M-1 Supercat XL

[keithbradley]

I've had this hull waiting on the shelf for a while now. At 50" long and 17" wide, it's a big one.
I wanted to build a boat that I could use to run the oval at record trials when the water isn't good enough for big speed straight-line runs. Unfortunately, I don't really care for the looks of most (if not all) of the oval cats out there. I can't say that I love the looks of the M1 Supercat either, but I chose it because it's something different, and they aren't that common in the US.

Here's a look at the hull. There is also a wing that goes on it, if you chose to use it.

[keithbradley]

While it was fairly expensive (especially after shipping from Germany, and waiting months for it to arrive), it's a pretty flimsy hull. I did some carbon inlay/reinforcement inside to add some strength, but tried to keep things on the light side. The boat has to be under 25lbs. to be IMPBA legal, and the lighter it is, the better chances it will have of cornering well.

[keithbradley]

Oval or not, this IS going to be a twin powered boat. However, I didn't want to run the drives far to the outside and well behind the transom as they typically are. I machined these aluminum adapter plates to mount struts where I want them.

[keithbradley]

Here's a look at the Struts and Rudder that will be used.

[keithbradley]

Struts, mounted.

[shua]

Very unique build! Looking forward to its completion!

[keithbradley]

Rudder mounted.

[keithbradley]

20150919_214622_zpsi5yis1kg.jpgMotors mounted, drive tubes made and mounted, servo mounted and steering linkage made. Nothing super fancy here, but it should work. I have very limited time to build and test two boats in the next couple weeks so fast and easy is good. Please excuse the dirt/dust in the boat in the photo!

[iridebikes247]

Nice the 2280s are bad a$$ looking, looking forward to running video.

[Fella1340]

Very cool build, love the drive setup.

[keithbradley]

Very cool build, love the drive setup.

Thanks.

I should have some pics of it completed, I'll see what I can find and post them to finish this thread off. I haven't really had much of a chance to run this one yet, it's going to have to get some reps in the spring. I ran it for a second at the Flint record trials, but the setup definitely needs some tuning to run the oval and I didn't want to mess with it at an event where people want to run their boats that are prepared.

[jingalls007]

I've been eyeing the M-1 XL for a while now. Cool build! How much was shipping, if you don't mind me asking?