The Lord Nelson Victory Tug
Recently, while having a conversation with a fellow club member, I was asked about my recent passion for the LNVT, why after buying one did I decide to build another, and then a third? What did I learn between builds and what did I change in my thought process for assembly? Did I do anything differently between the two? Before I get into that answer, a little background might be handy if you are thinking of the LNVT as a possible project. I have had 200 boats in my fleet at one point or another. Many have been traded, sold, or donated! All have been an integral part in my "quest”! When I think of that quest I think many RC Boat enthusiasts probably share that quest. That "quest" has been to find that perfect boat. For me what makes that perfect boat is a boat that is maneuverable in the house (stored), not too much of a burden carrying it to the car and getting it down to the pond and launching. I want it to have a strong presence on the water, look good, be stable in wind, chop, and wakes and not need ballast. Run time on a single battery is important as well. Such a craft was consistently seen from another builder and when the chance came around to buy it I jumped at the opportunity! I consider this individual a master craftsman and I am truly honored to own several of his builds especially the LNVT! Instantly my "quest" was realized! No ballast, perfect LOA and beam for stability, presence on the water, and awesome run time. Never dreaming of making a change to this boat after months of run time on the pond I thought what this boat would look like in a different color. My love of blue gave me the urge to build the LNVT in a new color scheme, hence my first plank on frame build and the production of "Oshana". Oshana is Hawaiian for family and that is what I feel my entire fellow club members are! The Dumas kit is extremely fun to build. Directions are very thorough and are accompanied by detailed drawings that show each instruction in picture form. Follow the directions step by step and voila, awesome boat! Again the desire for a color change and a thought that I can do better led to my second build and the construction of "Trinity". What did I do differently between the two builds? Not much. I made the same mistakes on both and that still eats at my thoughts ....there may be another build in my future! In summary, my quest has been fulfilled, and if you pay attention you will see me quite often at the pond running one of my LNVT's. I found my perfect boat and I hope you find yours too. Maybe it will be a LNVT! John B.
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