Hey JTD,
Sorry to hear about the kidney stones, been there flushed that. No seriously they hurt like the dickens.

Thanks guys, wasn't trying to sound like I was having a pity party or anything, it just comes out sounding that way.

If it wasn't for the internet, I would have gone crazy. Well internet & lots of meds and who knows maybe I am crazy I guess that would depend on your definition of normal

Well, no more whining from me either.
Lets get back to whats this is all about: Modelgasboats!

Can anyone help with som advice about the 39 cc Polini Blata engine (including waterpump, coupling, gear and carburetor)?
I would like to get information about dimensions and where to buy it.
These informations are important for me in order to make the rest of the build right and ready before buying that engine.

Cheers

Woodie.

Here is an idea "of mine".

I don't want surface-piercing propellers sticking out at the back of my boat, as I think a couple of sub-surface propellers should be able to transfer power much better to the water. This makes no "roostertail", but thats ok with me.
In effect this means that the two propellers should be placed UNDER the hull and just at the back of it with rudders right behind them.
In order to do this, I imagine placing the Blata about 30 % forward in the boat, but "reversed" behind a gearbox approx 60-70 % forward. From this gearbox the two drives (flexdrives) should pass backwards under the engine and through the bottom in a sleek angle.

I know this is very unusual on fast RC boats. But after all it works fine on IRL boats. So why not?

Does anyone have some experience or advices about this concept?
Any help is welcome.

Cheers!

Woodie.

And finally, here's a picture of Dry Martini at work in the 50th anniversary Cowes Torquay Cowes 200 mile offshore race last Sunday.

Lohring Miller

Looks like fun Lohring.Good to see you guys got some smooth water .

Wow!

"Is it an aeroplane? Is it a boat? NO! It's a Dry Martini"!
(I LOVE the design and concept of these boats).

Thanks to Lohring!

Cheers!

Woodie.

Gas vs electro?

Hi again. As some of you will know I am the "Blata-guy".
But I am in some doubt after receiving an offer from Hobbyking. An electric engine with power eq to 20+ hp (!).
It seems to be made for airplanes, but why not put it in a boat like mine?
Look here:
www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/st...dProduct=14427#
I would really like to get some opinions and good advices about this, so please help me out here!

Cheers!

Woodie.

Sorry guys!

I almost forgot that modelgasboats.com is about gas engines.
Anyway that electric engine demands too many heavy batteries, so I'm back to the Polini Blata. (That should be more fun anyway).
As you know my broken leg has to grow back together at first. But in about 4 weeks I should be standing proud again - ready for my workshop and to send new reports and pics.
In the meantime I will do research on the Net and take any advice you can provide.

Cheers!

Woodie.

The BLATA is definately the go!
Shoot Tony from 'VIPER' a message, he will know everything you need!