HYDROMITE micro hydroplane

[Avanti]

http://www.microhydros.com/doug_forrester/doug.htm

I have the plans printed out so far, marking and cutting the wood and aluminum will be next.
Any tips guys.
This will be my third boat from scratch. The 1st was a mono that I am still working on and the second was a Predator outrigger that now just needs paint and hardware. Well since wood is cheaper than hardware I'm moving on for now.

Pics to follow as soon as I make some progress.

I will also be building an assembly jig for this boat and future boats
edit: building the second boat now (post #84 8/6/11) using 10"x20"x1/2" MDF for the jig.

build list:
qty 1) 12"x24" 1/32 ply
qty 1) 12"x24" 1/64 ply
qty 2) 3/32"x3"x36" balsa
qty 1) 1/16"x3"x36" balsa
qty 1) 1/4"x1/4"x36" hard balsa
qty 1) 3/32"x1/4"x36" hard balsa
plans call for 3/32 square balsa to support the hatch, but scrap can be used
plans call for 1/8" ply for backers at turn fin, rudder and strut, but I plan on using drilled and tapped aluminum

after building the first one I would recommend leaving the battery compartment separator out. this part was designed for use with nicad cells not lipo.

[ace028]

looks a lot like a mini cat racing, just out of wood. I bet the mini cat harware would be perfect for this boat! Even the power package. are you going to lazer cut the wood? Lipo powered as well? Please post pics when you can, for some reason I really like the micro side of rc, I think its the balistic speeds from such a small package that makes it really cool.

[Eyekandyboats]

This is a great little boat, I have done one my self and it was fabulous.

Just build it like you see it.it is a very good model thats for sure

[Avanti]

ace --- I have no access to a lazer cutter this will be cut by hand just like my Predator rigger. As far as hardware and power that is all up in the air. I was going to buy some lipo's before my work trailer got broke into and half of my equipment was stolen. Some of the hardware on this boat I will try to fabricate myself like the prints suggest.

eyecandy --- could you put up some pics if you have them? I know you usually take great build pics.

[Eyekandyboats]

Hey man. No i have 0 picture, This boat was about 6 years ago. when i didn't have a digital camera. No picture what so ever. sorry

[Avanti]

Hey man. No i have 0 picture, This boat was about 6 years ago. when i didn't have a digital camera. No picture what so ever. sorry

Thanks anyway it was worth me hoping.

[ace028]

what program did you use to open them to original size?

[Avanti]

pdf viewer then I had to take snap shots of the different sections to get it all to print out. it was not the much of a pain.

[Avanti]

Well I got almost all the parts cut out tonight and did a quick mock up. this sucker is small.
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/J_Lightning/DSCF0637.jpg
I definitely need to build a jig before I glue it up she is twisting a bit because of the hand cut parts.

[Eyekandyboats]

thats looks great !!! awesome work.

[Avanti]

Thanks Taylor I plan on working on a building jig tomorrow sometime. I also need to pick up one more piece of 3/32 balsa.

[ace028]

Yeah, its looking really nice, are those the plans that you printed out in pdf format? Looks really good.

[Avanti]

the plans are in tiff format they were real easy to print out with my mac

[ace028]

oic, I don't have a mac, I got windows. What program do you think that I should use to open it with?

[Avanti]

should just be the default program I will see what my PC try to use I'll just have to blow the dust off it.

[ace028]

Any updates?

[Avanti]

not yet I have been sick and classes started back up last week. I'll try to get some progress on it soon

[ace028]

Sorry to hear that. I put a request in to lazerworks to see if they can lazer cut the kit for me. They said they need to email the designer first to see if its ok for them to use it. I read here that someone had something cut for a really cheap price.

[Avanti]

it was not to bad cutting it by hand. plus the body work and paint will hide all flaws. if you find a lazer cutter to do it let me know what the charge was.

[Avanti]

here's the update I spent some time on the boat tonight and made some great progress. basic framework is almost complete.
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/J_Lightning/DSCF0700.jpg
note the hotwheels for scale
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/J_Lightning/DSCF0699.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/J_Lightning/DSCF0697.jpg

[Avanti]

I used two straight edges and a bunch of t-pins to keep everything square.
I plan on spraying the frame with poly(something) prior to skinning the boat.
I will also add some foam to the sponsons.

[Avanti]

Any tips on what to use to spray the frame work before skinning I should be ready for spray this weekend

a little help.............?? thanks guys

[ace028]

we have thinned out fiberglass resin and sprayed it, but you have to get the mixture right for it to work. I think that thinning some epoxy out may be easier and you might have better results, I think that the kind to use is in the OSE store called zpoxy or something.

[Avanti]

I did some more work tonight, tomorrow I will decide what I will use to coat the inside and framing. Has anybody tried just a spray on poly in a aerosol can??
any where here are the pics of the frame work and some skin
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/J_Lightning/IMG_0021.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/J_Lightning/IMG_0019.jpg

[fastbaltek]

where did you get the rounded nose piece?

[Eyekandyboats]

that looks good!, nice job.

[Avanti]

where did you get the rounded nose piece?I got it at a local hobby shop that has a lot of plane stuff. I had to cut it down a bit to make it the right size.

[Stealth Assassin]

Any tips on what to use to spray the frame work before skinning I should be ready for spray this weekend

a little help.............?? thanks guys

wood sealer! High solids sealer Is killer for coating wood especially balsa because, It fills the wood grain and you can sand It smooth. The grain will lift any time you coat It with anything and the sealer will fill It. Spray a few light coats only and sand Inbetween. Then a surfacing epoxy finishes It off nicely. :tiphat:

[Avanti]

Thanks Stealth I will definitely give the finishing epoxy a try on this boat.
I am very please with how it is turning out.
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/J_Lightning/IMG_0026.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/J_Lightning/IMG_0029.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/J_Lightning/IMG_0025.jpg

[ace028]

Looking nice. Did you figure out some hardware for it yet?

[Avanti]

I am going to use the micro hardware from OSE most likely. I am hoping to have enough cash to place an order this week.

edit: 1-28-08 8:12pm
the boat is getting some body work done now I will post some more pics tonight later. I'm using glazing putty to smooth it out. I should be ready for primer tomorrow some time.

[Avanti]

all that is let is the build the hatch and finish the body work. now I need some cash for hardware.
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/J_Lightning/IMG_0032.jpg

[Diegoboy]

That looks sweet!
One day I may try a scratch build, but not till I get more power tools.

[Avanti]

the only power tools I used are a jig saw and dremel tool everything else is done by hand with a razor blade and sand paper

[SJFE]

You have a gift man. Very nice work. I'm still not ready to attempt a build like this.

[Avanti]

well the deck is ready for primer. the bottom still needs a little work. I also got the hatch started.
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/J_Lightning/IMG_0033.jpg

[Stealth Assassin]

well the deck is ready for primer. the bottom still needs a little work. I also got the hatch started.
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/J_Lightning/IMG_0033.jpg


Well your just a regular ole bondo slinger! :cool2:

[Avanti]

it's glazing putty that I got from a friend, what can I say I use what is around I don't have extra cash right now to throw at special stuff. I'm trying to scrape some running gear money together. I have too many boats sitting waiting for gear now. I will eventually get the products you recommended I just don't have the extra jing right now.

Thanks

[Avanti]

What do you guys think of adding a rear wing like the bigger hydro to a micro like this? would it just be dead weight?

[ace028]

You can do what you want, creativity is nice, but my personal choice would be the way it is, and lay down a cool paint job, and smoke big boats with it.

[Stealth Assassin]

It's the same thing. Metal glaze/ bondo... Metal glaze Is a easier sanding bondo. Bondo slinger was just a saying.. :tiphat: I don't think the wing would help any. I like It without. Looks more modern.

[Avanti]

thanks guys, I will leave the wing idea out of the picture.

[Avanti]

I would like some input on some cheap ebay stuff for the hydromite
what do you guys think
Item number: 260207479263 http://cgi.ebay.com/2x-15C-11-1v-1500mAh-3-Cell-Li-Po-LiPo-RC-Battery_W0QQitemZ260207479263QQihZ016QQcategoryZ12 3849QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
3-Cell 15C 11.1v 1500mAh Li-Po Battery
Item number: 260207155111 http://cgi.ebay.com/1700-Outrunner-Brushless-RC-Motor-30A-ESC-y_W0QQitemZ260207155111QQihZ016QQcategoryZ34056QQs sPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
1700 Outrunner Brushless Motor + 30A ESC

this stuff is really cheap and it is the only way I can afford to get the boat running right now. is it worth a go or should I wait??

edit:
well this is what I went with (I will worry about a 2s lipo later) I liked what I saw for that Santee spec hydro seems like a great starter class for guy/gals on a tight budget. I'll let you know how it works out when I get my goodies and install them.

item# 130194159262 11.1v 1500mah 15C Li-Polymer Battery,burst 20C

Continuous Discharge Rate: 15C
Burst Rate: 20C
Voltage: 11.1v.
Mah: 1500
Size: 67mm X 40mm X 20mm
Weight: 94g

item# 260207155089 3000 Outrunner Brushless Motor + 30A ESC

Motor Specifications:
Rpm(Kv): 3000Rpm/V
Max Currect: 25A
Recommended Input Voltage: 6 - 18 Volt
Max Eff: 96%
Weight: 51g (Motor only)
Total Length: 45.6mm (Motor and Shaft)
Motor Body Diameter: 25.9mm
Shaft Diameter: 2.26mm(Front)
Shaft Length: 13.3mm

ESC Specifications:
Constant Current: 30A
Input Volt: 6V - 12V
Max Current: 40A
Low-Voltage Cutoff: Auto detect and set
Size: 51.6mm x 23.9mm x 8.5mm
Weight: 26g( Net Weight )
__________________

[Avanti]

got some running gear today at the LHS also picked up a micro servo
octura OC4STR-CDA, 2 Y531 props, Hitec HS-55
I'm hoping to have it running by 2-17-08 for our club meet
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/J_Lightning/DSCF0780.jpg

[fastbaltek]

how much did you get the octura hardware at your LHS?

[Avanti]

$57.99 for the strudder kit
$13.99 for the HS-55
$1.25 each for the props
plus a couple bucks for a piece of brass tubing
total was $80.73 with the tax

[SweetAccord]

How can I buy this one?? I would love to have it! http://www.microhydros.com/stephan_lindenau/stephan.htm

[Avanti]

How can I buy this one?? I would love to have it! http://www.microhydros.com/stephan_lindenau/stephan.htm

http://www.team-lindenau.de/

[SweetAccord]

I figured it out. Needed to translate the page, and got their e-mail address, I'm inquiring.

[Avanti]

Cut out the hatch frame work and skinned it. most of the body work is done I just need to make the cowl on the hatch now so there is relief for the motor. I should have it in paint by Tues.
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/J_Lightning/IMG_0039.jpg

[ace028]

Looking good, can't wait to see a vid!

[Avanti]

I will hopefully have some video after 2-17-08

[ace028]

Hey got a price on getting lazer cut hydromites from Lazer works. 33.99 shipped. I'm going to order when I get my taxes back.

[kin]

I figured it out. Needed to translate the page, and got their e-mail address, I'm inquiring.

cool hulls , but how do i translate the page to english ?

[Avanti]

she is ready to run except for a coupler which Jim @ microcat is bringing me tomorrow. I can't wait to see this boat run. I have spent a lot of time on it.

[Stealth Assassin]

Nice work! You did good. What does the hatch look like? :cool2:

[Avanti]

flat with a small clear relief for the motor

[ace028]

Well anymore pics, and some video, I can't wait to see how it runs. you might want to put your receiver in the back end of the boat then you will have some room to move your batteries around a little bit.

[Avanti]

all the weight needs to be as far fwd as possible
I have to mod the coupler so I did not get to run it today.
just got home I will try to get to the coupler tonight so I can run it tomorrow.

[Avanti]

here is a pic of it sitting in the water

[Stealth Assassin]

Wow! I wish our water was that clear here... Is that salt water?

[Avanti]

that is a freshwater lake in Land O Lakes, FL where our club meets

[Stealth Assassin]

that is a freshwater lake in Land O Lakes, FL where our club meets


I may have to take some time off and come down this summer to run with you guys.

[Avanti]

I may have to take some time off and come down this summer to run with you guys.
the more the better that would be cool

[Avanti]

ok so I just ran the hydromite and I could not be more happy (save for I need an external antenna) I have no vid or performance data yet but my eyes say 25mph+-5mph
even with out a turn fin it rides like there are rails in the pond.
here are some pics I was able to take while driving, the first two pic are slow the bottom one is full throttle
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/J_Lightning/DSCF0907.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/J_Lightning/DSCF0905.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/J_Lightning/DSCF0904.jpg

[ace028]

Sweet! Can't wait to see a video.

[peells]

put on the hide Clyde!!! I like hand cutting it is cheep and plus gives you something to do on a rainy day, Keep up the good work. I am getting ready to finish my Nitro Hunter it will be my second scratch built boat, My sons Hydro mite will need painting as well as his rigger so he better get me some spot putty HINT HINT son, (Just a little thing we apparently have going on) We are trying to get three boats ready for pain at the same time, What a chore the building is the fun part.

[peells]

Driving while photographing sounds like an impending crash to me I tried it now I take a buddy to run the camera! you can have more fun running your boat and plus it gives your buddy something to do. nice little boat!!!!

[Avanti]

Thanks Peter

[jeff180]

Looks Great! Im starting my own build.

[ace028]

Avanti, have you driven your Hydromite lately? Hows it running?

[Avanti]

not for a while but it was still running great last time I took it out

[Avanti]

the boat was running great today, I added some lead weight in the bow to keep it down.
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/J_Lightning/IMG_2289.jpg

[ace028]

Awsome, I cant wait to finish mine!

[62 bugzilla]

My renegade is done so maybe this will be my next build after I assemble my micro drifter. Nice boat and would love to see vid.:thumbup1:

[Avanti]

I think we are going to try for vid at next months meet.
maybe I can get some before that.

I'm thinking of selling this boat to fund the next project.

[obrien]

nice avatar pic fool

The hydromite ran great today once the charged battery was in it.

[peells]

This is Asa's dad and I am proud to report that Asa's renegade rigger is finally painted and the hydromite is next in line along with my new Nitro hunter, you can see a thumb nail of the hydromite , rigger and the Nitro hunter on my blog check the link out below

[Avanti]

HYDROMITE 2.0 is now under construction
I will be making some changes to the original design
I found a few things did not work as well as I would have liked them too, so this next built will hopefully solve the issues I had, as well as be a bit better looking. Still planning right now, but some saw dust should fly tomorrow.

[peells]

so do you have any saw dust to show us?

[Avanti]

I just got done working I will be making some dust soon.
Most of my changes will be the electronics layout, now that I know the boat needs more fwd weight. Also I will be deleting the battery compartment separator.
The final change I have planned right now is two separate hatches instead of one, since I don't feel you have to get in to the back half of the boat for much.

[stablgr]

Avanti

I just ordered the same motor esc combo for my Hydromite build (1st ever attempt at a scratch build, well first ever boat build if the truth be known!!) but was wondering what wire drive size you used and also which motor coupler you used.

[Avanti]

I used an Octura .098 flex shaft with 1/8 prop shaft.
I never did a wire drive you can ask eyecandyboats I know he has done them.

The coupler was from minicatracing but the flex shaft end had to be drilled out a hair.
you can get them here off OSE too

good luck with your build, I am halfway through a micro cat right now. I will build another hydromite in the future as I sold mine to help fund a df33.

[Avanti]

Good News I finally started hydromite 2.0 been out of the game for a while and just got motivated enough to do something. I've got the plans printed, wood purchased and the MDF jig board cut out. hoping to get the boat started tonight or tomorrow.

[peells]

John happy to see you back in the game:cool2:

[Avanti]

getting the plans cut out and prepping some wood. laminated the 3/32 balsa with 1/64 ply for the stringers.

[Avanti]

all the prep work is done, tomorrow I will break out the scroll saw to cut out all the pieces. I'll try to remember to take a pic of everything laid out with an accurate materials list so anyone wanting to build on knows exactly what they need to buy.

[Avanti]

here is the layout, I'm hoping to get it all cut out later today
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/J_Lightning/ac65218e.jpg

[Avanti]

just found a great pictorial of someone's build
http://norbique.rchomepage.com/galleries/hydromite/imagepages/img_3144.html

[Avanti]

got all the parts cut out
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/J_Lightning/1b2eb975.jpg
as you can see I glue two sheets of balsa together th make the deck one piece, the bottom sheet for the tunnel is on top of the deck
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/J_Lightning/d24862c3.jpg

[Avanti]

got everything dry fit today, might glue it up tonight.
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/J_Lightning/2a8d03aa.jpg
changed the rear deck to be rounded instead of flat.
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/J_Lightning/9414f329.jpg

[Avanti]

did quite a bit of work on the hydro
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/J_Lightning/a04d3ef3.jpg
got all but the right sponson skinned
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/J_Lightning/2d9f6b32.jpg
drilled and tapped an aluminum backer for the turn fin
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/J_Lightning/ff2a5fa8.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/J_Lightning/f46b6118.jpg