Central Hobbies 54" Mystic Sport vs Expresscraft 50" Thunderbolt Cats

[Espresso]

I was just curious if anyone has feedback on the 54" Mystic Sport cat from Central Hobbies? There's only a few gas ones I've found searching the net. I think one OSE forum member was "planning" to do an FE build but that was it.

The reason I was curious about this comparison is that the 50" Thunderbolt is a really popular hull and there's a really nice documented FE build by Billy on twin CC1717. He maxed out at almost 70mph so it's a proven hull design. It has hit close to 80 on certain gas setups as well. I think within this past year, it's now a CF hull priced around $350. If I clear some funds, it would be an interesting choice on a single CC2028 aiming at 50mph.

On the other hand, the 54" Mystic Sport looks really appealing to me and I think a single CC2028 would be able to push it. It's a tad more expensive at $400 and it's FG. The only thing is, I haven't seen many build threads on this hull. It's bigger 72" brother is better documented and I've seen a nice FE build on here. For some reason the Mystic cat designs has caught my eye.

Anyone come across an FE build? Here's some pics I've came across highlighting these awesome hulls. Doug on here has painted a number of beautiful Thunderbolts as well which makes the decision tough. Just curious if anyone has hands on experience in comparing the two?


Expresscraft 50" Thunderbolt

Central Hobbies 54" Mystic Sport

[iridebikes247]

I feel like you can't go wrong with either one man. I will say though after combing through various forums people seem extremely happy with the finish of central hobbies boats. Basically I'm saying there will be less body work required to finish your boat, or at least prep for painting. What are you looking to do with your boat btw? These boats handle well and have wide sponsons/tunnel so they're very unlike the mystic style boats that are long and narrow. Chasing after speed records will be an exercise in futility because these boats will get some lift. They will handle turns very nicely though.

I would probably go with the thunderbolt. I really like how it looks and I feel like it can be mated perfectly with batteries and stuff I already own. 2028 would be cool but thats one serious motor I would run the new leopard 56 110 or one of the big proteus motors. Why? I like running oval and don't need much speed but thats just me.

[Alfa Spirit]

I prefer the second one Mystic Sport. The Fountain is awesome but it' s a deep vee.

[Espresso]

I feel like you can't go wrong with either one man. I will say though after combing through various forums people seem extremely happy with the finish of central hobbies boats. Basically I'm saying there will be less body work required to finish your boat, or at least prep for painting. What are you looking to do with your boat btw? These boats handle well and have wide sponsons/tunnel so they're very unlike the mystic style boats that are long and narrow. Chasing after speed records will be an exercise in futility because these boats will get some lift. They will handle turns very nicely though.

I would probably go with the thunderbolt. I really like how it looks and I feel like it can be mated perfectly with batteries and stuff I already own. 2028 would be cool but thats one serious motor I would run the new leopard 56 110 or one of the big proteus motors. Why? I like running oval and don't need much speed but thats just me.

The more I look at the two links, the more I'm leaning towards the Thunderbolt as well. Closer to $400 shipped for a CF cat. I like your FC super daytona project. I dream of a large cat project but one that size requires twins and that just means double the cost. The 2028 is a hefty motor indeed. I like it though since it can run on a lower power setup like 8S2P and still turn a decent size prop. I'm not looking for all out speed. Just a reliable setup in a sizable cat. From what I've seen on this forum, not many 50" cats have detailed build threads. It seems like smaller 37" cats then there's the ~60" cats. I guess when you go big, might as well jump into the 60" category and skip the 50" all together.

Alfa - both are cats. Not sure if you're looking at a different link.

[hamptoncat]

I built a crc 54 mystic gas. The hull is beautiful. Mine I ordered with a cf inlay from Rick then had airbrush alley paint it for me, you would not go wrong with one of Ricks hulls the fit and finish are great and he is great to deal with.

[Rumdog]

IMO, the central hobbies Mystic is a MUCH better looking boat

[keithbradley]

The CRC hulls have a nice fit, like most of the hulls we are used to now they are wet on wet layups so there is just a small seam.
The EC hulls I believe are molded in halves and then layed up together, so the seam isn't quite as nice and will require more body work either way.

I've never owned a EC hull so I can't comment on their quality, but if you are getting a hull that size in CF for $400, I would find out what kind of resin is being used. A CF hull layed up in poly or vinyl resins isn't a lot stronger than a FG hull. If he's using epoxy resin and the layup quality is good, then it's probably a stronger hull...I just don't know if that's what you're getting at that price though...

[sundog]

IMO, the central hobbies Mystic is a MUCH better looking boat

I've never liked air scoops on FE boats. The Mystic is sexier, to be sure!