Hi John and hi everyone else as I am relatively new to this forum.

I’m afraid I can’t help with your reversing problem on the Sportsman but I have been building one of these boats for the last few weeks and am a bit stumped about what I am going to make  removeable. The plans don’t seem to be very specific about access to the interior. I want to make the large cockpit deck removeable as batteries and radio will be under there. Is this the case on your boat and if so how is the join waterproofed? I’m going to install a Torpedo 850 on 12v and don’t envisage doing much reversing.

I think a boat with a large transom and a hard chine hull will always be a bit difficult in reverse. I have enjoyed building this boat so far and wish there were a few more ‘traditional’ kits available. I’m not sure you can get these Lesro boats anymore- I fancied their 38” cabin cruiser- Rapier I think.

Best wishes,

Ian. 

Hello John,

Thanks for that. I anticipated that the large deck area would be quite dry but it helps to have it confirmed.I need to decide whether to make the large cabin sides removeable with the roof, or just the roof. As the motor will be under there I think the whole cabin. I may try and track down a Rapier for when I have finished this one. I did think about the Sea Queen but it is a large boat. Given that you use 9.6v for your boat I wonder if mine will be a bit too much- I shall have to see!  I would be interested to see some photos so will contact you and thanks for the offer.

With regard to reversing I can’t remember any boat I have ever had that reversed well which again, isn’t much help. 

All the best,

Ian