ML Boatworks GSX310 Sport 20 31" prototype build - Nitro center section

Mike Luszcz · Sep 29, 2015

Well, I designed this around 8 months ago, and due to some life changes, shelved it for a good while. I am finally getting my ambition back to build again, and this boat, and the Winston Lobster Extreme are two that I have on my workbench right now.

This is the new ML Boatworks GSX310, 31" sport 20 hydroplane, with the dedicated Nitro center section. The FE center section is already designed as well, but this kit is being built with a particular purpose in mind..to work on the 2 lap nitro records. Right now, I am trying to wrap up the build, get the cowling plug made, and a mold made from that, and soon after, work on the release of this. This kit, as well as the GSX380 nitro and FE will be available once the new website is finished. It is being work on in the background right now, and a temp site is up until the completion of the new site. OK, here are some build pics! Mike

PS, just like the GSX480 gas sport, and the GSX380 sport 40, this kit incorporates the truss system frame work, adding rather large amounts of engine well room inside!

Mike Luszcz · Sep 29, 2015

You can see in these next 2 pics, there is not need for basswood sticks in the center section anymore, as pre laser cut/ shaped drop in rails are included as seen...

Mike Luszcz · Sep 29, 2015

The main ram entry half round, and the quarter round difuser bonded up front:

Working on the sponson framing. I do the initial framing on the granite flat board, then slide the framed sponson on the dowle alignment holes, bonding it to the center section once the center section is completed (Center section top deck needs to be glued on first...this is not done yet in these pics) The dowel rods hold the sponson keelson plate (inside sponson edge) against the center section, making for a perfect ride pad sheeting install later in the build!

All new ride pad design is utilized in the GSX series as well.

Holding things together until I am ready to continue on. More pics soon. Mike

Mike Luszcz · Sep 29, 2015

I wanted to share this as well, for those not familiar with how the GSX380 sponson is held to the center section, the GSX310 utilizes the same technology. If you follow the dowel rod outward, you can see how it supports the inside edge of the sponson, and the air relief inside edge frame. This ensures that when you bond your sponsons to the center section, they have to install at 90 degrees to the center section bottom..eliminating any possible misalignment that kits of the past have caused!

PS, the 3 pics below are from the GSX380 FE center section build I did in this forum a while back.

JasonBoushard · Sep 29, 2015

Really nice engineering Mike.

Mike Luszcz · Mar 4, 2016

Well, I am back at this boat. Been busy with other projects, but got a deck frame cut in 1/4" so I can sheet the deck curvature, and laid up a partial cowling so I can bond it to the deck, and make a plug, and mold for the GSX310 series sport hydro. More to come on this soon! Mike

Mike Luszcz · Mar 7, 2016

Busy weekend around the shop. Got a lot done, including the cowling plug for the GSX310! I will be making the mold most likely tonight! Kent and Robin, I will be contacting you soon reguarding shipping you a cowling! Thanks, Mike

Mike Luszcz · Mar 7, 2016

After lots of sanding, and polishing, its ready!

moparbarn · Mar 7, 2016

Looks great, Mike!! I need to get my butt in gear on the build..... Any hardware reccomendations? Rudder on the right or left & size? Strut on the transom or under, flat or round bottom? I run IMPBA, so either placement will work. Sport hydro's are new to me, I need all the help I can get - LOL!

Mike Luszcz · Mar 7, 2016

Robin, Right side rudder mount...Speedmaster mini rudder works great. 3/16" standard round bottom strut. Also, when I send your cowling, I will be sending all the dowel rods and nosing half round you need. Sorry I didn't remember to do that when you got the kit! I will get up with you later on this week hopefully, as long as the weather holds out! Mike

Oh, and a Tyndall Sport 20 turn fin!!!

moparbarn · Mar 7, 2016

Got the fin (-; & picked up a couple different motor mounts (conventional rail mount & a Mike Hughes floor mount).

HOTWATER · Mar 7, 2016

Mike, cowl work looks great!! Let me know when you're ready to ship...can you ship the dowels and nose peices with it?

Robin: the sponson frames took me about 1/2 hour or so...totally easy build!! Very nice for someone that has not done alot of builds...

brad nichols · Mar 7, 2016

Great job and build series Mike!!!!

Brad

moparbarn · Mar 7, 2016

I've dry fitted most of the framing, gonna be a nice kit to build (-; I've built quite a few kits over the years (planes & boats) & Mike's kit cutter does the nicest job I've EVER seen!!

HOTWATER · Mar 7, 2016

Yep, I agree...very nice cut and fits...

I beleive you will have no problems Robin...

Mike Luszcz · Mar 9, 2016

Kent,

Dowels and front nosing, for both you and Robin are already cut, and ready to box with the canopies! I started the layup on the mold last night. I will finish it tonight, and should be able to start laying up parts in a few days. I like to let the molds sit on the plug for a few days before pulling them. I have learned letting the mold sit makes for a much straighter mold!! Don't ask me how I know! lol

nicholashansen · Mar 9, 2016

Probably know after having some older molds bow in the corners, thus rendering them impossible to releasing cured parts....

haha

Mike Luszcz · Mar 9, 2016

Nick, yep! I will be adding another 4 layers of mat, on top of the 4 there is now, then add wood blocking at each end like my other GSX molds have. It will keep everything nice and solid! Mike

HOTWATER · Mar 9, 2016

Bless your heart bro! ...thanks for all of the hard work you are doing to get the cowls done for us! ...much appreciated!! Now I just need to get some elves to put the rest of the boat together for me while I'm sleeping at night...lol! J/K! Love building this one!!

Just let me know the total (cowl+shipping w/dowels)...I can send this afternoon/ evening if you would like...

Thank you!!

-Kent

Mike Luszcz said:
Kent,

Dowels and front nosing, for both you and Robin are already cut, and ready to box with the canopies! I started the layup on the mold last night. I will finish it tonight, and should be able to start laying up parts in a few days. I like to let the molds sit on the plug for a few days before pulling them. I have learned letting the mold sit makes for a much straighter mold!! Don't ask me how I know! lol

Mike Luszcz · Mar 9, 2016

Haha, Thanks Kent. I will let you know when its ready and boxed. No rush on payment man. Talk real soon! Mike

ML Boatworks GSX310 Sport 20 31" prototype build - Nitro center section

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