How difficult is it to build the backlash hydro kit

[Kevinfipps]

How hard is it people tell me to get them to build it

 

[Buckshot]

Blazer kits are fun to build.

 

[Kevinfipps]

Do you know how difficult it is to build the backlash hydro I’ve been told don’t try to build it get blazer to build it

 

[Bob Blazer]

Backlash kits are not hard to build at all. I do it all the time.

 

[Danny King]

Do you have any other running boats?
Is this your first boat?
Your first build?

 

[Troy Hammons]

It depends on your experience with building. They have good instructions with pictures. The backlash is fairly easy to build if you have a flat place to build and some basic cutting and sanding tools.

 

[rhomodel]

If you can put together an IKEA closet you can build a Blazer kit. Just ensure you set up the jig right, have the right wood working tools and correct epoxy to glue all together. Traditional waterbased woodglue, 5 min epoxy and super glue for large area's and permanent binding are taboo in my view.
If you get nervous by the thought of building a wooden boat kit, you better ask Bob B. to do for you.

 

[Lee Simonson]

It does build pretty easy, but I've been building stuff for years. I added small triangle basswood stock for some of the joints. Also helps hold the deck/skins on better.

 

[Rich Jones]

The instructions are excellent and Bob Blazer is very responsive via email for any questions you might have. The pieces are all laser cut. That negates the need for a traditional jig but you do want to have something 12” wide (to keep it inside the sponsons) and about 36 in long that’s flat. I used a piece of pine shelving and attached it to 2-36 in long pieces of milled poplar all bought at home depot. The key is for the surface to be as flat as possible. Your bottom will conform to this. Some use glass, Mdf, or anything else flat. You want a small square, a straight edge, lots of clamps, etc… You will need thin and thick CA and accelerator. I used MAS medium and slow epoxy. You can use West Systems too. Can’t go wrong with either. You’ll want colloidal silica or micro balloons filler as well. The CA is for tacking, the epoxy is for strength and sealing. I also bought the cowl and the turn fin and bracket.

Make sure you are square before you tack the frames together. If you have to fine tune the joint with a file. Follow the instructions and ask questions if needed either with Bob or on here. This was my first project after recently returning to RC boats. Took 20 years off. If I can do it you can. But it does require a little dedication if you want it to be a good boat. Take your time and enjoy the build. If it sounds like too much, Bob will build one but not sure of the cost involved or how backlogged he might be. When set up right these boats are hard to beat.

Rich

 

[Kevinfipps]

It does build pretty easy, but I've been building stuff for years. I added small triangle basswood stock for some of the joints. Also helps hold the deck/skins on better.

What epoxy do you use

 

[Kevinfipps]

Backlash kits are not hard to build at all. I do it all the time.

Can you use g flex epoxy from west system to build this boat

 

[J.J. Horvath]

Can you use g flex epoxy from west system to build this boat

Use West Systems 105 resin and 207 hardener

 

[K F Wheeler]

Careful with the micro balloons. I use them quite often. Just remember they are a FILLER... Not as a strength supplement!! If you haven't used it in a while, I would suggest taking the time to test it. Take a few minuets and mix up just a little bit. Put it on a piece of scrap metal. If you add enough 'balloons to it after you mix up the epoxy to make it like peanut butter... It's way too thick! Takes too long to harden (if it does!). Sands poorly. Try it. And, it definitely compromises the strength!!! Try a little in another spot. Add about half as much 'balloons. May still be a bit too much... But, now you're getting the idea how much to use. I plan out how and where I'm going to use what epoxy. If it has to be sanded, i usually let it harden a couple days. Just work some where's else on the boat. Hey! You've spent the money on the boat. You decided to spend the time it takes to build the boat. Why not take a little extra time and build something that you KNOW you can be PROUD of!?!?! By the way... West Systems does have a filler that doesn't compromise the strength as much as the 'balloons. I ASSUME it has more weight. I have some on hand but have yet to try it. Ken

 

[rhomodel]

If you want a strong filler: mix epoxy with cotton fluff and chopped strands. The cotton makes it thick: the chopped strands strong. Use short strands 1/8 inch or so.