Mini Tunnel finally building! From Scratch

[home made tunnel]

Hey guys ! Here's some pictures of the tunnel hull I'm building. I did a lot of research, and made a balance of the offshore cat style boats, and inland flats tunnel hulls. It's slightly over 13' long, and about a 5'4" beam. Seats 2, and goal is to have it around 500lbs dry hull, and less than 900lbs fully rigged. I have a 20" shaft 50hp 1999 force outboard in great shape that I got cheap off a friend who was re-powering. I plan on going more power next spring, but this will do ! For now, if I can get over 50mph with this 50 horse, i'll be happy!

Key points: I want a foot throttle, dual batteries, a sweet stereo and speakers, and probably an open bench style seat. Might switch to having an arm rest type of center console - who knows.

Let me know what you think


EDIT****1
1st thread posted- June 26th, 2014
First float off trailer- June 25th, 2017

Pretty close dates !!!

EDIT****2
added some completed pictures

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[home made tunnel]

Here's some more

[home made tunnel]

Here's some more

[Mr. Demeanor]

:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

[home made tunnel]

I have lots more pictures to upload - - - But it's late tonight

[home made tunnel]

couple more pics for fun

[FrenchPhil]

Looking good, keep the pics coming.

[JOLLEY]

Awesome undertaking. Great work. Keep 'em coming. Bill

:cheers: It takes a lot of Bud Lights to build a boat !!!

[zstyle]

Awesome work. Can't wait to see this thing through.

[berzerko]

Looks great
if it runs well I might be interested in one

[oldschoolltv]

I love threads like this, looks like bud-light is helping the build might be a cool color scheme for it.

[Tom Foley]

Need lightening holes in all the bulkheads , useless weight .
Here is a power suggestion .
http://i58.tinypic.com/juiqyq.jpg

[Stoker1]

Ned lightening holes in all the bulkheads , useless weight.


Yep. Listen to the pro's.

[DS77]

looks Great don't 4get lifting strakes on bottom of sponson

[home made tunnel]

What do you mean by lifting straks?
I was planning on putting planing/lifting pads on the bottom chines of each sponson - is that what you meant?

[Li'l Toy]

You also need to allow for drainage down the sponsons. Water gets in, your bulkheads will hold it there. Death to a wood hulled boat. typically there are longitudinal strakes running under the bulkheads, so water can flow. At minimum, notch the inside lower corner of each bulkhead.

I am sooo jealous of your shop!

[fastdonzi.]

Im glad to see you know how to Scarf plywood :) not many people do :)

[DS77]

What do you mean by lifting straks?
I was planning on putting planing/lifting pads on the bottom chines of each sponson - is that what you meant?
Yes Bro.thats what i meant ,are you using West system .again good looking work Peace steve

[home made tunnel]

Thanks everyone - I'm using the MAS epoxy

[jpf091959]

Love the bud light dust collector.

I also built a boat from scratch years ago, lots of fun. It was a 21' day cruiser with a big block, I remember I had to steam the marine plywood to bend/wrap it around the coming and carling.




Here's some more

[Velocity72]

home made tunnel - We love the build threads. Keep it coming. Good advice in the above threads.

jpf091959 - Awesome build! It looks like it turned out really nice. How was the handling and speed?

The only boat I have built from scratch was an 8' plywood knee-down runabout with a Mark 25 Merc on it. Small, but fast. It was a lot of fun to do, and I actually sold it for a profit later!

[afr]

wow subscribed looks like a fun little boat
i myself didnt have any professional design help on my boat and i did not use lift strakes and it hurts speed and i ended up compensating for it with steps
this winter i am going back and adding them

[jpf091959]

Thanks man. The home built, did okay, it wasn't all that fast. It would run 70-75 on nitrous, but it would get there pretty quick. I was running a 17.5"x25" nickel-bronze cleaver the weighed a ton. the gearcase had a 1.5 to one gear ratio. The boat was a lot of fun, I built it when I was 22-23 years old, I wish I knew a little more back then.

Lot's of cool stuff out there.





home made tunnel - We love the build threads. Keep it coming. Good advice in the above threads.

jpf091959 - Awesome build! It looks like it turned out really nice. How was the handling and speed?

The only boat I have built from scratch was an 8' plywood knee-down runabout with a Mark 25 Merc on it. Small, but fast. It was a lot of fun to do, and I actually sold it for a profit later!

[home made tunnel]

Starting to get the bottom and sides done -
hopefully next week, I'll flip it, and start some fiberglassing / painting of the bottom ! ! !

[FrenchPhil]

Moving along nicely, what's the bottom plank thickness, it looks tough to bend.

300873

[afr]

Moving along nicely, what's the bottom plank thickness, it looks tough to bend.


300873
looks like 3/4 to me its a battle ship lol

[home made tunnel]

The entire boat is built from 1/2" Okume African mahogany marine ply grade A from Boulter marine plywood in mass. I'm building it tough to spank through the rough short chop we have here in Narraganset Bay, RI.
jpf- that looks awesome. I've Always wanted an inboard!

Transom is 2" thick, and the sides of the transom are 1" thick. Building it to handle a big V6 outboard if I ever wanted to upgrade!

[home made tunnel]

And it's been a breeze bending the plywood. I've been bending t all by hand. The deck will prob be the hardest part. Copper wire ties holds it together while the epoxy dries.

[Matt Gent]

Okoume bends about as good as any plywood species. 1/2" seems like overkill for the running surface, depending on how much glass will be added. How did you develop the scantlings? How about the Cg and Cp balance?

Have you built any other boats in stitch & glue?

Neat project, good luck.

[home made tunnel]

Using stich and glue, I've built a 17' Chesapeake kayak, and helped my father a lot on his stitch and glue version of a hereshoff 12 1/2 designed by Phil Bolger. Here's a picture:
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_repgEHoAMoI/TChSufrBhTI/AAAAAAAAALQ/SQR-tnotQYc/s1600/plywood125seatrials017.jpg

As for the scantlings - I went through about a dozen different renderings before I decided on these final measurements. Even as late as when I started to cut the plywood, I added an additional foot in the space between seat back and transom.

The hull should weigh in around 500lbs. It's getting a layer of fiberglass cloth ( 6oz.) on the exterioir, and any interior areas that will be open. Sealed bunks will just get some resin, and the fiberglass tape on the joints.
The location of the gas tank(s) and battery(ies) are still to be determined, whether they go up front, or behind the seat. The CG has been very difficult to calculate --- sooo I'm still not sure haha.

I have this 2 stroke 50 horse 1999 Force, that weighs 187 lbs. Ideally, I'd like to copy-cat Mr.Demeanor with his 13' Biel Tunnel. I need to get everything squared away and tested with this 50hp first before I bump up to a 90hp or 115. As of now, total length is just over 13'. Beam is about 5'4".

[olboatman]

Exellent thread! Don't forget those bulkhead holes. That will help to lighten her up without losing strength. Gary

[home made tunnel]

Short video

http://youtu.be/Ao1iNJ4vZnI

[Matt Gent]

As for the scantlings - I went through about a dozen different renderings before I decided on these final measurements. Even as late as when I started to cut the plywood, I added an additional foot in the space between seat back and transom.

The hull should weigh in around 500lbs. It's getting a layer of fiberglass cloth ( 6oz.) on the exterioir, and any interior areas that will be open. Sealed bunks will just get some resin, and the fiberglass tape on the joints.


By scantlings I meant the thickness of core, and type / weight / # of layers of glass. This type of hull will see very different loading than a kayak or sailboat. I don't think you want to go light on tape for any of the seams, particularly the corners of the tunnel. 6oz is pretty light on the exterior for puncture resistance too.

My first guess without doing any research or panel loading calculations would have been for 3/8" running surface and bulkheads, 1/4" decks. with 2x 12oz biax running surface glass, each seam at least double-overlapped with 6" tape both sides, and 1X 12oz on the interior.

On these small tunnels I think its real easy to get transom-heavy. The Biel is quite a large 13' boat by volume compared to the other mini-tunnels, allowing it to carry a lot more motor. The yamaha 70 or 90 might be a good match, over 100lb lighter than the OMC or Yamaha V4.

[home made tunnel]

Mr. Matt Gent - I like the input!
Another thing about my design of this boat was that I wanted to keep it simple - as few bulkheads / curves / intricacies / etc. I wanted to go 1/2" on everything for simplicity of ordering wood, scarfing joints, and all that. I guess you could say I really just hope it doesn't sink! haha.

All in the transom area, I used 12oz 6" biax for all the joints on top of the fillets. The plan was to do single 6oz on the exterior, but I'm thinking doubling that to 2x 6oz for all the running surfaces.

Don't you think 1/4" would be way too flimsy? I already have all the parts cut for 1/2" anyway haha.

[Jimboat]

The hull should weigh in around 500lbs. It's getting a layer of fiberglass cloth ( 6oz.) on the exterioir, and any interior areas that will be open. Sealed bunks will just get some resin, and the fiberglass tape on the joints.

home made tunnel - your tunnel project looks really exciting! You may find that your use of heavy plywood skins and heavy fibreglass coverings will make it indestructible, but also somewhat heavy. You might find that the hull weighs in over your estimated 500lbs.

remember that the performance of tunnel hulls are very sensitive to weight and power, so any additional weight will affect your overall performance, regardless of the engine power that you ultimately select.

Have fun!

[home made tunnel]

home made tunnel - your tunnel project looks really exciting! You may find that your use of heavy plywood skins and heavy fibreglass coverings will make it indestructible, but also somewhat heavy. You might find that the hull weighs in over your estimated 500lbs.

remember that the performance of tunnel hulls are very sensitive to weight and power, so any additional weight will affect your overall performance, regardless of the engine power that you ultimately select.

Have fun!
Thanks! I read your "secrets of tunnel boat design" book cover to cover. A lot of neat stuff in there, but I guess mine is more of a catamaran mini-offshore design more so than a flying tunnel.
I'm designing a Mutt! haha.
Thanks for all the input.

[Jimboat]

Thanks! I read your "secrets of tunnel boat design" book cover to cover. A lot of neat stuff in there, but I guess mine is more of a catamaran mini-offshore design more so than a flying tunnel. I'm designing a Mutt! haha. Thanks for all the input.
home made tunnel - Nah! you're definitely not designing a "mutt". All types of tunnel hulls, offshore cats, recreational boats, racing hulls - whether big or small, symmetrical or asymmetrical, inboard or outboard, BIG power or mini-power - all of them - all play by the same engineering rules! The aerodynamic and hydrodynamic rules are the same for all of them. Whether your tunnel boat is for racing, utility or pleasure, all of the interaction of lift, drag, stability are still exactly the same. The design rules for how changes and features affect performance are the same for all tunnels and cats and mostly the same principles for all vee hulls too! (All performance boats can benefit from even a little aerodynamic lift - see article "Earning Your Wings (https://aeromarineresearch.com/publications/PBR_Oct2016.html)")

I'm glad that the "Secrets of Tunnel Boat Design (http://www.aeromarineresearch.com/stbd2.html)" book was helpful for you! Keep posting your progress and have fun with your great project!

[FrenchPhil]

Any updates ?

[home made tunnel]

Any updates ?
port side is wired on. Need fillet and glass work, then I'll be about ready to flip it and start glassing the bottom!

[home made tunnel]

More pictures ! ! !
Got the boat flipped, and ready to start fairing the bottom, and getting the planing pads on. Also thinking about putting some strakes on the bottom chine for spray to go out the side of the boat, rather than up in the air.

[home made tunnel]

Here's a couple more. The 2x6's screwed to the frames in front are just for the boat to rest level on the fixture. The boat weighs about 300lbs right now. That's just a guess as we were carrying it to the lawn.
Haven't cut any holes in anything yet - Keeping it rigid until it's flipped back upright

[home made tunnel]

aaaaaaand more pictures, because everyone likes pictures ! ! !

[home made tunnel]

The boat looks small when it's flat (It is - - - only 13' 5", with a beam of 5' 4". Tunnel depth is 8".)
Looks like my Jig worked awesome - the tunnel sides are straight as an arrow, and completely parallel.

I'm still not sure I want to run a FLOOR shifter, or a side shifter. The member here named Rowboat says he has both in stock, but I can't make up my mind! What do you guys think?

Also, I'm really digging the interior on that yellow boat in these pictures.

[olboatman]

I have to say floor shifters are cool and different! But-- they use up some precious space on a small rig. JMO Gary

[FrenchPhil]

Sweet, what filler material do you use for your fillets.

[home made tunnel]

Sweet, what filler material do you use for your fillets.
Just the dust I swept up from making my scarf joints. So the filler is light weight African Okume mahogany just like the boat

[Rowboat]

PM Sent Home Made.
Very cool project, BTW!!

[b_rad4tuna]

Looks good!!! Any updates on the progress?

[home made tunnel]

Lots of updates ! Built the trailer from scratch, got it galvanized, and started the pads on the bottom.

[home made tunnel]

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[home made tunnel]

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[home made tunnel]

Features - Swing tounge, all LED lighting, 2000lb Torsion axles, 16" Aluminum mag wheels, 245 wide tires, steel diamond plate walkways -
Total price to build the trailer was approximately $2500-3000. Not sure, I haven't totaled up the receipts.
The 3 wheels & tires (spare not shown in pics) was $700 alone. Torsion axles $300. Steel was $450. Galvanizing was ironically also $450.
All the other stuff adds up - Fenders, lights, receiver, hardware, carpet, bunks, winch, etc.

Took a few months to build, but back to working on the boat ! ! !
:cheers:

AND YES, I KNOW HOW TO WELD ! ! ! See below :

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[home made tunnel]

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Started the pads for the bottom - Getting this cut perfect was VERY difficult. A lot of measuring / adjusting / etc. I had to do a double cut on the table saw, 1 from both sides. Getting the cuts to match up perfectly was the hard part. The better the cut, the less sanding !

[home made tunnel]

So here in New England, it's averaging 25* Fahrenheit. BRRRRrrrr! Epoxy turns into molasses, and the pumps don't work. I built a "hot-box" with a 60watt light-bulb inside to keep everything warm at 85* Fahrenheit. I put foil-backed insulation on all the interior walls of the box, and a thermometer to monitor it all.
85* is a good temp for it, because as I pull it out, and start working it onto the boat, it cools quickly. I have a couple heaters for the garage, and maintain temps around 50* while I'm working. When it's time to glass the bottom, I'm going to try to maintain at least 65*. Good thing Kerosene prices are dropping ! ! !

A side note - the pads are 5.5" wide each, and 6' long starting at the back of the transom. I think a combined 11" of pad will be plenty !


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[olboatman]

:thumbsup:Great Stuff!!! Thanks for the update. Good work and very inovative! Gary;):D

[Velocity72]

Great work. Yes, you can weld.
Very nice. Enjoying reading and seeing your progress. One day, it will get wet!

[Tom Foley]

So here in New England, it's averaging 25* Fahrenheit. BRRRRrrrr! Epoxy turns into molasses, and the pumps don't work. I built a "hot-box" with a 60watt light-bulb inside to keep everything warm at 85* Fahrenheit. I put foil-backed insulation on all the interior walls of the box, and a thermometer to monitor it all.
85* is a good temp for it, because as I pull it out, and start working it onto the boat, it cools quickly. I have a couple heaters for the garage, and maintain temps around 50* while I'm working. When it's time to glass the bottom, I'm going to try to maintain at least 65*. Good thing Kerosene prices are dropping ! ! !

A side note - the pads are 5.5" wide each, and 6' long starting at the back of the transom. I think a combined 11" of pad will be plenty !


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Very proud of you guy . You are a DO 'ER and posess some great skills . Your welding looks excellent and your creativity level is awesome !I'm a fabricator myself and can see that you have been inspired for years and are not afraid to get it done . Excellent work !!:thumbsup:

[71V153]

Keep it up. Boat looks good. Dig the trailer.

Makes all the difference in the world. Imo ...

[dagodiver]

Fantastic project. Great job.!!

Dago

[b_rad4tuna]

Thanks for the update! You have clearly taken your time with this project, it looks fantastic! I have been both a mechanic and a welder at a local shop here in utah for the last 6 years and have been itching for a fun project. I have been researching homemade boats and your project has inspired me to now make a cat. Where did you come up with the basic dimentions? Keep the updates coming!

[home made tunnel]

Thanks for the update! You have clearly taken your time with this project, it looks fantastic! I have been both a mechanic and a welder at a local shop here in utah for the last 6 years and have been itching for a fun project. I have been researching homemade boats and your project has inspired me to now make a cat. Where did you come up with the basic dimentions? Keep the updates coming!
Thanks everyone ! ! !

Rad4tuna - I changed things up quite a bit. Originally I wanted it 18' long. Looked at cost of materials, and for an experimental project, it was too much in my opinion. So, I scaled everything down to 2/3 size (12'). Then looking at it more, i added an extra 18" behind the seat. I have a couple pictures of designs I had a couple years ago - - - All of which were BAD haha. (SEE SOME PICTURES ATTACHED TO THIS THREAD)

Originally, I had it planned out that the driver was too far back in the boat for CG. Then, the decreasing tunnel depth was an issue (common misconception to the ignorant). The secrets of tunnel hull design book opened up my eyes a lot. Much of the dimensions were from basic "Good-to-the-eye", and some others were "ut-oh... that won't work".

I had inspiration from Glen-L designs, and the 13' Biel owner here on this forum.

HOPEFULLY GETTING WET THIS SPRING ! ! ! Tax returns will get me a brand new E-Tec (90 or 115... undecided for weight).

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[home made tunnel]

Fairing the hull bottom prior to glassing. I hate sanding and filling and fairing. Anyone wanna do this part for me?! Haha

[fastdonzi.]

Long Boarding is were its at on a wood boat, done it too many times to want to ever do it again :) Enjoy

[home made tunnel]

Fairing up the bottom - - - Complete !
LOTS of sanding.
While sanding around the planing pads, I noticed I didn't get good penetration/saturation into the fiberglass, and it delaminated. (see 4th picture). Anyone know what would cause this?


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[home made tunnel]

Starting fiberglassing this weekend. Doing the layout tonight.



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[rgsauger]

Great job! She's alive!!!

[fastdonzi.]

Fairing up the bottom - - - Complete !
LOTS of sanding.
While sanding around the planing pads, I noticed I didn't get good penetration/saturation into the fiberglass, and it delaminated. (see 4th picture). Anyone know what would cause this?


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Could have been a trapped air bubble or just not good enough saturation. did you wet the surface then apply the material? or apply material then try to saturate through??

[mattconrad]

Nice project!

[home made tunnel]

My father, girlfriend, and a puerto rican friend all came to help ! ! !
Soaking through 2 layers of 6oz glass on the bottom was a PAIN IN THE ARSE ! especially on the negative corners (corners of tunnel, and outboard sides of lifting pads).
3rd picture was my Candid Camera shot lol.


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[home made tunnel]

Bottom surfaces have 2 layers of 6oz cloth. Sides have a single. Transom has 2 layers also. I took a picture of the worst spot for bubbles - - - No idea what was happening. Tried plenty of resin to soak through, the ribbed resin rollers to push it down, nothing was working for these bubbles. Maybe there was some oil on fingers or something preventing adhesion. Either way, I'll have to sand out these bubbles, and fill them in. I also am going to be filling the trailing edges, and sanding them to a sharp angle prior to painting. They're rounded right now to pull the fiberglass around.

I'm the ugly mug in the tan shirt -


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[olboatman]

Great to see the "crew" gettin into it!:thumbsup: Helps remove some of the tedious time.:smiletest: Gary

[home made tunnel]

And more drinkin time for me ! haha
What would have taken me all day, we did in 3 or 4 hours

[fastdonzi.]

Your MX Helmet blends in with your Barney Curtains Lol :)

[home made tunnel]

Hahaha - I was wondering how long until someone noticed the dinosaur sheets - They are my barrier to keep that side of the garage warm hahaha

[home made tunnel]

Got three coats of high build primer on! Some more sanding, filling, and we'll be ready for gelcoat.

[home made tunnel]

Who knew this reducer would eat through a plastic cup?! Boy did I make a mess. A full cup of paint went all over the place. Switched it up to a metal coffee can.

[olboatman]

Who knew this reducer would eat through a plastic cup?! Boy did I make a mess. A full cup of paint went all over the place. Switched it up to a metal coffee can.
This is what can happen when ya use the "good stuff"!:thumbsup: Great job ..... keep it up !!!!! Gary:)

[home made tunnel]

Sprayed a couple layers of gel down, then a final layer with the wax additive. Time to let it cure for a couple days, sand smooth, then spray the final layer with the Duratec additive.

[olboatman]

:thumbsup:WOW I like that.......I want one!!!! I def need more free time. Lookin Good!;) Gary

[boatermike]

was this built from laker 14 plans?

[home made tunnel]

was this built from laker 14 plans?

Negative - 100% all original. I pulled out a piece of paper, drew a couple hundred different variations, and tried to make it as simple as I could. I could forward you the basic dimensions I came up with for the final build - Just plywood, and some simple geometry / trigonometry. Then I came to this forum, and got torn apart (obviously I'm not a boat designer haha) and got a ton of help from folks here on what I should and shouldn't do.

[boatermike]

indeed the people here can be quite critical . the negativity can be over done but its a community with many bright stars. I personally have seen many race boats with duct tape repairs .

[89LASER]

Did you ever complete it? If so how did it run? The work looks great.

[home made tunnel]

Did you ever complete it? If so how did it run? The work looks great.
No, but i'm Starting to pick it up again this fall. I just completed my restoration of an old bayliner 14' little thing this past winter.
This was the rebuild of the bayliner:
http://www.screamandfly.com/showthread.php?310907-Who-in-their-right-mind-restores-a-BAYLINER-!

[home made tunnel]

Finally got the bottom finished up and flipped onto the trailer. Holy cow it fits on the trailer, my measurements were right!!! Looks smaller every time i play with it. Would love to put one of those new 115 Pro XS racing motors on it. Stinks they're $10k... Before all the rigging lol.
Heres a silly pic of my bayliner's Force 90hp by the back just as a teaser

[native2]

Nice work.... Keep the pics coming. I love projects like this.

[FrenchPhil]

Sweet, now get it wet before it freezes...

[home made tunnel]

Haven't had a smart phone in a few months... so just a quick update. Cut some holes, trim on edges getting ready for the decking. Need to sand, glass, and paint the inside next. Windshield and dashboard too.
Things to think about... size and placement of gas tank. I'd like a plastic fuel cell but wouldn't be opposed to duals. Also battery placement, and where the rigging will come out to the motor.
a lot of flex/twist has come out just from installing the edging that the deck will screw to. Also the pieces coming from cockpit port/starboard floor to the hull bottom. It will be very stiff once the dash and decking is all done.

[W2F a V-King]

Things to think about... size and placement of gas tank. I'd like a plastic fuel cell but wouldn't be opposed to duals. Also battery placement, and where the rigging will come out to the motor.


Some things to consider for weight placement and center of gravity.
Came across this a few months ago searching for information about CG. Some of this doesn't apply to my application ( V-Pad ), but should be a good read for some ideas. If you haven't stumbled across it yourself.

http://boatdesign.net/articles/tunnel-hull-design/index.htm

James

[Jimboat]

Some things to consider for weight placement and center of gravity. Came across this a few months ago searching for information about CG. Some of this doesn't apply to my application ( V-Pad ), but should be a good read for some ideas. If you haven't stumbled across it yourself. http://boatdesign.net/articles/tunnel-hull-design/index.htm
Here are a couple of articles that discuss Static CG, Weight & Weight Distribution (http://www.aeromarineresearch.com/publications/PBR_july2015.html) and Dynamic Stability (http://www.aeromarineresearch.com/dynamic_stability.html) as applies equally to tunnel hulls AND vee/vee-pad hulls.

[Mr. Demeanor]

Okay so I just saw your pic in the other thread and I think you need a bigger boat LOL. That comes from a 6'4" 250 pounds guy who drives a 13' boat :eek:

[home made tunnel]

Some things to consider for weight placement and center of gravity.
Came across this a few months ago searching for information about CG. Some of this doesn't apply to my application ( V-Pad ), but should be a good read for some ideas. If you haven't stumbled across it yourself.

http://boatdesign.net/articles/tunnel-hull-design/index.htm

James
i have a hard copy of the secrets of tunnel boat design, and read it cover to cover. Great stuff to think about! I believe my toy here will be a little less intense and reliant on aerodynamic forces, and mainly hydrodynamic.


Here are a couple of articles that discuss Static CG, Weight & Weight Distribution (http://www.aeromarineresearch.com/publications/PBR_july2015.html) and Dynamic Stability (http://www.aeromarineresearch.com/dynamic_stability.html) as applies to tunnel hulls and vee/vee-pad hulls.

Thank you again!


Okay so I just saw your pic in the other thread and I think you need a bigger boat LOL. That comes from a 6'4" 250 pounds guy who drives a 13' boat :eek:
im only 6'1", and 220lbs. Lots of room to spare compared to you!!! Haha. And mine is 13'6". That 6" longer length than yours, and 3" shorter height..... hmm is there a "that's-what-she-said" joke in here somewhere? LOL

[Mr. Demeanor]

i have a hard copy of the secrets of tunnel boat design, and read it cover to cover. Great stuff to think about! I believe my toy here will be a little less intense and reliant on aerodynamic forces, and mainly hydrodynamic.



Thank you again!


im only 6'1", and 220lbs. Lots of room to spare compared to you!!! Haha. And mine is 13'6". That 6" longer length than yours, and 3" shorter height..... hmm is there a "that's-what-she-said" joke in here somewhere? LOL

Nobody can accuse us of compensating :-)

[lwilde.0422]

Mine ended up being 15 feet from tip to bottom of transom. These are older pics it's white bottom now

http://www.dillon-racing.com/customerboats/Wilde/index.htm

[home made tunnel]

It's cold here in New England - any Epoxy work is a pain in the arse.. gotta keep the shop heat going (Kerosene forced air), and make bubbles in the glass with the heat lamps after I leave.
Fabricated a seat for the boat too. I don't have a sheet metal brake, so an anvil, 5lb sledge, and large wrench later... and about 3 hrs of cutting and pounding... i have a decent seat shape !!! It's going to get upholstered, so don't worry.. it wont be this gross looking. But she is DANG STRONG !!! Almost like a structural member of the boat now. 1/8" thick aluminum. Weighs about 17lbs by calculating the size and coefficient of aluminum. Might need to drill some holes for draining. Poppa took a turn sitting in it--- He approves.
Also took my tax return, plus some hard-earned worker man cash savings to go buy myself a new Mercury !



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[Velocity72]

Awesome! Just what the doctor ordered.

[CNC_Guy]

Is your dad a boater also? Looks loke she is coming along great.

[MODVP22]

yikes, don't let your lady catch you in the box with that motor :p

[home made tunnel]

Is your dad a boater also? Looks loke she is coming along great.

he is! He's a fan of free horse power though, pats and sail. Builds his own boats also. Here's a few...



yikes, don't let your lady catch you in the box with that motor :p

she took the picture ;) usually doesn't let me play in any box but hers haha.

[olboatman]

Hey HMT NICE MOTA!!! Is that a 20 " model..... hard to tell. Great to see things commin along and I like the seat. I have the heat on in the work shop (mota work) and the garage (boat setup) tonight, both are out buildings!!! Gonna be 2 above and have some paint and epoxy drying also. Can't wait to get this storm ( Tues-Wed) behind us and welcome spring. Gary

[MODVP22]

he is! He's a fan of free horse power though, pats and sail. Builds his own boats also. Here's a few...




she took the picture ;) usually doesn't let me play in any box but hers haha.

cool! It's rare to find a woman that will let you play with others, and watch....I mean, ummm...

Seriously, this is a sweet a$$ project. Can't wait to see it when you finish

[home made tunnel]

Olboatman- I'm tired of snow, but seeing it on the ground lets me know I have more time to finish this boat!!! Heh heh. I hope work gets cancelled for this Tuesday storm!!!
but yes, it's the 20" model. 2.07:1 gear ratio, and NON-command thrust. Still hoping she doesn't sink her with the weight haha.

modvp, thanks!!!

[FMP]

After this next storm is done with us you guys will see her midweek. Here comes another foot or more.

[FMP]

This new one is bit lighter, about 350?

[home made tunnel]

Ya, they're calling for over a foot by the coast (right where I am). They called this storm Stella?

The manual says it's 363lbs. I'm thinking of ordering a fish scale off amazon for $30 and weighing it.

[FMP]

Have fun! I guess they gave the weight for the 20" small gearcase, usually do so probably right. If it's the 25" big case then maybe less.

[FMP]

Could be 20"+ for NY

[FMP]

https://radar.weather.gov/Conus/full_loop.php

[home made tunnel]

Getting ready to put the front deck skin on. Finished painting the inside up front, installed bow eye, and wiring for navigation lights. They're small LED side mount units. (pics to come at install).

Thoughts of the day... She's going to be heavier than expected... But I'll weigh her with the 600lbs digital scale I bought on Amazon in a couple weeks once the decking is installed.
Motor: 360lbs
Jackplate: 20lbs
17 gallon tank: 15lbs
17 gal petrol: 103lbs
hyd steering ram 10lbs
battery 50 lbs.

That's already 560lbs of gear in the back of a little boat. Put myself and my girl... 215 + 1xx lbs...
Talking about 900+lbs of people and equipment now. I think the boat it's self will be around 400lbs.

Time will tell.





370436370437370438

[lwilde.0422]

Looking great! I am jealous of how far you are. I just finished priming and fairing the bottom of mine. Getting ready to paint. Picked up my PH this week. A 2.0 Merc off an old SST120 rig. The Buckley 1. No idea who that is

[Krazymaan]

The secret is out...

370469

[home made tunnel]

Hahahahaha you found it!!! I'm guessing you have one too?

[FMP]

Too much Yankee light beer's the cause

[CanyonDoug]

Congrats on a great adventure! Was going to build a cool tunnel back in the 70's with my dad but never did... Company named Glen-L had all sorts of plans. I ended up buying a ready made, 15' ski style like a Baja, but still wish I would have built that tunnel. You will surely have a ton of fun building AND driving it!

[home made tunnel]

Made a jig for the rear deck area... glassed in some stiffeners for the rear deck hatch.
Glued front deck down, and got the sides and windshield pieces cut.
Its starting to look like a boat!

[Krazymaan]

Is this going to be the actual boat you ride or is this going to be a mold that you can lay fiberglass over to make a lighter boat?

[FMP]

Seems to be a good amount of final interior placing of structural detail finishing and rigging preparation for it to be mold. Sorry should have asked Krazy lol , just the mood we're in this morning, more snow in the forecast.

[home made tunnel]

Is this going to be the actual boat you ride or is this going to be a mold that you can lay fiberglass over to make a lighter boat?

A mold ? If you wanna pay for it, and do the work... Go right ahead and make some up! haha.
As for me... this is it. One and done. That's what I always say... Well, I said that once.
It's honestly not that heavy.
African Okume Mahogany. I'm guessing the hull, once complete, is going to be about 450lbs. (I Hope).
If I built it any lighter, the 360lbs motor I'm throwing on the back would sink it. Also, in the choppy Bay water where I'll run it, I don't want a flimsy light weight boat. This thing is build like a Brick Sh*thouse. Sides aren't on yet, and all of the twist is already eliminated.

[home made tunnel]

Seems to be a good amount of final interior placing of structural detail finishing and rigging preparation for it to be mold. Sorry should have asked Krazy lol , just the mood we're in this morning, more snow in the forecast.
NO MORE SNOW !!! Starting to hit the 50's here !!! You sound like a cranky yankee haha. Eff the snow!

[olboatman]

NO MORE SNOW !!! Starting to hit the 50's here !!! You sound like a cranky yankee haha. Eff the snow!

:iagree:I second that!!!!:thumbsup: Gary

[FMP]

No such thing as dumb questions or a don't ask question and you never know , it may ride so well it turns into a mold for a lightweight composite version.
Your question reminds me of when you finish a project and someone asks what it is or is it finished.

[FMP]

:iagree:I second that!!!!:thumbsup: Gary

Wouldn't hold your breath

[FMP]

OK friend, my humourous question is gone. Wishing you a big snow fall.

[FMP]

Give it five minutes

[home made tunnel]

That's Rhode Island weather. Don't like the current weather? Wait 5 minutes.

[FMP]

Rhode Is, that's practically subtropical

[home made tunnel]

Made my own bAttery tray. Got some holes routered out for flush hatch cover. Lots of sanding!!! Fairing, blending, sanding... Memorial Day is my goal to get her wet !!!

[home made tunnel]

And here's a 5minute useless video for those who want to see an updated walk-around and explanation.

https://youtu.be/lvv8LWCe-Eo


see above... I still don't know how to embed videos in this forum

[XstreamVking]

Very nice work, like the recessed hinges. nice touch, don't forget to index your screws. +++++.

[Dd24skater]

Great thread, Awesome work

[home made tunnel]

Very nice work, like the recessed hinges. nice touch, don't forget to index your screws. +++++.
Never thought about that!! I have always just used the German method... "gut-n-tight".
Thx for the advice, I'll line them up at install!

[Velocity72]

Great work. The details are worth it.

[home made tunnel]

373856373857

Hahahahaha motor looks huge! I love it!!!

[home made tunnel]

Had to pull her out into the light... she's quite small!!! 13' 6"

[NICE PAIR]

373870 Nice work, Great details.

[HydroSkreamin]

Your persistence is paying off. It is looking really good, and I agree with NicePair, you can really see the details in this, even on the trailer. Nice planning and follow through!

I'm wrapping up a restomod on my 23 Daytona, and following your thread for encouragement! Can't wait to see you splash it.

Are you hiring a short person to wire the bow lights?:D Better not be claustrophobic to get in there!

[olboatman]

373856373857

Hahahahaha motor looks huge! I love it!!!
I like the wood skid plate under the transom support!!! Lol. Really your doing a great job! Gary

[W2F a V-King]

Your persistence is paying off. It is looking really good, and I agree with NicePair, you can really see the details in this, even on the trailer. Nice planning and follow through!


:iagree: What he said ^^^

Attention to details always bring out a better finished product!!

Very VERY nice work!!

Your getting close to splash day !!! :cheers:

[home made tunnel]

Your persistence is paying off. It is looking really good, and I agree with NicePair, you can really see the details in this, even on the trailer. Nice planning and follow through!

I'm wrapping up a restomod on my 23 Daytona, and following your thread for encouragement! Can't wait to see you splash it.

Are you hiring a short person to wire the bow lights?:D Better not be claustrophobic to get in there!

Already pre wired haha. But thanks !
I wired the bow lights before putting the front decking on.
Once ready to install the lights, I'll just pull the wires out of the hole.
Heres a pic...

[olboatman]

Already pre wired haha. But thanks !
I wired the bow lights before putting the front decking on.
Once ready to install the lights, I'll just pull the wires out of the hole.
Heres a pic...
One of the time and labor savers in life......thinking ahead! Always better than one step forward then two back!!! Getting more impressed every post. Gary

[home made tunnel]

Top side got x2 layers of 6oz cloth.
LOTS of sanding. A few dribbles--- I thought it had set up after an hour and wasn't going to run. 55 degrees at night, and 24 hrs later, I had a whole marathon of runners !!!

[home made tunnel]

So... now that it's all sealed up... does this count as getting it wet?

I dub thee .... S.S. HOPEiFLOAT!!!

[CanyonDoug]

So... now that it's all sealed up... does this count as getting it wet?

I dub thee .... S.S. HOPEiFLOAT!!!

I am having a TON of fun seeing your progress. Not surprised the glass/resin ran a bit. My experience has only been in warm weather where I grew up and lived most of my life in Ft. Lauderdale. Sets up quickly unless really humid, but can remember a handful if times it was a bit cooler out... low 70's maybe and it took a while. I can only imagine how long it might take in the 50's. Now in Texas where the mercury is all over the board, but still haven't tried it in colder weather here.

Your efforts are yielding some incredible results. Congrats and I imagine the excitement level must now be hitting a crescendo level!

-Doug
375342

[W2F a V-King]

So... now that it's all sealed up... does this count as getting it wet?

No...that's not the side you want wet............... :leaving:

[home made tunnel]

I am having a TON of fun seeing your progress. Not surprised the glass/resin ran a bit. My experience has only been in warm weather where I grew up and lived most of my life in Ft. Lauderdale. Sets up quickly unless really humid, but can remember a handful if times it was a bit cooler out... low 70's maybe and it took a while. I can only imagine how long it might take in the 50's. Now in Texas where the mercury is all over the board, but still haven't tried it in colder weather here.

Your efforts are yielding some incredible results. Congrats and I imagine the excitement level must now be hitting a crescendo level!

-Doug
375342
Crescendo is an understatement. The anxiety of hoping it floats with a 360 pound motor off the back is also on the rise!


No...that's not the side you want wet............... :leaving:
. . . so THAT's what she meant? I think I have this boating thing all backwards.

[home made tunnel]

Hoping the hull comes in under 500 lbs. I know the rear is definitely heavier... but 220 for the front is promising. I don't the rear u bolts installed yet to lift it.

[home made tunnel]

https://youtu.be/1FT4XeloQXQ



So the bare hull weighs 504lbs! Sweet.
And the painting is done. Used Jamestown distributors wet-edge and Captains varnish. Roll and tip method. Fought with cold temperatures and rainy humidity, but finally got it done.

Time me to start rigging !!! I still hope she floats.

the paint scheme may be a little "different", but I'm not the most art oriented person out there and by no means a professional at all.

[W2F a V-King]

WOW...AWESOME !! :cheers:

Now for the thrill of the maiden voyage! :cool:

Great Fantastic Job HMT :thumbsup:

[olboatman]

That paint scheme is "sweet"!!! She's lookin better every post.Your on a roll...almost there HMT. :cool: :thumbsup:Gary

[JPEROG]

Very, very, cool...

Joe

[89LASER]

It's coming out great. I can't wait to see the video of the first splash and run.

[NICE PAIR]

https://youtu.be/1FT4XeloQXQ



So the bare hull weighs 504lbs! Sweet.
And the painting is done. Used Jamestown distributors wet-edge and Captains varnish. Roll and tip method. Fought with cold temperatures and rainy humidity, but finally got it done.

Time me to start rigging !!! I still hope she floats.

the paint scheme may be a little "different", but I'm not the most art oriented person out there and by no means a professional at all.

377354"Very Cool" You've done a great job, let's see it run.

[FMP]

:thumbsup::thumbsup:
That's cool!!!

[FORBESAUTO]

Great job!!! Can't wait to hear how she runs!

[Velocity72]

Awesome job. Worth every hour of sweat and tears.

[home made tunnel]

So I weighed the motor - 379 lbs with a stainless prop, a cast iron gear puller up top, steering arm, and battery cables all attached. Advertised as 359lbs from Mercury. This is without the cowl on though, so I think mercury is pretty on point. Oh, and this is with all Merc fluids installed from the factory.
(Yes, it comes with lower gear lube, and engine oil installed already).

So She shall now officially be called the "S.S. HOPE-i-FLOAT"

Motah looks, as trump says.... YUUUUGE!!!




377625377626377627377628377629

[FMP]

Yup

[XstreamVking]

Looks great man! I believe it will exceed your expectations...Just break it in following the manual...

[Velocity72]

The word, "over-powered" comes to mind. Not saying that's a bad thing, but yes it looks YUUUUGE!

[W2F a V-King]

It looks really cool.

Can hardly wait for the video you will be posting of the maiden voyage....!!!

I know how excited you must be. All the hard work leading up to the first ride pays off with a YUUUUGE smile .........

Congrats :cheers:

Yea....She's gonna float maybe nose high when at rest ( but all fast boats tend to do this ), but on a bed of "tunneled" air at speed :thumbsup:

[home made tunnel]

Cp billet side shifter. Had to make my own mount. Cut, drilled, welded, fits like a glove!!! Forgot to take a completed installed pic.

[home made tunnel]

Very nose high at rest. Even worse when in gear in forward haha. But she runs and floats!!!

[home made tunnel]

A few more. Ps- I'm 6'1", 215lbs

[home made tunnel]

48 lb battery will be moved forward this week.
Gas tank is 17 gallon. Meaning another 107lbs of fuel. I had to top her off today lol.
I know at-rest isn't how it performs at speed. But it's a start.


1st thread posted- June 26th, 2014
First float off trailer- June 25th, 2017

Pretty close dates !!!

[XstreamVking]

My stream sits about the same at rest. It (your boat) looks real mean just floating. Keep the pix coming....

[roadkill636]

Me like

[Euroski]

OK... NOW WHERE'S THE VIDEO!! looks great, I always admire projects like this.

[home made tunnel]

OK... NOW WHERE'S THE VIDEO!! looks great, I always admire projects like this.
None yet... I just floated her and let the motor run. This pond is too shallow to run it. Average depth is 3' deep.

[W2F a V-King]

So....guessing it floats good ??? Pic?

[home made tunnel]

So....guessing it floats good ??? Pic?

Look at page 11 !
I'm going to move the battery (48lbs) from aft to forward, and also might add 50lbs of lead ingots to the front.

[XstreamVking]

Don't add any lead!

[flabum1017]

Just put a seat on the bow for your buddy..........

[FMP]

You can't tell until it's trimmed under and you're not on a puddle afraid of hitting bottom. You give it and I bet it pops right up level.

[roadkill636]

Floating still ars all dippn

And 1/2 hour later ars all up and run'n flat

[FrenchPhil]

No lead, use sandbags, easier to move around.

[NICE PAIR]

very nose high at rest. Even worse when in gear in forward haha. But she runs and floats!!!


​"Nice" :-)

[olboatman]

Don't add any lead!

:iagree:If you can.....I would put a smaller fuel tank up front and can the rear tank. Xstream is dead on!!!! No extra weight in a performance rig.:nonod:;):D JMO Gary

[FMP]

I still think it's not far off and with it trimmed in it will jump level when he gives it. Can't tell with it trimmed up in 3 feet of water. Could always hang the triple on it for kicks, did I just say that.

[olboatman]

I agree Frank ...I just don't like seein weight added when I am always lookin for ways to remove it! Gary

[XstreamVking]

It will be fine.... Should have seen my 15' Allison with a 150 XS and two 6 gallon tanks, trim pump, and a full size battery in back. You had to be very careful coming off plane not to swamp the thing.

[FMP]

More weight ???? More setup yes

[FMP]

Yup

[olboatman]

BTW Isn't that a 4-stroker...bet ya he could get away with a 3 gal fuel tank!!!! :eek:Gary

[home made tunnel]

It will be fine.... Should have seen my 15' Allison with a 150 XS and two 6 gallon tanks, trim pump, and a full size battery in back. You had to be very careful coming off plane not to swamp the thing.
And I don't have the bilge pumps WIRED yet. Mine coulda swamped too lol. They're in though. We'll find out soon enough. Till then, mystic boat show is this Friday-Sunday.

[H20WKD]

:thumbsup: Pictures at the show......please.

Bob

[home made tunnel]

BTW Isn't that a 4-stroker...bet ya he could get away with a 3 gal fuel tank!!!! :eek:Gary

Very True !!! hahaha. It's SO quiet at idle. Ridiculous. Has a good low grunt though when I blip the gas.

[Capt.Insane-o]

I had 100 pounds of sand bags in front of the pedal board in my old viper. It made a new boat out of it above 90 . :)

[W2F a V-King]

So if you were ever accused of sand bagging it...........

You couldn't deny it. :leaving:


:D

[Sunburnt]

Any Updates???

[FMP]

He really must be uberbusy

[Krazymaan]

Uber destroyed the word uber

[FMP]

Ahhh uberdestroyer

[home made tunnel]

Well, not much to update... been on vacation and enjoying my time off. It's been almost a year since I had a true DO-NOTHING vacation.

Got the seat seat back from the upholstery shop couple days before the show. Man we're there some gorgeous boats there.

The first three days I got to sit and drink beer at the 26th annual wooden boat show at the Mystic Seaport in Connecticut.

Then took the red boat and woman out to Block Island for a few days. (party central on 4th of July!!!)

To do next week... going to relocate the battery forward, finish wiring dash and electronics, and fab up a neutral safety switch to the shifter. Found out during my first sea trials, the computer never thought it got out of neutral!!! So wouldn't rev up.


380435380436380437380438380439

[flabum1017]

The switch the computer uses to sense whether it's in gear or not is on the engine.................

[Krazymaan]

What are the metal round things you have up front on the sides of the boat?

[flabum1017]

What are the metal round things you have up front on the sides of the boat?

Running lights

[home made tunnel]

The switch the computer uses to sense whether it's in gear or not is on the engine.................

Really? Where? I looked all over and didn't see one. Maybe the computer uses signal from both? Shifter and engine?

[home made tunnel]

Running lights

bingo ! Tiny little metal things

[Krazymaan]

My kid would have bolted the ground to the boat and wondered why nothing works.
:nonod:

[RSWORDS]

Really? Where? I looked all over and didn't see one. Maybe the computer uses signal from both? Shifter and engine?

The switch on the shifter is for start in gear protection only.

The switch on the motor is what them the computer in gear or not.

Boat is looking awesome!

[home made tunnel]

The switch on the shifter is for start in gear protection only.

The switch on the motor is what them the computer in gear or not.

Boat is looking awesome!

you sure the 115 ProXS has that sensor? Any idea where it would be ?
And thank you very much!

[FMP]

No service manual for that beast?

[flabum1017]

Really? Where? I looked all over and didn't see one. Maybe the computer uses signal from both? Shifter and engine?


Should be a micro switch on the shift slide.

#8 http://www.crowleymarine.com/mercury-outboard/parts/16491_70.cfm?mdl=5RMFFM

[FMP]

Must be. Tiny point contact on linkage or is this thing all servos and wires?

[home made tunnel]

No service manual for that beast?

It came with an owners manual - and some instructions on break in, and how to drive a boat haha. That's all. Didn't think I needed a service manual for a brand new motor yet.
There isn't a lot of info out there on Vessel View and the Smart-Craft wiring setups. Most boat manufacturers do their research straight through mercury, and hoard all their info to themselves.



Should be a micro switch on the shift slide.

#8 http://www.crowleymarine.com/mercury-outboard/parts/16491_70.cfm?mdl=5RMFFM

Ooooooo - - - That helps a ton! Thank you... I'll have to check it out this afternoon when I head to the garage.

[John800]

I am new to this site, found this thread recently and read it from the start. That is a dam cool project! Any updates?

[zstyle]

It came with an owners manual - and some instructions on break in, and how to drive a boat haha. That's all. Didn't think I needed a service manual for a brand new motor yet.
There isn't a lot of info out there on Vessel View and the Smart-Craft wiring setups. Most boat manufacturers do their research straight through mercury, and hoard all their info to themselves.




Ooooooo - - - That helps a ton! Thank you... I'll have to check it out this afternoon when I head to the garage.

I manage a Merc dealership and have sold a few of the new 115 Pro XS motors. PM if you are having some issues. The standard 115 has been bullet proof for my personal use.

[FMP]

Well???

[olboatman]

Just thinkin the same Frank....he must have" sumptin goin on"!
Gary

[home made tunnel]

I got engaged.... And fiancé is pregnant ! Due in February... Took a 2 week vacation to Virginia Beach, Restored a mid-90's jetski, rode the motorcycle a few times, Shipped out some nuclear submarine parts at work... Been a bit busy lately :cool:

My update is I need to get the Dept of Environmental Management for rhode island down to my garage to do a vessel safety check before I can register it as a home-made boat. I took it out only once, the first time to take pictures. Illegally... haha.

in RI they're real strict, and monitor the waterways often. I stick out like a sore thumb in this thing, and no stickers on her yet. SO, as soon as I move the battery up front, finish up the wiring of bilge pump, Neutral Safety switch, horn, and Navigation lights, i'll call the D.E.M. down and get all my paperwork inline to be legal. All these are requirements in RI.

So that's my update! Not very exciting is it?

I even had to wipe away some spider webs last week on her.

[NICE PAIR]

I got engaged.... And fiancé is pregnant ! Due in February... Took a 2 week vacation to Virginia Beach, Restored a mid-90's jetski, rode the motorcycle a few times, Shipped out some nuclear submarine parts at work... Been a bit busy lately :cool:

My update is I need to get the Dept of Environmental Management for rhode island down to my garage to do a vessel safety check before I can register it as a home-made boat. I took it out only once, the first time to take pictures. Illegally... haha.

in RI they're real strict, and monitor the waterways often. I stick out like a sore thumb in this thing, and no stickers on her yet. SO, as soon as I move the battery up front, finish up the wiring of bilge pump, Neutral Safety switch, horn, and Navigation lights, i'll call the D.E.M. down and get all my paperwork inline to be legal. All these are requirements in RI.

So that's my update! Not very exciting is it?

I even had to wipe away some spider webs last week on her.

So, you're telling us your harboring an "illegal" ............ wow! ;-)

[XstreamVking]

Congrats on being a "dad" home made....

[home made tunnel]

Congrats on being a "dad" home made....

Home- Made- DaD haha

[FMP]

Congratulations, engage and expecting. They know what causes that now.

[John800]

Congrats on all accounts! Babies love to go for boat rides

[OrangeCrush]

Now your going to have to cut the boat and add a few feet to it. Should be a piece of cake for you.

[olboatman]

Wow I knew "sumptin" was goin on BUT didnt expect that......CONGRATS my man and the wife(mother) to be !!!!!! :cheers:Your best part of life has just begun!:thumbsup: Cherish every moment as it flies buy. ;)
Gary

[W2F a V-King]

HMT.. Congratulations on getting Married :cheers:, and on being an "expectant" Father :cheers: !!

The both of you will make wonderful parents. :thumbsup:

Best of wishes for you and your bride to be, and your unborn child :smiletest:

[roadkill636]

^^^ home made tunnel has a nice informative thread here, and it would be a good thing to delete the negative postings. He is not finished with the boat yet. jmo

I agree.
Tunnels seems to come along high and proud and look down upon everyone elses project and come up with HIS way that it should have been done. It just ruiens a good thread.
But yet.... have we seen any of Tunnels builds to comment on??

Im certain he will reply with quote and spew out many paragraphs of vomit degrading words.

Home made..... i think you did a great job and i admire your dedication and skills.

[fichrman2]

Damn , he managed to spew his way over here now- I managed to stay out of the Fiberglass and Composites threads and miss all his "tips" , but now he has surfaced over here and it cant be avoided. So I wont stand clear- Tunnels, dont know you-dont care too and dont bother to reply, Just go back to where ever you came from and shut up please, this was a MUCH better thread before you joined in. Seems thats the case in most of your threads from what I gather and the general tone of the responses to your replies should have been a clue. Again, dont bother replying to me- your just ****ting on someone else's thread when you do- YET AGAIN .

HMT - Congrats to you and the future wife and child- Its a wonderful ride , as Gary pointed out- dont blink, it goes really fast ..............;)

[FMP]

I'm of the opinion that if not for a four hundred pound lump it's stance wouldn't be as described. Saying that it's not way off and I'm sure he'll work it. I believe the heavy Merc wasn't even on the market when this build was planned , so considering that before your first comment last night ( which you deleted, perhaps you're developing) puts a different spin on things. Eh?

[olboatman]

Anyone who has seen my posts on S&F knows I dont spend my time consuming typing beatin down posters. BUT I have watched Mr Tunnels start on here giving us some great info from his glass-boat building wisdom and morph into a negative, criticizing, trouble making prick! Tunnels take it from someone who needs people skills to sell my services.....you aren't gonna make any friends hear postin the way you do AND you actually take away from your point!!! SOOOOO change the tune and be more tackful that way we might just here what ya sayin! BTW Beatin on Home Made Tunnel who we have all watched and like was the "straw that broke the camels back!!!!!
Gary

[Aa Hayes]

Home-made. Great build man! I enjoyed reading the entire thread! I wish I had the time and KNOWLEDGE to build my own beauty! I have a 2 year old son and a daughter expected in November! What a gift it is to be a father! Congrats! Looking forward to seeing a video! Do it before the baby is here or it may take longer than you expect!

P.s. It is true, babies love to go in the boat!

[matty b]

Tunnels- you are an arrogant dick. This is a sweet build. While everyone else is giving congrats you are doing what you do.
Congratulations man, having a kid is the best thing you can ever ask for. Just a heads up- there will be a time when she says 'it's been a long day, let's just stay home instead of go out in the boat'. That's when you remind her that you have a floating "baby sleep" machine sitting on the trailer.

[home made tunnel]

As for everyone else in this community (NOT Mr. Tunnels) - I whole heartedly accept your constructive criticism and praise!

[matty b]

For the record, I have built boats designed by naval architects, and even with their design, there still were changes that had to be made. What looks good on paper doesn't always work in the real world. Trial and error are some of the best ways to learn.

[JasonRS]

Fwiw, i think its super cool that you actually built this yourself! No matter the outcome, youve done more real work than most people ever even think about doing! Awesome!

[matty b]

I believe dumb is the reason for the poor grammar.

[olboatman]

I'm in a project restore right now, and won't post the progress because I don't care for all the games and stuff that will follow. Some of it would be cool to get some of your opinions.
That's why I've PM'd some of you all with some questions. Fortunately everyone is very nice and VERY helpful !!

Thank You guys!!

It is what it is..... :(
Don't let one nit-wit control the forum!!! Start a project thread and we will all ignore "funnels"....may be the only way to deal with him! I know we would all like to see what ya gut goin.
Gary

[Hippie459MN]

I'm in a project restore right now, and won't post the progress because I don't care for all the games and stuff that will follow. Some of it would be cool to get some of your opinions.
That's why I've PM'd some of you all with some questions. Fortunately everyone is very nice and VERY helpful !!

Thank You guys!!

It is what it is..... :(

Feel free to keep up the progress over at my site on the Stream. I wont let this crap go down over there and do what olboatman said, start a topic and just ignore away. :)

[Trent Ashby]

HOLY COW!!!
Right or wrong you should be proud of this. Lots of effort involved, good job.
I and most of us know that things are rarely perfect first time.
That being said the satisfaction of knowing you built that boat should be very gratifying.

[blacktruck]

You should be proud of this build, thing looks really cool. Love it. Don't worry about Funnels, he's never posted anything he's done, he's a clown.

I scanned the forum, but did you weigh it without power? Be interesting to get the center of gravity and use that as a tool for balancing it out when it's running. Looking forward to the updates. Sorry if someone asked that already, swamped lately!

[91eagle]

Congrats on the family ...... your boat looks very cool ...keep up the good work I can't wait to see what your next project is ......and a sidenote for tunnels .....you should try to say something positive.....im sure it will be hard for someone like you but practice makes perfect. Who knows someday you could be a tolerable person

[home made tunnel]

Moderators / Greg / Please delete Tunnels comments in my thread - he's added nothing beneficial.

This build thread is 3 years going, and tanking due to this tw@t

Thanks.

[Raceman]

What a great project. I haven't seen this thread in a long time and enjoyed reading back through it. If it were not so much trouble it would be interesting to try an old vintage 2 stroke on the boat to see if it helped with your balance issue. Something like an 850XS, although WAY DOWN on power compared to your 115 Pro XS would be an interesting switch. A 650XS would be even better, having more HP and much less weight than an 850 if they weren't so hard to find.

[blacktruck]

What a great project. I haven't seen this thread in a long time and enjoyed reading back through it. If it were not so much trouble it would be interesting to try an old vintage 2 stroke on the boat to see if it helped with your balance issue. Something like an 850XS, although WAY DOWN on power compared to your 115 Pro XS would be an interesting switch. A 650XS would be even better, having more HP and much less weight than an 850 if they weren't so hard to find.

Ya, agreed. Hard to find "light" engines in that power range these days. The 90 Etec might be the closest at 320 Lbs and the Yamaha F70 is 230 Lbs, as far as new engines. But not the power of the XS obviously.

[FMP]

If it's just for weight comparisons he has a triple and a four that he can use. He's built the triple and the late 120 Force is probably cracked open and half done by now. Just for comparison

[home made tunnel]

If it's just for weight comparisons he has a triple and a four that he can use. He's built the triple and the late 120 Force is probably cracked open and half done by now. Just for comparison

Haha - I did open the 120 Force already and remove the junk piston - I'm not sure I can save the block based on how bad the cylinder is. It'd need a new sleeve, and port matching afterwards. It weights 305 lbs

The Etec 115 is 390lbs - compared to my 115 pro XS only 360lbs

The battery is 50lbs, and in the rear. I also had the gas tank topped off with 18 gallons of fuel - That's 110 lbs. Removing 50 from the back, and adding it to the front will be a huge offset. Then half the gas will be like taking my new fiancé off the rear completely... and adding 50 to the front.
It'll be ok.... Now just need to finish the WIRING. Maybe this weekend, and get her back in the water.

[FMP]

Yup, it's not far off.
The 120 being 305? The CHRYSLER version is 260, Mercs are fat.

[H20WKD]

Lets thank the MOD's!!!

[roadkill636]

Thank you for cleaning up the crap posts from that guy

[ratman67]

Can't you shave weight off the engine? Lighten everything! rotating Assam there is usually a lot of meat that can be taken of the block heads flywheel starter etc. it's time consuming but heck you already have a ton of time in the build

[roadkill636]

Can't you shave weight off the engine? Lighten everything! rotating Assam there is usually a lot of meat that can be taken of the block heads flywheel starter etc. it's time consuming but heck you already have a ton of time in the build:eek:

[olboatman]

Can't you shave weight off the engine? Lighten everything! rotating Assam there is usually a lot of meat that can be taken of the block heads flywheel starter etc. it's time consuming but heck you already have a ton of time in the build

I think the mota is brandy-new and giving the baby a good shave may void the warranty....also movin the battery and fuel forward would make way more since time and money wise with more results. JMO
Gary

[home made tunnel]

I think the mota is brandy-new and giving the baby a good shave may void the warranty....also movin the battery and fuel forward would make way more since time and money wise with more results. JMO
Gary

Hit the nail on the head - - - Well, going to Doc's today to find out if it's a boy or a girl... Then playing on the jetski all afternoon (Playin Hooky from work). I'll be back at working on this thing Tuesday due to stormy weather the rest of this week.

[tunnels]

[QUOTE=home made tunnel;2986558]Hit the nail on the head - - - Well, going to Doc's today to find out if it's a boy or a girl... Then playing on the jetski all afternoon (Playin Hooky from work). I'll be back at working on this thing Tuesday due to stormy weather the rest of this week.[/QUOTE

Time for some test runs and pictures and maybe a video ??

[tunnels]

[QUOTE=tunnels;2987251][QUOTE=home made tunnel;2986558]Hit the nail on the head - - - Well, going to Doc's today to find out if it's a boy or a girl... Then playing on the jetski all afternoon (Playin Hooky from work). I'll be back at working on this thing Tuesday due to stormy weather the rest of this week.[/QUOTE

Time for some test runs and pictures and maybe a video or two ??

[H20WKD]

Double your pleasure...double your fun.....he's back!! :eek:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHfjdxN1URI

Bob

[AZMIDLYF]

386586

[H20WKD]

HMT....

This was just sent to me....thought you'd get a kick!! :thumbsup:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfLul_k50Es

Bob