My first ski & a cry for help (Or how I went in WAY over my head)

Location
Germany
Hi guys!
I apologize for the wall of text :)

So a couple of weeks ago I started a thread asking for advice. I found a cheap SN hull for sale and was ready to pull the trigger. I asked here and everyone told me It was a good buy so I was ready to go there and pick up the ski. The plan was to turn it into a surf machine.
I started reading all the build threads I could and realized that Id have to rock the nose, cut the back, make footholds, widen the tray, probably change the foam... I got scared poopless. I passed on the ski and started reading up on aftermarket hulls.
I grew up on an Island and ever since I can remember I dreamed of owning a ski, couple of years ago, fresh out of Uni I purchased a couch, but never really "quenched my thirst". Reading up on threads and couple of comments I realized that the budget i had originally planned was not gonna get me my dream machine, so went ahead and sold my couch and a couple of other crap I had lying around and placed an order for a Piranha evo hull.
Its a cheaper hull made in poland, but seems to be selling well in Europe and I dont want to drop 6000 Euros in a Rickter or Krash hull just jet.
Yesterday I got some pics of my hull, its almost finished. Needs the graphics done and he´ll ship. I know the color is not everyones cup of tea but I love that color and the graphics we are planning should make it nicer ( at least for me, going for a sugar skull theme, love those things), Hydro-turf will be white.
The problem is that, I have NEVER, not once in my life build a ski, just trying to figure out what parts I need is being a nightmare. I do build and fly Rc helis and drones, and use my hands everyday at work. I am not completely retarded so I am sure that whith a little help I can get this going.
I apologize again for the wall of text! Thanks for taking the time to read it and any advice you have for me its super welcome.
English is not my first language and so I apologize for the million misspellings and grammar mistakes :)
G14686626_1428422673851911_1433411254_n.jpg 14694649_1428423357185176_1294440146_n.jpg 14686626_1428422673851911_1433411254_n.jpg 14694649_1428423357185176_1294440146_n.jpg 14686626_1428422673851911_1433411254_n.jpg
 

Ducky

Back in the game!
Location
Charlotte, NC
Do you have a donor ski? Do you have any parts other than the hull itself?

I personally love the color...reminds me of BMW's Laguna Seca Blue.
 
Location
Germany
Hey man!
Thanks for the answer!
I do not :) Ill purchase everything as I go. The hull comes with the things you see on the pic ( Its not my ski, some guy had it for sale, all those bits comes with hull)
The guy who makes the hull also had some engines for sale, he offered me an 850 for 1800 bucks, and twin mikuni carbs new for 650 or used for 400 bucks
I also attach a pic of the sugar skull he is using as a template for my graphics.
G
14360348_10210610599726868_1944340381_o.jpg day_of_the_dead_sugar_skull_halloween_sticker.jpg
 
Location
Germany
So basically I have the hull, ride plate, intake grate, handle pole, hydro turf and ninja foot holds already installed,
I also ordered a bunch of colored fuel lines because Im cool like that and because Its the only thing I can order and not licorice up on :D
See how Effed I am? :D
G
 

Yami-Rider

TigerCraft FV-PRO
Location
Texoma
You already have:
hull
ride plate
intake grate
handle pole
hydro turf
ninja foot holds

So your need:
Motor/carb(s)
Electronics
Exhaust
Exhaust tubing
Waterbox
Cooling lines
Fuel tank
Midshaft
Engine/midshaft couplers
Midshaft housing
Possibly midshaft housing spacer plate depending on bulkhead
Motor Mounts
Battery
Battery box
Pump/prop/driveshaft
Control cables, throttle, steering, trim
Alignment tool for driveshaft alignment
Engine/pump shims
Handlebars/steering plate
Finger throttle
All the mounting bolt for everything
Hull hooks for fuel tank, waterbox
Waterbox, fuel tank, battery straps
Hood mounting hardware

Thats about it.
 
G,

You should really look around for a cheap 650/701/760 Yamaha donor ski if possible. I don't have personal experience buying a ski piece by piece but even with a donor ski it's amazing how all the little pieces add up. If you could find anything for >$1500 I would consider it even at that price.

Engine Longblock - $1000
Pump Complete - $400 (Driveshaft length may be an issue)
Midshaft Housing (might not won't work depending on which unit you get)
Midshaft (Most likely won't work depending on which unit you get)
Motor Mounts
Exhaust Tubes (Most likely won't work depending on which unit you get)
Steering Cable
Throttle Cable
Gas Tank (Most likely wont fit)
Battery Box
Water box straps
Gas tank straps
Finger Throttle

I only priced the first two items, after that the donor ski is almost paid off.
 
Location
Germany
Wow! Thats a shopping list right there :D
Thanks a lot for the input guys,
If I understood correctly, the superjet can be used as donor ski as everything fits directly, that should make my life a lot easier.
I have been looking around for a donor ski but so far no luck as I am in Germany and the offer seems to be quite limited.
Of course, If you guys have bits and pieces I would need and are willing to ship Ill always listen to suggestions and offers.
I will do this as good as I can and will take my time so I can save up the money for decent components, been a long time waiting so a few extra months wont change anything.
Thanks again!
G
 

Yami-Rider

TigerCraft FV-PRO
Location
Texoma
I know nothing about how he builds those hulls, but generally aftermarket hulls are made to fit 96-07 superjet parts.
 
Best advice I can give is contact jetmaniac tell him what you need, open your wallet and tha wait for it to arrive...since you need everything and it doesn't sound like you have alot of local support someone who is knowledgeable and willing to help will be a big asset for you. Aka jetmaniac :)
 
Location
Germany
Thank you guys for the advice and the encouragement.
The thread Ducky linked is a great starting point. Thanks!
I spent a few hours last night looking around for parts in Europe. This guys seem to have quite a lot of nice looking hardware and with the pound taking a dive the prices are somewhat reasonable. http://www.freerideinnovations.co.uk/, do you guys have some feedback?
Ill probably have to order stuff stateside but between shipping and ze taxman Im quite scared.
Have a great weekend all!
 

Yami-Rider

TigerCraft FV-PRO
Location
Texoma
I have ordered from freerider innotations with no issues, you should be fine. Would make sense to order from them if your close.
 

iangdesign

Cats, lots of cats!
Location
United States
Another note: since you are building a surf ski a larger engine is not necessarily needed. A lot of bros on here roll with a 701 or 760 instead of a larger engine. Could help you save a couple bucks and put the money toward other parts that are needed. GLWB!
 
Location
Germany
Thanks everyone for chiming in.
I am constantly looking online for components but now the problem, since I need to do this over a period of 5 or so months ( I want to use only the money I make, will steer clear of my credit car), is that I am not sure in which order to start.
I guess pump, trim, and steering first so I can route the cables nicely easier.
What would you guys order first?

Also, For a surf ski that will also see "some" lake or river action, I was thinking that a 850 engine with twin mikuni 46 carbs would be good, but what Iangdesign said makes sense, maybe I should go for the smaller motor, save some cash, and for my next build, once I have the exerience and a better AM hull, go nuts and build me a real beast.

Thanks everyone!
 

Yami-Rider

TigerCraft FV-PRO
Location
Texoma
Pump is the first thing that needs to go in.
Love my xs865ss, I ride some surf, perfect size motor, a bit powerful for a beginner though.
 

Yami-Rider

TigerCraft FV-PRO
Location
Texoma
Depends on budget. Mag would be ideal for surf. Assuming you have a 144 intake tunnel, I would go with a 144 or 148 stainless magnum pump.
 
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