It is assumed that the kit drives were designed and supplied to produce a scale speed for this runabout type craft. An EVO 14.8v 5350mAh LiPo battery would fit laterally between the rear of the motor and the raised seating area as this was the only available space for it, so the C of G would also require looking at later. The only safe way, was to build the hull as per the plans and carry out the conversion later whilst trying to think of anything which could help, or hinder, the conversion. New longitudinal members each side of the jet unit would replace the original keel to put strength and alignment back in to the hull. The basic hull design has a deep full length keel pre-slotted to take eleven bulkheads and a long portion of its rear end would require total removal to allow for the centrally mounted jet unit on its base plate. To get the feel of the project and before any assembly or gluing, the conversion to jet drive had to be carefully considered, as space, strength, flotation level and performance were prime considerations if these were generally resolved then it could hopefully be a clear run to a completed successful model. All very impressive and rather daunting, but the plans and a well illustrated 40 page instruction book with its 92 steps helped to allay any fears. A leisurely look at the kit contents showed many hundreds of laser cut plywood items, lengths of mahogany and lime planking and chrome on brass fittings plus lots more. After much mulling, a flash of inspiration provided an ideal solution why not modify the hull and fit a water jet unit to get the best of both worlds? So a phone call to Westbourne Models produced the kit and a Graupner Unit 6 water jet with a JP brushless motor identical to the previous work boat model. I was able to look at a neighbour’s standard Riva kit along with its twin-screw power pack accessory kit, but the thought of my sailing water with its vagaries of wandering weeds subject to wind and current made the model unfeasible. After the series of eight scratch built experimental airboats and water jet boats, the luxury of a quality kit allied to very attractive looks and the challenge of giving it a deep gloss finish led to this Riva Aquarama model.
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