 |
Current Website Support
Captain)
Petty Officer 1st Class)
Liked Building board set-up 21 hours ago
Liked Racing Sloop 6 days ago
Liked Re: Bruce Crandell Flyer - 1/4 scale Single Step Hydroplane 14 days ago
Liked Re: Aerokits Sea Commander 14 days ago
Liked Re: HARTLEY FLARELINE, NEW PROJECT, FINALLY, PHOTO DAY! PARTS 1, 2 & 3 1 month ago
Australia
Recent Posts
💬 Re: Bruce Crandell Flyer - 1/4 scale Single Step Hydroplane
14 days ago by peterd (
Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
No I had not seen the majority of these, however know what I will be doing tonight.
I am in the process of attaching the ribs at the moment - an interesting job trying to keep them stable while the glue sets so am taking my time. Supposed to be working but just happen to have the boat behind me. Guess which gets my attention. Problems of a home office.
I found another lot of plans for a shortened Flyer without the double ends. Looks interesting but this one gets me.
The only issue with the plans that I received for the 1/4 scale model is that there are only photographic instructions and no details about the preferred type and size of motor etc. As they say, one step at a time.
Cheers and thanks
I am in the process of attaching the ribs at the moment - an interesting job trying to keep them stable while the glue sets so am taking my time. Supposed to be working but just happen to have the boat behind me. Guess which gets my attention. Problems of a home office.
I found another lot of plans for a shortened Flyer without the double ends. Looks interesting but this one gets me.
The only issue with the plans that I received for the 1/4 scale model is that there are only photographic instructions and no details about the preferred type and size of motor etc. As they say, one step at a time.
Cheers and thanks
👍 Like
💬 Comment
👀 27 Views
1
📝 Bruce Crandell Flyer - 1/4 scale Single Step Hydroplane
14 days ago by peterd ( Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
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.
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.
👍 Like
💬 Comments
👀 2 Views
2
2
💬 Re: Aerokits Sea Commander
14 days ago by peterd ( Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
I think I had three attempts at rebuilding mine. So I guess about 2 years plus between moving house, etc. But it was worth it and a good feeling when I 'wet it's bottom' and it did not sink.
That was my first attempt at rc boat building - the saga continues.
That was my first attempt at rc boat building - the saga continues.
👍 Like
💬 Comment
👀 9 Views
2
💬 Re: Aerokits Sea Commander
15 days ago by peterd ( Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
It looks like you are doing well. Another couple of months and hopefully it will see the water once again. Mine had similar delamination so I took the shortcut of cutting back on the bulkheads and laminating new bulkheads in place. Probably a cheats way but it worked well. I resealed the hull from the outside with glass several times - each time i did it it did not seem to work. Water seeped in somehow and the keel below the motor kept on expanding with moisture.
To cut a long story short, all good now and enjoying the fact that I actually did the job. I have just started another build from scratch. This time a 1/4 scale Crandall Flyer, which is a 1935 vintage single stepped hydroplane. I will be posting images, but that under a different heading.
Life is interesting.
To cut a long story short, all good now and enjoying the fact that I actually did the job. I have just started another build from scratch. This time a 1/4 scale Crandall Flyer, which is a 1935 vintage single stepped hydroplane. I will be posting images, but that under a different heading.
Life is interesting.
👍 Like
💬 Comment
👀 19 Views
1
📝 Americas' Cup, a bit of good news
1 month ago by peterd ( Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
Well done to the Brits - they deserve everything they get. Great race yesterday and actually being able to watch it live on youtube. Was disappointed in previous racing as we were unable to see live footage, looks like that is sorted out.
Looking forward to seeing a series with the 12 meters. Watched Bertrand win over Connors so long ago - even though it was 3am. Was worth it.
Looking forward to seeing a series with the 12 meters. Watched Bertrand win over Connors so long ago - even though it was 3am. Was worth it.
👍 Like
📝 Reply
👀 40 Views
1
💬 Re: Wee Nip - memories
3 months ago by peterd ( Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
Hi Phil and well done. A great video. We are out of lockdown in the majority of Australia and borders have opened, thank goodness. A question, I have noticed that a lot of your boats do not have the traditional Wee Nip sails, in that the large pocket at the front is now a simple slip on type pocket, or fitted like the yellow boat with yellow sails with the rings etc.
I was given a few meters of a heavyweight mylar paper and have been experimenting with different sails, the current one being fitted to the mast with rings (small zip ties). I sailed it against the fleet last weekend in a swirling light breeze and it did reasonably well, especially after some tuning and in spite of the weight of the material used.
My query is that I noticed the yellow sail was cut into a triangle shape, without the rounded shape on the back. Was that a benefit? Mine seems to bend or twist in that area and not form nicely, possibly causing issues on the water. Not helped by the weight.
I will put up a couple of images that show it and see what you might think. I might be better off cutting into the triangle.
Any thoughts gratefully received.
Cheers
I was given a few meters of a heavyweight mylar paper and have been experimenting with different sails, the current one being fitted to the mast with rings (small zip ties). I sailed it against the fleet last weekend in a swirling light breeze and it did reasonably well, especially after some tuning and in spite of the weight of the material used.
My query is that I noticed the yellow sail was cut into a triangle shape, without the rounded shape on the back. Was that a benefit? Mine seems to bend or twist in that area and not form nicely, possibly causing issues on the water. Not helped by the weight.
I will put up a couple of images that show it and see what you might think. I might be better off cutting into the triangle.
Any thoughts gratefully received.
Cheers
👍 Like
💬 Comment
👀 213 Views
1
💬 Re: AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT,-SEALEGS
4 months ago by peterd ( Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
I spent a day in one several years ago photographing an Etchells yacht race series in Australia. The versatility was brilliant, especially being able to pull up in the river at the end of the day and get photos that otherwise would have been lost.
Loved it but a tad out of my price range.
Loved it but a tad out of my price range.
👍 Like
💬 Comment
👀 23 Views
2
📝 SEA COMANDER RE-FURB.
5 months ago by peterd ( Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
Certainly would be a great drawcard. Those trucks are impressive.
👍 Like
📝 Reply
👀 6 Views
2
📝 SEA COMANDER RE-FURB.
6 months ago by peterd ( Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
Hi Colin and I am glad that both you and the boat are ok.It is great seeing the level of suppport that you are getting from the other guys - all the best with your recuperation.
I am just home after a week in hospital with Cellulitis of the lower leg. Came out of nowhere but the pain is intense. Frustrating part is the family gave me a hand made limited run bottle of whisky from Tasmania. Due to the drugs, I cannot drink it. Such is life.
I am just home after a week in hospital with Cellulitis of the lower leg. Came out of nowhere but the pain is intense. Frustrating part is the family gave me a hand made limited run bottle of whisky from Tasmania. Due to the drugs, I cannot drink it. Such is life.
👍 Like
📝 Reply
👀 7 Views
3
💬 Re: Wee Nip
6 months ago by peterd ( Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
I have not been busy with the Wee Nip forum for a while seeing I was working on the Sea Commander. Now that is finished (just waiting on the weather to improve before giving it a good trial) I have decided to put the Nip into dry dock and give it a good overhaul.
My racing performance has been pretty ordinary, so am needing to do something with the boat short of a winged keel or a hidden propulsion unit.
I have removed 3 layers of paint today and am almost ready for the primer but was wondering whether, with the flush deck models that you have put up, there are any issues with the rules and regulations? Also the sails which are not set with pockets in some instances.
While we are only a social club, we do sail them exclusively and I do not want to tread on too many toes. Or do I?
Thanks
My racing performance has been pretty ordinary, so am needing to do something with the boat short of a winged keel or a hidden propulsion unit.
I have removed 3 layers of paint today and am almost ready for the primer but was wondering whether, with the flush deck models that you have put up, there are any issues with the rules and regulations? Also the sails which are not set with pockets in some instances.
While we are only a social club, we do sail them exclusively and I do not want to tread on too many toes. Or do I?
Thanks
👍 Like
💬 Comment
👀 4 Views
💬 Re: Sterling Dual Cockpit Mahogany runabout
6 months ago by peterd ( Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
Great looking boat. Looks well balanced and skipper looks relaxed.
👍 Like
💬 Comment
👀 15 Views
1
💬 Re: Sea Commander build.
7 months ago by peterd ( Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
A lot of detail into that one. Well done. Is the hatch over the aft cabin according to plan? It looks good.
👍 Like
💬 Comment
👀 6 Views
1
📝 SEA COMANDER RE-FURB.
7 months ago by peterd ( Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
That is all very interesting.
My setup:
700 motor brushed
Battery:12v 4.5 aH Gel. (Brand new and only used the once)
ESC Brushed Hobbywing WP1060 RTR - same as yours.
At the end of the day it appears our setups are quite similar - you might be right and the battery needs some use. Would be very happy to get that sort of time.
Hoping to get onto the water tomorrow, however the weather at the moment may say otherwise. Rain plus I believe that we are getting some of the arctic blast so it might be a good day in front of the heater - not my ideal.
I will put something more positive up hopefully.
My setup:
700 motor brushed
Battery:12v 4.5 aH Gel. (Brand new and only used the once)
ESC Brushed Hobbywing WP1060 RTR - same as yours.
At the end of the day it appears our setups are quite similar - you might be right and the battery needs some use. Would be very happy to get that sort of time.
Hoping to get onto the water tomorrow, however the weather at the moment may say otherwise. Rain plus I believe that we are getting some of the arctic blast so it might be a good day in front of the heater - not my ideal.
I will put something more positive up hopefully.
👍 Like
📝 Reply
👀 5 Views
1
📝 SEA COMANDER RE-FURB.
7 months ago by peterd ( Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
Never too late Chris. I am a newbie to powered boats so I did get heavy on the throttle as well. That is more the time I would expect and hope that it was simply a combination of things that gave me a short time on the water. I actually took the boat out for 20 minutes to allow me to come last in a sailing race and then put it back in and it had regained another 5 minutes.
Better luck Sunday. (ps, wondering about the logistics of putting the motor into my Wee Nip. Cannot take a trick with it lately.)
Better luck Sunday. (ps, wondering about the logistics of putting the motor into my Wee Nip. Cannot take a trick with it lately.)
👍 Like
📝 Reply
👀 5 Views
1
💬 Re: Entertainment for Bionic Bill
7 months ago by peterd ( Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
Brilliant.
👍 Like
💬 Comment
👀 42 Views
1
📝 SEA COMANDER RE-FURB.
7 months ago by peterd ( Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
Thanks for that - mine only got 15 minutes, but I may not have charged it properly. Weather permitting i will give it another try this weekend. I thought 15 minutes to be wrong. Plenty of offers from others with spare lipo batteries but connections different.
On the learning curve. Loooks like we are going into lockdown again - our borders are closing down again.........hopefully it will not affect what we are doing.
On the learning curve. Loooks like we are going into lockdown again - our borders are closing down again.........hopefully it will not affect what we are doing.
👍 Like
📝 Reply
👀 5 Views
1
📝 SEA COMANDER RE-FURB.
7 months ago by peterd ( Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
Good, i will definitely reconfigure my aerial. Tell me, how much time do you get out of your battery between charges? I realize it is larger than mine at 4.5ah with a 700 motor but interested in the comparisons.
Tks.
Tks.
👍 Like
📝 Reply
👀 5 Views
1
📝 SEA COMANDER RE-FURB.
7 months ago by peterd ( Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
Interesting comments - as i mentioned earlier we all sail with our antannae fully enclosed, however we do not need that distance, only around 60-70 meters. It might be a good excuse for not getting around the top buoy easily - nothing to do with the lack of wind or the goose that trys to hog that buoy all the time. Worth a try.
All the best - we are up to 48 years in 6 months. Enjoy the day from Down Under.
All the best - we are up to 48 years in 6 months. Enjoy the day from Down Under.
👍 Like
📝 Reply
👀 7 Views
3
📝 SEA COMANDER RE-FURB.
7 months ago by peterd ( Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
I havethe same rudder as you and a standard prop shaft, however the prop sits closer to the rudder. I will experiment as I get more familiar with the boat and maybe change for a smaller diameter brass prop. that will not flex. Being old and plastic, mine possibly will flex under load.
All part of the fun.
All part of the fun.
👍 Like
📝 Reply
👀 5 Views
1
📝 SEA COMANDER RE-FURB.
7 months ago by peterd ( Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
I have the same radio and am using a 3 channel receiver. I have that, including the aerial, completely enclosed below a false deck in the aft cabin together with all the electrics. No issues at all and when out yesterday, I was approx 60m from shore with no issues.
The same with my other boats, also using the same Flysky TX units, the aerial is below decks with no issues. The transmitters have a great range and were well priced when I bought mine. Mind you, since Covid and the exchange rate change, they have almost doubled in price.
The same with my other boats, also using the same Flysky TX units, the aerial is below decks with no issues. The transmitters have a great range and were well priced when I bought mine. Mind you, since Covid and the exchange rate change, they have almost doubled in price.
👍 Like
📝 Reply
👀 5 Views
1
📝 SEA COMANDER RE-FURB.
7 months ago by peterd ( Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
Yes, I have glazed the windows and maybe was a bit exuberant in my turns. I do think though that the issue is the prop tube. It is sealed each end with a rubber grommet however these could be better. I assume the tubes would suck the water up and will see if i need to top up the marine grease.
Question for you, what is the optimum distance between the prop and the rudder?
With the placement of my motor and the length of the prop. shaft I have to have the propellor roughly a half inch from the rudder. Get too much closer forward and it strikes the hull. I have a 3 blade plastic prop. Thanks.
Question for you, what is the optimum distance between the prop and the rudder?
With the placement of my motor and the length of the prop. shaft I have to have the propellor roughly a half inch from the rudder. Get too much closer forward and it strikes the hull. I have a 3 blade plastic prop. Thanks.
👍 Like
📝 Reply
👀 5 Views
1
📝 SEA COMANDER RE-FURB.
7 months ago by peterd ( Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
Colin, no decent photos but have put one up. Sits well in the water and comes to the plane very easily.
Took 1/3 cup of water in about 5-6 minutes so will have to investigate the prop shaft seals as that is the only way i can see for ingress.
Took 1/3 cup of water in about 5-6 minutes so will have to investigate the prop shaft seals as that is the only way i can see for ingress.
👍 Like
📝 Reply
👀 5 Views
2
📝 SEA COMANDER RE-FURB.
7 months ago by peterd ( Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
I know, I was thinking the same. The only difference was that my battery was vertical which should nI ot make a difference as it is a weight issue.
I could have laid mine down by removing a brace i had put on the back of the tray i built but I had secured it too well.
Good try, she planes very well and I only have to work out what endurance i will get with the battery & 700 brushed motor. I expect better than 10 to 15 minutes but have also been told the motor is very power hungry. Maybe next time a brushless and LiPos.
I could have laid mine down by removing a brace i had put on the back of the tray i built but I had secured it too well.
Good try, she planes very well and I only have to work out what endurance i will get with the battery & 700 brushed motor. I expect better than 10 to 15 minutes but have also been told the motor is very power hungry. Maybe next time a brushless and LiPos.
👍 Like
📝 Reply
👀 6 Views
2
📝 SEA COMANDER RE-FURB.
7 months ago by peterd ( Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
I managed to locate my existing 4.5 amp battery under the cockpit by raising the deck 3/8 inch. Put the electrics below the aft cabin. Took it to sailing today and cracked the champagne. Very happy and what a difference that made by moving the battery back. Only issue is that I forgot to top up the battery first and only had about 5-10 minutes on the water. Better luck next week. A few images attached showing the improvement.
Thank you gents for your assist in this build. A few small fixups plus a windscreen to keep actionman dry and I will be ready for the next build - if allowed.
Thank you gents for your assist in this build. A few small fixups plus a windscreen to keep actionman dry and I will be ready for the next build - if allowed.
👍 Like
📝 Reply
👀 9 Views
6
📝 SEA COMANDER RE-FURB.
7 months ago by peterd ( Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
Thought so, I tried again today only this time put approx. 600g under the cockpit. It did make a small difference before i had an electrical issue. Luckily one of the guys had his pusher tug and was quick to the rescue.
Easy fix and will see how it goes next trip. Getting a lot of attention at the club and all of a sudden more old designs are coming out of the woodwork.
Easy fix and will see how it goes next trip. Getting a lot of attention at the club and all of a sudden more old designs are coming out of the woodwork.
👍 Like
📝 Reply
👀 7 Views
3
📝 SEA COMANDER RE-FURB.
7 months ago by peterd ( Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
And it would last a lot longer. I will investigate. Thanks.
👍 Like
📝 Reply
👀 5 Views
1
📝 SEA COMANDER RE-FURB.
7 months ago by peterd ( Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
Hi Colin, I tried that yesterday so would have to raise my deck levels. No great job and might be something I have to attend to. All fun in boating...
👍 Like
📝 Reply
👀 4 Views
📝 SEA COMANDER RE-FURB.
7 months ago by peterd ( Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
Just checked, definitely 4.5....Weighs in at just over 1kg. I do have to admit, yours does look smaller.
👍 Like
📝 Reply
👀 4 Views
📝 SEA COMANDER RE-FURB.
7 months ago by peterd ( Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
Hi Ian. Exactly the same location. This afternoon i looked at putting it under the cockpit floor but would have to raise that due to the prop shaft. I may go back to putting a piece of lead in the stern.
Looking at yours, the battery is laying down whereas mine is upright. Should not make a difference as it is a weight issue. I have it very secure with and does not move laterally.
Looking at yours, the battery is laying down whereas mine is upright. Should not make a difference as it is a weight issue. I have it very secure with and does not move laterally.
👍 Like
📝 Reply
👀 6 Views
2
📝 SEA COMANDER RE-FURB.
7 months ago by peterd ( Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
Thanks for that. Auto paint and apparently a Ford green - Much to my sons disgust. He is not a Ford enthusiast.
👍 Like
📝 Reply
👀 7 Views
3
