DIY Network

Wild in the Waves! -- Giant-Scale Hydroplane Racers From "Radio Control Hobbies" episode RCH-206

Figure A

In this episode of DIY Radio Control Hobbies, host Chris Chianelli takes to the water with giant-scale racing hydroplanes (figure A). Joined by guest expert Tony Castronovo, Chris demonstrates some of the steps in prepping these advanced racing boats -- including installation of a driveshaft tube -- and gives some pointers about working with fiberglass used in boat bodies. Finally Chris takes on Tony in a race between two matched hydro racers.

In this segment, Chris goes provides a quick introduction to the world of hydro racing boats -- one of the most exciting categories of all RC hobbies.

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	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F
	Tony Castronovo of Warehouse Hobbies is knowledgeable about the preparation and racing of hydros. He offers pointers to Chris on the installation of the driveshaft tube and on working with fiberglass matting and resin.

Giant-Scale Hydroplane Racers

Important: This demonstration provides some of the basic information for assembly and operation of this particular model racing-boat. There are variations in assembly for each particular model or kit. Read and carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions that come with yours, whether it is this particular model or another. Additional information about assembly as well as running, troubleshooting and fine-tuning the model can be found in the manufacturer's instructions.

• In this episode, we work on the Enforcer Stingray (figure B), an advanced hydroplane racer with a resilient fiberglass body with a polyester resin gel-coat. Except for the decals we added (including the logos of our favorite web-integrated cable-TV network), the body and finish of this boat comes just as shown.

• The engine that comes with the kit (figure C) is a high-powered Zenoah 25.3cc racing engine. Right out of the box and with no modification at all, the engine provides a full 4 horsepower -- enough power to drive these boats to speeds that can exceed 50 mph.

• The boat comes as a kit, and some prep work is required. One of the most challenging parts of the prep work is mounting the driveshaft tube (figures D and E), which is a step required in most categories of model boating. Once prep-work is done, the driveshaft tube is aligned and fully integrated with the engine and actually becomes the third point-mount for the engine.

• In addition to the mounting the tube itself to the clutch-bell of the engine, installing the shaft tube involves working with fiberglass mesh, resin and other chemicals to integrate the tube inside the bottom of the boat hull.

• The materials needed to install the driveshaft tube include (figure F):

  Fiberglass mat
  All-purpose resin
  Acetone
  Talc powder
  Modeling clay
  Scissors
  Adjustable wrench
  1-inch paintbrush
  Stirring sticks
  Mixing platform or surface
  Plastic containers
  Paper towels
  Newspaper
  Rubber gloves

In the segment that follows, Chris and Tony get started with the installation of the driveshaft tube.

Enforcer Stingray specs

Length......50 inches
Beam ...... 24 inches
Weight......21 lbs.
Top speed......40+ mph
Street Price .... about $1250