My new Dillon Laker SC12 Tunnel!

[sharpeye Mike]

I keep forgetting about the 260 lbs. Dillon has drawing for a 14' Laker.
I thought of building one but I'm more of a Vee bottom guy

[David]

Were I in your shoes, I would call Ron Hill to see (a) what I could learn and (b) if he could tweak one of his props for your boat/motor/size. Unless of course you plan to put the 115 on it soon.

https://hillmarine.com/products/sign...small-gearcase

Ron used to promote what I recall was called the 'fat 50' tunnel class. Unless my memory if faulty.

[DangerNewb]

Like the Glen-L Bullet that I made earlier this year, this one took me 8 weeks to build. I finally got all my decals so it's photo-worthy. I've only had it out 4 times, so I haven't much adjustment time yet. But I got it up to 44mph without trimming it yet. So the trim goes on this weekend. I should get around 50mph, which will be plenty for me in this little 12 footer. It just begs you to whip it around a corner.... I'm looking at doing the Glen-L Tunnel King next. I have a 115hp Rude ready for it.

Very cool. When you say eight weeks, roughly what sort of hours per week are you talking about. Just curious.

[CUDA]

Loose 80 Lbs for your own GOOD

and the boats,

I got to 225 at 190 going to 180 or below

For LONGEVITY

[Spaceman Spiff]

The stainless OMC props for that motor are crap!

The all do that if you get them close to the surface, and or run trim.

Clamp a 2x4 in a vise and hammer as much cup as you can, into your 19” aluminum.

If you’re careful, you can beat a lot of cup into it.

I just did it to the same prop and made a huge improvement.

Way cool boat, congrats on the project!

Building a boat from wood is one of the most rewarding thing I’ve done.
(and I think that every time)

And yeah, at that weight, it will take different set up than for a skinning guy.
Especially as far forward as you sit in that boat.

If it’s not already, I move as much weight to the transom as you can.

Cleavers don’t like pushing weight.

Id go after as much blade area, rake and cup as you can find.

Those are killer motors but finding decent wheels for them sucks!

I’ve done several and the home modded OMC alum props have always been the fastest.

Thank you sir. Maybe I'll try taking my AL prop to a prop shop for the cupping. I guess I can add another $200 paper weight to the "wall of props" in my garage.

[Spaceman Spiff]

Very cool. When you say eight weeks, roughly what sort of hours per week are you talking about. Just curious.

Thanks. I have a full time job, so it was just evenings and weekends. Maybe 30-40 hours a week.

[Spaceman Spiff]

Loose 80 Lbs for your own GOOD

and the boats,

I got to 225 at 190 going to 180 or below

For LONGEVITY

At 55 yo, it's getting increasingly more difficult to lose weight. Plus, I'm built more like retired linebacker than a retired lineman. LOL It's more than just one easy target area to attack. 30 lbs would be about the most I could lose.

[David]

My brothers and I once split the cost of putting a 115 Etec on one of my boats to replace the 100 crossflow. We all wanted a better water ski pull out. It’s easier to buy horsepower than lose weight.

We have all lost weight since then

[John S]

It’s easier to buy horsepower than lose weight.

That's the most American post you've ever made.

[CUDA]

Believe me, outboard drag racing has kept many racers' weight down,

Weight is Critical in Flying machines

[Instigator]

I have a $200 Chinese copy of a baby Merc Chopper that didn’t fit the prop shaft, and when it did, after an hr of grinding, it ran like crap!
(on the same motor you have)

Thank you sir. Maybe I'll try taking my AL prop to a prop shop for the cupping. I guess I can add another $200 paper weight to the "wall of props" in my garage.

[Instigator]

I have a $200 Chinese copy of a baby Merc Chopper that didn’t fit the prop shaft, and when it did, after an hr of grinding, it ran like crap!
(on the same motor you have)

Thank you sir. Maybe I'll try taking my AL prop to a prop shop for the cupping. I guess I can add another $200 paper weight to the "wall of props" in my garage.

[99fxst99]

Great thread! Keep us posted!!

[scott reierson]

Hey Spaceman...I had a string steer Tunnel King with a 1972? ported 125 OMC Xflow electric shift. Lighted internals, Tight heads, Stuffers, lots of timing, solids, Bobs LWP etc. I spun it to 7K with a OMC Cleaver. No TNT. Ran it up on the tilt pin.

[Spaceman Spiff]

Here's my power trim. It's just a re-purposed Lenco trim tab actuator. Works good though.