FX1/144mm Bottom Replacement

[Jet Set Performance]

So I guess it's safe to assume this beast will be hitting the water very soon then, huh?? Let us know when that day gets here, I would love to see it in action. I'll even bring mine so you have a "side by side" comparison:biggrin:

 

[waterfreak]

Wow:bigeyes: that's looks great! good work!:biggthumpup: You were just one step away from pulling molds for the rest of it! Now that's how you put a ski together...one piece at a time. If you could of just make a new firewall you would off save alot of weight

That will be a "one of a kind" for sure . Can't wait to see it on the water Will you be going to Daytona?

He definitly made it look easier than it really is!!

Using epoxies is definetly the best but vinyl ester resin is alternatly less expensive, easier to work with , able you to use any polyester based gelcoats and have very much the characteristics of epoxies.

you shoud thing about making your own" how to" book. Very informative thread indeed

 

[Flash-FX]

Well, this project has pretty much come to an end. I wasn't going to bore you with more 're-foaming' pix (there's plenty of threads covering that fun). But here
you go. 'WaveHog' was kind enough to lend me some 2lb. foam for this. Standard procedure....keep the temperature up as close to 80 degrees as possible for proper expansion, mix real well and pour.(no slacking). I used small (16oz-20oz.) batches to keep things under control.
After the foam reached it's final cure that afternoon, I leveled out the ride tray w/36 grit on a DA. Since this boat is just a 'experiment' I decided to add a little extra 'foot room'. It helps on a FX1.
The blue cloth is a piece of 'peel ply' holding down a few stray strands of fiberglass that were sticking up. After it cured it got peeled off..... Don't you just hate those strays?

 

[Flash-FX]

Since WaveHog needed a little help vacuum bagging a set of footholds, I decided to make a extra ride plate. The more you work with these materials, the better the finished products become. Its all in the prep.

 

[Flash-FX]

Thanks again for all the ++++ replies. WF, I am hoping to make Daytona if all works out. We'll see.

If you want to see some finished pix, there are some on the Jersey Rager page.. post # 47. http://www.x-h2o.com/threads/8752&page=3

 

[Metal4130]

AWESOME! How does that peel ply work? Does it just come off when the resin cures?

 

[Flash-FX]

Yep, it peels off leaving behind the texture of the cloth. Perfect for secondary laminating without much SANDING. It's teflon treated so the resin will not stick to it.

Here's the basics...:cheer:

 

[Sanford]

I still don't understand how that peel ply sticks to (fresh) wet glass (especially on stubborn curved areas). I can see it in a vacuum bag environment but not all by its self. It seems it would best be applied just when the epoxy begins to set and glass becomes sticky...no?

ps. Keep da pix a comin'

 

[Flash-FX]

I still don't understand how that peel ply sticks to (fresh) wet glass (especially on stubborn curved areas). I can see it in a vacuum bag environment but not all by its self. It seems it would best be applied just when the epoxy begins to set and glass becomes sticky...no?

ps. Keep da pix a comin'

Sanford....Since US Composites is in your neck of the woods, head over there and pick up a yard or so of it. It's pretty cheap like 5.00/yd. They also have copies of 'West Systems Vacuum bagging techniques' guide. Check it out...It doesn't cover everything I worked with in my build, but its Good info.
And yes, peel ply does stick better when the resin begins to set...Freestyle it.:cheer:

 

[Legdragger]

Hey this thread makes a lot more sense after the tour of your facility:biggthumpup:

I totally feel the same way about not liking to do this stuff but if you can't buy it you have to build it. However, you are one of very few guys that can say you built your own jet ski which is pretty friggin cool:cool2: .


After these waves and warm temps go away I will be able to get back in the shop to put the jet ski fabrication lesson to use, X2 style. I should be able to whip one up in my spare time over the next two years........

 

[Flash-FX]

Hey this thread makes a lot more sense after the tour of your facility:biggthumpup:

I totally feel the same way about not liking to do this stuff but if you can't buy it you have to build it. However, you are one of very few guys that can say you built your own jet ski which is pretty friggin cool:cool2: .


After these waves and warm temps go away I will be able to get back in the shop to put the jet ski fabrication lesson to use, X2 style. I should be able to whip one up in my spare time over the next two years........

Thanks for the big :biggthumpup: . Can't wait to see your 'new & improved' X-2 at 1/2 the weight. It will be AWESOME!:scared: .

I put the FX-1 on the scale the other day.....262.0 lbs. complete w/o gas. That's with that heavy 144mm scat pump.

 

[chad]

Sanford....Since US Composites is in your neck of the woods, head over there and pick up a yard or so of it. It's pretty cheap like 5.00/yd. They also have copies of 'West Systems Vacuum bagging techniques' guide. Check it out...It doesn't cover everything I worked with in my build, but its Good info.
And yes, peel ply does stick better when the resin begins to set...Freestyle it.:cheer:

I am curious about vacuum bagging .. Did you make your setup?
what type of vacuum system do you use? does the West systems book cover these things???

Very nice job. everything turned out great. VERY inspiring !!!!!!:You_Rock_Emoticon:

 

[Flash-FX]

I am curious about vacuum bagging .. Did you make your setup?
what type of vacuum system do you use? does the West systems book cover these things???

Very nice job. everything turned out great. VERY inspiring !!!!!!:You_Rock_Emoticon:

Yea..Chad, the West Systems pamphlet covers most of it for small projects (all epoxy). Look around for more info on the net too. The vacuum pump I use is designed for the HVAC industry rated @ 4.5cfm at about 29" hg. The vacuum 'suction cups' seem to be the easiest to attach,especially when working with thin stretchable plastic.
The one thing that is not covered in that pamphlet is applying a layer of PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) or Partall #10 over the waxed surface. This stuff can be tricky to apply properly. It's a chemical resistant (but water soluble) layer that helps your pieces release from the mold...easier.

 

[Flash-FX]

Ok..now this should take care of that mag pump issue.:cheer:

 

[Scorn800]

Outstanding build. Good luck with it.
Real nice motor package.

 

[Slug]

WOW there's some serious mumbo there. :headbang: How does it go?

 

[DR3]

yea hows that thing run!?!?!

 

[Flash-FX]

WOW there's some serious mumbo there. :headbang: How does it go?

To describe the boat in 1 word....SICK. The water temp yesterday was in the low 40's,:bigeyes: so there was no messing around there. My .5mm JP wetsuit felt like a windbreaker. The motor ran really strong for the brief carb adjustments. The pump is awesome! I think I need go lower on the pitch spread, 13-18 seems a little to tall. Right out of the hole it is a little sluggish where I would like more zip. (85mm nozzle with the shortest Wet Wolf shuttle). This thing is WAY faster top end than my old boat that did like maybe 51-52 mph.

And no, I didn't go swimming.:cheer:

 

[special fx]

Schweet!!

 

[sjaholic]

awesome skills!