New to boats, questions on vintage boat

[Davcruz]

Hi all, new to your site and to nitro RC boats, I have some experience with nitro RC cars and trucks though.

My dad and I just bought this vintage wood boat on eBay and I have some questions for you experts.

http://members.aol.com/rustyw3088/gasboat1.jpg

I know it is a K&B .61 engine, but does anyone recognize the belt hanging off of it? I assume that is for some type of starter, but what kind?

Also, the rudders are damaged and need to be replaced, I think they are made by Octura, but how can I determine what parts to order to replace them?

[Davcruz]

Here is a close up of the engine.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v18/Davcruz/MODELBOAT003.jpg

[martin richards]

Looks like a manual starter. Cord should fit in a groove in the flywheel and, looking from the rear, start the motor anticlockwise (pulling the cord with the right hand). It's good to have calloused hands for this and two pairs are even better ;) and a boat stand is necessary. Try www.offshoreelectrics.com for spare parts for Octura hardware.
I persuaded my firewall to let your engine close up load. It isn't manual but a closed loop for use with an electic starter. Still run it anti-clockise though.

[Davcruz]

Thanks for the reply and link Martin. So does the belt not look like it should fit onto some type of electric motor or something to you? The problem with that theory is that there does not appear to have ever been an electric starter motor mounted to the boat....hmmm.

I noticed that website you listed has adjustable trim tabs, can these be put on the boat in place of the fixed trim tabs on it now?

Also, the boat has a damaged dual rudder system, do you think that is needed, or can I replace it with a single rudder system?

[Davcruz]

Ahh, just reread your reply, so it does look like an electric starter setup then. That's what I was thinking.

So any idea what type or brand the boat is, or what vintage it is?

[martin richards]

It looks like a Crackerbox which have been made for years and are still a popular beginners class racing boat. Its probably best to judge by the age of the motor (1970's?). The starter motor is separate and hand held usually running off a small 12 volt car battery. looking through any general modelling site should turn up a few.
The starter and battery stay on dry land;) you'll need another nicad battery for the glow plug.
sorry, didn't see all your questions. yes you can replace trim tabs with adjustable and a single rudder is usually enough

[Umi_Ryuzuki]

Well the boat is very similar to the old "Sk-daddle" series by dumas
http://www.dumasproducts.com/cgi-bin/dumas.storefront/4142cffb07bc09ba271e40d409680654/Search/Run

http://www.dumasproducts.com/cgi-bin/dumas.storefront/4142cffb07bc09ba271e40d409680654/Product/View/1403

[Davcruz]

Once again thanks for the replies! Is there any guideline for the size and so forth of the rudder system to be used? Would it cost less to repair the system that is on it now? I think both rudders need replacing.