobucket.com/albums/ww350/DICKSONUK8/Crusader/HatchFlotation.jpg) (http://s734.photobucket.com/user/DICKSONUK8/media/Crusader/HatchFlotation.jpg.html)
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craig
why didnt you fibreglass 2 small strips of metal in slightly arched so you could pass the cable tie through and then you wouldnt have had to make any holes !
the boat looks great at weekend too m8 cant wait to see it on the water :-)) :-)) :-)) :-)) :-))
mark
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Just silicone some poole noodle to it,doesnt need that much to be honest.
Mart
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craig
why didnt you fibreglass 2 small strips of metal in slightly arched so you could pass the cable tie through and then you wouldnt have had to make any holes !
the boat looks great at weekend too m8 cant wait to see it on the water :-)) :-)) :-)) :-)) :-))
mark
Hi
The way you suggested I agree would have been neater. The main reason for not doing this was that because this hull has a lot of freeboard I wanted absolute minimal weight above deck level to maximise stability. And the "clear" coloured plastic ties are actually hardly noticeable in respect of the small section showing above the hatch. That should be evident later when I photograph the finished boat.
Silicone would have been an alternative option and probably just as effective I agree.
Cheers
Craig :-)
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The boat now race ready and finished:
(http://i734.photobucket.com/albums/ww350/DICKSONUK8/Crusader/CrusaderFinished2.jpg) (http://s734.photobucket.com/user/DICKSONUK8/media/Crusader/CrusaderFinished2.jpg.html)
And the internals:
(http://i734.photobucket.com/albums/ww350/DICKSONUK8/Crusader/CrusaderFinished4.jpg) (http://s734.photobucket.com/user/DICKSONUK8/media/Crusader/CrusaderFinished4.jpg.html)
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This short video clip was taken yesterday on its first test run prior to its first BMPRS race next weekend at Nottingham:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6hFLnbxrQw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6hFLnbxrQw)
Cheers
Craig
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looks good craig be good to see it racing at weekend :-)) :-)) :-))
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Nice video. Very smooth runner Craig :-))
I hope you know that we go round all the buoys - every lap {-)
Good luck in your maiden race on Sunday - let the fun begin!!
Cheers
Danny
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I hope you know that we go round all the buoys - every lap {-)
Hey up mate, I thought that complete novices like me only had to go round 2 buoys each lap {-) {-) {-)
Seriously thank you all very much for your positive comments.
Cheers
Craig :-))
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Can't wait to pit for you Craig! Looking at the deteriorating weather forecast (again!) it looks like rough water can once again be expected so your hull should do well????
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Hi Folks
It is about nine months ago since I opened this topic. This update is primarily aimed at any of you that might be thinking of racing perhaps for the first time in the BMPRS - like I did in 2013. Perhaps your first build of an IC model power boat?
When we see all of the hype about the latest high performance engines, hulls and radio gear I fear that it could put off a lot of people from even thinking about having a go and getting involved. The potential costs can be substantial. However it need not be that way.
In this example of my first BMPRS boat, I used an engine bought second hand that cost £45, Hull and most of the hand made components from Bernard Holder that cost a lot less than one would have expected. What I did do was take my time on the build process keeping things simple but aiming for absolute reliability.
What did I end up with? A boat that was not the quickest throughout the season. But it did deliver the result I wanted.
If you are reading these threads. If you might be apprehensive about the prospect of having half a chance of doing well. My message is Try doing what I did on a budget. It can be done and it is great fun!
:-)) :-))
(http://i734.photobucket.com/albums/ww350/DICKSONUK8/Crusader/AAFramedtextcopy.jpg) (http://s734.photobucket.com/user/DICKSONUK8/media/Crusader/AAFramedtextcopy.jpg.html)
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Well Craig, I couldn't agree more - and you are the proof that a well put together boat, sensibly driven, will always get the top awards! Congratulations on your Championship win.
With the reliability of the new generation of cheap, efficient engines it has become more and more about how the boat is set up and driven which gives the points. Of course, if you want to be in with a chance of fame - you have to go to as many meetings as you can, so when you DO have the odd hiccup and your boat doesn't perform (or you hit the buoys), then you have a "spare" score to discount.
I like what you're doing with Photoshop (reminds my of a certain Society logo) :-))
Cheers
Danny
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Agreed. You don't need to spend a fortune to win the coveted year end trophy. Craig even proved this when he built his boat stand out of a piece of drift wood, he stubbed his toe on when he went for a walk with us on cleethorpes beach!
He made it look very nice though with a bit of Photoshop editing! >>:-( <*< :police: :police:
He did take time in building the boat, which always pays off, , I need to learn a lesson from you on this one craig.
Garza.
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Craig even proved this when he built his boat stand out of a piece of drift wood, he stubbed his toe on when he went for a walk with us on cleethorpes beach!
He made it look very nice though with a bit of Photoshop editing! >>:-( <*< :police: :police:
He did take time in building the boat, which always pays off, , I need to learn a lesson from you on this one craig.
Garza.
What Garza did not say was why I stubbed my toe on the drift wood and failed to avoid it........ :(( :(( :((
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There's nowt wrong with using drift wood for a boat stand as it keeps the boat nice and high up to prevent bending down!
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(http://i734.photobucket.com/albums/ww350/DICKSONUK8/CrusaderStand.jpg) (http://s734.photobucket.com/user/DICKSONUK8/media/CrusaderStand.jpg.html)
Thanks for your comments folks :-))
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Hi Craig,
Absolutely agree with you. Having been around for a few years in both boats and aeroplanes, it is an observation that quite a few racing classes have foundered because in the end people were competing with their wallets rather than any skill in building or racing. If it gets like this, it limits the number of newcomers ( especially younger members) entering the sport and also, to my way of looking at it, takes the fun out of it.
Personally, all of my boats might well be christened Miss Ebay! . I actually prefer some of the older designs of boat and particularly, the older engines, especially K&B's, webras and Vecos
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Hi Craig,
Absolutely agree with you. Having been around for a few years in both boats and aeroplanes, it is an observation that quite a few racing classes have foundered because in the end people were competing with their wallets rather than any skill in building or racing. If it gets like this, it limits the number of newcomers ( especially younger members) entering the sport and also, to my way of looking at it, takes the fun out of it.
Personally, all of my boats might well be christened Miss Ebay! . I actually prefer some of the older designs of boat and particularly, the older engines, especially K&B's, webras and Vecos
Danny also made good points in his earlier posting as did Garry. One great thing I like about the BMPRS organisation from what I have experienced, is that you see boats of all kinds and prices paid from the relatively cheap end like mine to much more expensive combinations. However, those members that turn up with the more budget priced boat combos are treated with just as much respect as anyone else. That makes for solid foundations of a good club in my opinion.
You mentioned your preference for some of the older engines etc. The K&B brand has a special place in my book. I ran a K&B 40 on a reduction gearbox in the seventies. For me that engine remains the engine that is my all time favourite in terms of raw out of the box power.
Craig :-))
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Hi Folks
It is about nine months ago since I opened this topic. This update is primarily aimed at any of you that might be thinking of racing perhaps for the first time in the BMPRS - like I did in 2013. Perhaps your first build of an IC model power boat?
When we see all of the hype about the latest high performance engines, hulls and radio gear I fear that it could put off a lot of people from even thinking about having a go and getting involved. The potential costs can be substantial. However it need not be that way.
In this example of my first BMPRS boat, I used an engine bought second hand that cost £45, Hull and most of the hand made components from Bernard Holder that cost a lot less than one would have expected. What I did do was take my time on the build process keeping things simple but aiming for absolute reliability.
What did I end up with? A boat that was not the quickest throughout the season. But it did deliver the result I wanted.
If you are reading these threads. If you might be apprehensive about the prospect of having half a chance of doing well. My message is Try doing what I did on a budget. It can be done and it is great fun!
:-)) :-))
(http://i734.photobucket.com/albums/ww350/DICKSONUK8/Crusader/AAFramedtextcopy.jpg) (http://s734.photobucket.com/user/DICKSONUK8/media/Crusader/AAFramedtextcopy.jpg.html)
Spot on m8 and glad you did decide to come racing, what an excellent year it was you just go to prove that on a budget of a few hundred pounds that it is possible to enjoy the hobby !
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Craigs budget of a few hundred pounds includes new low profile tyres on his car to get him to the events, so. In terms of winning on a budget, well done craig!
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hi craig
just seen the posts for your new boat and the video clip ,looks good nice and neat with excellent response from the steering , decided that as i am new to this type of boat i would go ahead with the rtr pro boat rockstar 48 this will give me a chance to get used to boats and the ins and outs of petrol engines ,having seen your build and video has given me food for thought and my well build my own after i have got used to the rockstar
thanks for your help and other modelers with their input
divorce papers will probably be in june when I COLLECT IT FROM MY LOCAL MODEL SHOP (ONLY JOKEING )
REGARDS
HOWARD MIDSHIPS
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Hi Howard
Thank you for your response. I am pleased that the build photos give you some food for thought as that always makes the effort taken to show them worth while. I hope you thoroughly enjoy your new RTR Rockstar 48 boat. Comments from folks in the other topics on this boat suggest that this make is better than most. In due course it will be great if you open up a new topic in respect of your new boat to let us know how it all goes and to share your thoughts and opinions on the new challenge. I will much look forward to that if you are willing - it could make for a fascinating topic!
The way I avoided divorce papers was to involve my wife in certain aspects of my boating exploits. But I won't dwell on that! {-) {-) {-)
Cheers
Craig