Transom Replacement - 350 hydro

[Mike Betke]

Well I'll never complain about replacing a transom on an RC boat again. Our E55 hydroplane needed some work after our accident last fall. Bert Dygert, Bob Sawle, Jerry Betke, Rob Betke and myself have been busy this week while Mark Weber is on vacation. Not bad for a bunch of model boaters. I'll keep posting some pictures as we go. Lots more to do, but this was a big move forward.

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[John Beardslee]

Looking good. So is it true that it’s going to be the largest RC boat?

 

[Jarcaines]

Looking good. So is it true that it’s going to be the largest RC boat?

5 liter RC!!!

 

[Tom Foley]

All kinds of fun !

 

[Mike Betke]

3 generations of Betke's working on the hydro last night. It's just about ready to put the deck back on.

 

[john v]

John urbowitz of fusion welding , John was the guy who made aluminum riggers in the 80s, last I heard John was building a v8 rigger, not sure how far he got but very cool

 

[Jeff Lutz]

John urbowitz of fusion welding , John was the guy who made aluminum riggers in the 80s, last I heard John was building a v8 rigger, not sure how far he got but very cool

He finished that boat and ran it. It was scaled up from a Pinckert Daytona.

 

[john v]

How did it run?, I saw pictures of it on the trailer but never on the water

 

[Mike Betke]

Few more pics of the progress. Getting close to being done.

Merry Christmas everyone!

 

[Bert Dygert]

Transom’s final carbon fiber wrap then vacuum bagged for strength.

Happy New Year I/W !!!

 

[Jerry Betke]

To all the people that have stepped up to support are E55 team this past year a big thank you and Happy New Year. Let us not forget the ladies (Monica Betke, Lori Weber, and Kari Sawle) who come to support the team at every race. And a big shout out to Ryan Sawle who wades into the water no matter the temperature to help launch the boat. Without your help we would have really struggled.
The unfortunate accident at the end of the season has increased the off season workload a great big bunch. Thanks to Bert Dygert the fiberglass work was done properly and probably made the hull better than new. Mike & Bob Sawle have become the salvage and sanding kings of the rework team. Mark Weber has been a big help leading us in the right directions when we needed "Big Boat Information" and assistance. Teddy Dudley has stepped up to support us in multiple ways. Rob (The Driver) is also put to work doing what ever needs done. And me , I sit around doing as little as possible and occasionally buying a pizza and beer for the team. Cannot wait for next season!!! The Old Man Jerry Betke

 

[Mike Betke]

Update for those not following on Facebook.

It's red. Thanks to all our friends that help get it this far. If you would have asked me 4 months ago when I was staring at a wrecked race boat that we would be here now, I would not have believed it. We put a plan together and got it done though.

Now let's finish putting this thing together and go racing!

 

[Mike Betke]

Well she floats and runs. Ran pretty good to considering the conditions.

 

[peterjuo]

Hi guy's I would like to say for a bunch of modle boaters you guys have done a fantastic job repairing that wreck.from what I can see from the photos .all you guys are winners and I hope that translate into. the winners circle this coming season
Please keep us updated I am very curious to know how you do .
Fantastic job.
Peter

 

[Jerry Betke]

We are off to test weekend number two 5/18/2024. Hoping for good weather and good water conditions. All looks ready to go fast and turn left. JB

 

[Jerry Betke]

The E350 Hydroplane E55 Team is off to the first race of the season June 8 & 9 in Decatur, IL. Wishing my grandson Rob Betke all the best as he continues into his third season of Inboard Hydroplane racing. Thanks again to all the team and our supporters in getting the boat ready for the 2024 season. In between all this Mike, Rob, Mark Weber and Teddy are still actively racing their R/C boats this season. The Old Man, Jerry Betke

 

[P THOMAS]

We will be there to support the Betke team. Raced wit Rob and Mike last weekend. Rob first in open hydro, gas twin

 

[Jerry Betke]

We will be there to support the Betke team. Raced wit Rob and Mike last weekend. Rob first in open hydro, gas twin

We appreciate your support. I am told that there will be a number of top 350 hydros at the Decatur race this coming week end. Enjoy all the racing and be sure to stop by and say high to the E55 Race Team. JB