41" Kneeler FE Hydroplane build (well, building 2 of these)

[cybercrxt]

Well, this was started a long time back, and then it sat on the shelf unfinished for about 3 months. I finally got back on it last week. It is a redone version of JD's orginal 3.5 kneeler, but 41" long. I redid the bow, and the stern, and the cowling area. The sponsons were modified a little from original design. Got it together, and got the first coat of epoxy done. Now its time for sanding. I am building 2 of them. The last pic shows the other one I have to install the sponsons to the center. That one is being sold as soon as its done. The hull can be used as a 7.5 mod, or 11cc nitro, or FE. Tons of battery room. I am going to do an Outboard 7.5 leg FE setup on the one I'm keeping. So far, with the first coat of epoxy laid, the bare hull weights about 4.2lbs. Not bad for a 41" hull! I need to get everything else installed before I can decide on a motor for it. I will keep the updates coming. Enjoy, Mike

[sailr]

Very cool! Can't wait to see how your setup progresses. What motor are you going to put on the 7.5 leg? I'd suggest at least a NEU 1521, Hydra 240, and 6S.

[cybercrxt]

Well, since you said a 1521 Neu, I was actually thinking something along the lines of the motor I just got for my 37" mono, a Medusa 36-80-1600kv. Should be similiar to the 1521 series. Mike

[sailr]

I don't know anything about the Medusa motor. Is it 4 pole? If so, then maybe it would be similar to the NEU.

[cybercrxt]

Yup, its a 4 pole!

[sailr]

How do they compare in price? I know the NEU is golden. Very reliable. Tons of power but haven't experienced a Medusa.

[cybercrxt]

The medusas are anywhere between 105-145.00, and use 60,000 rpm bearings, 4 pole design. I think honestly, they are close if not just as good of build quality as a Neu. Problem is, not comparison tests have been done. I do know this, my friend that races 1/8th scale buggies, has been dominating with his medusas. Seems like the higher he gears the motor, the faster it goes without heat problems. I know Im impressed. I dont race, so I dont need the absolute perfect motor that people say the Neu is. All I know is I can buy 2 medusas for the cost of one Neu. Mike

[sailr]

Very interesting! Thanks for the info.

The medusas are anywhere between 105-145.00, and use 60,000 rpm bearings, 4 pole design. I think honestly, they are close if not just as good of build quality as a Neu. Problem is, not comparison tests have been done. I do know this, my friend that races 1/8th scale buggies, has been dominating with his medusas. Seems like the higher he gears the motor, the faster it goes without heat problems. I know Im impressed. I dont race, so I dont need the absolute perfect motor that people say the Neu is. All I know is I can buy 2 medusas for the cost of one Neu. Mike

[cybercrxt]

Ok, here are some new ones. I am getting closer and closer on the first hull, got the motor hung, and I got the second hull glued together last night. Im gonna get that mercury cowling fitting and it will be used. I sourcing some F1 decals right now for it. I think its gonna look cool back there! Here are the pics of both hulls. If anyone has any interest in the second hull, let me know, and let me know if you want to go FE or nitro, I would love to get it claimed soon! Mike

[cybercrxt]

and the second hull.....

[sailr]

Dang that is so sweet! Where did you get the cowl? Find the decals yet? Now we need a scale driver!

[cybercrxt]

Thanks, I have actually had that cowl for a while. Its an old DPI cowling. I plan to make a mold of it next week so I can remake it in epoxy fiberglass...thinner and lighter. I contacted some people this morning about decals, just waiting on their reply's. I had a scale driver in the last kneeler I built. Here is a pic! Mike

[Brushless55]

That looks cool!

[Tom M]

Where do you get the plans to build one of these? They look so cool. I want to build one.

[cybercrxt]

Thanks!

Tom,

The original kneeler plans were started by Jerry Dunlap for a 35" 3.5cc version. He still offers those plans. I have taken on CADD, and redone the boat to a 41" to be powered by 7.5cc, 11cc, or FE. If you wanted the 41" version like I am building here, I can accommodate that request, as I have them done on my CADD program, just have to print and ship. Cost being $20.00 via money order, or $20.00 plus 3% for paypal. Let me know if I can help you in any way! Thanks, Mike