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Baby Bootlegger
Boat is fitted with 2 x parallel 7.2v - 5000 mAh batteries and using a 12v brushed electric motor. It gets up on the plane using that configuration, however am contemplating upgrading the ESC and putting the batteries in series to fully utilize the 12v motor. In the meantime altering the battery forward a fraction to allow the brass 3 blade prop to get a better bite at the water when at speed.
The build took me 8 months, mistakes were made as the whole thing was a learning process, but overall the end result in the water is impressive. It is 90% complete as I wait for some parts but nothing important.
Coated in fibreglass resin followed by 3 coats of varnish.
Construction largely balsa planks with a top of veneer strips (big mistake) done due to the non local availability of mahogany timbers.
The normal racing number for the Baby Bootlegger is G5 - I numbered it G34 which is my race number with my yachts.
A short video of my first day trial - in case the attached media file does not work: https://youtu.be/M1mMfLXkopc
Next job, rebuild my flyer from scratch as it did not get past the framing stage, fix up another couple of rc yachts, pull the weeds out of the rose garden, and look at building another yacht.
peterd
3 years ago
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Bruce Crandell Flyer - 1/4 scale Single Step Hydroplane
Fell in love with the design several years ago so thought it to be the time to do something about it. Purchased the plans from john-tom.com - putting myself at the deep end - and I have finally commenced building.
The original boat was in the 135 Cu Inch class and had a V8 in front of the single cockpit, and was just under 14ft long (waterline) with a beam of 5ft;
It will be interesting and I have a lot of research to do as I go - correct motor, batteries, ballast etc., but that is all part of the fun. Photos will be put up as I go. Wish me luck.
peterd
4 years ago
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Baby Bootlegger
Since building my Baby Bootlegger a lot has happened. I had to remove my top skin and replace it with a new top planking. The top skin was twisting and bending out of shape - I had been told to use a veneer which was not the correct decision.
Anyhow, all good and have put that to experience.
A quick question, are there any other members who have built a similar boat and what design rudder are they using? I have used a rudder as in the original John-Tom design and found it no good in tight situations. I turn like a truck instead of a speed boat. Luckily I have a great reverse and am double ended.
I guess the main question is, as the boat is almost a pencil shape, does that combined with the rudder affect the turning circle. Photo of my rudder attached.
Your thoughts appreciated.
peterd
9 months ago
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Emma
6 months work finished and am able to fully reclaim the dining table.. Launched Emma yesterday in blustery winds. A few adjustments to make yet but very happy with her. Cuts a clean wake and after doing some tuning and adding my topsail will be great to race with the fleet. Mylar sails with a ripstop topsail.
peterd
2 years ago
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Baby Bootlegger
Three months ago i commenced building a Crandall Flyer. All going well till i discovered the instructions and the plans and the end result did not agree. Shelved for the moment and have taken on the Baby Bootlegger. Much better.
A scratch build from free plans, a few issues but nothing serious. It will still look similar. I have included a few photos to show where it is going. Hull is planked (1/2 in. wide balsa and next i have to plank again before cutting away the deck to allow access to motor, seating and the rear of the boat.
The original boat was planked in mahogany and the plans indicate 1/16 mahogany strips as a preference. Not available so I will be using lengths of veneer to give the impression and then coating that with resin. In the meantime, sanding, filling, sanding again. I will keep the images coming. (Who knows, we might even get the dining table back one day.)
peterd
3 years ago
Recent Posts
๐ฌ Re: Suncoast Scale Model Boat Club (Florida, USA) meet: Aug 18, 2024
2 months ago by
๐ฆ๐บ peterd (
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Hi Lew, good job and congrats on the new camera. I hope you will get a lot of enjoyment out of it. Photos are good and sharp and the video very clear.
One question I have and wondering what setting you have for your light balance. On my phone and computer, they came up as very blue.
Looking forward to more...
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๐ฌ Re: Devonport Maritime Museum
2 months ago by
๐ฆ๐บ peterd (
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Roycv, I have just checked to see if i had more on the Spray, however only found one from a little further away. It gives a better look at the hull and deck. I have attached anyhow.
Also attached is a photo of the deck etc of the Lady Nelson. There is a replica in Hobart which is popular for harbour sailing or adventure voyages.
The original was built on the Thames and launched in 1798.
Interesting website.
https://www.ladynelson.org.au/ship/original-vessel/original-lady-nelson-timeline |
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๐ฌ Re: Devonport Maritime Museum
2 months ago by
๐ฆ๐บ peterd (
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I have to admire the courage of the older sailors and their vessels. There are over 1000 wrecks around the island.
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๐ Devonport Maritime Museum
2 months ago by
๐ฆ๐บ peterd (
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My wife and myself have returned from a rushed, but rewarding, week in the North West of Tasmania, Aust.
Our son insisted I accompany him and have a look at the Devonport Maritime Museum. Well worth it, with models of a lot of historical vessels, from clinker rowing boats through to windjammers, naval vessels and the evolution of ferries to the mainland.
Models include Slocum's 'Spray', SS Southern Cross, the oldest clinker dinghy in Australia, build using Huon Pine, and thought to be approx. 140 years old, and the Cutty Sark, which plied wool from Sydney to the UK.
Well worth the trip.
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๐ฌ Re: Re: H.A.Kits Thames Slipper launch chase boat
4 months ago by
๐ฆ๐บ peterd (
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Out of curiosity, how much difference did the larger rudder make? I don't have the same boat but am scratch building a 22" Crandall Flyer. At the cutting out stage having reduced the original build length from 3' down.
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๐ Recovering from cataract surgery
5 months ago by
๐ฆ๐บ peterd (
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A lot brighter. I discovered the hospital floor was white and not a greyish brown colour.
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๐ Recovering from cataract surgery
5 months ago by
๐ฆ๐บ peterd (
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I have been there and it was worth every moment. A whole new world after wearing very strong glasses almost all of my life. Now better than 20/20 vision. (Apart from reading glasses.)
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๐ Light at the end of the tunnel?
6 months ago by
๐ฆ๐บ peterd (
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Brand new life when you get that back. One of our members had his taken away due to age. Has worked out how to transport his Wee Nips on his mobility scooter. Fully rigged.
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๐ If only
6 months ago by
๐ฆ๐บ peterd (
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Yep it is the real deal. All the major components are done.
A real shame as he would have spent many hours on it using some great timbers.
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๐ If only
6 months ago by
๐ฆ๐บ peterd (
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Same Barry. I spent many happy years racing 14ft and 12ft dinghys and have 3 of my kids who joined in with their own boats. 4 dinghys in one family. One went to large yacht racing and has never lost the touch.
It took some time to learn to use my thumbs to sail my models.
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๐ If only
6 months ago by
๐ฆ๐บ peterd (
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If only I had the room and time this opportunity would be too hard to pass up. A partially completed yacht advertised for sale locally at no cost.
She is a "White Swanโ by Selway Fisher in the UK. Itโs a 19โ6โ gaff-rigged cutter, somewhat reminiscent of the Bristol Channel cutters.
The owner/builder has had a change in life and cannot complete. Wants to see it go to a person who appreciates the classic boats.
If only........Back to my models.
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๐ Edina Model Yacht Club Season Opener
6 months ago by
๐ฆ๐บ peterd (
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Looks like a great location with plenty of passersby. A good variety of boats as well. Enjoy the season.
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๐ Boat storage complete
6 months ago by
๐ฆ๐บ peterd (
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i don't have a garage as yet for a workshop, however plans are underway. Having built (like many others) on the kitchen table and almost tripping over boat cradles many times, I have now dedicated a room to boats, bed and photographs etc.
No more tripping, my boats are now stored vertically, fully rigged. Room for one more of approx 20" length which I am now starting and then the rest will go into the garage when built.
The wife is happier, and the feature boat wall looks attractive and gives me ease of use. Next to tackle my worktable.
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๐ฌ Re: Chris Craft Cobra
7 months ago by
๐ฆ๐บ peterd (
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Great job . I like the steering wheel, it goes well with the rest of the cockpit fittings.
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๐ Day Dreamer gets a newly painted hull
8 months ago by
๐ฆ๐บ peterd (
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The colour scheme works well. Really lifts it. Very popular with the locals as well by the look if it.
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๐ฌ Re: Baby Bootlegger
9 months ago by
๐ฆ๐บ peterd (
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Thanks for those comments about the propellor. This is the first time I have had the issue with the only difference being the fact that I moved it forward and replaced the rudder. By doing that I was able to tighten my turns however now have the other issues.
I have not sharpened or tuned the propellor in any way.
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๐ฌ Re: Baby Bootlegger
9 months ago by
๐ฆ๐บ peterd (
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Hi and please see the video taken this morning. Back to the drawing board but the resolve should be in sight.
The boat speed was reduced substantially however she turned better than in the past. The problem appears to be 'cavitation' which can be plainly seen and heard in the video. When turning hard you can also see her tend to skip a little sideways.
I cannot remember the format for the video so have posted on a YouTube channel - please let me know if this works - it may be a private channel. Original is MP4
https://youtube.com/shorts/pFKqx6A17SE |
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๐ฌ Re: Baby Bootlegger
9 months ago by
๐ฆ๐บ peterd (
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Interesting concept Mike. I can see where you are coming from.
I am restoring an rc powerboat I was given that was powered by two 11cc aircraft engines.
I am thinking of putting a jet drive on it. No rudder. A long way to go though.
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๐ฌ Re: Baby Bootlegger
9 months ago by
๐ฆ๐บ peterd (
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Version 2 (or is it 3) on the rudder. Will see how it goes this weekend and when happy will rebuild the final edition. I may still take more off the top rear.
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๐ฌ Re: Baby Bootlegger
9 months ago by
๐ฆ๐บ peterd (
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Cutouts made - in the sun waiting for the paint to dry.
Thank goodness for some sunshine - we have had our share of rain and wind for the moment. Mind you, a bit of constant wind would be good tomorrow.
Will have a carload, my bootlegger, DF65, Emma and a friend with his Racing Sparrow. I think I need a bus.
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๐ฌ Re: Baby Bootlegger
9 months ago by
๐ฆ๐บ peterd (
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Hi Alessandro - I will cut back a little this morning to give more room behind the propellor - not happy with that anyhow and also cut a little off the rear of the rudder as well. Unfortunately, cannot do much with the front. Luckily it is hot and dry so the paint will set.
As mentioned in your email, there is no option to alter the location of the rudder shaft. It is a tiny area and I even now struggle just to locate the rudder arm.
I have seen images on larger Baby Bootleggers where the rear of the rudder is quite rounded. Big day tomorrow. Thanks for your interest.
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๐ฌ Re: Baby Bootlegger
9 months ago by
๐ฆ๐บ peterd (
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Terrible photo and a quick build. (Paint is still wet as well.)
Only about 2mm between the rear of the prop and the leading edge of the rudder, however as a trial will see how she goes on Friday, weather permitting.
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๐ฌ Re: Baby Bootlegger
9 months ago by
๐ฆ๐บ peterd (
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Yes, I thought that would be half the problem. When at speed she turns reasonably well but at the narrower end very sluggish.
I have reduced my drive shaft forward by 3cm - cannot go any further and have just drawn out a new rudder - about to go and cut it. I am taking the foot of the rudder to just over the level of the propellor base however do not have room to use a fully balanced rudder. A matter of a couple of mm. This rudder will be ply so if I make an error simple to replace.
I use a 40mm propellor.
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๐ฌ Re: Baby Bootlegger
9 months ago by
๐ฆ๐บ peterd (
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Hi AlessandroSPQR. I will chase that link however will try and get some video this Friday. In the meantime I am going to build a new rudder and when finished will give that a try. I seem to have less issue when at speed, it is when i have to slow down for a tight area. The video i will be looking for will be in that area of the waterway which leads to a weir.
These boats are built for straight line. Our waterway is pear shaped and my turning point is right at the narrow end.
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๐ฌ Re: Baby Bootlegger
9 months ago by
๐ฆ๐บ peterd (
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Thanks for that info on your battery esc setup. I would be getting a similar time on my nimh battery with the brushed battery though have never taken the time to work it out due to sail activities/racing. Prior when using the larger 750 brushed motor it was quite a different story - 10 mins max.
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๐ฌ Re: Baby Bootlegger
9 months ago by
๐ฆ๐บ peterd (
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(River Rat) Just watching a video of a mahogony typhoon on you tube. Quite an impressive vessel.
What motor are you using? I am now running with a 550 brushed and a single 7200 nicad. (I originally had two batteries and a 750 motor but not really required.
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๐ฌ Re: Baby Bootlegger
9 months ago by
๐ฆ๐บ peterd (
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Thanks Mike - unfortunately there is no room for twin rudders as the stern is very narrow (quite an effort to simply just mount the rudder arm). I appreciate all comments and am looking very seriously at the other option of rebuilding the rudder.
It is a simple matter to just move or shorten the shaft for the prop which will allow me to move approx 1.25 inches forward. New rudder and that should do the trick. I had also been looking at the assembly on the boat (image attached) whereby the propellor shaft is fitted to the rudder - this is a more direct drive distance to the propellor but similar principal.
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๐ Baby Bootlegger
9 months ago by
๐ฆ๐บ peterd (
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Since building my Baby Bootlegger a lot has happened. I had to remove my top skin and replace it with a new top planking. The top skin was twisting and bending out of shape - I had been told to use a veneer which was not the correct decision.
Anyhow, all good and have put that to experience.
A quick question, are there any other members who have built a similar boat and what design rudder are they using? I have used a rudder as in the original John-Tom design and found it no good in tight situations. I turn like a truck instead of a speed boat. Luckily I have a great reverse and am double ended.
I guess the main question is, as the boat is almost a pencil shape, does that combined with the rudder affect the turning circle. Photo of my rudder attached.
Your thoughts appreciated.
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๐ฌ Re: Racing Sparrow
9 months ago by
๐ฆ๐บ peterd (
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Thanks for that. Will check it out.
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๐ฌ Re: Racing Sparrow
9 months ago by
๐ฆ๐บ peterd (
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Hi, what is the length of your R๐คacing Sparrow. A friend built 2 boats several years ago, both 75cm. He has high aspect square top sails and the boats perform well.
When I can I will get photos.
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