Darin's LeeCraft/Geraghty 3.5 Tunnel FE Conversion

[Darin Jordan]

OK guys... I'm trying to work off some projects I've had around for awhile so I can get my new VS1 converted, and be ready to go for next season.

This one is a LeeCraft/Geraghty tunnel that was built by Tommy Lee himself, I'm told just before he lost his eyesight to Diabetes. Rod Geraghty has talked to me about this one and said that it's one of very few and "contains a lot of tricks". I'm not sure what all those are, but it's unlike any tunnel I've seen, even a Lynx... It's suppose to be a fast one, so we're making it into an FE.

I'll set it up initially with an AQ motor setup and run it in our P-Spec OPC class, but I may try this one as an all-out P-OPC boat, perhaps with a Neu 1515 1Y. We'll see how it goes...

At this point, I've gutted the inside to make room for the gear, and I'm in the process of relocating the transom to locate the motor properely... I needed to do this to make sure the pivot point stayed right were it was when using this motor/mount combo.

I'll post more as I make progress...

[ace028]

You have too many cool projects, i'm jealous lol.

Where can you get that lawless unit? I may build a tunnel in the future.

[Darin Jordan]

You can order the Lawless units from Fred Howe. His website is here:

http://www.lawlessdrives.com/

I found some pics of the boat when I first got it, before the conversion started... Was a total Nitro boat... I saw it race once and it was quite fast as well...

[SJFE]

That hull is just to bad man. I hope I have a fleet like you when I grow up.

[Eodman]

Darin you have to photograph your fleet all together in on picture! Will they fit in one picture?

[Darin Jordan]

Darin you have to photograph your fleet all together in on picture! Will they fit in one picture?

I don't have as many boats as some might think... I have sold quite a few so I could concentrate on the ones I really enjoy... and to make room for more projects...

[Stealth Assassin]

I really like that cowling and I see that I like the fin. I am also working with fins like that In differant places. Seams to have alot of setback but, It's not Is It with the inset?... Or are the pics playing tricks on me.
I want one of those cowls.

How about a pic of the bottom?

Tunnel width and depth?

[Darin Jordan]

Seams to have alot of setback but, It's not Is It with the inset?... Or are the pics playing tricks on me.

The hull is 30" overall, but only 29" from from tips to tails of the sponsons... So there is about 1" setback from the back of the sponsons to where the outdrive steering pivot is located.

I want one of those cowls.

That's a one of a kind... I'm a little concerned, to be honest, about putting this into battle for fear of damaging the cowl... I'm thinking of pulling a mold off of this so it can be reproduced in ABS or glass... We'll see if I get that ambitious...

How about a pic of the bottom?

Tunnel width and depth?

That information is classified... I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you!

(I'll measure the tunnel width and depth this weekend and get back to you on that... )

[Stealth Assassin]

What's going on with this project? Darin, did you ever get my PM?

[Darin Jordan]

Hey Gang,

I'm FINALLY making some progress on this conversion. Only been able to tinker here and there over the past month, but this weekend I made some good strides.

I have the servo mount completed, and also installed some thin Carbon sheet into the bottom to give a nice flat platform to support the cells and other components. I also completed the new back for the now sealable center section, as well as finished the new transom. Then I installed a recessed lip all the way around the radio box area to support lids/tops for the cowl area. I'm thinking of making these using G10 or maybe some clear styrene plastic or ??? (G10 is winning out at the moment, especially since I have plenty of it here...)

Steering system is now fully rigged, so it's really just a matter of sealing up any areas I haven't already done so with, and then doing the finish work. Shouldn't be long now...

[Darin Jordan]

Did some paintwork this weekend... Still have some decals and some clear to put on her, but she's just about ready to go!

[calcagno45]

True master of the rattle can and tape!

[j.m.]

Wow!

[lomdel]

I would really like to see the motor mounted on there!! Any final decisions on the electrics?

[Eyekandyboats]

WHA! where is the beef