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Aerokits Sea Rover, I think? 29 1/2 inch
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About this boat
This terribly unloved looking model was advertised on Facebook marketplace and wasn't too far from me.
I thought from the described dimensions it might be a Sea Rover, so took a chance on it.
There was only one picture with the advert, so i wasn't completely sure what I was actually going to be presented with on arrival.
The cabin sides have both had it and a few other bits are missing. So, like my smaller Huntsman, I have to get hold of a plan/parts diagram to make the relevant damaged/missing parts.
In the past, it had it's ic engine removed and converted to electric. I presume initially with just one motor and that I'm guessing wasn't enough so, they fitted an additional 2 propshafts and motors. I now have to remove the extra shafts and convert back to a single one instead. With brushless power, one prop will be more than enough to achieve the scale speed (and a little extra in reserve).
I thought from the described dimensions it might be a Sea Rover, so took a chance on it.
There was only one picture with the advert, so i wasn't completely sure what I was actually going to be presented with on arrival.
The cabin sides have both had it and a few other bits are missing. So, like my smaller Huntsman, I have to get hold of a plan/parts diagram to make the relevant damaged/missing parts.
In the past, it had it's ic engine removed and converted to electric. I presume initially with just one motor and that I'm guessing wasn't enough so, they fitted an additional 2 propshafts and motors. I now have to remove the extra shafts and convert back to a single one instead. With brushless power, one prop will be more than enough to achieve the scale speed (and a little extra in reserve).
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But, last night, I cut off the damaged cabin side, down to deck level. I need to dress the remaining edge now, ready for when I fit the replacement cabin sides.
The new sides won't be fitted until i have finished work within the hull though, the easier access will make the motor and new shaft install much easier to complete, so I think those will be my next jobs to tackle.
Will
Next job is to trim the template down to the depth of what I am going to renew, then I can cut the remaining sides down to deck level.
After that it'll be fill the two outer stern tube holes left in the hull before trimming and sanding back flush.
At least, I think that's the plan of action, or something like it.
Will
It's not in ready to paint finish yet, but it's smoother than it was and I can see more of what sort of condition it is in.
On inspection, i found that the remaining stern tube didn't have a shaft in, so....
I now have a boat with now prop shafts in!
The stern tube was also bent, so just as well I 'extracted' it.
Thank you Martin.
Will
I have used a lot of wood from DIY stores in my time for model and have not had any trouble.
As long as you do a good job of waterproofing the hull you should not have any problems.
Martin555.
I have been advised to steer clear of timber from DIY stores.
I guess as long as you check it over properly, looking for any warping etc and just pick it carefully it's ok?
Will
Have you tried B&Q ?
Martin555.
There aren't any model shops anywhere near me, so i would have to have it delivered.
Thanks in advance.
Will
Thank you for your advice. I will tackle this very slowly and gently, a bit at a time.
As you say, hopefully the glue has gone brittle after all this time and that will make 'extraction' easier.
WIll
If I remember rightly the deck supports are glued to the cabin sides. I would try a heavy duty knife and a fine razor saw. You do get chisel blades for the XActo range but slowly slowly is the requirement here and see if it works. The glue might be brittle enough
As previously mentioned, I need to replace the cabin sides on the Sea Rover, but they are bonded to the frames and transom before the hull is decked (see attached picture). I don't really want to go as far as removing the deck unless I REALLY have to.
Is there maybe a way I can slice down the side of them, between the cabin side and each frame, to cut it away? I did wonder about a multi tool with a the thinnest cutting blade I can get?
Will
The model is an Aerokits Sea Rover, it has a length on 29 1/2" and a beam of 9 3/4"
It 'should' look like the one in these old adverts.
Will
Cheers, Pete
Definitely something for me to use as inspiration.
Will
Bob.
Will
Just time and patience pays off, think before cutting, grinding etc.👍👍
Will
JB
I will clean/sand things back and see what reveals itself, then I can decide which way to approach(attack) it.
Cheers
Will
You might have to cut the glue away with a sharp knife.
Martin555.
I will do a bit of sanding etc to get back to the wood 2st and see what I've got then.
Ideally, i suppose I ought to try and remove the epoxy that bonded the tube in. A Dremel (other brands are available) might be ideal for that I guess.
Will
I would be tempted to glue a small square on the inside of each slot covering it completely.
Then fill the slots from the outside with wood and filler.
Martin555.
No, I want to see it through to the end.
It's a nice sized model, one you could just chuck (not literally) in the boot and go get it wet. Plus, it was just crying out for some TLC.
The Sea Commander I have also bought 🙄 is in need of some attention too, but nothing as drastic as the Rover.
Mind you, the Commander hasn't arrived yet, so I could be in for a shock! 😮
Good luck with the refurbishment
Martin555.
I'm learning as I go.
So, I now have two bloomin great oval holes in the Sea Rover hull.
Can anyone advise me the best product/way to fill these holes to make the hull watertight again please?
Obviously I need to have a good tidy up and smooth that area out, especially underneath.
Will
The two additional stern tubes/prop shafts have now been 'extracted' 😁
I removed the tube support from between each one and the bottom of the hull, then using a grinder (yes, a grinder🙄)
chopped through each tube in the length between the bull and the bulkhead by the motors. This allowed me to remove the chopped stubs. Then, with some pipe grips, managed to get both tubes loosened and turning in the epoxy, until they were free enough to be withdrawn.
Yes it does look that way doesn't it.
It will definitely be a bit of a challenge, but if I can do it, then it means I have saved one from being broken up(further) or burnt, which is good as far as I'm concerned.
Lots of head scratching ahead of me I think 🤔
Will
Rick
I will do my best tp post updates as and when they happen.
I'm not the quickest worker, so I can't say how frequent they will be.
Will
I hope we see your refurbishments in a build log soon.
Martin555.
I have no idea what it is. It hasn't bonded particularly well to certain areas of the hull and I have now managed to scrape a majority of it out. Still some more to do yet though.
I took it into work with me to give a bit of a clean off and see what I had bought 🤔