baxt3r
BBQ
- Location
- Charlotte, NC
To begin, this is my first ski build. I've taken a couple apart now, but none have ever been reassembled. This ought to be fun. The name of this build is quite appropriate for those who know me. I like to drink beer, and I fully intend to consume several (cases) over the course of this build.
Let the horror show begin.......
The hull:
- Backie Chan
- Fiberglass
- Custom paint by Steve
- Weight goes here if I can find a scale
Engine:
- Yamaha 701
- ADA head with 35cc domes (I think)
- OEM electronics
- Factory B-Pipe Limited chamber
- OEM 38 carbs with factory flame arrestor
Controls:
- X-Scream Comp length pole
- ATP Mini steering
- RRP Fat Bars (or is it Phat Bars?)
- ODI grips
- unknown brand throttle lever
Other parts:
- H2O Designs waterbox
- H2O Designs battery box
- OEM pump from 2006 RN
- Bored exit nozzle from JetManiac (85.0)
- Solas 12/17 Mag prop
I'll add more as I figure out where I've put all the other stuff.
My hull has not arrived, but I have picked up a few parts for the build. I'll offer some initial thoughts. On the X-Metal pole, the backing plate seems like it is a little sharp around the edges for my liking, so I will take the Dremel to it to smooth it out a bit where the intake hoses are. I'm a little worried about sharp edges and soft hoses rubbing together. I plan to get a flathead screw for the chin pad. I intend to turf the chinpad to match the ski and a big lump in the turf just ain't sexy. The ATP Mini steering won't just drop on/in to the pole. Looks like a job for Super-Dremel (I hate grinding on new parts). I've also been told the Jet Dynamics intake grate will need to be a victim of the grinder as well. I really hope not.
As an aside, I'm a little hurt that there were no stickers in the box with the pole. They're pricey and I've got a new beer fridge that needs an angry gorilla sticker (hint, hint, guys.)
I have a few ideas I am tossing around for this build that will hopefully help a first-timer with their own build. My beer count is not one of them.
I'm going to go ahead and apologize to all who I wind up contacting during this build. First beer or 5 is on me when we see each other.
If you've read this far, I'm sorry. But, if you have any questions, feel free to ask. I'll be more than happy to tell you that I have no idea. In all seriousness, I'll be more than happy to help in any way I can.
Update: I got the pole bracket backer plate smoothed out. It is now smooth metal compared to almost a straight razor. Used a green Dremel grinding wheel and a 60-grit sanding drum to smooth it out. Took 10 minutes. Quick and cheap peace of mind for me, even if it was uneccessary. On to the pole and steering.
1/4/14 progress report: Finished up hogging out the hole in the XMetal pole to accept the ATP Mini steering. Now I have to gently grind the hell out of the steering stop/chinpad support to make everything fit in as close to the correct way as I can get. If you go this route in a build, a Dremel is NOT the tool for this job. I eventually got it done, but I would almost recommend a machine shop if you're impatient. I can't imagine opening the hole .1" would cost too much. It started at .9" and I actually opened it up to a random assortment of sizes between 1.01" and 1.03". But it fits.
1/6/14: got the chin pad height figured out. The ATP Mini steering was hitting the chinpad when fully bolted down. Looks like it will need about one inch of washers to clear. Or I cut it an I am not wanting to do any more cutting or grinding before I even see the hull. Washers it is, for now. If I don't like it, I will commence grinding, cutting, and cussing. I'm hoping the hull provides fewer challenges than the steering has so far. I know its all custom. I guess I'll get used to it.
1/20/14: Got the hull back from Daytona and into the garage to start working. Immediately realized I don't have the necessary hardware to start working on anything, so I put the hooks on the inside of the hull and finger-tightened the engine mounts and Kenney Keepers. Slid the pump shoe into place but didn't go any further. I want to be absolutely sure I mount this thing the correct way since it is pretty important to getting everything in line properly. Time to put together a shopping list of all the new stuff I need to get going.
1/21/14: Pump shoe is ready to go in after much concern/worry/beer. Surfaces that get glue have been sanded with 80-grit and surrounding areas have been taped off. Picking up some MEK or acetone tomorrow so I can clean as I go. Hoping to make some decent progress tomorrow. Would like to know if I should use #10 x 1/2" or #10 x 3/4" screws on the shoe. Does it even matter? Silicone them? Bueller?
Beer Tracker: 47
Let the horror show begin.......
The hull:
- Backie Chan
- Fiberglass
- Custom paint by Steve
- Weight goes here if I can find a scale
Engine:
- Yamaha 701
- ADA head with 35cc domes (I think)
- OEM electronics
- Factory B-Pipe Limited chamber
- OEM 38 carbs with factory flame arrestor
Controls:
- X-Scream Comp length pole
- ATP Mini steering
- RRP Fat Bars (or is it Phat Bars?)
- ODI grips
- unknown brand throttle lever
Other parts:
- H2O Designs waterbox
- H2O Designs battery box
- OEM pump from 2006 RN
- Bored exit nozzle from JetManiac (85.0)
- Solas 12/17 Mag prop
I'll add more as I figure out where I've put all the other stuff.
My hull has not arrived, but I have picked up a few parts for the build. I'll offer some initial thoughts. On the X-Metal pole, the backing plate seems like it is a little sharp around the edges for my liking, so I will take the Dremel to it to smooth it out a bit where the intake hoses are. I'm a little worried about sharp edges and soft hoses rubbing together. I plan to get a flathead screw for the chin pad. I intend to turf the chinpad to match the ski and a big lump in the turf just ain't sexy. The ATP Mini steering won't just drop on/in to the pole. Looks like a job for Super-Dremel (I hate grinding on new parts). I've also been told the Jet Dynamics intake grate will need to be a victim of the grinder as well. I really hope not.
As an aside, I'm a little hurt that there were no stickers in the box with the pole. They're pricey and I've got a new beer fridge that needs an angry gorilla sticker (hint, hint, guys.)
I have a few ideas I am tossing around for this build that will hopefully help a first-timer with their own build. My beer count is not one of them.
I'm going to go ahead and apologize to all who I wind up contacting during this build. First beer or 5 is on me when we see each other.
If you've read this far, I'm sorry. But, if you have any questions, feel free to ask. I'll be more than happy to tell you that I have no idea. In all seriousness, I'll be more than happy to help in any way I can.
Update: I got the pole bracket backer plate smoothed out. It is now smooth metal compared to almost a straight razor. Used a green Dremel grinding wheel and a 60-grit sanding drum to smooth it out. Took 10 minutes. Quick and cheap peace of mind for me, even if it was uneccessary. On to the pole and steering.
1/4/14 progress report: Finished up hogging out the hole in the XMetal pole to accept the ATP Mini steering. Now I have to gently grind the hell out of the steering stop/chinpad support to make everything fit in as close to the correct way as I can get. If you go this route in a build, a Dremel is NOT the tool for this job. I eventually got it done, but I would almost recommend a machine shop if you're impatient. I can't imagine opening the hole .1" would cost too much. It started at .9" and I actually opened it up to a random assortment of sizes between 1.01" and 1.03". But it fits.
1/6/14: got the chin pad height figured out. The ATP Mini steering was hitting the chinpad when fully bolted down. Looks like it will need about one inch of washers to clear. Or I cut it an I am not wanting to do any more cutting or grinding before I even see the hull. Washers it is, for now. If I don't like it, I will commence grinding, cutting, and cussing. I'm hoping the hull provides fewer challenges than the steering has so far. I know its all custom. I guess I'll get used to it.
1/20/14: Got the hull back from Daytona and into the garage to start working. Immediately realized I don't have the necessary hardware to start working on anything, so I put the hooks on the inside of the hull and finger-tightened the engine mounts and Kenney Keepers. Slid the pump shoe into place but didn't go any further. I want to be absolutely sure I mount this thing the correct way since it is pretty important to getting everything in line properly. Time to put together a shopping list of all the new stuff I need to get going.
1/21/14: Pump shoe is ready to go in after much concern/worry/beer. Surfaces that get glue have been sanded with 80-grit and surrounding areas have been taped off. Picking up some MEK or acetone tomorrow so I can clean as I go. Hoping to make some decent progress tomorrow. Would like to know if I should use #10 x 1/2" or #10 x 3/4" screws on the shoe. Does it even matter? Silicone them? Bueller?
Beer Tracker: 47
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