Johnny's HK Flowmaster

[Prodrvr]

This is my first FE boat...always had big gas boats. Picked it up along with a pair of 3s lipo's. Was going to run it as is for a while, but like everything else, can't leave it alone. So with guidance from reading some great build threads and getting input from a few members here on OSE, I've decided to just gut the thing and start over. Didn't even try running it first, just went in and started gutting. This build is probably going to take a while due to funds, but it will be completed.

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[Prodrvr]

I also cut out that raised area in the transom. This will make it easier to reinforce back there plus I can make a straight pushrod from the servo to rudder. The stock one has bends in it to go around that raised area and that's not cool in my book. Also removed the aluminum stinger mounting plates.
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[arrover]

Thanks for letting me know about your build thread. I'll be watching!

[TheShaddix]

Great ideas so far! I wish I did the same thing with cutting out the rear section, I wanted to reinforce the tail too. The reason it's there is because this boat is originally made to be a single drive, but someone decided to use the hull as a twin. Did you see my thread on this boat? The new owner posted a video of it running.

[kfxguy]

Are you going back as a twin? Are you reinforcing it?

[Prodrvr]

Thanks for letting me know about your build thread. I'll be watching!

You got it man!

[Prodrvr]

Great ideas so far! I wish I did the same thing with cutting out the rear section, I wanted to reinforce the tail too. The reason it's there is because this boat is originally made to be a single drive, but someone decided to use the hull as a twin. Did you see my thread on this boat? The new owner posted a video of it running.

Yes I did see your thread and the video...that's what inspired me to not just sell it! I want to do the same setup.

[Prodrvr]

Are you going back as a twin? Are you reinforcing it?

Oh hell yeah it's going to stay a twin...twin SSS 3674 2075Kv's, 6s each. Yes I will be reinforcing the hull with expanding structural foam up front and cf cloth for the back. I found this composite company that sells these epoxies that are supposed to be better than West Systems so we'll see. I'm also going to add some 2mm cf sheet where the stingers mount. After the hole in the bottom of the transom that I cut out is finished on the inside, I'll finish the outside with white gelcoat. This will be my first time reinforcing/repairing any hull, so it might not turn out too pretty lol.

[Prodrvr]

In removing the stuffing tubes, the damn epoxy was still liquid! It's been a week since I gutted everything out, and the epoxy that was under the stuffing tubes just finished curing today. So now it's on to the very careful dremel work cleaning out all the epoxy from inside the hull. And being that it's so tight inside the transom area, I now need the flexshaft for the dremel to get in there because the dremel itself is too big...and of course I don't have one. Time to go shopping.

[TheShaddix]

If the epoxy was still liquid, then it's most likely expired or was not mixed right. I would be careful using it again.

[Prodrvr]

If the epoxy was still liquid, then it's most likely expired or was not mixed right. I would be careful using it again.

I didn't! That's how it came from the factory.

[Prodrvr]

I'll be using Adtech resin with 824 slow hardner.

[Prodrvr]

I'll tell ya, buzzing off all the old epoxy on this paper thin hull is nerve wracking. I feel like I'm cutting diamonds...one tiny little slip and it's ruined! Really glad I picked up the flexshaft for the dremel!!

[TheShaddix]

if you don't already, grab yourself a pair of flush cutters/nippers that can bite off the old epoxy and wood safely. I used that along with just lots of block sanding. To this hull's defense, though, even the high end hpr in regular carbon layup is just as weak. I was dealing with the same problem when I got mine before I reinforced it. The only safe way I found was using those flush cutters and just taking small chunks at a time, never putting any pressure on the hull itself. Also, a diamond "flush" wheel for your dremel does wonders! You can get those on ebay in bulk.

[Prodrvr]

if you don't already, grab yourself a pair of flush cutters/nippers that can bite off the old epoxy and wood safely. I used that along with just lots of block sanding. To this hull's defense, though, even the high end hpr in regular carbon layup is just as weak. I was dealing with the same problem when I got mine before I reinforced it. The only safe way I found was using those flush cutters and just taking small chunks at a time, never putting any pressure on the hull itself. Also, a diamond "flush" wheel for your dremel does wonders! You can get those on ebay in bulk.

Thanks for the tips! Yeah, I don't have a pair of the flush cutters. I'm sure you're talking about the pair from Xuron. I'm using the Dremel 115 high speed cutter, 80 grit flap wheels, and an 80 grit sanding sponge block.