My new 41" Kneeler build (well, building 2 of them)

[Mike Luszcz]

Well, this was started a long time back, and then it sat on the shelf unfinished for about 3 months. I finally got back on it last week. It is a redone version of JD's orginal 3.5 kneeler, but 41" long. I redid the bow, and the stern, and the cowling area. The sponsons were modified a little from original design. Got it together, and got the first coat of epoxy done. Now its time for sanding. I am building 2 of them. The last pic shows the other one I have to install the sponsons to the center. That one is being sold as soon as its done. The hull can be used as a 7.5 mod, or 11cc nitro, or FE. Tons of battery room. I am going to do an Outboard 7.5 leg FE setup on the one I'm keeping. So far, with the first coat of epoxy laid, the bare hull weights about 4.2lbs. Not bad for a 41" hull! I need to get everything else installed before I can decide on a motor for it. I will keep the updates coming. May move this to the FE forum once the power plant is installed. Enjoy, Mike

 

[properchopper]

Mike, quite an ambitious project ! Good luck !!

 

[Mike Luszcz]

Well, I build a 42" version of JD's original kneeler last year, with 11cc engine, and it ran really nice. Jerry now owns that hull. I have plenty of lipo batteries already, so now its just a matter of what power I want to use. There is enough room in the radio box area to put 10000mah, 12 cell lipo setup if it warrented that. Right now, I am thinking 6-8 cell setup tho. Time will tell. I need to know the finished weight of the boat before I can finalize the power arrangements tho!. So my next steps are finishing the exterior epoxy/ clear coating, install the servo setup, modify a lower leg (11cc K&B to start with, maybe a lawless later), and then I think about the power! Mike

 

[Mike Luszcz]

Ok, here are some new ones. I am getting closer and closer on the first hull, got the motor hung, and I got the second hull glued together last night. Im gonna get that mercury cowling fitting and it will be used. I sourcing some F1 decals right now for it. I think its gonna look cool back there! Here are the pics of both hulls. If anyone has any interest in the second hull, let me know, and let me know if you want to go FE or nitro, I would love to get it claimed soon! Mike

and the second hull.....

 

[BADGASBOATING]

Looking great Mike. Keep us updated on the build.

Thanks, Nate

 

[Mike Luszcz]

I will, thanks! Mike

 

[BADGASBOATING]

I will, thanks! Mike

Mike, Can I ask where did you get the cowl.

I'd like to modify to cover a Zenoah on my tunnel hull build.

Thanks, Nate

 

[Mike Luszcz]

Hey, Its actually an old DPI cowling. I am gonna mold that one so I can recreate it with epoxy glass so it can be thinner, lighter, and stronger. I think this one is way to small for a zenoah tho. You could build one from scratch and make a mold tho. That would be the best way to do it.

 

[chris1088]

Wow you do some great work! Keep the photos comming on this build .

 

[Mike Luszcz]

I have more that will be posted in the next hour or two. Been working in the field all morning, finally back to the office! Mike

 

[Mike Luszcz]

I found a decal supplier. He sent me a mock up of the decal for the cowling to check fitment. The final will be vinyl and glossy. I just stuck it up there quick..hence the crookedness. Its gonna look awesome! I also put automotive clear on the top last night..should look shinier

 

[william couch]

freakn sweet. i love the wood boats, bro thats good workmenship right their. keep up the good job. nice ride

 

[Mike Luszcz]

Thanks. I made the Merc Cowling mold today. Gonna try and pull a part later this week! Mike

 

[Mike Luszcz]

Here is the cowling and decals I had made. Should look really nice! Below that is the 3 boats I am working on right now. They are a 34" Hornet tunnel, The 41" kneeler, and the 41" Capsule Hydro! Wish I had more time! Mike

 

[Ed.R]

By the look of the hood on the truck,your next build maybe should be a WoF table

Ed

 

[Mike Luszcz]

Haha, Believe me, I put that hull ever so gently on my hood. The Taco can take the abuse tho!

 

[Mike Luszcz]

Started on the radio box last night. I got it epoxyed this morning, but that is not in the pics.

 

[william couch]

bro that is comeing out freakn wicked. i cant wait to see this boat run.

 

[Mike Luszcz]

Thanks William, Here are a couple more from this evening so far. Waiting on the black to dry...Probably going to start cutting up my new Hornet tunnel hull for FE! ouch! lol

Oh, as you can see, 2- 4 cell lipos fit just fine...and if I wanted to get crazy, 4- 4 cell lipos would still fit fine! That would be crazy tho. This boat is much to light.

 

[talonxracer]

Looking nice, there is ton's of room in there for some massive battery power, parallel the packs for awesome run time....