First Build, DF 35" 'Hydrostream'

[CharlieBucket]

I know this has been done a few times, but here is another DF 35" Pirate, 1717 castle build. I have been piecing this project boat togerther on and off for a couple of months, but I figure now is the time to start the thread to help me finish this boat.
My FE knowledge is limited to playing with and modifying my SV27, so this will be interesting.
A quick blurb on why I'm doing this...not that I really need a reason. My father got my brother and I into this with a used Nitro Miss Elam. I think I got bit harder than he did with the bug to go fast. We typically run these at my family's summer home on Lake Huron...and the SV27, his Miss Elam BlackJack and modded Apache don't run so well in the chop. So, here's the next evolution.
What are the 2 coolest boats?
1.) Hands Down...Suck My Wake from the Great Outdoors.
2.) My Dad's 1980-something 17' Hydorstream with a 140 Evinrude out back. Refrigerator white, no metal flake, windshield delete, racing prop called the Clever. Just an all out screamer.
Well I have the SV27 done up Suck My Wake...so now it's time to build the Hydrostream.

[CharlieBucket]

So, here are a few older pictures. I had a little help from a friend that helped me lay some ballistics material he used to make ride plates for Jetski's.
Shot the canopy with a paint to help protect from the epoxy. Bagged and vacuumed. I couldn't tell you what we used so far as the 'paint', but I can find out if anyone is interested. It worked really well & kept the canopy very clean. It just flaked right off when we were done, and any epoxy just flaked right off with it....turned out very nice IMO.

[CharlieBucket]

I already have the motor, water jacket (OSE) and motor mount I picked up from Peter Z. I can't say enough about the craftsmanship that went into this mount. It looks so good I'd hate to get it wet!
We had a little fun with some electric blue powder coat.

[CharlieBucket]

Transom hardware is hung, but still needs silicone. Also added some large locks to the rear of the hatch. I have a set of small locks for the front. Also have some transom fittings to run cooling lines, as well as some exit hardware. I think I have just about everything I need to really get this thing moving. Last night I reinforced the hull with a layer of Anegra (sp) and epoxy...photo's to come. It looks pretty decent for it only being my second time using the stuff. Runner is made, but modifications are needed.

I of course have questions on the electrical aspect...but I'll get to that in a second since most people ask 'what your goals are with your boat.' My goal is to build a mid-50's boat. Make it reliable, and run so I don't torch anything. That, and if my neighbor buys a Spartan to leave a little room to dust him.

With that being said I need some guidance. I have a 1717 Castle motor, 1580KV. The ESC I'm not so sure about. I bought a Turnigy Monster 200 amp from a guy off this forum. Water lines have been added, and has only been bench tested. I'm not sure I made the right move on this. The batteries are another thing. I see a few guys running multiple 3 cell batteries, and some guys running a pair or 6 cell. I bought a pair of 5 cell Turnigy's thinking that since my ESC is a bit smaller than theirs, I am leaning towards the side of caution. Am I correct in this? I guess the 6s2p, 6s2s and all those abbreviations confuse me. Also, should I be looking to set this up to run in series or parallel?
So, that's where I'm at. I'm chipping away at this as much as I can, and would like to have it ready by the 4th of July weekend.

[millzee]

looking good, I love that mount it's very cool. 6s2p- parallel is the way to go.

[CharlieBucket]

My runner finally cured last night, so today I was taking a look and started trimming some of the fat off. I knew things were going to be tight, but I didn't realize how tight until I started placing some of the items. Looks like I'll be looking around to see what others have done.

[Make-a-Wake]

You will need a 2p setup for the 1717 as it can really pull some amps. Your idea of twin 5s packs for 5s2p should work well. It will allow you to spin a bigger prop as well............in the x448-x452 range. That should get you your 50mph. Nice lookin' build!

[CharlieBucket]

Finished up a little more work on the runner and the battery trays...hoping that this configuration will work well.

[Make-a-Wake]

Neat lookin' tray..............

[Boaterguy]

I really like the blue, you should continue it throughout the boat (hardware etc) if you have any left.

[monojeff]

Boats are looking good the decals came out great!

[CharlieBucket]

The vinyl's look great! I couldn't be happier with how they turned out.

[CharlieBucket]

I have run into some trouble last night and maybe someone out there can help. I'm not all that familiar with the Turnigy Monster 2000 ESC. I plugged in a battery and the BEC lit up and performed a bind to my new reciever. The servo works fine, but I am not getting any power to the motor. The wires from the ESC are all red and has no markings, and the motor has a Red, Black and White. Maybe I have to re-program the ESC? I'd love to see some life out of this motor after looking at it for the last couple months. 200A-G-OPT.jpgIMG_20110303_185741.jpg

[Make-a-Wake]

Dont know anything about the monster ESC...............motor wires look suprisingly thin on it, but those connectors you made are very nice. That motor should last quite a while if you dont abuse it, which is hard to do in a 35" hull, just dont overprop it or get it real hot...................i try to stay under 130*.

[CharlieBucket]

I attached that accidentally...still getting used to the new format of the forum. That was a pic I took off the forum as a guide to make my connectors. I have 6.5mm Castle connectors all around other than the center connectors of that connector. That one is an 8mm. I think the wires on the ECS are 8 & 10 gauge...a 5.5 Castle was too small.