New boats for 2008?

[mercguy]

Thanks Joe and Jerry for the "package" .... Santa made the 3000 miles from New York to the Emerald City. The crating was excellent!

It should be back in NY in August!

****, I did not know Santa drove a Dodge (he must be getting lazy in his old age)........I bet the reindeer were pissed off!!!

that is one nice present though!

[mercguy]

Hmmmmm ........................

you trying to give us all neck strains???? I think "Torei" should build you a new cart for it!!

[drbyrne55]

you trying to give us all neck strains???? I think "Torei" should build you a new cart for it!!

Hey, I think you could run 20SSH in this thing as long as you add 10 lbs but then those first turns can be interesting in the 69R. (Newberg!)

[mercguy]

Hey, I think you could run 20SSH in this thing as long as you add 10 lbs but then those first turns can be interesting in the 69R. (Newberg!)

if the new boat is 1/2 lane wide, I can make it through the first turn at Newberg!!

[seanp3]

if the new boat is 1/2 lane wide, I can make it through the first turn at Newberg!!

Well, I don't think its any narrower. However, it should be a little lighter so you should get to that first turn about a half boat length ahead

[modhydro]

New J boat going together well

Kyle is making good progress on his boat, especially for his first one. He is doing all of it except for the skilsaw and tablesaw cuts. So far he still has all his fingers! I didn't know epoxy could be applied so slow, but I guess this is how you learn! We should have the side deck frames and airtraps on by tomorrow night.

Steve Roskowski

[Lights]

Kyle's new J hydro

I like to see the kids building new boats, it's the sports future. Hopefully my three boy's will be building their first J/KPRO hydro this summer. But they won't be racing yet just playing. Momma doesn't approve of "her" little boy's racing yet. She thinks it's way to dangerous. But it's OK to strap both of their feet to one board and send them down a snow and ice hill at over 40 mph. Them snowboarders are nuts!

Steve is the boat of your design? I need to find some affordable plans for my boy's any suggestions? Also what kind of plywood are you using on Kyle's cockpit sides? it looks to light colored to be okoume. It could just be the picture though.

[3rd Chance]

Runne Refinishing

I just got my CSR back from Ryan who re-decked the old girl

[modhydro]

Wood color

Mark,

We use a 1/2" balsa cored material for the bottoms and cockpit sides. It is light and very strong. I've been using it now for about 15 years. This particular batch has lighter colored face veneers than typical. Usually you would be hard pressed to notice that it isn't regular plywood.

The boat is our own design. I polled on this site for some measurements, but came up pretty empty. Several of Kyle's competitors here in the midwest were nice enough to let us measure up their boats though. I've got the list out in the shop or I'd give them to you now.

We think that it is more important to involve the whole family like this rather than have a kid just show up as a driver and get carried out to the boat. Kids should realize the work that it takes to enjoy the ride. Learning some valuable skills and patience along the way is a great benefit as well. Besides that it is simply a ton of fun.

We just got back from some shopping and need to get back out there. Important stuff like some groceries and some new bandsaw blades for the next cuts he needs to make. More photos as progress warrants.
Steve

[oldracer]

Kyle's J Hydro

Steve- Looks like Kyle is following in the foot steps of Dad. Seems like he is doing a great job. Mabe he will take over the boat building from you. LOL
Ye Olde Desert Geezer Al

[aojesus]

modhydro

Modhydro,
That is some great stuff! My son was 9 when we built the Mi**M*st
We had a blast and the lessons last a lifetime. The family time is priceless.

Please keep us posted on his progress!

[mercguy]

Well, I don't think its any narrower. However, it should be a little lighter so you should get to that first turn about a half boat length ahead

I think I am retired from 20SSH now and not too sure how happy your new hired "gun" would feel with another peron piloting the boat......

[brian]

Steve and Kyle...

I must say I would like to see the other end of the shop... I have never seen a new work in progress in that end of the shop!

Kyle.... It looks great! I see you let your Dad talk you into building the boat the wrong side up.

I will say this about the Roskowski's.... they are a cool family. The kids have high tech and low tech toys. I think you would be hard pressed to find a group of boys who like GAS as much as they do! LOL Sorry Donna.

[modhydro]

Both ends of shop

Brian,

Here is a photo for you as well then. I am putting some new wood on an old Karelson hydro for Jim Johnson's Grandson Walt in C Service. I guess the castor isn't that good a preservative after all.

Kyle did pretty well last night and this morning getting all the side deck frames made and installed. He got some time on the table saw and then found out just how quickly the drill press with a hole saw can turn a piece of boat into a finger bashing spinner. He scabbed up well enough to continue. We are taking a break now for Brian's birthday and wont't get out in the shop again until this evening.

[modhydro]

One happy kid

Here is where the boat is at now. We are heading up to my parents for a couple of days so nothing will happen again until next week.

Steve