An ABS "shoebox" construction question

[Drobie]

Another elementary question.......

In joining a "shoebox" hull and deck, the deck initially overhangs the hull.

In Andy's UL-1 instructions, it suggests sanding to "smooth contour between the deck and hull [sic]".

Do most of you completely remove the entire overhang? I'm nervous that there wouldn't be enough adhesive/ABS material left to maintain the joint.

(Andy, does "smooth contour" mean completely sanding off the entire lip?)

I know you're supposed to run a bead of adhesive around the interior of the deck/hull joint, but you can't hit the entire interior of joint after joining if you've stuffed the sponsons with flotation.

All feedback much appreciated.

[AndyKunz]

Doug,

A true "shoebox" fit is what you commonly find on mass-produced kits like the DPI ones. The deck would come down at almost vertical to the trim line. The UL1 is not a true shoebox in that the edge does not go vertical. Also, shoebox fits are commonly bandsaw cuttable.

Do most of you completely remove the entire overhang? I'm nervous that there wouldn't be enough adhesive/ABS material left to maintain the joint.

(Andy, does "smooth contour" mean completely sanding off the entire lip?)


I always do. Yes, that's exactly what it means. The aerodynamics of a smooth circumference on the joint vs the overhang make a tremendous difference for stability and drag.

I know you're supposed to run a bead of adhesive around the interior of the deck/hull joint, but you can't hit the entire interior of joint after joining if you've stuffed the sponsons with flotation.

The flotation doesn't extend right to the edge of the plastic. Are you not using the blocks provided? (ie, did you make something bigger?) You need to work one side of the boat at a time, holding it vertically and rotating it slowly as the glue travels around.

If you have trouble getting thick CA to flow and form the bead, "prime" the surface by using thin CA first. This will make it so the thicker stuff spreads easier.

If you are using epoxy such as to join a glass hull, use a little heat.

You also need to use a good bit of glue so it surface tension doesn't keep gravity from doing its job.

You can tell where the glue is at any point by looking for the wet spot on the hull/deck seam.

Andy

PS - In Andy's UL-1 instructions, it suggests sanding to "smooth contour between the deck and hull [sic]".

What's the sic for?

Andy

[Jeff Wohlt]

I sanded mine down . I uses medium CA and poured some in the hull at the seams and had a good light and watched it cover the seams...you want it at the right angle so it runs down the seam.

I still have just a small edge on mine and used squadron putty to smooth so it was a bit stronger. Some don't and leave a lip.

Here is a pic of mine.

[Drobie]

Thanks, Jeff.

I like the color.

[Jeff Wohlt]

Well...despite what "Matt666" said, it is not pink...but it is close! It is easy to see on the water...looks like a big, fast piece of bubblegum going down the water! It is a great boat.

The biggest performance boost for mine was the ride pads on the front. The pic does not show them as I added them later.

[matt6669]

haha its pink jeff give it up its pink buddy

[AndyKunz]

Matt,

Ya pickin' on ma buddy. Nobody picks on ma buddy an lives.

Come on over and I'll show you what pink boats do to chumps.

Andy

;)

[matt6669]

HAHAHHHAHAA
chump i am and proud of it
rigger is almost ready to run i can't wiat it should go for its maiden voyage tommorrow after i come home from jazz band im so excited.
andy i give you credit and everyone else out there that solders there own batteries that was the biggest pain in the #$%#$%#%^ i ever did. but now the batteries sorta fit under the hatch but during the summer ill have to do them again because i don't like the way they are.
have a good one and hope water is getting soft by everyone

[Paul]

Hello Doug,

Here's one with no overhange. Paul.

http://www.fastelectricrc.com/gallery/bh2.jpg

[Ray Bidwell]

Let me quess the color is magenta (PINK!!!). LOL

[Jeff Wohlt]

Thanks for the support, Andy.

The only thing that Matt will see Pink is his butt after a good spanking...which sounds like is due again.

Mine has no lip either like Pauls.

Paul...that is one badass looking boat! Who does your decals?

[AndyKunz]

Maybe he needs a pink belly! I haven't done that to somebody since 6th grade summer camp.

Andy

[Jeff Wohlt]

Oh man...have not had the "Pink belly" treatment for some time. His mmmuuuuuuaaahhh would turn into ---whaa...whaa....snifle, snifle. Knowing Matt, he would probably beg for more.


Matt, You won't be able to tell if the color is red or pink because you will be eating my roostertail. :)