Vintage 1/10 scale hydroplane question

[RON F]

So what about the tail fin do you make that out of the same ply as the boat skins are ? the boat will be painted no wood grain will show do you laminate the plywood? is there somthing better?image.jpeg

[MarkF]

I have used G10 board on my old shovel nose boats. But wood would certainly work too. If you don't laminate it, then you run the risk of it breaking.

[JimClark]

I use ply laminated with glass

[RON F]

Hi there Thank you for your reply. What is g10 board and where can I buy it ?

[JimClark]

it is pre made fiberglass that comes in different thicknesses. It can be bought at Mcmaster https://www.mcmaster.com/fiberglass-sheets

[RON F]

Thanks Jim I'll check that out, the canopy is pvc molded type, would you just epoxie the fin on ?

[JimClark]

Thanks Jim I'll check that out, the canopy is pvc molded type, would you just epoxie the fin on ?

[T.C.]

Just a suggestion, if it were me I would have the fin go through the cowling down to the bottom of your hatch and braced really well.
The reason is that when you flip the boat at fifty MPH and it hits the water up side down, guess what's going to break ?
Just a thought.
T.C.

[RON F]

Thanks. For the picture

[RON F]

Good idea. I thought just glueing it on would fail for sure thanks I also need to come up with a strut and stuffing box any suggestions ?

[JimClark]

My tabs extend thru the cowl and are clued on the inside also never had one come off.

[RON F]

I made the fin today and I am going to notch the canopy like you did what do you do about fin braces

[JimClark]

Is this what you are talking about? Actuallt 1/10th scale on the top and 1/16th scale on the bottom

[RON F]

Very Beautiful boats ! Wow !
yes are they called stabilizers? And can you buy them? could you please tell me what kind of rudder assembly and propeller strut you used?

[T.C.]

That's what makes races, Different opinions .
Never had one come off either, but I have had the whole rear cowl with the fin come off when I flipped the boat.
We found it floating in the pond.
My thoughts are that it's only as strong as the plastic it's glued to, and ya also gotta ask yourself "will it take hitting the water at 50 MPH"?
T.C.