Rigging a new Scorpion 12x7'2"

[Hardtail]

I'm starting a Build on my new 12 x 7'2" .125 6061-T6 ASTM with 3/8" poly Scorpion Riveted hull myself this time, and my plan is to set it up to run it with 2 different rigs and motors, I'm first building it with an IO-360 with 2 seats. Then building it rigged with IO-520 four seats. I'm going to use the same cage and rudders for both set ups. One set up will be for cold weather hunting in Minnesota and the other for riding in Florida. I welcome any ideas and thoughts on this build.

 

[Hardtail]

Got the rudders on, planning a pancake top cage and a full cage on bottom to protect from hot exhaust manifold

 

[Gary S]

Personally I think you will be happier when the 0360 is on it than when the 520 is on it. $ people and 520 on that platform just doesn't look like a good idea to me,

 

[PAINKILLER]

I would put a 0-360 on it if it was mine

 

[Slidin Gator]

Which setup is for which application?

 

[Hardtail]

Got the seats in Position today

 

[Hardtail]

Personally I think you will be happier when the 0360 is on it than when the 520 is on it. $ people and 520 on that platform just doesn't look like a good idea to me,

Gary, I have both motors, and would like the 200 HP lighter motor to be enough power to run dry on that heavy of a hull, so I'm trying that one first, to see if it will climb the hill on Lake Kissimmee

 

[Hardtail]

Which setup is for which application?

Slidin Gator, I haven't decided which one in best for the Minnesota hunting yet, but if the 200 Lycoming can push that hull would be my first choice, that is the reason I'm setting it up first, I still have the 520 on my Hopping Hamant which is a pain to ride, always adjusting the trim tab for different speeds

 

[Slidin Gator]

Slidin Gator, I haven't decided which one in best for the Minnesota hunting yet, but if the 200 Lycoming can push that hull would be my first choice, that is the reason I'm setting it up first, I still have the 520 on my Hopping Hamant which is a pain to ride, always adjusting the trim tab for different speeds

My suggestion is the 520 with 2 seat rigging if you have to have one boat. Otherwise, I'd put the O360 on that rig with 2 seats (plus a nose seat if you have to) for running the glades. That is a fine Glades hull, it will run great with the 360 and limited weight, sipping fuel in the glades, but it will stick you good in the mud. I'd put that 520 on a 13' palm beach hull for your hunt trips, but don't go 4 seats 2 wide. Sell the Hamant unless you are into wake boarding or something.

 

[glades cat]

Looking good, Bruce.

 

[Hardtail]

Thanks Rick, I hope it rides as good as your Scorpion when I get it done

 

[Hardtail]

putting on the wire

 

[Hardtail]

Got the Cage welded and the Instrument panel made today

 

[Slidin Gator]

Hardtail, you sure work fast! Coming together nice.

 

[Hardtail]

Slidin Gator, It is a lot more work than I thought it was, to look at an Airboat rigging looks simple till you start bending and welding pipe, but it is satisfying to look at the progress though

 

[Hardtail]

Wrapped the Panel in Burl Wood

 

[Gary S]

I don't want to be a know it all, but your putting a lot of pressure on a single piece of pipe under your floor board. Your going to have the weight of four people bouncing up and down on those two pipes.

 

[Hardtail]

Gary, That is the bottom of floor board, the floor board will be 3" higher to give support and allow for gas pedal and cable, Thanks for the heads up though, good to know some one is check my work, it is my first build doing it myself, last year I had Gus doing the Hamant build for me, It is way different doing it myself, I'm also getting better at welding and brazing, The big difference from welding in high school is my eyes, so now I bought a welding helmet with corrective lenses built in, so that made a big help and better looking welds.

 

[Gary S]

I wear my glasses under the helmet, but ave friends with cheater lenses in their helmets. I may try it someday. Doing anything by yourself for the first time is harder than you think, but you get a lot of satisfaction when it's done.

 

[SHEPHERD OF CHRIST]

looks good