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Old 23 June 2016, 20:22   #1
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Thundercat built thread!

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...
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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.

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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.
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Old 23 June 2016, 20:24   #2
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Just bought this boat to take the engine and will sell on the hull and trailer. Click image for larger version

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Engine is more or less stock.
Just needs a good service and will be good to go and ready for tuning!
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Old 24 June 2016, 15:22   #3
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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.

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Old 24 June 2016, 15:26   #4
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Knew you would have one again. Looking forward to this build!!
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Old 24 June 2016, 17:39   #5
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Managed to get the engine off the zapcat today.

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

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Old 25 June 2016, 00:10   #6
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I love those little cats. I wish I could get a used one over here in the USA.


Keep posting.


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Old 25 June 2016, 07:51   #7
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You building the engine stock just now? May be worth getting a D1 exhaust on if it's apart anyway
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Old 25 June 2016, 09:35   #8
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Quote:
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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?
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Old 25 June 2016, 09:40   #9
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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
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Old 25 June 2016, 09:58   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lukewhiting View Post
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
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Old 25 June 2016, 10:48   #11
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Quote:
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... big wide high speed tyres ....
Quote:
Originally Posted by lukewhiting View Post
... 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.
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Old 25 June 2016, 14:57   #12
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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
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Old 25 June 2016, 14:58   #13
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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
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Old 07 July 2016, 18:14   #14
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First few coats of paint are on the transom. The blue seems to be matching pretty well!

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Old 07 July 2016, 18:27   #15
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All finished, looks much smarter than before when it was done with a brush!
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Old 07 July 2016, 20:15   #16
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Managed to glue the new foam floor down too.

Starting to look smart now
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Old 08 July 2016, 08:15   #17
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looks smart, what did you use to glue the floor down?
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Old 08 July 2016, 08:26   #18
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looks smart, what did you use to glue the floor down?

Just used some waterproof 'no more nails'
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Old 13 July 2016, 19:46   #19
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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.

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Old 14 July 2016, 19:26   #20
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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.

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

Will be refreshing some of the bolts tomorrow!

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