Thundercat built thread!

[lukewhiting]

Thought I'd start a build thread to show the build of my thundercat so I can see the progress and for all of you also!

Started off buying this...


2014 Aquarius thundercat
1 of only 5 built to this spec.
Carbon fibre nose cone & floor boards.
Made out of Hypalon rather than PVC.

Secondly I bought a double jet ski trailer which I rebuilt to make fit.




Raised the bunks and extended the drawbar as it was too short.

Planning on fitting a bow snub and big wide high speed tyres next.

[lukewhiting]

Just bought this boat to take the engine and will sell on the hull and trailer.

Engine is more or less stock.
Just needs a good service and will be good to go and ready for tuning!

[lukewhiting]

Doing the impeller earlier to discover this mess!!

The pump was completely filled with salt.

The impeller itself had cracked and has left melted marks in the liner. The bottom housing is also so corroded that bits of metal have worn away!!

Will replace the whole lot with brand new fittings.

Shows why you should always flush your engine after use.

[matt h]

Knew you would have one again. Looking forward to this build!!

[lukewhiting]

Managed to get the engine off the zapcat today.

Just need to finish respraying the transom and I can fit it

[VanillaIceCream]

I love those little cats. I wish I could get a used one over here in the USA.


Keep posting.


Erik

[Roflhat]

You building the engine stock just now? May be worth getting a D1 exhaust on if it's apart anyway

[ShinyShoe]

Originally Posted by lukewhiting

Planning on fitting a bow snub and big wide high speed tyres next.

Coz the 60MPH speed limit on the motorway is there to be broken?

[lukewhiting]

Originally Posted by ShinyShoe

Coz the 60MPH speed limit on the motorway is there to be broken?

No, because larger wheels will cope better on longer journeys and increase the life of the bearings

[Nick Hearne]

Originally Posted by lukewhiting

Just bought this boat to take the engine and will sell on the hull and trailer. Attachment 114017Attachment 114018

Engine is more or less stock.
Just needs a good service and will be good to go and ready for tuning!

that was on ebay was it not at what looked a very good price

[Poly]

Originally Posted by lukewhiting

... big wide high speed tyres ....

Originally Posted by lukewhiting

... larger wheels will ... increase the life of the bearings

Is it the width or the diameter you are increasing? I see how diameter increases bearing life but does width also? Width presumably easier to change though, whereas diameter might mean moving/changing mudguards.

For long distance towing I think big wheels are good, but for launching small wheels make life easier. Boats are all a compromise... I guess trailers are too.

[lukewhiting]

Originally Posted by Poly

Is it the width or the diameter you are increasing? I see how diameter increases bearing life but does width also? Width presumably easier to change though, whereas diameter might mean moving/changing mudguards.



For long distance towing I think big wheels are good, but for launching small wheels make life easier. Boats are all a compromise... I guess trailers are too.

Going for bigger and wider!!

Bigger diameter for towing and a wider tyre as I launch on a beach so will help with the quick sand issue

[lukewhiting]

Originally Posted by Nick Hearne

that was on ebay was it not at what looked a very good price

Think it may have been but I bought it off a guy from ribnet at an even better price. So it's either similar or he's had a quick change around

[lukewhiting]

First few coats of paint are on the transom. The blue seems to be matching pretty well!

[lukewhiting]

All finished, looks much smarter than before when it was done with a brush!

[lukewhiting]

Managed to glue the new foam floor down too.

Starting to look smart now

[Roflhat]

looks smart, what did you use to glue the floor down?

[lukewhiting]

Originally Posted by Roflhat

looks smart, what did you use to glue the floor down?

Just used some waterproof 'no more nails'

[lukewhiting]

So finally got round to fitting the engine! Still need the water pump but other than that it's ready to go!

Want to get a base test speed and then will begin tuning.

[lukewhiting]

Without removing the power head I've started a full clean on the engine.

Removed the pull start, fuel filter (which was full of rubbish)and some other bits.



Managed to get one half prepped tonight. Degreased , removed salt build ups & loose paint.

Will be refreshing some of the bolts tomorrow!