Do I or Don't I??

[NewEquipPlz]

So many Questions!!!! But since this site is the best, your two sense is welcome! I want to race c stock hydro, and have been told that building a c stock hydro from a kit is not the best idea because the kit won't have some craftsmanship on it that the builder would include if he built the boat for you. Others say hoggwash. If I build a boat from the plans off some of the kits from this site, they will be just as fast as buying a new boat from a builder.
What do you think/advise?

Thanks folks!!

[Composite Specialties]

If you have some tools to build with, then build your own and don't listen to the craftsmanship theory. You will learn the craftsmanship as you go and then you can build as many as you like and make as many changes as you like. Just my opinion but don't follow, lead and use your own ideas for your future boats.

[mike ross]

The difference is the factory boat builder is familiar with all that is involved with the boat. bow lift measurement, transom angle, afterplane, cockpit width, . If you are a good craftsman I'm sure you could build the boat. The real difference is the experince at all the tricks of the trade. You pay a little more to have it show up done and ready to go. No mistakes!!! Then you can consentrate on all the other areas to get the boat ready to race. A used boat is also a great option. There have been a few I have seen for sale latley and that is another good starting point. Mike

[DeanFHobart]

Two Cents...

To NewEquipPlz,

Here's my two cents....................

First, a couple of questions:

1. Are you planning to race this season? If you are, it might be a little late to start building a boat for this season. But for next season, no problem.

2. Have you ever done any wood working or wooden boat building before? If not that still could be okay, but getting a 'kit' instead of building from 'plans' could get you off to a better start.

3. Build the boat as light as possible. Lots of lightening holes and light, thin wood. Basically, if you build the boat straight, square, and with a flat bottom you should be okay. Pick the design you like or have seen run out front. Although, there might be some good designs out there that you haven't seen run.... depending on where you live.

Lots of luck, and always good to see new people in the sport. Keep us informed on your progress.

Best Regards,

Dean Hobart

[ryan_4z]

I would have to recommend going with a used boat to start out with. Good used C Hydros are not hard to come by. And that way you can get a feel for what you are doing, and then decide what you want to do for a new boat. You should be able to find a boat fairly cheap that will be a good, stable ride, and something easy to learn in. That will give you a chance to be around the sport for a while, without making a huge investment.

[greybeard]

My 2 cents.

I agree with MJR and Mike Ross that you can build a "good" boat if you have solid woodworking skills or a mentor to help out and there is a great deal of satisfaction in racing a boat you have built. I would also advise you that there are enough variables in engines, props and setup to contend with when you are just starting out with out adding those associated with building your own boat. Small variations in building can rob speed or manifest themselves in handling problems on the race course. I spent most of two seasons when I started racing in the 60s struggling with a boat I built until I was able to take a ride in a "factory" boat and see how a race boat was supposed to handle.

If cost is the concern a used boat will get you on the water with a known quantity.

[C Stock Racer]

Your getting some good advice here. The first csr I built from scratch had a small rocker diagonaly across the bottom. It was a wild ride to say the least. Once I got it flat the boat was fine. It's very important the running surface be true and flat even on a hydro. If you have the tools and skills you should have no problems. A kit such as a Sornsen is another a good choice. As always there is plenty of good used boats available.

[hydroracer25]

Good advice either way

All of what has been said in previous posts is very much 'spot' on. I would recommend if you've never raced/been in a boat to strongly consider buying a "proven" hull for your first ride. I think it's great to want to build your own, but you may want to get your feet wet before tackling a boat build project.

As Dean mentioned, there are many proven hulls that all run fast, stable and turn well. If you haven't been to any races go to a few in your area and talk to a few racers and or members of the race committee. Put out the feelers for boats and I'm sure you'll be able to come up with something that will fit your needs (which can depend on your size as well).

FYI, see post from 'Bowers76-S' titled "For Sale". I can speak for that boat personally as I owned it for 1 season before selling it to Jim Seebold (a rookie at the time) who raced it for about 5 years. It would be a solid place to start and I'm sure it will be reasonably priced.

Mark

[wdlong1226]

jdad

i have an older c hydro in my shed .all hardware still in tack . it,s arunnecraft ill be willing to let it go for a few 100.if your interested i used it to train my son .had a mark25 on it .handeled great.alittle to fast for him.but real steady