FE-30 Hatch Poor Fit

[Fluid]

Shrinking of the Gel coat or two part paint will cause curling on thin hatches. The longer it cures the more shrinkage or curling you will get until it has cured fully. So if you purchased a new hatch then painted it using two part paint it may curl up again. I would use regular Krylon paint to prevent shrinkage.

This isn't the problem here. My hatch was warped from receipt, and no one would say Jeff makes thin hatches, this thing is heavy! I am not an expert fabricator of fiberglass, but it appears that the hatch design, glass materials used and the length of time the hatch was left in the mould have effected the final shape. I made some relief cuts in the front curve of mine, glassed that in and keep the hatch in a compression holder for storage. Finally this seems to be helping, but if left out of the holder for more than a few hours the warp returns. I too will explore the epoxy hatch option, but I am enjoying running the boat so much I really don't care about a few inches more tape I need to use.


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[properchopper]

I brought this to Jeff's attention last night. He is obviously concerned with this, and is working on a new hatch design which addresses the issue. Bear in mind
(this is in no way an excuse) that this is Insane's first venture into FE boat production, and the hatch requirements differ substantially from his gas/nitro designs in terms of fitment. Basically, the poly resin material now used never fully cures after release, and some migration of contours has occurred. To quote Jeff : "Hang in there Guys.." Know that Jeff fully appreciates the support that the FE 30 has recieved, and like Jay, I'm very impressed with the boat overall, and so far, a little extra tape is all that gets me rippin' up the course.

[Flyguy55]

I believe I ordered the first Epoxy FE 30 . The hatch fit was much better . I then ordered a second Epoxy hatch for my first FE 30 . It too fits much better also. Both tape down much easier .

Jeff suggested taping the hatch when in storage , I keep a couple rubberbands on mine , that seems to work too. Generally epoxy shrinks and warps less then polyester .
You can order any insane hulls in Epoxy .

Dick

[Darin Jordan]

I believe I ordered the first Epoxy FE 30 . The hatch fit was much better . I then ordered a second Epoxy hatch for my first FE 30 . It too fits much better also. Both tape down much easier .

Jeff suggested tapig the hatch when in storage , I keep a couple rubberbands on mine , that seems to work too. Generally epoxy shrinks and warps less then polyester .
You can order any insane hulls in Epoxy .

Dick

I recently received the epoxy hull as well, and it does fit much better.

TANK of a hatch... It is pretty much bullet-proof.

[johnf]

Thanks for the PM Ted.

[Flying Scotsman]

Interesting thread mine is slightly warped but for me it is not a big issue, if it was a true scale model I would be the Evil Douggie.

Douggie

[Doby]

Interesting thread mine is slightly warped but for me it is not a big issue, if it was a true scale model I would be the Evil Douggie.

Douggie

So this would be an example of the hatch matching its owner...

[Flying Scotsman]

A true Canadian response from the centre of the universe....is it snowing today?

Love you Doby

Douggie

[properchopper]

My hatch was @ 5/32" too wide at the front. Clamped, hit underneath with heat gun, let cool and viola! El Perfecto [Thanks to mark F for this idea]

[tiqueman]

Great advice Proper. Ive fixed many a twisted boats w/ heat and patience.

I replied to Teds PM again today and asked if he wouldnt mind adressing his concerns as well to Jeff. Im not a hydro guy.. yet , but did some research of my own over the past 24 hours and it seams Jeff certainly is capable and has already stepped up to the plate knowing about the issue and moved onto epoxy. I dont want to step on his toes and/ or copy "his" hatch to make something he is already making. If anyone needs help or advice on fixing the warp, Id be more than happy to assist. But Im going to leave new hatches to the builder. Looking at his boats and how they run, he knows what hes doing.

[INSANEBUILDER]

Pic's and Tip's

Here are a few photos of how a few of us are setting up our cowls. Small 1/4 inch block with a 1/16 tab, I use soft velco on the tab to allow for a snug but soft fit. The blocks are positioned right along the hull cowl lip (see picture 3).The tabs keep the cowl corners down and snug and the blocks keep the cowl from spreading. The less movement in the cowl allows for a better tape grip. Hope this helps.

[Darin Jordan]

Here are a few photos of how a few of us are setting up our cowls.

Steve-O... Just wanted to say... that is a BEAUTIFULLY done up boat! I LOVE that color combo. Really looks sharp! Great work...

[electric]

Here is what Jeff wrote:

I also layed a cowl in apoxy resin that doesn't seem to curl quite as much. If you are interested in purchasing a apoxy resin cowl for the FE 30 they are $35 plus s/h $8 and come in primer only.

[electric]

Steve-O... Just wanted to say... that is a BEAUTIFULLY done up boat! I LOVE that color combo. Really looks sharp! Great work...

Agreed. Since I just ordered the new FE34 mono in blue today I am feeling even better about the color choice...

[Darin Jordan]

"Doesn't seem to curl quite so much" sounds like it's still a problem?

My Epoxy hatch (in white primer on the left in attached picture) from Jeff fit just fine. Comes with a little extra material along the vertical face of the outter edge that needs to be trimmed off on the forward end, and fit tight and flat. I'd recommend it.