Replacement UL-1 arrived today....WTF?

[VKGT]

Reference thread http://www.offshoreelectrics.com/for...ead.php?t=6675


Seriously... I get a damaged one, it takes over a month to get a replacement (FROM GREAT PLANES), now look at this one?!

It looks like maybe even the same one with "attempted" repairs or something? Tell me, is this what I'm supposed to expect for Aquacraft quality? Man oh man.... now what? Just deal with it? Am I being too picky here or what?

[VKGT]

More..

[Rumdog]

Wait till you run it a couple of times. The hull really starts breaking up! Great design, Shiity manufacturing. No quality control. Mine is a turd. Guess I've gotta eat it on this one huh?

[alvinsmith75]

I feel sorry for you! You must have gotten the wrong RTR. Not ready to race, nor ready to run, maybe ready to repair.

[H&MWill]

Thats just insane! I would be sendin it back again. No your not being picky at all. You want what you pay for.

[Capt. Crash]

Yip..send it back or get a refund.

Mine was not perfect but was nothing like that.

The hull is cracking in numerous places on mine now. Some of it was caused by me but the sponsons are flexing and causing cracks, the turn fin area has problems, a crack behind the sponson and the tunnel just behind the leading edge is insanely thin flexing and cracking. Mine is literally being held together with glue and clear packaging tape along the leading edge. I have hull leaks I can't even locate and have to use the drain plug after each run.

It's a shame because this boat has really grown on me. If AQ doesn't want to sell replacement hulls...I will be forced to move my hardware into the Vac-u- Pickle at 1/3 the cost of a new UL-1.

http://www.vac-u-boat.com/Vac-U-Pickle.htm

[sewerpit]

feel bad for you dude, i must have gotten one of the first batches cause mine looks almost perfect. reinforced the turn fin area thats about it, seams look perfect.......... BUT and one big BUT........ it hasnt been in the water yet! we will see

[Rumdog]

Hmmm, i've been reading lots on the Vacu-Pickle. These hulls seem to be pretty damn nice! That hardware transfer is starting to sound really good! I'm getting tired of a new leak every time i run my Ul-1. How is the turn fin mount area on the Vacu-Pickle?

[Capt. Crash]

Hmmm, i've been reading lots on the Vacu-Pickle. These hulls seem to be pretty damn nice! That hardware transfer is starting to sound really good! I'm getting tired of a new leak every time i run my Ul-1. How is the turn fin mount area on the Vacu-Pickle?

The pics show a 3/16" hot pressed mahogany ply bulkhead backing the sponsons there. You could probably get Phil to double it for ya or if you put the kit together, do whatever you want. My question is if you get the pre-assembled hull, how do you secure the hardware (fins,struts...etc) ...wood screws?

Yea...it looks real tempting.

[longballlumber]

How is the turn fin mount area on the Vacu-Pickle?

I have one that I am putting together right now, and for some reason this area is flexing a little too much for my liking. I am going to try a different fin mount first. Hopfully a larger surface area on the sponson transom will help.

[longballlumber]

My question is if you get the pre-assembled hull, how do you secure the hardware (fins,struts...etc) ...wood screws?

I am using #4 wood screws for the strut bracket and #6 wood screws for the Speedmaster rudder. For mounting these two, you can use thru holes and lock nuts if you prefer. However, mouting the turn fin will require wood screws.

[Capt. Crash]

At least with the Vac-u-boat material you don't have to worry about cracks with a little flexing!

[Ub Hauled]

I have a Vac-u-pickle... she's great! Mine came assembled and wood screws on the sponsons are a good idea, on the hardware nut's n bolts will do or even blind nuts.
One think you'd have to do to get the top performance is "sharpen" the edges, that's all I did and she goes...
The fact that you got two pickles is bothersome.... try talking to Mike if you really want this hull otherwise return it, get a Vacu Pickle or even an Elam, that's what I'd do.

[Doug Smock]

Guys use the Fullers standard strut bracket for the turn fin on the Vac- U-Pickle and you won't have any problems. See attached pics.
Another caution you want to consider is removing the brass shear screw in the rudder and replace it with a nylon screw or small wire tie.
I use #6 wood screws on all the hardware and haven't had any problems, I can't tell you how many of these I have built. Bunches!!!


Doug

[Rumdog]

Hey Doug, do you think that the hardware from my Ul-1 would work well with this hull?