Each month, I try to sit down with a prominent figure within the online R/C boating community for a one on one chat.  Here to talk with us today is Byrd Harrison of Byrd's R/C Boats.  Byrd's initial offering, the 3.5cc outboard Hornet, is one of the more unique designs to hit the market in the past few years.  The hull looks like a mono from the top, but it's got some definite tunnel-shapes on its underbelly. "Wings" jut out just before the transom to help get the rear of the boat up out of the water and provide stability.  Byrd's agreed to talk with us about the Hornet and what else he's got up his sleeve, so here we go! 

International Waters:  Who is this Byrd Harrison guy?  Where do you call home?  How did you get started in R/C boating?  

Byrd Harrison:  I was raised outside the Space Center, and have lived in Titusville and Mims area for 42 years.  We are only a few miles from salt or fresh water lakes, ponds, rivers and estuaries.  Fishing, Skiing, and Boating are a big part of our lives here.  

My first job was working as a marine mechanic on outboards at the local marina after school.  Since then I have built everything from runabouts to 90 footers from the lofting table on up in the old and new world style of ship building. Also I have worked on Hovercraft, engineer for Sea Ray yachts, and built boats to Coast Guard safety vessel specifications.  

I got started in modeling with C/L airplanes and free run boats (no radio), when I was 10 yrs old.  Of course radios were mostly tubes then, heavy and expensive. I got radio equipment much later.  Boats have always been in my blood.  
   
IW:  Can you give us some background on the Hornet?  Where does its  design stem from?    

BH:  In early 80's I owned/raced a Sterling (16' with 200 hp Merc) while I worked as a marine mechanic.  The others we raced against were Hydrostream, Hydrosport, and Viper (all of similar design.)  These are very fast boats with a unique design, after looking at the offerings on the model market at that time, I decided to build the Hornet.  

IW:  How much revision of the design did you go through before you were ready to release the hull to the public?  

BH:  When making drawings of model, I made a lot of modifications to hull design to enhance stability.  So in reality the model is much different than full sized boat.  

When I began testing there were many changes to improve stability and help give reliable performance.  This is the original as built design with modification to setup, balance, CG, etc...  

IW::  Did you go with the Nitro Outboard because the full scale version used an O/B, or were there some other considerations at work?  

BH:  The Hornet is a very versatile boat.  While considering The Hornet design, I incorporated aspects that would enable this hull to be built as inboard, outboard, I/O and jet drive with either Nitro, Electric or gas powerplants.  I began testing with the outboard due to its popularity and affordability as a powerplant.  This would help keep the cost down for the novice boater and still be an awesome competitor.  

IW:  On your page is a link to Ocke Mannerfelt Design, the makers of the B24 "Bat Boat."  This is a full sized offshore racer over in Europe that shares a lot of characteristics with the Hornet.  Did this boat's design have any sort of impact on the Hornet?  

BH:  No, not on design, [the] Hornet was drawn over 10 years ago.  It has had some impact as to the Hornet design being a credable Technology.  

IW:  At what point did you decide to start your own "factory?"  

BH:  I decided to make a go of it 2 years ago, wanted to start my own business, be my own boss, decided on model boats because of "killer design" and what could be better than to make a living doing something that is my hobby also.  

IW:  How has being online affected your business?  Obviously you've gotten a lot of good press over at rec.models.rc.water - have you felt any increase in demand because of this?  

BH:  Being online IS my business, This business was built around being a Web based entity. Due to its low overhead and easy maintenance, advertising on the web is very cost effective.  Also, customers have a direct line to the manufacturer/engineer with no long distance charges, no waiting, and no hassles.  Without these aspects of being online I could not offer this product at such highly competitive prices.  

I knew the Hornet was going to shake things up.  I have been working 18 hour days for the past 4 months to keep up with demand.  I have recently retooled and produced another set of Molds to offset lagtime.  There have been a few sales generated by this discussion but there are still a lot of them on the fence waiting to see more pictures, hear from other customers or see race results before they will buy.  All of these are in the works so it is just a matter of time before they decide.  

IW:  There's been some controversy over on the newsgroup regarding what class this hull should be run in.  The IMPBA apparently puts this hull into the O/B Tunnel class.  Where do you feel it fits so that it can compete competitively?  

BH:  This is an extremely fast and stable boat, I don't think it will have any trouble competing in whatever class it is placed in.  

IW:  So you just designed a hull that would work, and didn't worry about what class it would be placed in?  

BH:  That's it exactly!  Although based on apearances I would have thought it would have been classified as Mono without reading anyone's rules.  

IW::  The Hornet is offered in a kit form, almost ready to run, and in a completely ready to run form.  What version is the most popular?  

BH:  They all Have been selling well, the kit is the most popular, a lot of people have the engine and radio from another boat and would like to try something new and HOT.  

IW:  Currently you're working on an Electric version of the hornet.  Can you tell us a little bit about it?  Any release date yet?  

BH:  It is due to be released in April, and has been clocked at 53 mph on its maiden run, R&D will be tweaking there setup and expect 60+ mph!  

IW:  I'm sure the Fast Electric fans would like to know what type of drivetrain this was accomplished with.  :)  How many cells?  What motor(s)? Gear reduction?  

BH:  R&D tells me they have installed a rewound Trinty motor with 2/1 gearbox and 10 cells with a surfacing prop.  They also stated that this was the first setup and they are going thru revisions to gears, prop, and other aspects to the setup.  

IW:  Can you give us any preview of other projects you may be working on?  Will there be an I/B version of the Hornet?  How about a Gas version?  

BH:  We are doing R&D on the Inboard version now and have Gasser preliminarily set for testing in Fall of this year.  There is also a Jet drive version, I/O, and several pull start sport/nitro versions (very affordable!) due to be released this year.  Demand for each of these will set their individual schedules.  

IW: When you say "We," who are you talking about?  Can you give us an idea who you would consider the "Byrd's Boats Staff" and what they do?  

BH:  "We" as in all of us, the R/C Boating public.  Everyone that has an Idea and wishes to contribute has an open channel to influance the refinement of this design.  I have recruted individuals from all over the country to asist in the Resarch and Development of this product.  I have offered insentives to cultivate a buisnesslike relationship.   

I offer profit sharing and discounted products, in return for their Ideas, setup info and equipment.  I have done the R&D for the 3.5 outboard install to get the ball rolling, and others are doing the Electric and inboard versions.  After all I would not have enough time or money to do all R&D myself.    

Also I offer a commission to all Hornet custimers for any sales they promote, because I belive that word of mouth is the best form of advertising.  

IW:  Here's the standard final question:  Peer into your crystal ball and predict where this hobby/sport is going.  What is going to be the next big thing?  What technology should we be on the lookout for?    

BH:  My Goodness!!  The LORD Only Knows ... I believe that the Internet will open up possibilities that never existed before as with myself and the Hornet.  The Hornet and those like it will be the next big items.  There is fuel cell technology soon to be released that will power cell phones for 200 hours before needing more fuel (alcohol based) this eliminates the need for charging and is no larger than ordinary nicads, I belive this will be a huge boost to Electric R/C.  There are many WIG Designs (Wing In Ground effect) that could be easaly adapted to submerged propulsion, but their greatest attributes will shine through when propelled by air prop.  These will not be considered "boats", because they fly just over the water (SES Surface Effect Ships), and will require there own classes. 
  
These are just to name a few current items that interest me. There are many good ideas out there that before would never have been heard, now everyone is able to contribute and will be to the benifit of us all!