Budka's 2005 GPI RIVER ROCKET

[Pete Budka]

Finally had a chance to post them. The "new red" is called "viper red" by Valspar, it's an option. All the vinyl decal work was done by Keven Ness @ Lookin Good Auto near Avon Mn. The man does awesome work!!!

[halveb]

Give me your boat right now and there will be no trouble. :D

I would like the four seater version but yours will do for now. :) Very nice, boat looks fantastic. Let us know what numbers you are able to get out of it. Anxious to see if Randy will build one faster than his own. ;)

[Fish]

very nice, love the dash!

[Pete Budka]

Hello's to g-train,j.morris,srnic,drag120,mirage98,waterboy,big b,pirogue,pyro,j.graff.clyde,everbody @ gpi racing,gillmore,daenzer,A very special thanks to sue baur for putting up with me.
Pete

[blkmtrfan]

That boat is beautiful, great job :cool:

[G-Train]

WOW

I need say no more.

G

[Pete Budka]

Halveb;
Thanks for the compliments,I have the rear seat as an option.The dash was Pierson's and Ness' idea.I was originally gonna go with an all chrome vinyl dash. Also hello to Jason Huber.

Pete

[ProComp]

Is that nice! I saw it before it was rigged and thought it was a beauty but now that is rigged, WOW! Enjoy!

B-RAD

[Corona Mike]

That is one of the best looking River Rockets I have ever seen!! I don't know how much of a option the color is...but it's worth every penny! Boat looks super! Gear case looks very trick also.

[Scream And Fly]

Awesome boat. I see you have Livorsi's wireless trim too - sweet setup!

Greg

[Hydrovector]

I too saw it sitting at GPI when it was unrigged. It's nice to see pictures of it after it was done. With thaat drag motor on there it should really Scream & Fly. Good luck with it. :D

[tdogcarter]

Are the two switches in the middle used for Tach Recall and Speedo Recall?
Where can you get those switches and what else needs to be hooked up to them in order them to function as a recall for each?
Those gauges look very nice with the boat.

Trey

[Pete Budka]

Trey:
Switches in middle are recall's for tach and gps. They are available through Pierson along with the bezel and livorsi recall modules.

Greg:
Trim is via small military push buttons along with a single cord on a Eddie Marine wheel. Randy, correct me if I'm wrong?
The boat came in @ 561 lbs. with the new "DRX" lay-up process. stock big shaft sportmaster on it now, maybe mega awesome titus case soon.

Pete.

[ken medendorp]

Very Nice

[GPI Racing]

Glad everybody likes it. Pete and Sue are great to work with on a project such as this one. The center switches are for the recall on the GPS speedo and the tach recall. They are made for me by Eddie Marine and I like their looks better than the std switches that came with the guages. The wheel and buttons for the trim are from Livorsi. I hide the wires in the hub but we used a coil cord. Two reasons. The CRT wheel I tried puts the steering wheel so far back it feels like a school bus. The wireless trim had a big delay in it's accuation time. Then it would delay shutting off after the button was released. Not good when you needed precise trim. I tested most of this stuff on my boat first over the last year and came up with what you see. It feels and works very good. Pete's boat was the first to be layed up with a new weave glass they are using at Triad. It is part of the DRX developement and is basicly the different directional glasses put into sewn-together pre-fab, predetermined form. Less room for error and a stronger, lighter layup.

Randy

[Ted Stryker]

Does the DRX process have the no wood transom..??

[GPI Racing]

Pete's boat is Okume wood in all the areas where it would have some. I'm not totally sold on a composite transom yet. In this instance, when the boat is that light, wood tends to give, a shock absorber effect so to speak. When I an tunnels in F1 the wood boats dominated. it wasn't until the last few years that the composite boats had more benifit. My last Burgess had wood sponsons with a composite centerpod. Wood transom though. I asked David Burgess why this was and he said the boat had better flex characteristics with the wood transom. I'm sure Wally can build a good composite transom. I'll bet my money on an Okume transom being stonger at this point in time. The more he does them and the feed back from the boats built that way will improve the breed.


Randy

[Tom Foley]

Beautiful Boat , what a great combination ! Nice work to all involved !!

[Scream And Fly]

The wireless trim had a big delay in it's accuation time. Then it would delay shutting off after the button was released. Not good when you needed precise trim.
Randy

I'm surprised you had those issues with the wireless trim. The unit I have here (that I'm testing now) does not exhibit any of the issues you mention. It seems just as fast as any wired actuation.

Greg

[GPI Racing]

Greg, When did you get yours and what does the steering wheel "sender" part look like. Mine was one of the first. You'd think the the radio controled cars can work instantly why not this. Mine was like a garage door opener in it's timing. I'm wondering if you got a generation 2 or something different than we did. My "sender" is about the size of a 50 cent piece.

Randy

[Scream And Fly]

Randy, mine is one of the first as well - I had it since the winter. It seems like we have the same unit - maybe there is something wrong with yours?

Here's the transmitter in my unit:

http://img119.imageshack.us/img119/1739/triminwheel3sg.jpg

[RBT]

That is one BEAUTIFUL BOAT!


Great work done on that one. The bar has once again been raised.

RT

BTW, the Barney boat has a composit transom, I think the only one in an STV it is 15 lbs lighter, but my understanding not as strong. All DR's I am pretty sure have the same transom........I don't think I would order one, I like Okume

[ZiemerSTV]

It's a beautiful boat and motor package. It looks like the folks at Triad outdid themselves. Best of luck with it.

[Clyde]

The boat looks great. It was nice meeting the both of you. Hope to go boating sometime.

[Scott Gilmore]

VERY nice ! You need to pay us a visit up @ Croton/Hardy or A little trip to Torch. Anyway.............we need to hook up & drink TONS soon !! Scott :D

[stvhelm]

Wow! that looks sweet! I like the color;) But 1 thing concerns me about the coil cord trim. Im not so sure that will work right. Hydraulic steering almost never returns the wheel back to its original position and it will most likely wrap up the cord after some use. Have you ran it with that set up yet?

[MODVP22]

Very nice ride. Can't go wrong with red on the water :) .

Question: is the Chrome looking graphics on the boat decals or some kind of Gelcoat? It makes the black show up much better...going to need sun glasses on the lake :cool:

[beko21]

It looks like the chrome vinyl that I use to stock, one warning if it is, it will scratch VERY easy and is really not rated as a "outdoor durable" vinyl, also if it is vinyl use pledge on it to reduce the chances of scratches.Modvp22...almost makes you want another STV don't it? :D

[Pete Budka]

STVHELM;
Your right:it's not a conducive situation.The cord tends wrap around the steering column\helm. Changes will come.Maybe another attempt with wireless trim. What kind of trim do you use? Thanks for the advice on my last drag motor rpm issues! I'll be talking with Pierson about some other trim adjustment options.

MODVP22;
All the chrome on the boat is vinyl decals.The black lightning bolts and hull side stripes are gel and the windshield is painted as an option.

BEKO21;
Good advice on the chrome vinyl. Thats why Keven recommended a transparent clear over the chrome hull side stripes and the checkered cove areas. It's truely not noticeable. The boat also has a checkered diamond on the nose which is not shown in the pictures. I borrowed the idea from RACEMANS mod-vp. It might be slightly bigger then the diamond on his boat.
The diamond also has the clear transparent vinyl. I believe its made by 3M.
I've also had compliments on the "simulated" grills on the steps @ the back of the hull.

Keven Ness @ Looking Good Auto\Vinyl can be reached @ 320-363-7690. Any more questions about the vinyl work can be directed to him.The man is a perfectionist! Thanks Keven for putting up with me.


Pete

[GPI Racing]

Helmet,

The cord wraps usually one direction but you just flip the cord over the wheel once in awhile. Usually a couple times a day on the average. We have 6 boats running the same setup. It beat having the wheel so far back (with the CRT system) that the seat had to be moved 6" to the rear. The CRT and hydraulic helm put the steering wheel grip 11 1/2" from the dash. It was odd to drive.

Randy

[tdogcarter]

Has anyone tried using the Hydraulic Tilt Helm, since the Tilt Pro helm is a rear mount helm it should not make it stick out 11 ½ inches, but I am not sure how big the CRT hub is. Even with the rear mount helm it still might be sticking out too far. Just an idea and also something that would allow you to adjust the angle of the wheel if necessary

[stvhelm]

Pete, I run the CRT unit for the trim. I am very happy with it. The white buttons are for trim and the black button is for the jackplate. Im not sure I understood Randys comment about it feeling like a "school bus" :confused:

[RichS]

Beautiful boat Pete. Perfect choice of colors;) And 561# is another light one:cool:

[stvhelm]

I have a surface mount helm and the steering wheel is only 6" from the dashboard

[GPI Racing]

Helmet,

The "school bus" feeling is because the angle of the dash on the Riverrocket, the height of the seat, and just the way you fit in the boat, it feels like the wheel is overwelming. Its gets very high above the dash. (higher than the picture of yours) I have some pictures of my boat with the CRT and hydraulic helm (except I have yet figured out how to post them) And I can see your set up would be very comfortable. Mine was like having the wheel 2-3 inches higher than the photo of your Euro, hence the school bus feeling. I'm constantly trying different things and am working on a different solution to the cord. Appreciate all the comments and suggestions...

Randy

[stvhelm]

I got a better view. The surface mount helm is nice and uses a small hole like of a dual cable teleflex system. The only thing I didnt like was the gap between the CRT and the dash so I filled it with the plastic bezel from the original teleflex cable system. It also holds it from spinning around.

[Pete Budka]

I guess using "not conducive" was a little harsh. Its not that bad. I just got to get used to it.Randy's right, you just got to "flip" the cord over the helm occasionally.I'm used to crt trim,that's what I had on my Mirage.
I think there's also a difference in the original MACH crt wheel and the crt wheel that GT PERF. sells. The dish on the GT PERF. wheel is I believe deeper than the MACH wheel.Comments? I might be wrong? Helmut is that surface mount helm used for the seastar pro hydralic steering? I don't know what steering you have on your boat.

Pete

[stvhelm]

It is a Hynautic Helm (H-100 series) which is now taken over by seastar. Behind the plastic bezel is chrome plate that is covered up.

[GPI Racing]

Helmet,

The Hydraulic unit on Pete's and mine is quite a bit thicker (?). The thing is 4 3/4" from the dash. Yours is nice and thin. I have in the works a cordless trim unit to replace the cord. It's based on the T&H Marine unit and goes between the hub and the helm. If it's what I think it going to be then we'll retrofit all coil cords we have out there. I just want to test it first.

Randy

[stvhelm]

Here's more info on seastar helms.. http://www.seastarsteering.com/HYNAUTIC/hynautic.htm
The 100 series is availabe in 3 different fluid push sizes and gets the hub close to the dash board. The cordless trim sender sounds like a good idea. I may consider that next time around. I will keep my eye on how they hold up. Its still pretty new.
I have a chrome screamandfly decal I put on my boat last year and its still as shiny as the day i put it on. I wouldnt worry about the decals. They look great, and I especially like the inlay on the dash.

[halveb]

This is the boat I want to have built only a four seater (too many people to haul around). Of course, now you have had it built and worse yet you're in my backyard so I can't have one and be even remotely original. :D

Seriously though I love the design with the checkers and the lightening bolt patterns and everything. Back to the drawing board for me (not that I can afford something like that at the present but I have to do something while I'm sleeping - perhaps dream up another boat).

Kudos to all on a job well done, can't wait to see it in person.

[Howard Daenzer]

Looks Great Pete! I want to see this thing in person and on the water! We need to talk to Dennis to set a day to do some boating!

Howard Daenzer

[98Mirage]

Hey Pete,

If your boat looks as awesome in the pics as in person...WOW it'll turn a lot of heads. Howard's been keeping me posted and supplying me with some pics. Are you seeing the speed you were expecting? - Dennis

[Jason Huber]

Who says Car-Guy "cool" doesnt' work on the water!!... :D Lonesome George says it best: That GPI Rocket is B-B-B-BAD To THE BONE!! :eek: :cool: Jason "Kamekaze" Huber

[halveb]

Pete,

When you get sick of this boat in a few years and are looking to change out to something else let me know. :D Seriously, if I haven't had one built like it I might want yours.

[Pete Budka]

Hey Pete,

If your boat looks as awesome in the pics as in person...WOW it'll turn a lot of heads. Howard's been keeping me posted and supplying me with some pics. Are you seeing the speed you were expecting? - Dennis

Dennis;

Thanks for the compliments,you and Daenzer missed @ great party @ Sue's. No........I'm not seeing the speed we talked about in our previous conversations and what I had written on my bill of sale. In hindsight I should have stayed in MN. an extra 1-2 days to confirm the boat will do those speeds.Just to let everybody know my brand new $19,000 drag motor's trim cyl. leaks !!!!!. I have a used replacement from Pierson. Don't have a lot of ambition to work on it...... it's kinda of a bummer. Let's get together and drink some beers @ Kennedy's !!!

Pete

[Pete Budka]

Kamekaze Huber:
Hope your feeling better.....regards from Sue and I. To stay with your world war 2 theme, I recently got a flight in a b-17g bomber, what an experience !!!!!. If your ever in MI. it's one of the most rewarding things you'll ever do !!!!. I'll go again. Maybe you can kidnap Pierson and crew for the GPI road trip. My boat needs some more dialing in anyway.

Pete

[GPI Racing]

Pete,

The speed is there but you have to follow the things we talked about. A light boat is way harder to go ultra speeds in than a stock layup one. Balance is everything. My boat is no different. Take it in steps. 120mph is not just hop in and go, It has to driven there. Work on the weight balance and then it will feel more like when you drove it with two people in it. The fact that I could squirt it 118 in little more than 400 yards when you were here would lead me to believe you just need to familiarize yourself with it characteristics. Patience and seat time is all that is needed.

Randy

[pirogue]

Pete, you sorry SOB!!!,......that baby is awesome, i haven't been over here in a while, and so i went 5 pages back and then said i will go 1 more for ****s and giggles and then stumbled across this.

she really is awesome. i'm so glad to see the boat, and would love to put a good ass whoopin on it with your old boat one day! i will call you soon when i get a chance and hear the details.

maybe we can hookup like we talked about, kinda iffy, the wife is now pregnant for #2 and is due feb 27.

well any way the old boat is doing really good, still racing dsra with the same old motor. trying to get the windshield painted on it right now.

talk to you later, the boat looks really good now go and enjoy it.

[TOP1GUN]

Simply Badasssssssssssssss :d

Mike

[Pete Budka]

A dissapointing 112.5 @ 8500. Single passenger, 1/2 tank fuel. ( I believe my tank is about 20 gallons?). Halloween weekend with Howard Daenzer, 98 Mirage, Bob Dauell. His boat rocks! At least the weather was nice on Belleville Lake! Howards STV Rocket did real well: 112 with a 32 lightning. stock 280 power with no rev limiter. Howard correct me if I'm wrong.

Pete

[RBT]

Pete your boat should run 125-130 every day!. I have yet to see a rocket with even a pump gas drag motor that didn't break 120 on every pass. There is a boat similar to yours up here ( a little more exotic on the lay up and it runs 122-3 on gps with a 26 ET, more with a bigger wheel, and that is with 135 psi compression. You either have major set up issues, a dead motor, or need some seat time.

RT

[Jeff "Yammer"]

As RBT posted ...... its either set-up, motor or driving techniques. It should run 125 mph in a heart beat. Hell it looks like its going that fast on the trailer.
I hope it all works out for you .......... very nice STV Pete.

Yammer

[RNM018]

PETE ' Is this the first time you've run this boat sence you got it completed in Aug.? If so take your time there . Triple Digits aint no joke . Get some seat time like Randy suggest , and work your way up. Play with the balance a little . I would think GPI has got you real close one the rest of the setup. And keep in mind UP AINT FAST . To much up will just get you hurt . Look at some of the photos posted of the top end runs , and I'm sure GPI can give you some pointers also . GOOD LUCK , and BE SAFE !!! Rich Martin 018

[Hot Shot Merc]

Raise the motor 1/4 " at a time untill you are low on water pressure.It should jump another 8-10 mph.Given the mota is fine.If it turned the 8500 it is probably fine.Remeber sportmasters dont like to ride low.

[Jim Morris]

Pete
How fast did Bobs boat run? My euro with stock 280 and 7750 rev limit ran 110-114 with 32 chopper II
your boat should run 120 with ease
jim



ps if ready to sell let me know

[Glen Hogan]

What kind of prop and pitch are you running.

[Tom Foley]

Smokin boat , if looks could kill .......... Tell me about the seats versus the original stv seats which kill my back on long river runs . Sweet Boat , good luck with her .

[oldstv]

You could let me have it for say.....a couple of years :) and I bet I could figure out the speed problem...

[Michael Dixon]

Pete, what is the prop shaft height, what is the box set on, what is your compression, what type prop/pitch, who worked the prop, , and have you made any changes since Randy drove it 118?? By the way.....sharp looking boat. I saw it at Triad but not since you had graphics done for it. Dixon

[oldstv]

quit loafing and get back to work. I think Pete should bring that thing down here and let Jerry play with it. What you think?? :D

[Howard Daenzer]

Hi Pete,
Had a really good time with you guys out at Belleville. The 112.3 was a personal best for me so far. Hoping to do a little better next year. You might want to hook up with Randy again to make sure it is set up the way he thinks it should be. Looking forward to doing some more boating with you next summer.

Howard

[ken medendorp]

Hi Pete,
Had a really good time with you guys out at Belleville. The 112.3 was a personal best for me so far. Hoping to do a little better next year. You might want to hook up with Randy again to make sure it is set up the way he thinks it should be. Looking forward to doing some more boating with you next summer.

Howard


Howard did you picked up 6 mph?

[jeffbare]

Awsome!!

[Pete Budka]

M.D. Here's to refresh your memory!

Randy; I'll call you this weekend.