Hey again guys. I spent another 12 hours in the shop today tinkering. My feet are killing me, as well as my hand from the accident yesterday, but I think the hull is finally starting to come together! I even went out and bought primer today just to be a step ahead! Here are some pics of todays work. Please comment!

Epoxying the bow deck down... Had to use something! Ha!


Custom brackets for the gas tank


The cockpit being put together


I took the idea of the cockpit hatch and made these air-intake scoops. Should keep the hull cool. They need to be sanded down to look smooth.


The mock up of what the hull will look like with the cockpit.


The mock up of what the hull will look like with the cockpit plus air intakes


Close up of the aft deck with cockpit and air intake scoops


Please do not pay attention to the mis-matched color wood. This will obivously be covered up when I paint the boat.



Thanks for looking! please comment and add your tips/advice/2 cents!

Again it's looking good.
Before you are finished don't forget to seal all the inside wood and the floation you are using should also be sealed.
Again keep up the good work and keep us informed.

If you use a closed cell type of floatation such as pool noodles there is no need to seal them, just put them in & make sure they are secure.

Yes, you are right about the pool noodles Dicko.
I agree but in the second photo F15 pilot has used builders foam (also closed cell) but it has been cut. That is why I suggested to seal the foam.

moofy- You're correct about the builders's foam. My grandfather is a general contractor as well as an electrical engineer and designed/built his own cedar log cabin. I called him to check about the foam and according to him it still will seal just fine, even though its been cut. Thanks for the heads up though.

Alright gentlemen, here's a question for you. I found a 31cc Ryobi engine to throw in the boat. Do you know if anyone has used one of these before? Pictures of the engine will be up tonight. thanks!

Hi F15 Pilot,
Yes, it will still seal, but the reason for an applied sealant is the foam will DUST OFF or in other words it will break and crumble in the hull making a small amount of foam particles which can get into the carby throat or fuel.
Hope this helps.
PS Just use some lacquer or dope which you can get in hobby stores.

thanks moofy. greatpoint! The last thing I need is to have to buy/find another engine! I dont have any hobby stores around me... will lacquer from the paint store work? I thought it may dissolve the foam

The 31cc Ryobi has been used in a lot of boats. It's not the best quality and it's a little harder to put in the boat because the exhaust exits the front of the cylinder if it's the original 31cc they made. It has been made to work in a boat before tho. Doug

Hi F15 Pilot,
It depends on the foam, the dope is really the best thing but any lacquer should be ok, ask your Grandfather he should be able to inform you best. Otherwise just use some fibreglass resin and hardner just brush it all over the foam paying closer attention to the cut areas.
As for the Rhyobi, Dicko is correct about the early ones, if they do not have a solid conrod (strips of flat rod shaped into the conrod) they are not as strong as the later with solid conrods.
Hope this helps.

Hey guys. I believe the engine is a newer version. I'm posting pictures now. The exhaust comes out the back.