what hull to run

[John Crouch]

I am thinking about building a tunnel hull boat for next year. I think I would rather run the 7.5 class than the 3.5 class. I have been running gasoline boats for several years and the outboard boats really have my interest. I had thought building a gas one, but at present time they are just to expensive and there are none around to race with. I am assuming that unless you run the 3.5 class the only motor is the K&B. what hulls out there seem to run better. I just dont want to go out a buy a hull just to find out that it is not competetive. I have not totally decided against the 3.5 class, just am used to runnin larger boats, I guess.

thanks for any input, John

 

[Chris Wittrig]

I am thinking about building a tunnel hull boat for next year. I think I would rather run the 7.5 class than the 3.5 class. I have been running gasoline boats for several years and the outboard boats really have my interest. I had thought building a gas one, but at present time they are just to expensive and there are none around to race with. I am assuming that unless you run the 3.5 class the only motor is the K&B. what hulls out there seem to run better. I just dont want to go out a buy a hull just to find out that it is not competetive. I have not totally decided against the 3.5 class, just am used to runnin larger boats, I guess.
thanks for any input, John

There are two threads you can look through. This one is for .21 Tunnels and this one is for .45's. Whichever you choose John, let us know if you need help with setup suggestions and of course we will be at most of if not all of the same races as you and could lend a hand if you need.

 

[lohring]

The really big problem with 7.5 hulls is getting a motor. The K&B Pro is the best stock motor, but it is no longer being built. If you find a motor, there are several good hulls that are still being produced.

Lohring Miller

 

[John Crouch]

Thanks Chris, I know that there is good people that will help in our district. I do think I will go with the 3.5 class. Easier to get motors for. My main thing will be keeping from blowing up the motor. I have had a couple of nitro boats when I first got started in this stuff and seemed to run them lean and blow them up. Hopefully I can get past that and have some fun with a tunnel hull!!!!

 

[john v]

for 3.5 tunnels talk to john otto at technology hobbies (813)651-1840. john's been building and racing o/b tunnels longer than most racers have been alive!. he was always there to help and has most everything in stock. john virgalla

 

[Mark Poole ModVP]

For 7.5 stock an HTB 340 works well. For 7.5 mod an HTB 360 will handle whatever 7.5 motor you want to hang on it. The 360 with the inboard conversion engine is a screamer.

 

[John Crouch]

Thanks Guys, I was looking on the Hypermarine Products website, the people that took over prathers props. they have a 3.5 and a 7.5 rossi powered outboards. they sell the 3.5 as a complete setup, the 7.5 looks like you have to buy the motor and lower unit separatly and then the pipe as well. Anyone here have any input on these outboards? Just dont want to buy something that is not worth the coin.

thanks, John

 

[x120leecraft]

John I run the rossi 7.5 & it's a nice motor but the problem is you have to piece meal it. Power head. lower unit. pipe. etc. But the way k&b is rite now there not much you can do. Unless you find a k&b used or on ebay some times you can get a new one. What I did was power head, lower bullet drive, Steering arm.all from Dave at hyperformance, Get a silver bullet pipe from mark Hopper. thats what I did & works pretty good. Dave

 

[carlnoki]

HELLOOOOOO John;

Have i got a deal for you.

If you wind up going the 3.5 cc route i got a K&B lower unit already moded for pipe use. You can use the CMB, Nova, or even the K&B power head on it.

I also have the pipe as well. you are welcome to it buddy.

carl cisneros

 

[Chris Wittrig]

HELLOOOOOO John;
Have i got a deal for you.

If you wind up going the 3.5 cc route i got a K&B lower unit already moded for pipe use. You can use the CMB, Nova, or even the K&B power head on it.

I also have the pipe as well. you are welcome to it buddy.

carl cisneros

How could you not take that offer John? Snatch it up and let's get you a good running boat!

 

[carlnoki]

i agree Chris.

get john an good running hull and a good powerhead for the lower unit and pipe.

carl

 

[John Crouch]

Carl, That is wonderfull!!!!! that will certainly get me on my way to getting a tunnel hull together for next year. Those of you that know me are aware that I am a "GAS" guy, not much experience with nitro at all except for Cox control line stuff when I was a kid. the tunnels just look like fun and for once I would like to build something that needs a "semi" to move it!!! LOL I sent you a pm and I am leaving tommorrow with my wife for Vegas for our anniversary, wont be back until the weekend.

take care and thank you, John C

 

[piper_chuck]

John, good choice on 3.5 tunnels. They sip fuel, are fun to drive, and best of all, can be launched one handed with little to no risk of back injury. I'm refining my 2009 boats and I think tunnels will be back on the list. I've got 4 of the things in the shop, I might as well run one of them.

 

[carlnoki]

HHHHHHMMMMMMMMMMMMM,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

maybe good ol' chuck might be able to part with one for John.

carl

 

[piper_chuck]

HHHHHHMMMMMMMMMMMMM,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

maybe good ol' chuck might be able to part with one for John.

carl

One of them is a Midwest Klampon Kai, the first "real" R/C boat I built, somewhere around 30 years ago. In addition to not fitting his competitive objective, I'm hanging onto it for nostalgia. One of these days I should dust it off and race it, just for grins...

Another is a tired out TS2 that went into the shore at the last club race last year. It has some damage to the cowl and the front of the hull, but is repairable. It however isn't the kind of thing I'd offer up to a friend, unless he was looking for a project. Edit: This boat was the 2007 D12 B Tunnel Champ, but the bar has been raised!

The other two are newer, a Leecraft and a WOF, but are going to take some time to setup and lots of experimentation to determine whether they will or won't be competitive. There are probably better choices for someone new to tunnels...

 

[John Crouch]

Carl, I have sent you a email, get up with me when you have time.

Thanks, John