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The "Dillon EZ Tunnel"
GT Pro Racing Tunnelboat
I designed and built the original Dillon EZ Tunnel in the summer of 2011 with the specific intent of introducing a simpler tunnelboat construction method aimed at the first-time builder, or anyone with a limited set of tools.
In the early autumn of 2011, after only a few test runs, I brought the new boat to the races in Forest Lake, MN. There were still some issues to iron out, but the boat proved very fast and finished third in its first GT Pro race, and second place in its second race.
Back at the shop, I made a small change in the bottom that vastly improved the EZ Tunnel's turning ability. Now the EZ is ready to take on anyone in 2012.
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Length: 10' 10" (3.30m)
Beam: 68" (1.73m)
Bare Hull Weight: ~230 lbs. (105kg)
Max. Power: 35 hp / 120 lbs.
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To design the EZ Tunnel, I eliminated all unnecessary angles and curves, and replaced the usual long stringers with plywood bulkheads and girders. These parts are laid out right on the plywood sheets and cut out simply with a jigsaw.
Study the construction notes to see how the process works.
The Dillon EZ Tunnel boat was designed for the 31.8 cubic inch Johnson or Evinrude outboard motor. This two-stroke, two-cylinder motor was manufactured in 20, 25, 30 and 35 horsepower versions from 1976 through 2005. It is the 35 horsepower model that we use in GT Pro. More about GT Pro HERE.
Of course, the EZ Tunnel would also make a fun and exciting boat for the non-racing high performance enthusiast. A wide variety of motors would be suitable, including the 25hp Tohatsu which is used very successfully for racing in Europe and Australia. Whatever your non-racing purposes, I must state strongly that this boat is entirely unsuited for any engine that exceeds a weight of 120 lbs.
As already stated, the EZ Tunnel is simple to build (as boats go), by design. A few basic tools like a jigsaw, electric drill, and a belt sander will perform most of the tasks at hand. Add to that a bit of patience and attention to detail, and you will have a boat that will not only go fast, but that you will be proud to own.
I built mine entirely from 5mm, exterior-grade plywood and pine lumber for a finished, un-rigged cost of about $300.
About the Plans: I am not a naval architect, or an engineer, or even a draftsman. I am a forester by education, a furniture-maker by profession, and a boat-builder, sailor and racer by inclination. I have built a number of boats over the last 35 years or so: from the 8-foot hydroplane I built when I was fourteen, to a 21-foot sailboat built in the 1990s, and a bunch of tunnel and v-bottom raceboats since 2005.
I have drawn these plans on my computer. As such, they are not, and do not resemble, an architect's blueprints. I do not have the capability to print out full size drawings. However, scale drawings with all necessary measurements are provided so the builder can expand these drawings full-size, onto paper or right on the plywood.
The plans package, available via email or postal mail, includes eighteen measured drawings; a scantling list; and some notes on wood, hardware and other materials needed to complete your boat and set it up for racing or just for fun. Also, I provide extensive online construction notes, including more than 100 photos, which will guide you through the entire building process (see link below right). And, I will be just an email away if you have questions.
The plans package costs $50 US via email; or $60 printed on 8.5" x 14" sheets and sent via postal mail. You can pay online through Paypal (you do not need a Paypal account), or you may send a check or money order.
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