Kit Advice Needed

[GregS]

I'm looking at building a boat from a kit. This will be my first build. I really like the tunnel hull from BBY but am concerned that it might be a lot more difficult to set up and get running right than one of the monos like the Oval Master 26. I want to get one of the advanced kits that includes all the hardware, motor, and ESC. Also I usually run in lakes where conditions are usually not totally still. Also would the outboard be more of a headache to maintain? All comments and advice would be much appreciated. Thanks.

[BoatDoc]

the great thing about the internet is that you don't really need to find any of the "all in on kits". you can piece them out a lot easier than in years past. find a class you want to run in, then find the hull you want and go from there. there are plenty of guys that are MORE than willing to help you find what you want. my only outboard experience is with nitro...so i can't help much from there. i know many of the best FE resources and can offer my opinion on where to go. the other guys here on the forum can do the same. between all of us, we can get you set up right the first time. another thing....where are you from? maybe there is a club nearby that we can point you towards.

[GregS]

Thanks for the reply Boatdoc. Actually for the moment I'm not looking to race so the class won't be an issue in the kit I choose this time around. I liked the idea of the BBY advanced kits because I've heard good things about them and because I have confidence the hardware, hull, motor, and ESC will work together. It should be a proven setup. I'm on a limited budget so I don't want to make mistakes with the equipment I get. So for me I'm trying to decide between their tunnel or their Oval Master 26 for my first build.

There is a club in my area which I may join sometime in the future but I'm a bit short of time at the moment. Thanks again.

[BoatDoc]

for ease of setup, the OM26 may be the better choice of the two. tunnels take a lot more to get going right, and you're more likely to flip them over. tunnels are fun, don't get me wrong, but when set up for speed they can get pretty hairy. either way you go, let us know.

[GregS]

Thanks again for the info. I'll take this into consideration.

[Fluid]

The OvalMaster is a proven race and sport hull, and it will be much more appropriate for your less-than-still water conditions. Air compression hulls like the tunnels really need fairly smooth water to work well. Like BoatDoc said, the tunnels can be more difficult to set up - they are also more prone to leak water inside, damaging your equipment. When they flip - and they will - the motor gets wet and needs to be thoroughly dried out before storing the boat. The OvalMaster is taped shut and is less prone to leaks.

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[GregS]

Thanks for the reply Fluid. It sounds like the Oval Master would be a better choice for me at this point in time.