ML Boatworks THX-305, 30.5" Outboard Tunnel hull design/ build

Mike Luszcz

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• Sep 21, 2016

• #1

Well. some of you may have seen I have been playing around with a 38" and 50" Sport tunnel kit, and those designs are almost complete, so I decided I wanted to continue on with a 30" race FE tunnel design I have played around with for about a year. This is all new, and nothing like the last line of tunnels that PTI now owns, so this will require lots of testing, but I think its going to be a really nice layout for a small tunnel.Should be tons of room. I am working on the cowling design now, but the kit is complete and ready to build. I am not interested in doing other sizes of this tunnel, just this 30.5" FE hull is all I plan to do. To many other cool projects to work on! This is called the THX-305. Here are some 3d images of the hull kit. Enjoy, Mike

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Mike Luszcz

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• Sep 21, 2016

• #2

Well, here goes. I finished up in the garage last night, and pulled this kit out and worked on it till 1am. I have maybe 2 hours in it so far. Easiest tunnel build I have done. Really happy with the build so far, and cannot wait to see how it runs! Here are some pics:

This is where I stopped last night.

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Mike Luszcz

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• Sep 21, 2016

• #3

Using my portable flat board, and a piece of angle aluminum, you first add the cross members, and bow block plate:

Then start laminating your transom plates:

3rd and final plate:

Dry fit your middle, and outer forward to aft frames:

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Mike Luszcz

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• Sep 21, 2016

• #4

Looks like I lost some pics, but you then dry fit your radio box side plates, and inside deck forward to aft frame, and tack them in place, then slide crossmember plate "A" into the back, and glue in place.

Add the angled front radio box plate:

Now glue in the steering servo mount sides:

And the doubled servo mount top plates:

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Mike Luszcz

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• Sep 21, 2016

• #5

Now add the rear radio box hatch support plate:

Pop out the top and pitch it:

Sand the top of the transom and add the hatch deck:

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Mike Luszcz

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• Sep 21, 2016

• #6

Now repeat for the front hatch, and you will need to sand at an angle, the front end of the hatch recessed support to get it in place:

Sand the top of the radio box, and finally add the radio box front lid. (Be sure to remove the center of the recessed hatch support and discard.)

Here it is with the sponson frames tacked up. More on that later.

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Mike Luszcz

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• Sep 21, 2016

• #7

1/4" diameter dowels will ultimately be added in 3 locations, all the way through the hull, and they will be supported against a hoop system in the sponsons:

The new logo!

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Darin Jordan

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• Sep 21, 2016

• #8

Following!

 

C

Christian Holmstedt

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• Sep 21, 2016

• #9

<Bookmarked>

 

Kris Flynn

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• Sep 21, 2016

• #10

Looking great Mike, glad to hear you back into the racing tunnel boat scene to shake it up a bit

 

Mike Luszcz

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• Sep 21, 2016

• #11

Naw, not trying to shake anything up, just having some fun!

 

B

brad nichols

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• Sep 21, 2016

• #12

Looks great Mike!! Are you going to make a cowl for it too?? I like the radio box lid!! Very nice. I may have to order one.

Brad

 

Kris Flynn

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• Sep 21, 2016

• #13

Mike Luszcz said:

Naw, not trying to shake anything up, just having some fun!

Click to expand...

But you are having a horizontal transom as an option for the turn table guys?

Haha lets stop there...keep the build pics coming mate...love the old school style of center hanging out the back.

 

Mike Luszcz

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• Sep 21, 2016

• #14

Yeah, I just can decide if I want to do a closed canopy, or open cockpit. Decisions, decisions!

Like I posted on FB Kris, this boat is Front-Board-Drive, figured the further forward the mount the better right??!!! haha

 

Ray Sametz

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• Sep 21, 2016

• #15

1 in the morning.

You need help son.

 

Andy Greene

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• Sep 21, 2016

• #16

Awesome - In sooo many ways

 

Mike Luszcz

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• Sep 22, 2016

• #17

Started on the sponsons, here are some pics:

Basswood strips added:

 

Mike Luszcz

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• Sep 22, 2016

• #18

Glue on the outer strip. The lower side lines up with the main support from from forward to aft.

 

Mike Luszcz

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• Sep 22, 2016

• #19

Very pleased with the lines on this one!

 

D

dion smith

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• Sep 22, 2016

• #20

Have used just ca glue so far on this build Mike?

Cheers

Dion