Previous Page -- INDEX -- Next Page

Mini Tunnel (Redesigned Version) Boat Plans
Page Fourteen
Other Hardware

I feel the only real option for a tunnel boat is a foot-operated throttle. With your engine jacked up as high as I've discussed, your prop is half out of water and will want to "paddle-wheel" or "walk" to starboard, trying to turn your motor and put your boat into a right turn. You will want two hands on the wheel to resist this torque -- and to keep a thumb on the trim switches, and just to control your boat generally.

The "Hot Foot" from T-H Marine is the standard item, but there are other brands, like the "Hot Shot" from Bob's Machine Shop. I once had one called "Lead Foot." These units use the standard throttle cables recommended for your engine.

Bolt the throttle through the tunnel battens and floor, or glue a lumber or plywood base to the battens and attach the throttle to that. The throttle shown here is mounted on an optional slide plate which gives it a few inches of fore-and-aft adjustment.

You can use the shifter manufactured for your motor, or simply make one.

Racers: Rules for APBA (US) pure stock classes state that the driver must be able to shift the motor while sitting in the seat and with one hand on the steering wheel.

Trim switches are mounted on the wheel, readily accessable to the driver's thumb.

I also like to mount my starting switch on the wheel.

Also in the picture, the emergency kill-switch mounted on the dashboard. These are required for racing, and a good idea for the non-racer as well.

Racers will need a lifting harness, and places to attach it to the boat, for hoisting the boat at the scale. Remember, you will be lifting your entire rig plus yourself. That's at least 650 lbs for a GT Pro boat.

Two u-bolts mounted through the motorboard will do nicely for lifting the stern. To make sure they do not get in the way, wait until your other systems are in place before installing the u-bolts.

Two more lifting points can be installed in the beam at Station #3.

I drove a pair of screws either side of the shackle to reinforce the beam. Bolts would be even better, passing all the way through the tunnel plank.

You will need a seat for your boat.

Here's one you can build in an afternoon, probably with plywood leftover from your boatbuilding project.

Previous Page -- INDEX -- Next Page