no driving experience, & just about begin my 7 month build's maiden voyage...

[nichismo]

hey guys,

I've been extremely excited to finally take my first boat out for a little bit of test running, but with all the excitement, I'm equally nervous.

in addition to just trying to perfect the final aspects of the build, ive been racking my brain with covering all the bases for a successful and safe first day at the lake.

I feel like I should have bought an RTR first but I got so entrenched with the project that I forgot to ensure I had understood all the basics first...

so basically I just have to solder all the cables including my battery charger, program my ESC and radio, and finish the COG setup. I've waited to make these last because they have concerned me the most.

Secondly, ive made a list of the things I think I need at the lake, I was hoping to have it double checked or added to:

-temp gun
-shaft oil
-hatch tape
-life vest
-retrieval device (raft)
-a friend
-battery charger and lipo bag

any tips, insight, constructive criticism, guidance, reminders, stories, etc. are very encouraged! after 7 months I'm beyond eager to finally do some driving but I'm very very nervous too!!

thanks!!

[Flying Scotsman]

I did a quick scan of your build and you choose an ambitious hull type for your first build and FE boating experience. You have devoted a lot of time etc. on this model and since there is a large model boating fraternity in the Seattle area, I would suggest you get in touch with one of the local clubs and ask them for their assistance in setting up your boat on its first run at their lake. That in my opinion would be the sensible thing to do as you have no experience and there is nothing worse than having a bad first run, which could turn you off this hobby.

Douggie

[JimClark]

Where and when are you going to run? maybe I could drop by

[nichismo]

I did a quick scan of your build and you choose an ambitious hull type for your first build and FE boating experience. You have devoted a lot of time etc. on this model and since there is a large model boating fraternity in the Seattle area, I would suggest you get in touch with one of the local clubs and ask them for their assistance in setting up your boat on its first run at their lake. That in my opinion would be the sensible thing to do as you have no experience and there is nothing worse than having a bad first run, which could turn you off this hobby.

Douggie

yes, it was pretty difficult at times, id say the halfway point from the beginning until now was probably the toughest part, as I got more in depth with the required work, the more in over my head I felt and had alot of doubts about whether I could finish it, or if I even belonged in the community yet. But once I got over that hump its been so much fun.

as ambitious and stressed as I have tried to extend through this thread, I really must say its been an absolute wonderful experience and very fulfilling. Its funny because when I first started looking into it, I was thinking that I would have it done in time for summer.... LOL obviously that was a ridiculous expectation, but nevertheless, the time has gone by so very fast as I have been enjoying the whole progression of not just learning and executing, but gaining general understanding and perspective. its also been very rewarding to gain a few small skills and cultivating things that will help me all over, such as patience (this demanded alot of it, and I am not a patient person lol). Ive already got a couple kits and another hull for future projects lined up :)

that being said, im definitely going to do my best to be as well equipped as possible.

Where and when are you going to run? maybe I could drop by

oh MAN that would be AWESOME!! I was shooting for this Saturday, and I didnt really have a place in mind other than the lakes in my general area. But I dont mind coming out to your neck of the woods! Even if I cant take it out this weekend for whatever reason, it would be awesome to have someone look over the boat and perhaps provide me a little hands on work, like I could watch someone else drive one of their hydros! something I also have yet to do (at least in real life)

[covedweller]

This weekend looks to be a bit nautical weather wise. Where are you located, and do you have a rescue boat like a row boat? My first test with my tunnel hull was a joke. Went to lake tye in Monroe and it was blowing with 1.5 foot waves. Put the boat in and touched the trigger and up and over she went 20 feet from shore. local with a kayak took pitty and saved my boat, but I never go to the water without a better plan now. I am about to start a boogieboard/rescue boat build this winter. And a new tunnel.

[nichismo]

Im located in Browns Point, Tacoma. Its on the other side of commencement bay, about 20 minutes from down town, and right next to federal way.

I have an inflatable raft and a life vest, and im in the process of trying to make a cover for the prop, rudder and turn fin.

But ya the weather was pretty crappy and sporadic so i assumed it was a no go.

[Philmunsterman]

https://youtu.be/fVPjuybDGZI

Here is what we use. Keeps you dry and safe !

[covedweller]

Cool Nick, I know Brown's Point well, used to go by it every time I cruised out of commencement. I am well north of ya in Bothell, but there are a few members of Puget Sound Fast Electrics down your way. One of our two race lakes is a private residence in Fed. Way. Try joining our facebook page and maybe one of the guys can get ya out to the lake to test. The home owner there is O/G when it comes to rc boats, like 40 years exp. and he's a real nice guy willing to help anyone.

[nichismo]

Are you talking about Mirror lake potentially? not far from Pac highway?

im just finishing the last bit of prepwork on my cowling to spray the last bits of primer, and once thats drying, ill be soldering all the necessary connectors and re rigging everything else. Hopefully ill be able to get her out tomorrow.

If anyone would like, my cell is 253-248-5469, you can call or text me!

thanks

-nick

[covedweller]

That's the lake. Not sure if there is a public access. I highly recommend that you practice on calm water to start. Good luck and don't push her too hard!

[JimClark]

Ypu could go to coulon park to test also

[nichismo]

Ya I had always passed Mirror Lake but was very curious as to where people were apparently driving at because it seemed to be pretty exclusive and private, so that explains alot. Otherwise, I was thinking of going to 5 mile Lake (I believe this is the one near Military road, not far from Fife) which should be pretty calm and quiet if I go at the right time.

Coulon has always appealed to me, I still remember being little and my dad moored his boat across the lake at Rainier beach. We use to drive across to get food at Kidd Valley (always gawked at the Bardahl and Kai suspended here) or Ivars and id always be excited to walk down the dock to maybe catch someone driving their scale hydro. Now its been a little while since ive been there and ive been meaning to go back. I actually need to stop by Frys too lol.

Jim is Coulon anywhere near you?

[JimClark]

Ya the only problem is that it is a little small but I know David Newton has tested his 1/8th scale electric there

Sent from my KFTHWI using Tapatalk

[nichismo]

thats exactly what I was wondering, how much room there really is for a 1/8 scale to run....

but I suppose I shouldn't be gunning it around just yet anyway?

[nichismo]

2015-10-27 21.08.27.jpg2015-10-27 21.09.12.jpg2015-10-27 21.11.51.jpg

man the amount of cables here is pretty intimidating! and the Y cable for connecting the batteries in series isnt even in the picture, not to mention I need to figure out a way to keep any of them from coming near the motor.....