That does look like fun - I think I'd be wanting something a bit bigger, though, living next to the North Sea!
I've been building laser cut balsa aircraft models, lately, though, and it does show the potential for scaling the technology up to full-size
laser/water-jet cut plywood for all sorts of big boy's toys.
Looks great to me might need a bigger engine to pep it up a bit, years ago I used to be involved in hydroplane racing, basically just a bit of
plywood with a sodding great outboard slapped on the back, good fun but bloody dangerous
quote:Originally posted by Shooter63
...years ago I used to be involved in hydroplane racing, basically just a bit of plywood with a sodding great outboard slapped on the back, good fun
but bloody dangerous.
Ooh, me too! There's a coincidence - there can't be many of us around?
Where did you used to race and what class? I helped out with an Imp-engined R1 class inboard (sadly, the inboard classes are now totally defunct in
the UK).
Photo Archive
Building: It is an ex-Locost - it has gone to the IOW!
posted on 12/2/18 at 09:33 PM
quote:Originally posted by Shooter63
Looks great to me might need a bigger engine to pep it up a bit, years ago I used to be involved in hydroplane racing, basically just a bit of
plywood with a sodding great outboard slapped on the back, good fun but bloody dangerous
Shooter
I watched some of them once - as you say, a tiny ply platform with the 'driver' kneeling on top. ridiculous speed, incredible cornering,
and quite few spills. Insane!
quote:Originally posted by Shooter63
Looks great to me might need a bigger engine to pep it up a bit, years ago I used to be involved in hydroplane racing, basically just a bit of
plywood with a sodding great outboard slapped on the back, good fun but bloody dangerous
Shooter
I watched some of them once - as you say, a tiny ply platform with the 'driver' kneeling on top. ridiculous speed, incredible cornering,
and quite few spills. Insane!
The 'cabover' outboards (driver laying prone) are definitely the most nuts. In extremis, the entire hull can be out of the water with the
whole thing just riding on the hub of the prop. 'Flying' in ground effect, basically, and balanced on the cusp of taking off and
somersaulting.
The inboards were quite tame, in comparison (1 litre Imp engine, and we were getting just over 100mph) and spend at least most of their time in
contact with the water.
Photo Archive
Building: It is an ex-Locost - it has gone to the IOW!
posted on 13/2/18 at 04:58 PM
There was a program on the telly ages ago, where the presenter (Jeremy Clarkson?) went in a 2-seater F1-style hydroplane at full speed. Rattled
around, scared, terrified even - it cheered me up no end!
quote:Originally posted by alistairolsen
I really fancy building one of the small plywood hydroplanes, only like ~25hp or similar. Sadly the conditions to use them are rare on open water
I've got a set of plans somewhere, if anyone is interested.
I don't think you'd be too impressed with the grip in the wet, though, Alistair.
I'm liking your thinking 
