2022 FX1 maybe the last one?

[SALTDOG]

Almost ready for bonding, been working on this Tom 21 hull for a year now, had to set and realign mid shaft assembly and move pump mounts back to use a SJ driveshaft. These things came raw, but light! Added carbon in all know FX1 weak areas, under pivot, hood latch areas, bottom, and after bonding will carbon sides and entire bond line inside and out.
Used a mock pump with couch shaft to get alignment through firewall/midshaft/CF alignment tool and to mock cases and bed plate to line all 3 up properly. Getting close now, I can almost see light at the end of the (pump) tunnel !

 

[Sanoman]

Lots of work and sweat went into this build.Can’t wait to see the finished product!

 

[brapperdoodle]

yes

 

[SALTDOG]

Hull came with a FX1 type bond rail on bottom and a Rickter looking wing/ splash guard on top and they don’t match! Before bonding I’m thinking I’ll cut bond rail lip off bottom, bond flat surfaces together along with nose and tail (rails match there). Then reinforce wing with cloth or carbon because it’s paper thin now, then layup from inside bond line also with cloth or carbon. I see wing getting damaged if I don’t strengthen it now!

 

[Sanoman]

Can you just cut the vertical part of the bottom rail? (is that what you meant?) Then reinforce

 

[SALTDOG]

That’s the plan, wasn’t sure how much that will change handling, or if I’ll like the handling with the wings on, but they will need to be built up a lot. A lot of things on this hull were dangerously thin.

 

[Sanoman]

Saw one other in Atlanta a few years ago.Been great if Tom would have continued and improved the first ones.

 

[SALTDOG]

I agree, a little refinement and these things could have revitalized the FX1 world. It would be great if one of the proven hull manufacturers would put out a hull similar to FX1 with tubbies built in, wider tray, and pump/driveshaft ready.

 

[hornedogg79]

We're pretty much in the same boat. I bonded my f1 pro together yesterday. How much shorter is this than stock?

I'd love for someone to remake these and not just widen the tray but widen the entire hull 2-3".

 

[SALTDOG]

Same length as stock with full width ride plate in place. Ride plate is going to need reinforcements, met a guy at Daytona Freeride that had one , said they break off easily.

 

[SALTDOG]

Got her bonded together and put 2 layers of 8 oz. cloth on wings to reinforce but wings are still thin and seem like they could cut you if it landed on you sideways. Not sure if I should thicken them more or is there a trim I can install to prevent injuries or dismemberment!

 

[SALTDOG]

4 layers of 8oz cloth to reinforce bond rail on outside and thicken wings, carbon on inside for bonding and damage control.
Next step is pour foam in tray rails so I can shape them, this tray came just a little wider than stock FX1!

 

[SALTDOG]

Getting close

 

[E350]

I am really interested in a ride report. The bond rails look really interesting.

 

[SALTDOG]

Not sure how the “wings “ are going to ride and I’ve become accustomed to chubbies on my daily rider so this will be interesting.

 

[sturat]

sweeeeeet.

 

[SALTDOG]

Want to add some flotation yet keep bottom open for drainage if needed so made a 5.7oz carbon floor along rails and poured foam so I could shape tray and have 2 sealed foam compartments.

 

[Sanoman]

Coming along @SALTDOG

 

[SALTDOG]

Starting to assemble for a test build before painting. Fingers crossed.

 

[jpswift1]

Starting to assemble for a test build before painting. Fingers crossed.

Looks like everything is lining up nicely! If you don't mind me asking, how'd you get your hands on this hull? Did Tom21 still have these sitting around for sale? I have an FX1 and love it, but I just wish it had a 144mm pump and wider tray. It looks like these Tom21 hulls addressed all of the shortcomings of the stock FX1.