adding a layer to cf cheetah necessary??

[rainfly]

i see some threads where a layer of carbon cloth is added to the bottom of the hull and I see threads without.
is it necessary? recommended? pros, cons ?
thanks
fly

[Fluid]

It is not necessary for function on the Cheetah. Mine runs just great without it - the Cheetah comes with a Kevlar/carbon layer already installed. Some hull designs do benefit from a carbon inlay to stiffen the bottom (sport hydros in particular), but most folks add it to their boat for looks - or because they didn't ask the simple question you did first.

For the Cheetah:
Pros: Looks cool. Kinda. Everyone else does it.
Cons: Extra step. Extra weight. Extra cost. If done poorly it looks terrible. Shows stains, burn marks etc. more than original finish does. Everyone else does it.


.

[Flying Scotsman]

I have to love Jay....The man who tells it like is...no beating around the bush....iconic Texan.

Note he stated for the Cheetah.

Douggie

[rainfly]

thank you..

[rdcracer]

Thank you for this. I am starting a build and had the same dilema. No carbon for me.

[ray schrauwen]

do it. I wish I did before I hit a pond side tree. The sponson seams could use some extra help.

You aren't supposed to hit trees.

My Cheetah was great except the carbon Kevlar inlay was messed up in the front of the sponsons.

After I hit a tree with it I repaired it.

Its not required just inspect your hull inside well for flaws.

[golfito]

For the first time use cf cloth and epoxy. In my case the ship had several defects under the paint. So take the decision to reinforce it completely.
I can only say that it was not easy for me. Do not get a smooth look. I will continue working and learning.
But the whole boat feels really strong.

[Doby]

do it. I wish I did before I hit a pond side tree. The sponson seams could use some extra help.

You aren't supposed to hit trees.

My Cheetah was great except the carbon Kevlar inlay was messed up in the front of the sponsons.

After I hit a tree with it I repaired it.

Its not required just inspect your hull inside well for flaws.

Everyone should add extra layers of carbon fiber etc JUST in case they hit a tree on the pond.

[Lone-Wolf]

I wish I had done it to my carbon version before build up. Adding the layer of course adds weight but the hull benefits from it if you are setting up an overpowered dual like me (2xTP4050 2050Kv). I have easily surpassed the extra weight of doing the layer with plain old epoxy from endless repairs! All the seams are very weak (at least on mine, maybe the FG version is better?), bow, transom and everything in between has been split at one time at least. Have alot of cracks too in random spots, such a terribly light layup in stock form. If your Cheetah is going to be running above 60mph I would definitely do it, mine on 4S/side was hitting 75mph hence the serious repairs I've been through.

[kfxguy]

I wish I had done it to my carbon version before build up. Adding the layer of course adds weight but the hull benefits from it if you are setting up an overpowered dual like me (2xTP4050 2050Kv). I have easily surpassed the extra weight of doing the layer with plain old epoxy from endless repairs! All the seams are very weak (at least on mine, maybe the FG version is better?), bow, transom and everything in between has been split at one time at least. Have alot of cracks too in random spots, such a terribly light layup in stock form. If your Cheetah is going to be running above 60mph I would definitely do it, mine on 4S/side was hitting 75mph hence the serious repairs I've been through.

This.

[SD Eracer]

I recommend it, the stock TFL layup is rather thin. You can see daylight through it.

Most of the damage I've seen to TFL carbon boats is after an ESC failure and they bust at the seams, usually at the bow.

If you plan on any serious speeds, I recommend at least another layer for carbon, including the canopy. Special attention to the seams and fill the tips with a couple of ounces of resin.

[ray schrauwen]

Everyone should add extra layers of carbon fiber etc JUST in case they hit a tree on the pond.

Of course. Doesn't everyone impale their boats on trees?

[SD Eracer]

My 70 mph capable TFL Genesis, due to a receiver issue went full throttle out of control, hit the sand bank at about 50 or so mph and then proceeded to terrorize park guest flipping bow to stern several times before hitting the side of a lawn chair, knocking the man sitting on the chair on his ass before finally landing in the grass about 50 feet where it left the water, still running no less.

Only damage besides my pride and fear of lawsuits, was the rudder sheer bolt broke off (as it was supposed to do) and a minor hairline crack on the right-side sponson tip. This is a fiberglass boat only reinforced with fiberglass cloth and resin. I've seen the same boat with no reinforcement essentially shatter due to a hard flip in the water. This thing should have been toast after what happened and it was ready to run a few minutes later.

If you don't reinforce your boat now, you will have to later when you crack it due to a hard flip that can happen anytime you are running. I didn't reinforce my Pursuit when new because everyone told it it was already built like a tank and could handle 60 mph. After a simple Innocent looking flip, the right side seam cracked almost for tip to tail. I learned my lesson after that.