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    Model Boats Website
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    Registered
    8th Jun 2022
    Last Online
    23rd Apr 2024
    River Rat
    Member Stats
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    Member No.#7103
    Registered📅8th Jun 2022
    Last Online📅23rd Apr 2024
    City📍Louisville KY
    Country🇺🇸United States
    Gender♂️Male
    Age👶64
    Posts💬423
    Followers📣11
    Likes Received👍2040
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    🇬🇧 BOATSHED ( Lieutenant)
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    11 Followers
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    806 Points Away From Commodore!
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    👍 Likes (rcv'd)12,040
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    ✍️ Comments2336
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    Members Harbour
    Typhoon
    I just love this boat, the double enders are so sleek and classic. Dripping with beautiful mahogany
    River Rat
    5 months ago
    11 Attributes
    8 Comments
    Tow vehicle
    Tow car is finished. I have 4 servos to raise and lower the car like hydraulics. I raise it to tow and then drop it when it's just sitting. It was found at a yard sale for $5.00. I upgraded all the electronics added lights and sound.
    River Rat
    5 months ago
    0 Attributes
    3 Comments
    Chris Craft trailer stand
    Another trailer project scratch built for my 1930 CC. I had a lot of fun building these trailers. Now I need to build another boat so I can build another trailer
    River Rat
    10 months ago
    0 Attributes
    9 Comments
    Trailer for SK
    This was a fun project! Working on the tow vehicle now. This makes a really neat stand it gives it a whole new look! RR
    River Rat
    12 months ago
    0 Attributes
    2 Comments
    Hallet SK Drag ski boat
    I had a ton of fun with this project! I had a lot of input from my grand kids on this one. They got to help with all the major decisions on colors. We used crayons to picture it. They matched the figures up too. Thanks to all on this site! Dave RR
    River Rat
    1 year ago
    0 Attributes
    4 Comments
    1930 Chris craft runabout ( Driftwood)
    This was my first mahogany boat build. Now I really want to do more of them. This is a Dumas kit and was a pretty tough build. ( Build log is on this site) I really enjoy working on the wooden boats.
    River Rat
    1 year ago
    10 Attributes
    9 Comments
    Miller American Hydroplane
    Pulled this old friend out of storage. This was my first build. Still looking good after all these years. Going to reinstall all the missing rc gear and nitro motor ( robbed years ago) and get her back on the water.
    River Rat
    2 years ago
    1 Attribute
    2 Comments
    Mount Washington
    Just finished this build, took 6 months to complete. Looking for my next project possibly the Delta Queen? Anybody have one for sale? This Dumas kit was a pretty good kit. I was lucky to find a fiberglass hull version from 2001. Its fully functional rc. I love the hobby and am glad to see its still doing great after all these years. Thanks, Dave
    River Rat
    2 years ago
    0 Attributes
    4 Comments
    Miss Madison
    I had a lot of fun finishing this hydro I started 20yrs ago. Finished it with 3s and traxxas electronics. Not super fast but fun! The building part is what I enjoy the most. The wood Allison engine fits over the radio box and somewhat kept water out.
    River Rat
    2 years ago
    9 Attributes
    3 Comments
    Creole Queen Sternwheeler
    My first build after a 2o year Lull. Ended up catching covid which went to Long Haul Covid. I was extremely sick for the first 2 weeks. I had issues for about 3 months. I have had this kit for 15yrs and was so bored while staying home. I pulled it out to "look " at it, 4 months later we were here.
    River Rat
    2 years ago
    8 Attributes
    9 Comments
    Members Blogs
    7 Posts
    16 Followers
    81 Likes
    Chris Craft Cobra
    New project is well underway. 1955 18' CC Cobra in 1/8 scale. Framework, chines, sheers and transom all together. I am starting the planking today. The last picture shows the boat I am building. I don't think the hardtop is factory but I really like the looks of it. So I will attempt a scratch built hard top. I will update soon. Thanks, RR P.S. We got my Mom a new condo and this is looking out her back patio I Love it!!!
    River Rat
    14 days ago
    28 Posts
    29 Followers
    365 Likes
    Typhoon
    Hey guys, I finally got a good start on my Dumas Typhoon in 1/10 scale. This kit builds up in 2 halves which is kind of different. Although I had my doubts about alignment it came together nicely. I will update when I can, I am going to take my time on this one. I plan to use a 3660 2200KV brushless motor and 60A esc (I have on the shelf). Is water cooling absolutely necessary? I have a fan for the esc and a heat sink for the motor. Any input is helpful. Thanks RR
    River Rat
    4 months ago
    1 Post
    1 Follower
    4 Likes
    Chicago Race
    New Zealand wins the NASCAR Race in Chicago???!!! What??? Congrats to NZ! SVG! SVG! JB...Have a mug for SVG! Let the " Island Country " rule tonight!!
    River Rat
    10 months ago
    1 Post
    5 Followers
    15 Likes
    First build
    I found this build and paint boat kit and my grandson completed his first boat project. (Unfortunately it doesn't float ) He also loves going to the pond for motor boating. I hope I can keep his interest RR
    River Rat
    10 months ago
    2 Posts
    7 Followers
    35 Likes
    Tow vehicle
    I am working on a tow vehicle for my SK that I picked up at a garage sale for $5.00. Complete revamp on all the radio equipment, lights, and sound. 1/6 scale 1954 Chevrolet custom car with 4 wheel independent hydraulics. . Maybe I'm crazy . Dave RR
    River Rat
    9 months ago
    1 Post
    4 Followers
    13 Likes
    Chris Craft trailer stand
    Just finished the second trailer project. I didn't do a build log because it's so close to the other trailer build on here. Makes a nice looking stand, I am still working on a tow vehicle. I would love an SRX6 Jeep but WOW!...the prices nowadays! Thanks again for all the tips and tricks. Dave RR
    River Rat
    11 months ago
    9 Posts
    12 Followers
    87 Likes
    RC Boat trailer/stand
    Hey guys, finally got some time to start on my trailer. I am using 1/2" aluminum channel for the main rails. Tamiya 1/14 Semi truck leaf springs and mounts, 13mm aluminum axle housings with stainless steel axles. 1/10 touring car rims with Tamiya 1/14 truck tires (85mm diameter). I am also using old printer parts for the roller setup on the trailer. I am going to attempt to weld the frame with low temp alumiweld 700 degree Fahrenheit melting point.( first time trying this stuff so we will see....) I will update soon. Thanks, Dave RR
    River Rat
    12 months ago
    15 Posts
    13 Followers
    103 Likes
    Hallet SK Drag boat
    I know this is not the normal build on this site but I thought if y'all want to see it I will keep posting. This is a replica of a boat that raced here locally (Louisville, KY). I grew up on the Ohio river about an hour from the Madison Indiana Regatta (unlimited hydros). So not only did we have drag boats but the big boys too! A lot of sport boating, a few sailing yachts, cabin cruisers and of course House boats ( have one in the works soon). As a young man I got to ride in all of them. But I was so impressed with these old flat bottoms . ( Talk about brass balls) I have had this Idea of a real V-drive setup in my head so I'ma try to work that out. Found this transfer case from a 1/8 monster truck. I think I can make it work. Working in 1/6 scale. I sourced a Hemi engine. 4074 brushless 6s setup? Thanks to all on this site for being friendly and helpful. I really love the diverse subjects. Thanks, Dave (RR)
    River Rat
    1 year ago
    32 Posts
    17 Followers
    210 Likes
    1930 Chris Craft runabout
    Hey guys, pulled another old Dumas kit from the pile. This is my first large scale mahogany planked boat build. Hope I can get through it without to much trouble. Going with a 2s battery, 550 brushed motor and speed control from traxxas. Got all the framework and some planking done. I will update this blog as I go. Thanks to all who have helped me...Dave
    River Rat
    1 year ago
    11 Posts
    9 Followers
    52 Likes
    Dumas Mt Washington
    I am in the 5th month of this build. Definitely a challenging build. I decided to build this one a little out of the box. Couldn't find a whole lot of reference material or color photos so I just painted it the way I thought it looked best. Any criticism good or bad is welcome. Thanks, Dave
    River Rat
    2 years ago
    3 Posts
    5 Followers
    14 Likes
    Creole Queen Sternwheeler
    I recently retired and this is how I got back into building boats. I have the fever after a 20 year lull. I included some pics. Currently working on a Dumas Mt. Washington I will post pics if anyone is interested. Thanks Dave
    River Rat
    2 years ago
    Recent Posts
    📝 Blast from my past
    2 days ago by 🇺🇸 River Rat ( Captain)
    ✧ 21 Views · 7 Likes
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    Another example of the Dumas 36" shovelnose hydro. This was my second build many years ago. RR

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    💬 Re: 5. Old Stern wheel steamer
    6 days ago by 🇺🇸 River Rat ( Captain)
    ✧ 31 Views · 3 Likes
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    Hello Michel, I don't know if you can order from Amazon in Switzerland but here is what I used on both of my paddle boats. At $14.95 US it's a great deal! Good luck on your quest! 👍👍👍 RR

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    💬 Re: 5. Old Stern wheel steamer
    7 days ago by 🇺🇸 River Rat ( Captain)
    ✧ 34 Views · 6 Likes
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    Hello Michel, I used a gear reduction motor on my Creole Queen. Everything is built in to the motor itself they have them on the web that range from 15 rpm's up to 100. I use a 50 rpm motor on mine and have no problem. You can then do a 1:1 from the motor shaft to the paddle wheel driveshaft. Hope this helps. RR

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    📝 Chris Craft Cobra
    14 days ago by 🇺🇸 River Rat ( Captain)
    ✧ 20 Views · 2 Likes · 1 Comment
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    Hey Len, that's a beautiful 40 Ford you have there, have you ever been to Louisville KY for the street rod nationals? You would fit right in... It's coming in August. Thanks for the kind words, I will try to get some better pics RR
    ps... I also redo hot wheels into real cars in my spare time 😁

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    💬 Re: Chris Craft Cobra
    14 days ago by 🇺🇸 River Rat ( Captain)
    ✧ 20 Views · 3 Likes
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    Hi Boatshed, I use these 2 products for all of my mahogany boats. ( Available on Amazon) I glass cloth the complete hull with a very thin coat of Total boat and 2oz cloth, 24 hours later I sand all the bumps off with 220 grit (at this point it looks rough and kinda ugly) Then I apply a second heavier coat. This time I sand with 220 wet sanding paper. At this point I apply any decals, waterline stripe, install running hardware, paint bottom, and apply a third coat. 24 to 48 hours later I wet sand again until completely smooth ( took me about 8 hours) then I sprayed 2 coats of the 2x clear (you MUST wear a certified mask) This is an excellent clear coat that is like the finish on your auto. Thanks for the compliments! RR

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    💬 Re: Chris Craft Cobra
    16 days ago by 🇺🇸 River Rat ( Captain)
    ✧ 30 Views · 1 Like
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    Thanks DW, the fittings are stock Dumas chrome fittings. I just got a good set I guess. RR

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    💬 Re: Chris Craft Cobra
    16 days ago by 🇺🇸 River Rat ( Captain)
    ✧ 30 Views · 4 Likes
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    You are correct Len 1, the car is a 1956 Oldsmobile super 88. This was my first car, I have owned it for 50 years 😄. Thanks for all the compliments on the CC! I also have a 1953 Oldsmobile 88, and I have a 1957 Chevy 3100 pick up truck.

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    📝 Chris Craft Cobra
    17 days ago by 🇺🇸 River Rat ( Captain)
    ✧ 43 Views · 14 Likes · 14 Comments
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    Finished the CC Cobra. Fiberglass cloth is on with Total boat epoxy resin. Painting and clear coat went well... All fittings are on with two sided tape. Swapped the steering wheel out for smaller diameter to fit my captain in. I will do lake trials soon. I went with a 550 brushed motor, combo speed control/receiver, 5000 mah battery. Moving on to the next project. RR

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    📝 Chris Craft Cobra
    1 month ago by 🇺🇸 River Rat ( Captain)
    ✧ 54 Views · 10 Likes · 3 Comments
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    Hey guys, short update... I have the fin glued on and bondo to smooth it. Hull completely sanded and stained, water line marked in. Getting ready to fiberglass with Total boat epoxy resin. This is my favorite part... Primer, paint and clear 😁 will update soon... RR

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    📝 Chris Craft Cobra
    1 month ago by 🇺🇸 River Rat ( Captain)
    ✧ 64 Views · 13 Likes
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    Another good days work, finished the planking...Yee Haw!!!. Thanks Doug, your always good for a laugh 😂 Is planker of the month a good thing? Sounds a lot like something else 😁
    Thanks, RR or Ratty...🤔 sounds good, I like it..

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    📝 Chris Craft Cobra
    1 month ago by 🇺🇸 River Rat ( Captain)
    ✧ 66 Views · 13 Likes · 3 Comments
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    I have my Mom all moved in her new place now and finally got back to the CC. Planking the hull and sides with .060 x 1/2" mahogany and now working on the deck. The two tone effect is birch plywood and .060 x 3/8" mahogany. White styrene strips for the caulking. Nose block is solid mahogany. So far everything is laying down nicely 😁 The last picture is Mom's back yard... My new testing grounds 👍👍👍... Back to planking and then sanding down, I will update soon! Thanks, RR

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    📝 Lipo vs Li-ion
    1 month ago by 🇺🇸 River Rat ( Captain)
    ✧ 57 Views · 1 Like
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    I would like to see a video 👍👍👍 and some pictures please RR

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    📝 Convention for displaying a model Boat
    1 month ago by 🇺🇸 River Rat ( Captain)
    ✧ 69 Views · 5 Likes
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    Excellent layout Colin! Very impressive! I especially like the harbour house! You have outstanding skills, I love all the details. RR 👍👍👍

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    📝 Convention for displaying a model Boat
    1 month ago by 🇺🇸 River Rat ( Captain)
    ✧ 73 Views · 8 Likes
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    I always display the "best" side. It seems all of my boats have a better side 😜 RR

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    📝 Heatsink Fins
    2 months ago by 🇺🇸 River Rat ( Captain)
    ✧ 73 Views · 5 Likes
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    I have had success with heat sinks and fans. I just don't want to drill the hull for water intake. The motor and esc have both heat sinks and fans on this model.
    RR

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    📝 Crew, People, and Detailed Interiors
    2 months ago by 🇺🇸 River Rat ( Captain)
    ✧ 61 Views · 5 Likes
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    Great topic Lew! Hoping some more builders chime in... Your work is very detailed... Each picture is a scene we all can imagine... Excellent work! 👍👍👍
    Dave RR

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    📝 Crew, People, and Detailed Interiors
    2 months ago by 🇺🇸 River Rat ( Captain)
    ✧ 61 Views · 3 Likes
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    Love it Chris... Sounds like my girl. She actually helps me in this part of the build... Very creative opposite type 😉

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    💬 Re: Baby Bootlegger
    2 months ago by 🇺🇸 River Rat ( Captain)
    ✧ 26 Views · 5 Likes
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    Hi Peterd, IMHO that is a propeller issue... In the video it appears to be faster at half throttle... Wow the cavitation is bad. I have this prop on my 1/10 Typhoon ($20 on Amazon) my original prop was shaped like yours and I had the same issue. Octura makes nice props too. I think the propeller is the problem here. Cavitation also affects the rudder performance for sure. You have built a beautiful boat!!! Hope this helps you. RR

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    📝 Crew, People, and Detailed Interiors
    2 months ago by 🇺🇸 River Rat ( Captain)
    ✧ 74 Views · 9 Likes
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    Hey Lew, great pictures! I agree that the figures add "life" to the boat. Especially on the water. All of my builds have figures... My 1/48 figures are from woodland scenics and from China via eBay. ( I have 75 people on the Creole Queen) The 1/8 and 1/10 figures are from Diamond select ( movie characters) and the 1/6 are from monster high (grand kids toy box). The figures in the Typhoon were $15 each. So you can find them cheap. You do excellent work, thanks for sharing. RR

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    💬 Re: Baby Bootlegger
    2 months ago by 🇺🇸 River Rat ( Captain)
    ✧ 43 Views · 4 Likes
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    Good luck Peter, I think your changes will help. Let us know, pictures and video please 👍👍👍
    RR

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    💬 Re: Baby Bootlegger
    2 months ago by 🇺🇸 River Rat ( Captain)
    ✧ 63 Views · 4 Likes · 1 Comment
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    Hi Alessandro, the prop is 37 mm bronze with a 4.76 mm shaft size. I sharpened and balanced. I'm not sure if it's scale or not, maybe you can calculate the percentage... The boat is 1066 mm long, prop 37 mm, rudder is 76 mm tall and 32 mm at it's widest point. You have my curiosity about how much they are oversize. Thanks, Dave

    https://youtube.com/shorts/IF1oJDFlnfo?si=oW0lElxDSEcFn7Ou
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    💬 Re: Baby Bootlegger
    2 months ago by 🇺🇸 River Rat ( Captain)
    ✧ 69 Views · 5 Likes
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    Hi Peter, I am running a brushless 3660 motor, 60A speed control and a 2s 7.4v Lipo. I get about 25 minutes of run time.
    RR

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    💬 Re: Baby Bootlegger
    2 months ago by 🇺🇸 River Rat ( Captain)
    ✧ 76 Views · 7 Likes
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    Hi Peter, Here's a picture of my Typhoon. The rudder is approximately 60mm from the propeller. The rudder is a little larger than scale. With this setup it turned to good, I had to slow down the steering servo rate to better control it. Included a picture (sorry for the poor photography) and a short video. I hope this helps you. I agree with Allessandro on shorten the prop shaft and tube and rework the rudder.

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    📝 Display Case
    3 months ago by 🇺🇸 River Rat ( Captain)
    ✧ 55 Views · 3 Likes
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    Check out the post from LewZ about a month ago. Search for display case on this site...very helpful. RR

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    📝 Wordle of the Day?
    3 months ago by 🇺🇸 River Rat ( Captain)
    ✧ 42 Views · 1 Like
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    Looks like everybody gets a banana today. Got it in 3 with a chuckle 🤭. Does a banana float?

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    📝 Question of the Day?
    3 months ago by 🇺🇸 River Rat ( Captain)
    ✧ 52 Views · 0 Likes
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    Lucky guess for me today 👍

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    💬 Re: Ra IngaIV finished ?
    3 months ago by 🇺🇸 River Rat ( Captain)
    ✧ 75 Views · 6 Likes
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    Absolutely Gorgeous!!! Well done mate!!! Look forward to her sea trials. 👍👍👍

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    💬 Re: Chris Craft Cobra
    3 months ago by 🇺🇸 River Rat ( Captain)
    ✧ 88 Views · 3 Likes
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    Hi Boatshed, the mahogany planking goes on parallel to the water line. Each plank on the sides will be tapered about 30 percent at the stern. I will have a few "stealers" at the bow. It seems to get easier each time, this is #5 for me. Thanks, RR

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    📝 Chris Craft Cobra
    3 months ago by 🇺🇸 River Rat ( Captain)
    ✧ 90 Views · 11 Likes · 3 Comments
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    Hello to all... the first layer of planking is 1.5mm x 25mm birch plywood. The inside of the hull will be sealed with Total boat epoxy resin. I will block sand the hull in preparation for the mahogany planking. I'm still helping my mom move so not to much time for boat building 😉. I will update soon. Thanks RR

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    💬 Re: Window frame
    3 months ago by 🇺🇸 River Rat ( Captain)
    ✧ 67 Views · 4 Likes
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    It looks very nice! How did you cut the thin aluminum? Awesome work! RR 👍👍👍

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