Dave Frank sport hydro Build

[James Schmidt]

Back in the early 90s I found The Dave Frank 28” 12 cell Electric oh boy Oberto article in the Model bolder magazine. A few years ago I bought the plans from The Airage store. Before I cut the pieces from the plans to make templates I and large the plans 30% so I could build a sport 40. Ever since I saw this boat in the early 90s I wanted to build it. I thought it would be interesting to see how it might run with CMB Evo RS 45. The first picture is when I was cutting out templates from MDF the next picture is my 8th inch plywood pieces for the sponsons, then finished the center section and had hall ready for deck skins. I put the left sponson deck skin on but that’s as far as I can go until I get my hardware. I can’t wait this boat will come together fast I’ll post some pictures when I resume.
I always thought this design looked really cool I hope it runs as good as it looks.

i’ve built other wood kits but this is my first scratch build from Plans. Like I’ve said on other posts building the boats are as much fun as racing them.

it sure is an enjoyable experience.

 

[P THOMAS]

That will be a good boat, old design but not out of style and competitive today. My Supersport45 was based on this hull it goes back to 1990, many still racing today. Balance should be 18-19" from transom about 1 inch strut depth. there were 36" plans but going off smaller plan should work.

 

[James Schmidt]

On the the description of the boat and plans, Dave dose explain that it has the same riding surfaces as his sport 40. I really think your new sport 40 is great!! One of our club members, Jeff Barns has your new sport 40. That thing is super stable and incredibly fast.
I had a hard time not buying your hull, but my desire, and curiosity to build this hull couldn’t take the back seat. If it doesn’t work out you will be getting an order.

thanks for your input phil
Jim

 

[James Schmidt]

Ok, I am resuming the Dave Frank 82U55 Oh boy Oberto Sport 40 Scratch build I started last building season. I didn’t have enough time to get her done before last race season but now the sport 40 will go this year.

Not sure what to expect but it has had some good stats in the years past.

I could always order the awesome Phil Thomas sport 40 stealth or a whiplash sport 40 or an ML boat Works sport 40. But I couldn’t help myself this boat always haunted me since 1994 let’s see what she’ll do.

The post may be a little slow but here’s my recent progress since starting of building season.

Jim Schmidt

 

[P THOMAS]

Looks like you could move the motor forward about an inch. You may be able to fit one of the stealth cowl to the boat too

 

[Jeff Barnes]

Looks good Jim keep up the good work spring will be here before you know it

 

[James Schmidt]

Thanks Phil, I will be putting in an access panel in the deck so that I can slide the engine if needed. I was wondering myself if I should put the motor further forward right now CG is approximately 18 inches from the transom. The picture I took with the measuring tape on the boat actually shows how far back the ramp goes before it stops.

Yeah Jeff do you have that right it sure snuck up fast last year.

 

[LohringMiller]

I had the grandfather of these Dave Frank designs, the Executone scale hull. It was driven by Paul Dunlap to a District 8 nitro championship and much later, after I rebuilt it, to the 1/8 scale electric and T sport hydro 2 lap records as well as First at the 2012 NAMBA Nationals.



Lohring Miller

 

[James Schmidt]

Great pics lohring! Nice boat and very similar to mine for sure. Except mine has not set any records YET lol

 

[Hydro Junkie]

That was a Jerry Dunlap built hull and yes, it was fast. Saw it run at the Kingdome Mini Cup back in the early 1990s, was probably headed to the final heat, that is until Paul made a mistake that got him a bit of a lecture from his crew chief. Unfortunately, I don't remember if it got into the final heat or not after 30 years

 

[Jerry Dunlap]

That was a Jerry Dunlap built hull and yes, it was fast. Saw it run at the Kingdome Mini Cup back in the early 1990s, was probably headed to the final heat, that is until Paul made a mistake that got him a bit of a lecture from his crew chief. Unfortunately, I don't remember if it got into the final heat or not after 30 years

Our 1/8 Scale Executone was built and painted by Dave Frank. I think Paul was 18 when we raced at the King Dome Mini Cup. He will be 50 in February. That was definitely a unique event.
JD

 

[Hydro Junkie]

Okay, I stand corrected as I thought you built it. Thanks for the clarification, Jerry. Hope you're having a happy holiday season and didn't get snowed in too bad. I've had around 6" at my place since it snowed last weekend

 

[James Schmidt]

Thanks for the History!!! Is Dave Frank still around? I think he is one of the pioneers and should be recognized.

Thanks
Jim

 

[Gary Lauer]

what size engine would the original 28 inch oh boy Oberto take? I have two of them partially built and want to finish them for nitro.

 

[Mike Hughes]

Thanks for the History!!! Is Dave Frank still around? I think he is one of the pioneers and should be recognized.

Thanks
Jim

Dave is not around boats anymore. He got out mid 90s. I have not spoken with him since that time. I think Jerry has but it to has been some time for him as well. Dave did some cool stuff back then. He was one of the first to put a camera on a boat and video it real time. He built a special box for a 8MM camera and strapped it to the deck of a sp40.
Mike

 

[James Schmidt]

Gary, put a .21 in it. Keep in mind that the 28 inch design is a little small for the .21 Engines of today. but it should work fine.

Keep in mind you can make that boat just about any size you want by taking your plans in and getting them enlarged

Thanks
Jim

 

[Gary Lauer]

Jim thanks for the reply, I will have to finish it now.

 

[James Schmidt]

Gary, I would install turn fin using blind T nuts, motor mount and radio gear before gluing your Deck skins

 

[Gary Lauer]

That is a very good idea.

 

[James Schmidt]

Ok, I am ready for finish epoxy and paint.
I am working on a second cowling as well. I was going to order a cowling from Phil Thomas, But my friend Jeff donated one that he was not using, and by crackly, it was the exact cowling I was going to ordered. One of the nice things in this hobby is generosity of others. Thanks Jeff

there is nothing like the look of the Classic cowling, so I am building one of those too.

two cowlings two ways to race.

stay tuned, I will be posting the conclusion of the build soon