My new 41" Kneeler build (well, building 2 of them)

Mike Luszcz · Jul 6, 2009

Well, this was started a long time back, and then it sat on the shelf unfinished for about 3 months. I finally got back on it last week. It is a redone version of JD's orginal 3.5 kneeler, but 41" long. I redid the bow, and the stern, and the cowling area. The sponsons were modified a little from original design. Got it together, and got the first coat of epoxy done. Now its time for sanding. I am building 2 of them. The last pic shows the other one I have to install the sponsons to the center. That one is being sold as soon as its done. The hull can be used as a 7.5 mod, or 11cc nitro, or FE. Tons of battery room. I am going to do an Outboard 7.5 leg FE setup on the one I'm keeping. So far, with the first coat of epoxy laid, the bare hull weights about 4.2lbs. Not bad for a 41" hull! I need to get everything else installed before I can decide on a motor for it. I will keep the updates coming. May move this to the FE forum once the power plant is installed. Enjoy, Mike

properchopper · Jul 6, 2009

Mike, quite an ambitious project ! Good luck !!

Mike Luszcz · Jul 6, 2009

Well, I build a 42" version of JD's original kneeler last year, with 11cc engine, and it ran really nice. Jerry now owns that hull. I have plenty of lipo batteries already, so now its just a matter of what power I want to use. There is enough room in the radio box area to put 10000mah, 12 cell lipo setup if it warrented that. Right now, I am thinking 6-8 cell setup tho. Time will tell. I need to know the finished weight of the boat before I can finalize the power arrangements tho!. So my next steps are finishing the exterior epoxy/ clear coating, install the servo setup, modify a lower leg (11cc K&B to start with, maybe a lawless later), and then I think about the power! Mike

Mike Luszcz · Jul 14, 2009

Ok, here are some new ones. I am getting closer and closer on the first hull, got the motor hung, and I got the second hull glued together last night. Im gonna get that mercury cowling fitting and it will be used. I sourcing some F1 decals right now for it. I think its gonna look cool back there! Here are the pics of both hulls. If anyone has any interest in the second hull, let me know, and let me know if you want to go FE or nitro, I would love to get it claimed soon! Mike

and the second hull.....

BADGASBOATING · Jul 14, 2009

Looking great Mike. Keep us updated on the build.

Thanks, Nate

Mike Luszcz · Jul 14, 2009

I will, thanks! Mike

BADGASBOATING · Jul 14, 2009

spoonefcrx said:
I will, thanks! Mike

Mike, Can I ask where did you get the cowl.

I'd like to modify to cover a Zenoah on my tunnel hull build.

Thanks, Nate

Mike Luszcz · Jul 15, 2009

Hey, Its actually an old DPI cowling. I am gonna mold that one so I can recreate it with epoxy glass so it can be thinner, lighter, and stronger. I think this one is way to small for a zenoah tho. You could build one from scratch and make a mold tho. That would be the best way to do it.

chris1088 · Jul 16, 2009

Wow you do some great work! Keep the photos comming on this build .

Mike Luszcz · Jul 16, 2009

I have more that will be posted in the next hour or two. Been working in the field all morning, finally back to the office! Mike

Mike Luszcz · Jul 16, 2009

I found a decal supplier. He sent me a mock up of the decal for the cowling to check fitment. The final will be vinyl and glossy. I just stuck it up there quick..hence the crookedness. Its gonna look awesome! I also put automotive clear on the top last night..should look shinier

william couch · Jul 16, 2009

freakn sweet. i love the wood boats, bro thats good workmenship right their. keep up the good job. nice ride

Mike Luszcz · Jul 19, 2009

Thanks. I made the Merc Cowling mold today. Gonna try and pull a part later this week! Mike

Mike Luszcz · Jul 21, 2009

Here is the cowling and decals I had made. Should look really nice! Below that is the 3 boats I am working on right now. They are a 34" Hornet tunnel, The 41" kneeler, and the 41" Capsule Hydro! Wish I had more time! Mike

Ed.R · Jul 21, 2009

By the look of the hood on the truck,your next build maybe should be a WoF table

Ed

Mike Luszcz · Jul 21, 2009

Haha, Believe me, I put that hull ever so gently on my hood. The Taco can take the abuse tho!

Mike Luszcz · Jul 22, 2009

Started on the radio box last night. I got it epoxyed this morning, but that is not in the pics.

william couch · Jul 23, 2009

bro that is comeing out freakn wicked. i cant wait to see this boat run.

Mike Luszcz · Jul 23, 2009

Thanks William, Here are a couple more from this evening so far. Waiting on the black to dry...Probably going to start cutting up my new Hornet tunnel hull for FE! ouch! lol

Oh, as you can see, 2- 4 cell lipos fit just fine...and if I wanted to get crazy, 4- 4 cell lipos would still fit fine! That would be crazy tho. This boat is much to light.

talonxracer · Jul 23, 2009

Looking nice, there is ton's of room in there for some massive battery power, parallel the packs for awesome run time....

My new 41" Kneeler build (well, building 2 of them)

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