Model Boat Mayhem

The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Pleasure boats, Sports, Race, Power and Leisure Boats: => Topic started by: martno1fan on March 26, 2008, 05:10:50 pm

Title: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: martno1fan on March 26, 2008, 05:10:50 pm
Hi guys ive just started my new build ,its a Rockett hydro from zippkits its a wooden shovelnose hydro or thunderboat as they are known shes 47" long 22" wide.She will be powered by a fully modded zenoah 260 pum,should push her along pretty well as they will do 50+ with a stock zen  :o.Heres a cpl of pics of my progress,notice the glass cowl that comes with the kit looks really cool.All i can say is the kit is amazing and the instructions are fantastic ,even if your only a beginner id say it would be an easy build.
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: Martin (Admin) on March 26, 2008, 06:17:19 pm
What's the quality of the top moulding, it don't look too good in the photo...?
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: martno1fan on March 26, 2008, 09:47:36 pm
What's the quality of the top moulding, it don't look too good in the photo...?
The quality is top notch its epoxy?not cheap polyester its unpainted obviously ,maybe your expecting a gelocoat finnish? but this is far better because its lighter and stronger than polyester  ::).THERE ARE NO FLAWS IN IT WHATSOEVER ITS SMOOTH AS A BABYS BUM .Obviously who ever makes them knows what they are doing. Also this kit retails at $179 plus $60 for the cowl which is amazing to be honest,it also comes with a custom made turn fin and mounting bracket.Heres a pic of one made by a friend in the states.
Mart
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: martno1fan on March 26, 2008, 10:59:36 pm
Heres a vid of some racing  O0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxalhItqJvw (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxalhItqJvw)
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: Proteus on March 26, 2008, 11:30:29 pm
I had a look on there site for some info and sizes (they are a bit big for me) unfortunately they don't do a small one  but the instructions for the Rocket where some of the best I have seen for a wooden hull

Fredy

http://www.zippkits.com/
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: Martin (Admin) on March 26, 2008, 11:50:23 pm

Why is  epoxy better than polyester?
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: martno1fan on March 27, 2008, 01:46:07 pm
I had a look on there site for some info and sizes (they are a bit big for me) unfortunately they don't do a small one  but the instructions for the Rocket where some of the best I have seen for a wooden hull

Fredy

http://www.zippkits.com/
Yes i agree they are great plans and Joe is the nicest person you could want to deal with,i cant even begin to say how helpfull hes been.Ive never met a nicer guy hes second to none,if you want plans for smaller there are literally hundreds to choose from search roger newton or newton marine  ;D.Martin are you serrious? epoxy is lighter  and stronger,you dont need to use as much cloth as epoxy has more strength so ends up been half as light as poly.It also doesnt twist out of shape as theres no heat generated during curing as in poly.Look at any epoxy hull and compare the price versus the same hull in polyester and you will see the price is almost double but you get a boat that will stay in shape and not twist or hook etc.This cowling is 39" long and 6 1/2" wide and weighs in at 9 oz its very strong too,if you made one from poly this lite it would be very weak in fact i doubt it could be done ;).
Mart
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: martno1fan on March 27, 2008, 01:49:43 pm
here you go Freddy  O0 bit big but scaled down should be ok for electric or nitro.
http://www.newtonmarine.com/ (http://www.newtonmarine.com/)
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: Martin (Admin) on March 27, 2008, 03:12:08 pm
" epoxy is lighter  and stronger,you don't need to use as much cloth as epoxy has more strength so ends up been half as light as poly.It also doesn't twist out of shape as theres no heat generated during curing as in poly.Look at any epoxy hull and compare the price versus the same hull in polyester and you will see the price is almost double but you get a boat that will stay in shape and not twist or hook etc."

Thanks Martin..... Guess I'm just used to all British kits with polyester GRP hulls.
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: martno1fan on March 27, 2008, 06:26:44 pm
A lot of the top racers use epoxy hulls nowadays for that reason less weight means more speed ,more strength means less repairs and more racing i supose.Nothing wrong with polyester hulls my stepped vee is one and its a nice hull,bit heavy etc but better than some,problem with a lot of poly hulls you see nowadays is they are thin and warp out of shape as soon as you put engine rails in.Try putting  a straight edge on the hull after a while and you will see by how much,so far mines ok but i know of others who have had this problem.Any way back to my build  ;),sponson chine rails installed and engine rails installed,weighted down till they cure.
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: w3bby on March 28, 2008, 06:38:42 pm
Nice kit you've got yourself there Martin, seems to be well thought out and easy to build even for a novice (not suggesting you are a novice).
Will this one get to go full throttle or will it always be a little rough  {-) {-) {-) {-)
Look forward to the rest of the build and will post here (as opposed to the "thousands" of other forums the build is on {-) {-)) to keep life in this section other than Makaras ::)

Another matter, epoxy can get hot when curing but the real beauty for race boats is that they can be formed under vacuum and post cured to ensure, as you rightly said, a strong, light hull free of hook etc. We have one guy in Sweden that has started with injection forming his hulls (http://www.pudenitroz.se/forum/viewtopic.php?t=270 (http://www.pudenitroz.se/forum/viewtopic.php?t=270)) in Swedish but the pics tell the story, FSR-V 3,5, 660g!!!!
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: martno1fan on March 29, 2008, 10:52:42 am
Hi Ian im glad you approve mate ,i have to say the kit is well thought out and not difficult even for a beginner which as you know im not  ::).It should get full throttle mate no worries i have a modded zenoah going in there 2" band pipe  all i need is mounts for it and a 90% stainless header.Will it be too rough for it lol we shall see,you never know what its going to be like till you get to the lake  ;).I think my vee is revving now thats for sure but maybe you havent been taking notice  ???.Any way heres a cpl more pics no progress to report as ive not been feeling too well but hopefully ill get the sponson running surfaces on tomorrow,ill take my time here as this part is critical to get right.Thanks for the info on the epoxy cant say id ever noticed epoxy get hot but then ive never made a whole boat from it,that injection moulding looks amazing,i believe our friend Patrick had similar ideas?.What length is that hull in those pics thats a light boat,you would think hed get a nicer boat stand though  ;).
Mart
ps i posted this build on two other forums,one to show the newbies how good and easy it is and the other because thats where the experts on these boats are so im hoping to learn a few things as i go  O0
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: martno1fan on March 31, 2008, 02:26:04 pm
no further progress to report but feel free to comment on my build  ::)
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: martno1fan on April 08, 2008, 10:01:54 pm
wow the interest is overwhelming  {-),well i fitted the non trip sides to the hull today heres a pic almost ready to fit the motor so i can line the stuffing tube up and glass it in,then ill remove the motor and i can then start sheeting the sponson tops,the deck will have to wait till i work out where the pipe exit needs to be.Hopefully i can get away without having to cut any holes in the frames as im going to exit the side .i also made the radio box,more pics of that to come.
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: martno1fan on April 09, 2008, 10:33:50 am
My tube hasnt arrived yet so i test fitted the motor and although i was planning on getting a 90% header i tried the 100% stainless one i have and looking at it i think it will work well all i need to do is once the bulkhead is drilled is fit the muffler then extend from that to exit the oposite side of the hull via the non trip side.It runs under where the pushrod needs to go by 1" so shouldnt be a propblem,might need to dremmel some off the opening in the bulkhead as i dont want any fires  :o.Any comments??
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: Martin (Admin) on April 09, 2008, 02:16:55 pm
What is the blue tube under the front of the engine?
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: w3bby on April 09, 2008, 03:51:55 pm
Coming along nicely Martin. I would go with a 90deg. or you will end up with a long tube to get the exhaust out of the boat. This in turn will probably increase the back pressure on the pipe and reduce your performance.

Are you going with an S bend on your stuffing tube?

Martin2, a rough guess is the blue tube is to get an angle on the engine for the test fit.
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: martno1fan on April 09, 2008, 04:34:34 pm
Coming along nicely Martin. I would go with a 90deg. or you will end up with a long tube to get the exhaust out of the boat. This in turn will probably increase the back pressure on the pipe and reduce your performance.

Are you going with an S bend on your stuffing tube?

Martin2, a rough guess is the blue tube is to get an angle on the engine for the test fit.

Hi Ian either way i do it ill need a long extension to get the exhaust out of the hull another reason i was thinking of a side exit ,most of them seem to use a long one out the back with no problems though.I think so long as you use a large enough diam tube the back pressure isnt an issue,i was going to use tubing of an old header or some ali tube the next size up from the stingers diam.Martin well spotted mate ,as Ian said it was just to sit the motor on for the test fit  ;).Been talking to Dave Marles and he seems to think heating the header up and bending it to 90% would be ok what do you think ?,i dont wanna mess this one up  ::).
Mart
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: martno1fan on April 09, 2008, 04:37:14 pm
For the tube im just going with a steady bend thats how the plans show it anyway so i see no reason not to do the same ?.
Mart
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: Bill D203 on April 11, 2008, 06:57:08 pm
LOKKING GOOD Mart ! ;D
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: martno1fan on April 11, 2008, 09:03:11 pm
Thanks mate.
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: Bill D203 on April 11, 2008, 09:35:19 pm
Hi Mart. One day Im going to learn how to spell. Lokking??? ::)
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: martno1fan on April 11, 2008, 10:03:20 pm
no worries mate it makes  a change from my bad spelling  ;)
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: Bill D203 on April 11, 2008, 10:06:17 pm
Mart. How long do you think she will get her first outting.
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: martno1fan on April 11, 2008, 10:12:43 pm
To be honest i could have it ready in a month or so but we have a Holiday in May and things to do before then so it will most likeley be after then so maybe June.Also i want this boat to look the business so im having decals cut for it to my own design.Im in no rush i just want a beautifull boat when im done and hopefully one that will turn a few heads.
Mart
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: Bill D203 on April 11, 2008, 10:29:09 pm
Sounds like a great plan to me. Going off for the night. Cheers for now.
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: martno1fan on April 14, 2008, 03:36:10 pm
well ive routed the pipe and the motors test fitted and marked for drilling now i need to drill a few holes before i start to fit the deck supports and the deck.Iv glassed the seems on the sponsons inside so once set ill coat it all inside again and fill with floatation before i seal them up.The stuffing tube should go in tomorrow if my new tube arrives  ::).Oh yea i also fitted the tank,had to cut a hole in the forward bulkhead for it as its quite a long one been 20 oz, should give me plenty of runtime though.
Mart
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: martno1fan on April 17, 2008, 06:46:36 pm
Managed to glass all the seams inside the hull today,the plans dont call for it but it gives me piece of mind,the stuffing tube is in now all i need is the new flex tube so i can bend it and slide it in there so i can mount the hardware then ill remove it again and start installing floatation in the sponsons and fix the deck on to those.Things should start to move much faster now  O0.
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: martno1fan on April 17, 2008, 10:05:41 pm
Well ive been playing with paper mache again haha,made a mould from the orriginal cowl as i need another for the next hydro i plan building when this ones done.I covered the cowl in packing tape before laying layers of brown paper and water proof wood glue on top,about 5 layers so far.I let it dry then popped it off ,its pretty rigid and strong i could just epoxy coat it and paint after sanding a few rough patches a bit.Or i could use the inside as my mould to lay epoxy and cloth,first id probably seal it with varnish before doing that.That will have to wait till this hydro is done but i think the moulding came out pretty good.
Mart
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: w3bby on April 18, 2008, 05:05:07 pm
Nice Mart, applied for a job on Blue Peter yet O0
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: martno1fan on April 18, 2008, 05:10:14 pm
Nice Mart, applied for a job on Blue Peter yet O0
I think im too old  {-),got the floatation in the sponsons and started to glue the tops on.I glued 3/4 of them down from transoms leaving the front 1/4 loose my thinking is it will make bending them easier.The deck support strips are on too so ill get the decks on maybe tomorrow so things are moving along quite well now.
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: martno1fan on April 20, 2008, 12:27:53 pm
I managed to get the side decks on this morning ,just waiting for them to set so i can glue on the centre deck up forward  O0.The motor is just sat in there at this time as ive been playing with throttle cable setup for the carb.Yo might or might not have noticed the motor says EZ 25 on it as thats what it started out as a warehose hobbies  modded motor,it was then sent for a full mod to SS enterprises in the states,i believe redline who are highly respected do the mods it was then test run in a cat and clocked 57 mph on its one and only run by its owner a good friend from the states who i got it from.Should really move this hydro  ;)  maybe a little too well  :o.
Mart
http://gasrcproducts.moonfruit.com/#/modmotors/4526479367 (http://gasrcproducts.moonfruit.com/#/modmotors/4526479367)
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: martno1fan on April 23, 2008, 10:04:45 pm
more pics,all filling done just a little more sanding before im ready for paint also need to sort out the hatch fasteners too.
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: supersonic on April 23, 2008, 11:48:27 pm
Looking good mart O0 O0 O0

Dave
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: martno1fan on April 24, 2008, 09:31:04 am
Cheers mate good to see someone bothers to post a comment i was begining to think no one cared  {-).
Mart
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: Martin (Admin) on April 24, 2008, 09:39:58 am

Is that ordinary plywood?
How thick?
What's the target weight of the model including engine?
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: martno1fan on April 24, 2008, 10:31:08 am

Is that ordinary plywood?
How thick?
What's the target weight of the model including engine?
Its 1/8 birch plyood for  frames and side and bottom sheets ,stringers for engine are 1/4  they use 1/8 light poplar ply for the decking,the target weight of the finnished boat is between 14-16 lbs according to the plans.The ones ive seen a few friends have built over in the states are somwhere in between those weights and speed with a stock zenoah is arround 55-58 mph.There is currently a bit of a new craze going on over there with a new thunderboat racing class for them the only rules are that all motors must be stock zenoah with in hull exhausts .They run very well in choppy conditions apparently even in 6" chop from what ive been told by the guys running them.I have a video of one running in 20 mph wind and chop so if mine handles anything like that ill be very pleased.The colour will be yellow with green on the sponson tops and some graphics a friend is cutting for me,heres a sample.also heres a cpl of pics of what you get in the kits,these are of the rivett which is the normal roundnose ,same hull diff deck to mine which has dropped sponsons.
Mart
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: martno1fan on April 24, 2008, 10:46:15 am
Heres a video of a thunderboat in wind and chop,this ones glass but will be racing in the same class.you might need to right click save and open to play.
http://columbiapond.com/user/Test_Tune1.mpg (http://columbiapond.com/user/Test_Tune1.mpg)
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: martno1fan on April 24, 2008, 10:51:20 am
Another nice video with some big air  {-)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIa4oElwLHI (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIa4oElwLHI)
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: martno1fan on April 24, 2008, 10:55:12 am
Next best way to make use of a spitfire motor  O0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ub0hwAPiidM (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ub0hwAPiidM)
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: w3bby on April 24, 2008, 10:04:22 pm
Looking good Martin, the decals and paint should look great when finished. Looking forward to the maiden O0 (at half throttle on a windy day ;D ;D ;D)
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: martno1fan on April 25, 2008, 08:22:43 am
Looking good Martin, the decals and paint should look great when finished. Looking forward to the maiden O0 (at half throttle on a windy day ;D ;D ;D)
Thanks mate,half throttle my **** lol watch this space  ;),i cant wait either should be ready for maiden in June after our hols.
Mart
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: martno1fan on April 29, 2008, 04:03:55 pm
Well the hull is now painted and i added some vinyl,the rest of the decals will have to wait as my supplier is working away.Ill clear coat the hull in a day or two and buff her up with some car wax,then i can start putting everything in the hull and getting her ready for her maiden.If i can ill maiden her before we go away in 3 weeks if not she will get wet as soon as we get back from our hols.
Mart
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: martno1fan on April 29, 2008, 04:07:04 pm
more pics
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: supersonic on April 29, 2008, 04:31:48 pm
HI Mart,Those colours should stand out OK on the pond. O0
A Boat looks big when you drop it in the water , but at speed @ halfway down the lake its  more like a blurr !

Think I'll go to specsavers  ::)

Dave.

Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: martno1fan on April 29, 2008, 07:19:58 pm
Yea it is bright enough  {-) if all goes well i could have it in the water before our hols 3 weeks from today,i started the build a month ago so it hasnt taken me long  :o.
Mart
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: martno1fan on May 01, 2008, 10:42:11 pm
Well ive added a few decals today i used printable clear vinyl on my home printer they came out pretty good.I clear coated the whole hull about 3 coats so far decals and all, might do a cpl more.Then ill finnish thew cowl and im ready to start installing everything,i cant belive how close she is to getting wet  :o.
Mart
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: martno1fan on May 03, 2008, 02:55:34 pm
I know your all watching come on gime some feedback  :D.
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: w3bby on May 03, 2008, 07:57:39 pm
Excellent looking build Martin, shame the greens are a little different.
Maiden soon by the looks of it O0
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: martno1fan on May 03, 2008, 10:15:28 pm
Excellent looking build Martin, shame the greens are a little different.
Maiden soon by the looks of it O0
The green on the decals was as near as i could get but hey its fine it looks good to me but thanks for pointing it out to me  ::),maiden could be in a week just depends as we have plans for the weekend.Might try and get her wet one evening all been well.
Mart
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: w3bby on May 03, 2008, 11:47:25 pm
but thanks for pointing it out to me  ::)
I notice these things as I work in the business ;) Who's going to notice as it speeds by at 50+mph ;D
One of the hardest things to do is to get a print to match a vinyl colour or vice versa. We are currently having a problem with a client on exactly that, their colour is impossible to duplicate from print to vinyl. We did the initial translation (showing samples) and they accepted it. After some 5 shops and 3 vehicles over 18 months they now question the choice ::) To rub salt into our wounds they "complemented" one shop decor by setting plate in front a cra**y infill at the top of the windows of one shop. Their chosen supplier for this (not us) chose a totally different vinyl to that agreed and already mounted elsewhere. For some reason it seems, according to the client, that we are in the wrong!!!!
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: martno1fan on May 04, 2008, 09:58:43 am
Oh goody does that mean you can send free samples of vinyl to potential clients  ;),i gave up trying to match the colours after a few attempts so went with those,actually at first glance they dont look that diff its just they show up more in a photo or seem to to me  ;).Im getting that nervous feeling now,thinking about the maiden and launching this baby .Might need to start her put radio down launch and run for the radio  :o or maybe give the radio to my lad while i launch ,dont want to run it without the canopy even though launching one handed would be easy that way.
Mart
ps did you ever do the wrap on the sigma in vinyl?,i used yellow vinyl on the canopy round that curve near the fin and it worked well but was very tricky,had to use a hair drier to make it stretch round the curves.
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: w3bby on May 04, 2008, 11:47:47 pm
Launching by yourself isn't too much of a hassle, I do it all the time. High idle, throw it in and reach for the radio. Be calm and it will be OK O0
The Sigma is all vinyl, pics taken 2 weeks ago, didn't get on the water as the pull start broke >>:-( 130km for a pretty picture ::)
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: martno1fan on May 05, 2008, 12:44:01 am
Thanks for the tip  ;) the Sigma looks great how hard is it to wrap a boat like that,cant be easy i bet.Thats a long  way to drive to take a picture mate,pullstarts can be a pain sometimes.I managed to get the motor in today,the flex is cut to length and installed.I managed to fit the pushrod and it runs inside a small diam glass tube from a pop up tent,throttle cable is in i just need to fix the radio box in im waiting for the supports to set,they have blind nuts in and 3 studs to tighten the box down then i can  fit the servos.Also havent fixed the pipe holder in yet,all coolling lines and fuel lines need doing too,just small jobs now then shes about ready.I was thinking of starting the pipe at 13 1/2" from flange to end of band this been a 2" band pipe full mod zen,sound about right for a starting point?.I also need to cut the header a bit before i test her,i might give her a test on land just to make sure she runs ok before i take her to the lake.Im running the 644 carb but i removed the choke and plugged the holes where the choke shaft was with silicone.not sure wether to remove the velocity stack or leave it on,off would make it easier to choke using my thumb as rooms tight ,ive cut an access hatch to it but its still awkward.Ill get some more pics tomorrow.
Mart
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: martno1fan on May 09, 2008, 12:40:20 pm
Well shes ready for the big day  ;D,had a hiccup with the motor not starting then found no spark.I put it down to the mounts been anodised so i filed off some of the finnish where the coil mounts to the relocation bracket on the mounts and that did the trick,i might also add a ground wire for good measure from that to the motor casing.Motor started up right away all i need to do now is launch it and then start tuning,the pipes set at 13 1/2" from exhaust flange to end of the band so hopefully she will be close from the get go as regards pipe length. Big day will either be Sunday or Monday depending on family commitments  O0.
Mart
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: w3bby on May 10, 2008, 12:39:11 pm
Good luck  O0 I think you are going to have a great time ;)
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: martno1fan on May 10, 2008, 03:26:59 pm
Good luck  O0 I think you are going to have a great time ;)

Cheers Ian  O0
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: martno1fan on May 11, 2008, 05:33:56 pm
Good luck  O0 I think you are going to have a great time ;)

Wow mystic WEBB  {-),this thing is awesome she ran true and fast didnt even need any trim on the rudder.Speed was good although i think i need to alter the prop angle to allow her to rev more as i think she has lots left.Maybe lowering the strut a bit will raise more boat out of the water quicker allowing her to rev easier ?.Turns are smooth as silk and i hardly had to lift off the throttle to get her round the buoys  :o amazing.She tail walked a cpl of times which was bit scarey but she settled down fine,maybe i hit some flotsum or whatever  ::).Any way no vid today as fun was cut short due to my drive dog slipping,i did file a flat spot in fact two as this dog has two screws,im not happy with it so ill swap it for my usual type as im sure that one wouldnt have slipped.I think this one was a china job and the screws came loose,never had that happen before.All in all a successfull day and i have to say this thing is the most fun you could have on the water it drives like a dream on rails  O0.
Mart
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: w3bby on May 11, 2008, 10:30:46 pm
Glad you had a good time out there O0 Waiting on the video of course {-) {-) {-)
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: martno1fan on May 11, 2008, 11:11:13 pm
Will get one in about 4 weeks time after our hols.
mart
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: martno1fan on May 14, 2008, 02:12:44 pm
heres a few pics not great quality missus had camera on wrong setting .
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: martno1fan on May 14, 2008, 02:14:22 pm
more
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: supersonic on May 14, 2008, 11:40:44 pm
Hi Mart, it did'nt take you long to get that wet ,and its looking quick !

Dave.
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: martno1fan on May 15, 2008, 10:51:30 am
Thanks Dave id say speed is 50ish but lots more yet she wasnt peaking out,needs trimming and maybe pipe adjustments yet,should hit 60 with this motor ive been told  :o..Will have to wait a cpl of weeks till we get back off our hols but i cant wait to get it running right she handles like a dream so far,turns are like a car drifting very cool  O0.You will have to come down and see her run mate and bring your boat  ;).
Mart
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: supersonic on May 15, 2008, 11:56:00 am
Mart, I will do just that,I'm off work on fri,sat,sun 23/24/25 Bank holiday weekend if your not on holiday.Boats in dry dock at the moment ,  ::) Hit a bouy on the local lake and turned it upside down but it didn't sink, just bent the rudder and big prop! >>:-(

Pilot error they say!

Dave.
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: martno1fan on May 15, 2008, 12:33:19 pm
Hi mate sorry we go away on the 20th  for two weeks so will have to be after then,gives you time to repair your boat,why not make her surface drive while shes in dry dock  O0.
Mart
ps do you have floatation in yer boat? poundland have lots of nice pool noodles in stock in lots of colours hey guess what theyre only a pound lol
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: martno1fan on June 06, 2008, 05:15:33 pm
Well im back ,had a great holliday sorry about the postcards must be lost in the post  {-).After we got back i had a chat with a mate who i got this motor from and seems there was a mixup as to how the pipe length is measured he measures in a straight line i measure round the bend of the header ,means my pipe was indeed way too short so ive lengthened it and shes now ready for testing again which should be next week sometime as we have other plans for this weekend  ::).
  Dave hows the boat going ? .
Mart
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: Bill D203 on June 06, 2008, 06:30:43 pm
Welcome home Mart O0
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: martno1fan on June 07, 2008, 12:58:24 am
Welcome home Mart O0
Thanks Bill hows the boat running ?,im hoping to get the hydro wet again next week.Should be a lot quicker all been well,lets hope the weather holds as its been perfect the past few days  ::).
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: Bill D203 on June 07, 2008, 08:53:59 am
Hi Martin
The boat has been going fine. Got a 4th place at Bristol and a 5th at Stevenage.  I was at Kingsbury last Sunday, however the water cooling circuit got a blockage and I had to pull out of the race. I have now fitted a new pick up off the prop. Going to test it out Sunday. How's your boat doing? have you got any video pic's of it yet.
Cheers for now.
off shopping now.
Bill
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: martno1fan on June 07, 2008, 09:46:44 am
Glad to hear shes running ok for you hope the piccup problem has gone away too  ;),i havent had chance to run the hydro since we got back from our hols.Was hoping to get her out this weekend but we have to go pick the dog up from my parents in yorkshire so no chance  :(,hopefully if the weathers ok ill get her wet Thursday or Sunday next week  O0.The acceleration of these things is amazing and turns are awesome they slide and look great when they do and i havent even got near peak rpm yet as i had my pipe set way too short last time out  :o.Motor is a full mod puts out  6+hp so it should be quick once i sort it out ,im running a stock carb though so that might restrict it a little although i did remove the choke to help but i have a 257 on its way now.
Mart
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: martno1fan on June 16, 2008, 06:59:51 pm
Well guys heres the video,windy but she ran great although i was a bit nervous about giving her full throttle.Speed was great ,still plenty left me thinks but ill save that for calmer conditions.Not saying she wont handle the conditions but my nerves got the better of me ,hope you like the video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sP0L-Fb1RLk (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sP0L-Fb1RLk)
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: martno1fan on June 16, 2008, 08:28:48 pm
heres a better quality video.
http://s298.photobucket.com/albums/mm248/martno1fan/?action=view&current=rocketthydro2_0001.flv (http://s298.photobucket.com/albums/mm248/martno1fan/?action=view&current=rocketthydro2_0001.flv)
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: supersonic on June 17, 2008, 09:27:09 am
Hi Mart,
WOW ! Looking good ,bet its quick on a calmer day.Too fast for me,I dont THINK as fast as that. :embarrassed:

Dave.
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: martno1fan on June 17, 2008, 09:35:01 am
Hi mate i think she will hit 60 + no sweat on a calm day,was too worried to open her up especially into that wind  {-).Looks like the weather has changed for the worse again  :(.
Mart
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: supersonic on June 25, 2008, 09:47:59 pm
Hey Mart, Here's the link to the windy day for the Hydro as promised.
It was originally 121 mb but now we shaved 101mb off it so it will still take a while to load.

 O0  http://www.youtube.com/v/RpqZ1FeUKSU
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: martno1fan on June 25, 2008, 10:01:35 pm
Cheers Dave wow it really was rough id almost forgot how bad it was lol,thanks for posting it mate.
Mart
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: martno1fan on September 21, 2008, 09:39:46 pm
Hi time for an update me thinks,we finally got some decent weather so i managed to go boating yey.Ill let the video speak for itself  ;),let me know what you guys think.
Mart
http://s298.photobucket.com/albums/mm248/martno1fan/?action=view&current=ROCKETTLETTINGHERRIP.flv (http://s298.photobucket.com/albums/mm248/martno1fan/?action=view&current=ROCKETTLETTINGHERRIP.flv)
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: Hagar on September 29, 2008, 07:34:54 pm
Hej Mart!
Just taken the time to read your builld! Looks really great mate!
Just hope my humble efforts run half as good.
I do now have a few doubts in my mind as to my build. Looking at a lot of the builds, most of the fast boats have some form of floatation aid in them. Mine dont! Was this a silly oversight on my part? I never really thought about it, but seing how these boats like to flip I can ubderstand why its there! Its cheaper than a sunken boat! Any ideas as to how I might be able to retro fit some? The tops on and the only opening is the motor bay...
And I am not cutting the top off, or filling it with foam.

Nice chioce for colours by the way.
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: martno1fan on September 29, 2008, 09:11:12 pm
Glad you like it mate as for floatation yes you will need some you dont want your boat sinking  :o ,can you get some pool noodles in there anywhere?,thats all i use woolies are selling them off here for 50 pence lol,i got blue pink green and yellow haha.Might have some news for you tomorrow regarding the engine cover on yours.
Mart
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: Hagar on September 30, 2008, 07:08:30 am
Errrrrrrrrrrrm Whats a Pool Noodle? ???
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: martno1fan on September 30, 2008, 09:55:50 am
Haha noodle shaped bouyancy aid kids use at swimming pools.
Title: Re: New Zippkits Rockett Hydro build
Post by: martno1fan on August 14, 2009, 10:21:24 am
I thought id just post a video from yesterday its just short clip of the last few laps .Id just recently rebuilt the carb as it just wasnt working right,so off we went to the lake gps installed.First few runs were not great as id altered the needles last time out till i realised what the problem was  %).Anyway i fianally got her running fast but then she was cutting out,hmm now what.Well after a bit of thinking  and checking the fuel lines i noticed air in the line,im running a bag,id removed all the air huuh where it coming from?.Aha its coming from the return line ,i have a t joint one for feed line one for return and the return line was putting air into the fuel line and been sucked in by the carb me thinks.Anyways i pulled it off bunged up the t piece and return line and hehe sorted.Off she went and now running better and no stalling .There was a bit of wind and i was a bit carefull at this end of the lake due to too many ducks and swans  <*<,but she was running pretty good if not at her best(shes been faster) so i was going to bring her in and tweak the needles a bit more but went for one more lap and decided to let her rip ooops right into a head wind and oh no what a sight all my hard work took flight 6-8 ft into the air did a back flip and slammed hard.After a  few choice words i asked my mate who was videoing did you get it on the video?  his reply was errr not sure as id zoomed in and might have lost it  >>:-(.Off we went to retrieve her,the cowl had come off and was floating upright with action man holding up one arm as if waving for assistance lol.I managed to get a line to her as she wasnt far out and in she came.Wow no damage apart from the fuel bag had disapeared  :o.Checked the gps and she said 98.9 kph or 61.46 mph,ohh well not too bad.Had a look in the lake and spotted it slowly filling with nice salty water  {:-{,dam now i couldnt even restart the motor.Flipped the boat upside down after removing the plug and pulled starter slowly to get water out,sprayed plug hole full to top with wd40 and pulled cord slowly to get it right round internal parts then refilled again .Plug back in and had to wait till we got home to start her up,which she did 4th pull after putting in a new tank.I ran her for a good ten mins idling with water running through etc,kept revving her now and then just to clear everything out and then i filled the jug with oil and that will stay in for a day or two.All electrics were sprayed with wd40 time will tell if theyre ok.Well heres the short video,sory he missed the flip but you can just hear it as she goes out of shot.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uvOdbGNkcM (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uvOdbGNkcM)