First RC boat, to ambitious?

[nitro lover]

I am considering buying a 57" apache hull off ebay. This would be my first rc boat. I have had a few rc trucks and currently my son and I each have 1. I had messed with my sons traxxas blast when he had it. I currently own a sterndrive full size boat and have been a giant fan of offshore powerboats for many years. I am a journeyman machinist so I am mechanical. Is finishing a large boat like the apache to much to undertake for the first time builder? I know I can eventually do it but will I do it right is my concern. I have looked at ready to runs and find the initial price to be quite hi, $1300-$1800. I figure if I am going to spend that much I could build one with the parts I am told I want and maybe come out ahead or at least more knowledgeable and have the parts I think I want. I do not want my lust for a large boat to blind me if this is an incredibly difficult task. Thanks!

[AgentJohnson]

My rank doesn't say much for my knowledge, but I own eight fast electric boats. I have buddies running gas boats, and as long as you can transport it, and do go too sick modding out your motor. That's a damn big boat. It runs two 35cc or one 70cc quickdrive, usually. I would suggest on 35cc, and go from there.

[nitro lover]

Would a modded zenoah 260 be enough?

[AgentJohnson]

Sorry, I thought I read you were looking at the seven-footer! All you need is a Zenoah 26-32cc, to be moving, or go with the rock solid quickdrive 25cc. Shouldn't be too hard, as long as you get a little help from someone who knows more. Shouldn't be more than $300-500 for the engine, minus hardware, to be flying!

[AgentJohnson]

A 26 is great. It has mod potential too! The need to go faster comes quick! Try Bonzi Racing or Aeromarine Laminates for a good engine mount and all the other hardware you'll need.

[nitro lover]

I have been looking at bonzi's and aeromarine's hardware. I figured I would just buy a hardware kit and an engine. Do the hardware kits sold by these companies contain everything a person needs besides the engine and electronics? I can definately come in under the $1300 mark with a 260 if the hardware kit includes everything. How strong of a servo needs to be used for the rudder?

[nitro lover]

I am going to check out the lhs that isn't so local to see if they have much experience with boats. They have a shockwave on display but so does hobbytown that is local, but I will not go to them for help, that is some bad customer service treatment talking there. Thanks for the info! Keep it coming if you like!

[Ron Olson]

I would only look at the Shockwave for ideas, not to buy one seeing how you're a machinist. Spend the money on a good first boat like the Aeromarine's or Warehouse Hobbies boats. Seriously, you may be better off initially in getting one Ready or Almost Ready To Run. Boats after that you can figure out what you'd like to make yourself.