Whiplash Sport 20 FE Build

[LuckyDuc]

I purchased two kits from Blazermarine.com. A whiplash sport 20 and a whiplash sport 40. This thread will cover the sport 20 build for FE. I will be installing a nitro motor mount though in the event I decide to convert back and forth between FE and nitro.

A few comments about the kit:
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Considering that this is my first boat build EVER some of my comments may seem a bit novice in nature. So please forgive any inaccurate terminology.
The frames, formers, and decking are cut from aircraft grade plywood using a CNC laser machine. I didn't realize why that was important until I started to dry fit everything. The framing went together in about 5 minutes and everything was snug and flush. This was a pleasant surprise!

The instructions are a bit lacking for a novice builder however. I had to read it several times in addition test fitting the different pieces before I tack glued anything in place. Hopefully my pics and commentary will help others. The manual was not included in the box, but can be downloaded from here. LINK

The only "jig" that is required for the build is a flat surface.

Pics to following in the next post.

[cybercrxt]

I just received this kit to build for a person on Intlwaters. Its the sport 20 kit, and we are doing FE on it as well. I felt the instructions were lacking some key pics as well. The lazer cutting is perfect, but It is not well explained! Mike

[sailr]

Will be interesting to follow this thread. I have been admiring this boat for a long time.

[detox]

Be sure to scrape away all lasered or burnished areas of wood before gluing. Super glue does not stick very well to this burnished surface. I used a fingernail file emory board and a thin popsical stick with sandpaper glued on for those hard to reach areas.

...

[sailr]

Thanks for that tip! I didn't know that!

[LuckyDuc]

Whiplash 20 progress

Here is my progress after 1.5 hours of work. Adding the 1/8 x 1/8 strips of wood to double the surface area to which the bottom and deck sheeting glues to took the most time. I only tack glued the joints with a drop of thin CA and kicker. I did this every inch or so. I will reinforce later with Z-poxy resin.

Below are some assembly pics.
I have numbered the frames to help others identify them as the instructions were not very clear on this.

I also took some close ups of the part I had questions about. (i.e. Step #7 and frame #12.) You can see how I bowed frame #12 it this picture using a 1/8 x 1/8 brace. I glued the back piece securely with CA to frame #9 first, and then glued the brace in place. After the CA set for a few minutes I then pushed the front of frame #12 inward to match the outside of the sponson frame (frame #13.)

In the last photo I have a block of foam cut to the same dimensions as the new Hyperion G3 5500mAh 2S 35C packs. (I made the foam for placement testing because I haven’t received them yet :-) I’m considering placing them on each side as pictured below.

BTW. Thanks for the tip about the burnished edges. I will sand them a bit before sheeting.

[sailr]

Nice work. It looks like the batts will be a tight fit as there isn't much allowance for the wires on the end? Or did you allow for the wires in the foam mockup?

[LuckyDuc]

I just used the dimensions provided in the spec sheet for the packs. It will be tighter with the leads, but I don't think it will be an issue.

[Raydee]

Just a helpful hint from a Whiplash owner. Get your batts way up front or you will have a WhipSPLASH not a Whiplash. If you plan to push yours like we do you need as much weight up front as possible.

[detox]

Just a helpful hint from a Whiplash owner. Get your batts way up front or you will have a WhipSPLASH not a Whiplash. If you plan to push yours like we do you need as much weight up front as possible.

Raydee, Please post pics of your Whiplash 20 setup? Is there a build tread of your Whiplash?

[tth]

In my Whip I put one 4s1p pack up in the nose. To run 4s2p I leave the 4s1p pack in the nose and put 2-2s1p packs on each side the motor. Really easy fit.

[Raydee]

Raydee, Please post pics of your Whiplash 20 setup? Is there a build tread of your Whiplash?

I don't think I ever did a build thread...mainly because I didn't build the hull, just rigged it up. I will see if I can find some pics of my setup.

[LuckyDuc]

Thanks for the hint on battery placement! I will re-think my layout now.

[tth]

I did forget to mention that I run my Whip with a Neu 1515 1y. 4s2p rocks on this motor. She does get slightly warm tho. 135-140 during the summer with 4 min runs.

[Scott T]

I agree with getting the weight forward in a Whip. I run a 4S 5000 mAh pack in the nose, with the motor right behind it. I built my Whip a bit light, so I have since added epoxy and lead shot to a few key areas. It's now a fast and reliable race boat