X/F-Hydro All Carbon Time Trial Rigger

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RaceMechaniX

Well-Known Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Apr 27, 2007
Messages
3,517
I reached the limits of what the trusty Eagle 67SG with 90 power was going to take so it was time to build a little stouter 2-lap specific rigger. Pics from Mario taken at a Cinci TT a couple years ago.

CINCY TT 1.jpg
CINCY TT 2.jpg

The entire boat was drafted in Solidworks including all the small details of VAC 91, fuel tank, linkages, etc.
RaceMechaniX X-Hydro TT Carbon Tub Pic 1.JPG

I model all the servos, mounts and pushrods so I know where the holes for the Woods seals need to go.

RaceMechaniX X-Hydro TT Carbon Tub Radio box detail.JPG

Several parts including all the servo trays and engine mounts were 3D printed from carbon reinforced nylon.

SST F-Hydro Pic 80.jpg
 
I bought 2x4' sheet of carbon sandwich material for the sides and bulkheads and a 2x4' sheet of 1/32" for the top and bottom skins. I created 2D DXF files for all the major parts and had acrylic templates laser cut. The acrylic templates were double sided taped to the carbon material and rough cut out.
RaceMechaniX X-Hydro TT Rigger Pic 1.jpg

Using a router table with a flush trim bit I cut all the parts to final size. Next up the sides were bonded to the bulkheads using a very accurate straightedge.

RaceMechaniX X-Hydro TT Rigger Pic 9.jpg
RaceMechaniX X-Hydro TT Rigger Pic 3.jpg
The bottom skin was lined up and masked so I know where to scuff where the bulkheads meet the skin.

RaceMechaniX X-Hydro TT Rigger Pic 13.jpg

Next I bond in a tubular piece of carbon for the nose and add two additional pieces to stiffen up the front. I joke, but I think this could drive through a piling and only have scuff marks on the nose.

RaceMechaniX X-Hydro TT Rigger Pic 16.jpg
 
Although it may be overkill I liked the idea of an engine girdle to help strengthen the engine compartment. I copied the traditional design and masked the area around the girdle where I did not want to scuff the carbon for bonding.

RaceMechaniX X-Hydro TT Rigger Pic 21.jpg
With the girdle in, the blue head was test fitted to make sure a starting belt can get in and out. Notice the motor mounts. These are similar to CMDi's with rubber grommets going through the tub sidewalls, but the spacers and mount are one piece and dead on the money. This makes them very stiff and light.

RaceMechaniX X-Hydro TT Rigger Pic 26.jpg

Before the top skin is bonded on, two lid liners (shelfs) were bonded in so the radio box and bait box lids would be flush with the top.
RaceMechaniX X-Hydro TT Rigger Pic 8.jpg

Next the top deck was bonded on.
RaceMechaniX X-Hydro TT Rigger Pic 27.jpg

Prior to the top skin going on the radio hardware was installed. A pair of ProModeler mini servos for throttle and mixture plus a standard servo for steering. Later on I trimmed all the servo leads short to make the radio box tidy. I call that the "Terry Keely treatment"

RaceMechaniX X-Hydro TT Rigger Pic 36.jpg
 
Here is the radio box after tidying up.
RaceMechaniX X-Hydro TT Rigger Pic 43.jpg

Onto the transom hardware. I am using a mix of stuff. The rudder is a Grim Reaper gas rudder which is my favorite for 67-101 size riggers as it ties in the transom to the side of the tub. The strut brackets are standard Speedmaster with some additional holes to take some weight out. The strut is from Lenny Blake of Rum Racing Products.

RaceMechaniX X-Hydro TT Rigger Pic 39.jpg

What the business end looks like when complete.
RaceMechaniX X-Hydro TT Rigger Pic 93.jpg

A single JAE style ski on the bottom. It did not come out as nice as I hoped, but its removable in case we need to make changes.

RaceMechaniX X-Hydro TT Rigger Pic 52.jpg

A Pat Gill Fuel Doctor was tucked up near the bulkhead and took a fair amount of massaging to tuck it under the 91 VAC carb.

RaceMechaniX X-Hydro TT Rigger Pic 56.jpg
 
Fuel lines are big and short.
RaceMechaniX X-Hydro TT Rigger Pic 104.jpg
Walt made a tank that should hold enough juice for a couple needle setting laps and then a couple full boogie laps. There is foam packed in on all sides of the tank for cushioning.
RaceMechaniX X-Hydro TT Rigger Pic 72.jpg
1/32" carbon lids cover the fuel tank, radio box and bait box. All were routered out using acrylic templates like the other parts. Fitment was line on line.
RaceMechaniX X-Hydro TT Rigger Pic 86.jpg
RaceMechaniX X-Hydro TT Rigger Pic 85.jpg
Several pipes were fitted to check position on where to put the rear mount. Only pipe I am missing is the Bouchie 91/101. What do you say TJ Hammons?
RaceMechaniX X-Hydro TT Rigger Pic 89.jpg
 
67 Muffled.
RaceMechaniX X-Hydro TT Rigger Pic 73.jpg
Mac 13cc.
RaceMechaniX X-Hydro TT Rigger Pic 97.jpg

The sponsons were made from 1" Divinycell foam cores with the same sidewall sandwich material as the tub. Admittedly, these are too heavy when the skins are applied, but for a first rip around the balloons they will work. The ridepads are 3D printed and removable for fine tuning.
RaceMechaniX X-Hydro TT Rigger Pic 108.jpg
RaceMechaniX X-Hydro TT Rigger Pic 107.jpg
Threaded aluminum inserts are bonded into the turnfin sponson for the turnfin.
RaceMechaniX X-Hydro TT Rigger Pic 111.jpg

The turnfin was designed, laser cut, bent and sharpened. The first one maybe a little too big so I will scale and make different versions.

RaceMechaniX X-Hydro TT Rigger Pic 135.jpg
 
Always good to have back up motor options so the different mounts were printed to shoehorn a 91 M-Line in.
 

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For the initial runs I will start with a broke in 91HR/VAC where I know the settings to get the hull dialed in without worrying about the motor. Valdosta will be the maiden runs.
 

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  • RaceMechaniX X-Hydro TT Rigger Pic 143.jpg
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Very cool build Ty, I like your idea of having the templates drawn up and laser cut, man I wish I had your command of Solidworks!

Just curious what that plate you're using for the sides is made up of, two layers of 6oz cloth/side? Also, what's that bonding resin your using, it looks white?

Again, amazing work!
 
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I can say it is several pounds lighter than my heat racing F-Hydro and that's a competitive weight for a single 101 boat.
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