So I have my nice new HMH ProMod :dance4:in my Blackjack 55 :dash:, and want to put it in a real boat..............

Who makes a good cat hull? This is for general recreational use. I run on lakes that can have some chop, but want good speed and handling too. Just a solid all around boat.

I had looked at some Aeromarine models, and also the Expresscraft Thunderbolt, but dont know what the "serious" guys consider a "good boat". The Blackjack is not it!

What would you guys suggest?

TIA!

I'm not a "serious" boater or "experienced" but have heard great things about Expresscraft so I bought one. So far so good (except for the seams) If you want a really nice boat a PPB Skater would be a good choice but it comes with a price. Other names to mention would be an seaducer or AC boat. Good luck!

I'm sorry Vick but you should STOP recommending Expresscraft! Those boats are FAR from being anything good. Split seems is not something normal people would overlook like you did.

I would suggest a INSANE Gen 3 Cat for that beast of a motor!

James

You should get plenty of responses; The Aeromarine Sprint Cat, Conquest, and Avenger are all good boats for sport running, Insane's Cats look very impressive, and so does the Seaducer cat. Each has its advantages; you may want to check through some older threads, I think there was a question like this over last summer, and I believe Marc gave a comparison. All three manufacturers are top notch.

haha James... look at some threads on the Dock... everyone really loves their Tbolt. I think my seams were not the norm.

I am aware of needing to finish the seams if I go with that boat. Thats not an issue. I work at a tech school with a paint shop and do glass work for a living.

Otherwise, is it a good boat, or are there other issues with it?

Go with an Aeromarine Conquest. Fantastic sport and race cat, great price, and easy to build with Marc having done a build journal to make life even easier. Great first boat build and you will be impressed with the speed and handling.

Philip there are no other real major problem with the boat. Some say it is a bit light and weak. Someone on the dock has a template for a bulkhead to strengthen the boat if you bust. Some people line the inside with fiberglass or carbon fibre for added strength. Other than that you should be fine. There are vids on youtube of people getting nearly 60 mph with it but at those speeds it gets real light. If you are happy with mid 50s I think its a great boat. I will tell you how my build goes. Good luck

:diablo: Just go Insane:diablo:

Vick
Once you get in to RC Gas boats more ... you will find that having to do all the work you have done to your Thunderbolt is NOT acceptable to most 'serious' builders. You have done a very good job and I have watched on Jim's ... BUT you should not have to spend that kind of money and end up with what you had to start with.

If you were to pickup a boat from Andy (AC boats) you would find what quality is about.

Run the AC or Insane and get what you pay for ... The AC Cat will take all the horsepower you can put in it AND IS READY TO RUN OUT OF THE BOX ... not after you spend weeks fixing stuff. If a hull manufacturer can't even get the seems rights or the scoop centered .. what's the rest of the hull like

Do the AC or Insane and save yourself all the isssues

Later

Randy