ML GSX 480 Hydro build

[Chris Kurtz]

Got a few more things stuck down this weekend.

 

[Chris Kurtz]

Installed some aluminum water exit tubing for the cooling. Added some flotation and epoxied the deck skins on.

 

[Chris Kurtz]

On the outer sponson seams I added a strip of fiberglass cloth and epoxy to strengthen it up. I used some Glad press n seal to help lay down the epoxy and cloth. Turned out really well. No air bubbles and nice and flat after it set up.
I also added some glass mat under the thin curved upper rear sponsons for support.

 

[Chris Kurtz]

Did the same to the transom both inside and outside.

 

[Chris Kurtz]

Mounted the engine and cut the hole for the stuffing tube. Starting to look like a boat now.
Quickly threw together a boat stand. Not finished with it yet.

 

[Kris Flynn]

nice build so far!

 

[BrianBrownlee]

This was my first Gsx480 before the crash into the rock shore at 68mph still in test tune stages .. all true wood burnt theme

 

[Chris Kurtz]

View attachment 286984This was my first Gsx480 before the crash into the rock shore at 68mph still in test tune stages .. all true wood burnt theme

That was a nice looking boat Brian, How did you attach the cowl on that boat?

 

[BrianBrownlee]

Tongue at the front and at the rear i used a 1”witdth 1/8 strip of ply with two magnets and two mag on the hull

 

[BrianBrownlee]

Tongue at the front and at the rear i used a 1”witdth 1/8 strip of ply with two magnets and two mag on the hull

With a black o-ring to pull on to release at the rear

 

[user 6667]

Hey Chris looking great
What fuel tank is that?
Thanks
Jack

 

[Chris Kurtz]

Hey Chris looking great
What fuel tank is that?
Thanks
Jack

Jack, the tank is one of several that I'm thinking of installing. I think that one came out of a nitro plane. I've got several ranging in sizes from 8 to 12 oz. I also have a fuel cell but I'm not sure what I''m going to use yet.
After I run all the cooling lines and linkages I'll have a better idea of where to mount the tank and how much room I have. I may even use a couple of small 6oz tanks in front of the engine but I really don't want the extra fuel complexity of doing that.

 

[user 6667]

What caught my eye was the ‘nipples’ that are formed into the tank at the top. That is why I am curious as too who makes that tank

Jack

 

[Chris Kurtz]

Did some shaping on the cowl and sanding on the hull.
Installed a 3\16" aluminum tube for the cooling. Made the radio tray, mounted servo's, got radio programed and linkages made up.
Sealed the hull with thinned epoxy.
Almost ready for some color.

 

[Chris Kurtz]

Got some primer shot, made some magnetic mounts for the hatch cover, and a base coat of Rustoleum Silver metallic down. I then used Rustoleum Glitter spray paint for the metal flake look. I will clear coat this then start laying down the candy colors with a few automotive acrylic two part clear coats after that.

 

[BrianBrownlee]

Right on boss!!! beautiful work!!

 

[Chris Kurtz]

After a week of battling poor painting skills and reworking several times I finally got all the colors down and ready for some clear coat in a day or two when the paint is cured.
I sprayed Createx Candy 2o colors over the Rustoleum glitter spray then clear coated them. I then used some more rattle can Rustoleum yellow for the final color and will clear coat it next with a 2 K clear.

 

[XtremeRcBoats]

Looks great Chris. When you paint it it is better to keep the hull upside down, like you did with the primer.

You want to keep the edges of the ride pads sharp, so in case you spray a bit to much paint it will not accumulate around the edges when it hanging up side down.

 

[Ray Sametz]

Paul, that's a cool tip. Learn something new every day.

 

[Chris Kurtz]

Almost ready for the clear coat. Still think it needs some lettering, or some more graphics though.