Aquacraft VS1 User Manual download pdf (Page 5)

ASSEMBLY

INSPECT THE HULL

1. Check the hull for any open gaps in the seams. We have

done our best to make sure the seams are closed, but it is

still necessary to check it over. I like to use the tip of a hobby

knife to probe around the seams. If you suspect a seam

might be open or allow water to enter the structure you need

to seal it. It is best to do this with 12 minute epoxy. Mix a small

amount of epoxy and work it into the seam using a razor

blade or small acid brush. Keep some denatured alcohol and

paper towel handy to wipe away any excess epoxy. It is also

a good time to look for any exposed wood and seal it from

the water, including the wood parts of the cowl.

2. Place the boat on a ﬂ at surface and check the alignment

of the sponsons. Your sponsons should be parallel to each

other and touch the ﬂ at surface at the same time.

3. Place a straightedge on the bottom of each sponson (ride

pad). Make sure the last 10"-11" are ﬂ at. If not, you can

“blueprint” them - or make them identical - using sandpaper

and a long, ﬂ at sanding block. Keep the bottom edges sharp

and re-seal any exposed wood. TAKE YOUR TIME! The

ﬁ nished sponsons must be parallel to each other and ﬂ at.

Grimracer says: Blueprinting is the

process of straightening and/or matching

parts. When we talk about blueprinting

the bottom of your VS1, we are mostly talking about the

bottom of the sponsons. Your VS1, like other hand built

performance boats, will likely need to be trued (blueprinted)

get maximum performance.

To do this, you are going to need an 11" sanding bar with 80

grit sandpaper as well as 220 grit sandpaper; a ﬂ at surface

from which to base your progress; as well as some sealer to

re-seal any areas of clear coat you might sand through.

To begin, set the boat on your ﬂ at surface and put ﬁ nger

pressure on the top back sides of the sponsons. We need to

do this to see if the two sponsons are parallel to each other.

If the boat rocks from side to side AT ALL, it’s best to match

them. Also take a look down the length of each sponson.

The sponsons work best if they are dead ﬂ at from the back

of the sponsons to around 11" forward of that point.

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Aquacraft VS1 User Manual Page 5