nitro riggers

[spyderwebb]

are there any central florida boaters out there, running nitro riggers?

[Doubledog]

Hello spyderwebb,

Read your bio and see that you like to build your own running gear. Maybe you can help me with strut bearings. I see where a lot of guys run a brass tube insert w/slots cut to hold the grease. A guy suggested that I solder a ring to keep it from sliding out? Can you shed some light on that?

If I insert the tube in the strut, it will need to be tapped in with a mallet. Don't think there'll be much chance of it coming out, but if folks suggest something, then I need to check into it.

CENTRAL FLORIDA boaters are
LovinNitro.... Tampa area
Waterzub
and a few others.... I believe most are with family but will be back soon.

[spyderwebb]

thanks for the reponse to my inquirey. i can not be much help with your question because i use needle bearings in my struts. from what you describe i do not think the tube would come out since the drive dog would help keep it in from the rear and the flex ferrule up front. all my bearings are press fit with no problems slipping out of place. r

[Spraguepsycho1]

got tired of not having the money to buy my hardware kit, so started making my own the other day, everything is still in rough shape, but should be finished within a week or so. I'm trying rubber sealed bearings I had laying around out of an r/c buggy for the prop shaft to ride on. The drive dog and prop shaft keep them in snugly, and the shaft spins very freely in them.

[Spraguepsycho1]

here's a shot of the strut, showing the bearing. Best part is if it doesn't work, I'm only out $7 lol

[spyderwebb]

keep us informed on how the bearings workout. buggy bearings are easier to locate and less expensive than needle bearings i think.

[Spraguepsycho1]

yeah I'll ket you know as soon as I get to try the thing on water. I think they will work pretty good, since they are the rubber sealed type. The prop shaft should deflect enough water at speed to keep the waterpressure from trying to force anything past the seal(at least in theory). I don't know what the needle bearings cost, but the buggy bearings are 3/16X3/8 Associated rubber sealed bearings, and cost $5.79/pair at Tower Hobbies. I would guess $7 or so at any lhs, and every hobby shop I've seen carries Associated stuff on the shelfs. Boat stuff is almost non existant at the lhs's around here.

[lovinnitro]

Hey Spyderwebb,
Whe're you located at. Like Double said I,m in Brandon (just East of Tampa) and Waterzub is up North about an hour from me.

[Spraguepsycho1]

I fought fire in Florida back in '98. We were at the fire on the Tosahachee wildlife refuge next to the Beeline Hwy between Orlando and Cocoa. I stayed in Rockledge High School for 2 weeks.

[spyderwebb]

hi guys: I live in nw lakeland aka kathleen. Im rebuilding a pinkert gator 40 thats over 20 years old. Hopefully i will have this old girl up and running by spring. Im a slow worker. gettin old myself. sort of updating as i go. Can you point me in the direction of a boat oriented hobby shop? local or mailorder. I havent been active in boating for several years. tkanks spyder