Want to build a FAST electric boat (which one?)

[mrgrizzly]

I need a winter project, but I'm new to r/c boats. (just bought my first- an Aquacraft hammer) What do I look for in kit type boats that I can build for real speed, (hull type, motor, speed control, drive shaft, prop, etc. that will keep me busy this winter, that a novice can handle?

[Hydro Junkie]

You have to figure out what kind of boat you want to build. If fast is the primary concern, a hydro of some sort could be what you want. If you want something that doesn't mind chop, look at a Vee hull. If you want to combine the two, a cat might be in order. Are you looking at wood, glass or something else? Would scratch building be an option over a kit? How much do you want to spend? :confused:
When you can answer a majority of these questions, we can help you narrow it down. Hope I'm not sounding like a real jerk, but these are the things only you can decide on. You know what your limits are, what kind of water you will run on, and above all else, you know what designs and styles you like. I would take a little time and think about what YOU want to start with and bring it back to us. It's easier for us and the result will be something more on the lines of what you would rather have :)

[BoatDoc]

while you're thinking about what HJ said...check around at Climate Models, Fine Design, and Fuller's Fast Electrics. in my opinion, those are the best places to source out parts, and the occasional tidbit of advice.

[Chris LaPanse]

or possibly BBY

[DLM]

Climate boat works- El lobo II, lazer cut - motor- Chameleon 19t #2110 with cable and teflon liner and a 632 prop and 6-3300 cells-laid in front of motor with 30% CG. make strut including prop 2 1/2" long. Rudder 1 1/2" to the right with leading edge of rudder blade even with middle of dog. A long turn fin at 30 degrees angle and 90 degrees to bottom of boat. Trim tabs- 1/2" from chine line and 1 1/2' wide from 1/2' mark! 2 scoops of barnyard manure!!

[mrgrizzly]

I see that I need to decide a few things before hitting you guys with this request again. All the info DLM talked about may has well been writtin in a foriegn language. Maybe I need to pick up a copy of rc boat modeller, and check out the different web sites that Boatdoc suggested. Thanks, and I'll get back to you once I have a better understanding of what I want to build. Grizzly

[Hydro Junkie]

Don't feel bad. I've been around boats for over 20 years and I don't think I've ever seen a description like that. The one thing I can't figure out is the 2 scoops of manure :confused: Is he saying to put it in the boat, that he's full of it ;) or just making sure someone read his post?
All kidding and poking fun at DLM aside, all we have done is give you a list of things to consider when choosing your next boat. Don't think that you can't come back and ask questions while trying to decide what direction you want to go, either. Some of us are more than willing to answer question when and where we can.
:) Good Luck and Happy Hunting :)

[DLM]

Never read a description like that. Get real, ever seen a El lobo II? Get out of the dark ages and look around. Tell me how to post a picture of these boats and make you guys eat turkey! I know exactly what i'm doing!

[DLM]

2 scoops of barnyard manure or my 2 cents worth!

[DLM]

I told you how to build a fast boat, prove me wrong, pictures!

[DLM]

Don't believe me look up Fullers web site or Climate Boat works. That is exactly how you setup the boat to the letterhead and really moves. out! I think it's time i bailout again and leave you guys cry in your beer! Good-bye!1

[Hydro Junkie]

What I was refering to was the detail you put in. A majority of the people out there give so little info that you have to guess about what they are talking about. If I hadn't been around boats for as long as I have, I would have been lost too. Getting to the manure, never seen it used in that context before. As for the El Lobo II, I've never seen one running, so I have nothing to compare it's performance to. I also, therefore, can't say you are lying about it either. That is why I said "All kidding and poking fun at DLM aside", to show I was just picking fun at your use of the term manure. Actually, I would like to see an El Lobo on the water. When you can figure out how to post pics, I'd love to see some. Maybe by then, I'll figure out how to post pics too :)

[Watercadet]

DLM I gotcha bud ;) "Go Advanced" to post a pic then "Manage attachments." Lets talk run time now electric boy;)
Adam

[BoatDoc]

the run time in a boat like Dlm described wouldn't be all that bad. just as long as you get good batteries. but for just running i would suggest using the fuller's offshore hardware instead. i'd also with a wire drive as opposed to a cable. and don't forget to get a good speed control, something from rumrunners or rc-hydros. i'm saying this because on my electric that i have now, i had cable drive and a not-so-great esc. now i'm spending more $$$ for the wire drive and a good esc. in the end it's cheaper to just get the good stuff from the start.

[DLM]

WaterCadet; go advanced and Management attachments can be found where? Oops, i see attachments, but now go advanced? Just a lay person on computer, ok!

[DLM]

esc's- i have 2 rc-hydros 60 amp- 1 Ed Hughey esc which is ran by servo! Cable works great too if you sand with wet-dry sand paper to really smoth out the cable and i use singer sewing machine oil for lube. Ed Hughey said to go light on lube. Now something new by Rumrunner hobbies called no slop which fit into strut to take out end play. It is made out of teflon and works great. Wire drive is good also but arthuritis in left hand limits very small items, so i try and stay away from such. I have made tools to work in small places tro take up the slack. Not crying in my beer, just facts!

[DLM]

Sorry guys or gals, Ricky told me or webmaster how to post pictures from a professional stand point but from a laymans position, is all like someone said, a foreign language!! The only way for me is email only and that is a snap, sorry! I read runtime. Well 3 or 4 minutes for electric. I cannnot run gas or nitro, noise, and cops will showup in minutes and will escort you out of town. You will find this out in most cities with noise ord. Now bom boxes in cars is fine, so there is a double standard which is called discrimination with a capital D! That's reason for electric. You here guys say 5 to 8 minutes runtime, is barnyard manure. I'm happy with 3 or 4 minutes when i run 3 or 4 boats . I but sent a picture to your webmaster of my pumpkin colored el lobo II. The kb was 671 which is way to big when 80 is the limit. have a good day! Thanks people , not trying to be a hard*** but am honest in my doing things right. Old fashioned in a new era!

[MattHiggins]

Wow, it looks like the only thing faster than your boats is how quick you guys get hot under the collar. That, my friends, is just a joke.

[DLM]

MattHiggins, moderator,remove my DLM and etc and your problems will be solved for good. Thank you!! This forum is a click above me in knowledge and etc and would be better not to get involved with higher knowledge of people!! Good-bye and good luck! Do not reply!! Got boats to run and work on!!!

[MattHiggins]

DLM,
I was just making a joke and it wasn't directed at you--it was just a joke for everyone. I don't see any need to remove you or anyone else using this Thread.

[mrgrizzly]

Sorry to have raised such a stink with my thread, guys, Like I said earlier, with ALL of your help and experience with elec. boats, I'm sure to build a winner once I learn some more basics to the sport. I WILL be getting back to you for advice, but for now, could someone please tell me how to maintain my batteries good health throughout the off season? Griz

[Hydro Junkie]

Sorry, can't help on the battery question. Just wanted to assure you that the "stink" was not your fault. Unfortunately, we tend to go off on tangents and some believe no way except their's is right. We all have to expect people to disagree with us, so it shouldn't be a shock to anyone, but it is. We should also take what someone else says with a grain of salt, be it joking around or serious, but again we don't. Must be human nature.

[BoatDoc]

did someone say something about a stink?? oh wait, that was my burrito. anyway...a good charger is the best way to keep your batt's at their peak. shop around and don't buy a cheapo charger. DLM's advice for the set up of the el lobo was pretty good. i'm considering one for my next ep project. if you want to go faster, i'd suggest something better than a 19 turn chameleon. maybe a 12 or 13 turn double from trinity would be good. from now on, i suggest only wire drive!!!! cable's take away too much power. good luck and i hope you can keep us posted on what you do.

[Hydro Junkie]

Burrito? Did somebody say BURRITO???? I'm glad I'm on the oposite coast. If it's a bean variety, I wouldn't want to be near you tomorrow :D

[BoatDoc]

hey hydro, that was really mean man...i'm gonna cry now. anyway, back to fast electric boats...mrgrizzly...if you have the upfront $$$ just go with a good brushless set up. they last longer and have more power. if you decide to go brushless, talk to fine design to help you get what you need. trust me on that one.

[Hydro Junkie]

That wasn't mean! Mean is YOU on the flightline with a BFH :)
Meaner still is you on the flightline with a BFH and nothing to hit with it :D

[BoatDoc]

sniffle sniffle...hydro's pickin' on me again. for anyone who has kept up with this thread...have any of you checked out the electric boats available from MHZ??? those are some AWESOME boats. they have hefty price tags, but they are cooooooooooooool. they are definitely something i would NOT hit with my BFH. i'll be swingin' my BFH around a lot if i don't get the parts i need so that i can hit the lake this weekend :eek:

[Hydro Junkie]

Now, now, now........What a temper we have. I was looking at MHZ's website and I found something better than a stupid old electric ;) I found a 7.4 HP MARINE TURBINE ENGINE AND GEARBOX!!!!!!! What was even better is it will fit in my 1/6th scale Oh Boy! Oberto :D They also had 1/6th scale hulls in development for a Miss Trendwest and a 1991-94 MISS BUDWEISER. HEY DOC, DO I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION YET :)

[BoatDoc]

i've been thinking about a turbine powered boat for quite some time actually. but at about $7000...it's not going to happen for me!!!!! i love nitro as much as the next guy, but electrics are cool too. i think i'll make it my new job to convince you to build one. how about a climate banshee?? or is 70-80mph too fast for you??? i'm considering one for this winter (it's on my long list of things to build). or maybe even a scratch built 32 cell rigger.

[Hydro Junkie]

But I am building an electric! I'm building a 4"+ long X almost 2" wide HARBOR TUG for the significant other. IF I'M LUCKY, I might get it up to 10 MPH. Besides, you never said it had to be fast :p

[BoatDoc]

i bet it'll make a good retrieval boat! how 'bout this...since everyone needs a good winter project, you can build a fast electric, a good 'rigger for example. and i'll build a scale hydro! up to the challenge?? since i'm short on funding, maybe i'll go for the .21-.45 size. and for you...maybe a climate blizzard on 6 or 8 cells with brushless power. but of course, if you can't handle the challenge...i'll understand. you can look at it this way, a blizzard on 8 cells with a brushless motor is capable of more than 50mph :cool:

[Hydro Junkie]

If I were to take you up on that, it would have to be something scale, maybe in the 1/10th range. I've got a set of plans for the 1977 Atlas Van Lines I MIGHT be able to build in 1/10th scale. Maybe with an Astro 25 motor. Maybe 14 sub C batteries. Would that work for you? At least I would be able to race it in a local club when I got done building it :p

[BoatDoc]

that's a good boy!!!!! and even though i'm putting up the challenge...i might need your help as i've never done a scratch boat before. how 'bout we throw in a twist and we build the same style boat!!! that would be cool. one nitro, one ep.

[Hydro Junkie]

Are you sure you want to do that? I might make you look bad :rolleyes: If you want to do this, you're looking at a 34.2 inch boat. You also have to figure out what engine you want to use, a .21 or a .45, and it all depends on how heavy you build it. Being an army type, better look at the .45. I know how you wannabe Marines like the heavy metal :D You will also need a set of plans. You can either order them from www.newtonmarine.com or I can copy the set I have and send it to you, though I EXPECT TO BE REIMBURSED 200% OF MY COSTS. I need to make some profit :D

[BoatDoc]

ok...the marine thing was going a little too far! but, if you are accepting the challenge...remember i said it's a winter project. in other words...i can't afford to do it right now and need some time to start planning. i'm sure it would be entertaining to the other guys to watch the progress of the challenge and all the trash talk that will be involved!! so...what do ya say?? i think it'll be fun, cuz i've been wanting to build a scale boat, and it'll be fun to see you suffer as you realize that electric can be fast too!

[Hydro Junkie]

The set up I was referring to only hits mid 30s. If you want to see more about what I'm looking at, check out www.e-rcu.org and see what the guys are building AND RACING. Besides, my young apprentice, where would the trash talk be coming from? I am the master and you are the one with limited training and experience. Wouldn't I make a fantastic Darth Vader :D

[BoatDoc]

you can call yourself anything you want...just remember, Darth was called Annie is his younger days! i'm checking out the designs right now, trying to find one that can hide a tuned pipe without looking goofy.

[Hydro Junkie]

It either goes inside the turbine pipe or under the deck and out through the transom. What's up with this? I'm helping you out already and it's still August. FYI, any boat design will work. Been there, seen that. Any more questions?

[BoatDoc]

should we have rules?? or should we go no holds barred? i know both of us know how to cheat...and cheating is just another way to say "creative." i'm trying to find that hull on the newton site and it may take a while unless you know which number they have it under.

[Hydro Junkie]

It's plan 123 and will run you about $35.00. Since you are "relocating", if/when you order it, you might want to have it sent to your "new location". It will take some time for Roger to print it out and get it to you. Make sure to specify the complete set if/when you order it. While you're at it, why not order a set of plans for a 1991-94 Budweiser? We all know you want one :D

[BoatDoc]

i'm starting to understand why you have so many unfinished boats. they are all awesome. that 1980 u-31 caught my eye, cool canard design. thanks for the tip...i would have been looking for hours! if that's the boat you want to go with it sounds good to me. let me guess, you have access to the real thing??? and what's wrong with liking the bud's? it's not my fault that pro-boat gave them a bad name :D the '78 bud looked cool. but in all honesty, i'm a sucker for the shovel noses, those are the coolest. i think i'll start getting ready for a mid-november start date for the project. too much going on right now. you're in for it now!!! hope you're up for it.

[Hydro Junkie]

You talking the four pointer with the sponsons in the rear? A total flop in real life. Someone in the Circus Circus unlimited organization had a Stiletto and thought a full size version would be a great idea. He learned otherwise. As for the Atlas, I do have access, as well as the designer and crew chief Jim Lucero here in Western Washington. And I never said anything was wrong with the Miss Budweisers. Would you rather build the 1980 Miss Budweiser? I have access to that boat too, by the way. It's plan 132A, just so you know. That one will take some fiberglass work to do the cowling and cockpit, while the Atlas can be done with wood

[BoatDoc]

since this whole challenge is my idea, i'll let you pic the hull. as of right now, a total wood build up would suit me just fine. the paint job on the atlas would probably drive me nuts seeing as how i don't like painting very much. at 34.2 in, that puts it right between a sport 20 and sport 40 size. which means i'll be using a .45. in fact i think i'll go with an OPS engine. unless i can come up with the serious $$$ at which point i'll get a mac with an andy brown pipe. this project will give me a few chances to experiment too...which is something i like to do. but, there's one thing we need to hash out: rules?? are we going with the same scale and stuff like that. i'm getting kind of anxious, because i've got a few ideas. you'd better be at the top of your game, otherwise i'm gonna punk you out. and yes, i'll talk a lot of trash :D of course, i'd better be at the top of my game too...or i'll look like a fool after talking a lot of trash and then getting spanked by darth!

[Hydro Junkie]

If you really want to go nuts, how bout just going to the full 1/8th scale. Rules are simple, it has to meet the dimensions allowed to race in the scale catagory at any race, and look scale. This means I get to go nitro too :D

[BoatDoc]

nope...the whole point of this is to get you to build a fast electric!!! we'll stick to the smaller sizes. i'll look at the big stuff after i get my workshop set back up and i know i can afford it. a .21-.45 hull is something i can pull off. if i go bigger i'm not sure i could affor the engines. well, at this point anyway. i like the idea of a 34 inch hull anyway.

[Hydro Junkie]

Then what are you snivelling about? It was your challenge, so I hope you can handle the presure. Do you remember that pic with my boats in it? I've got a 36" Pay N' Pak almost finished, so I KNOW I CAN DO ONE, CAN YOU?

[Hydro Junkie]

One other thing, if you can find a copy center that can do it, you need to scale it down to 80% from the plan size

[BoatDoc]

don't worry about me. i love a good challenge. and besides, i hadn't decided what my winter project was going to be. so, is it the atlas??? if so, i'm looking forward to everything but the paint job. but i'm sure i can learn. i've got a few airbrushes that i need to learn how to use anyway. i can see it now...my atlas hydro with custom motor mounts and hardware. the scream of the ops .45. a rooster tail from here to next week. yeah, i think i can do it...the mental picture i've got is enough to get me motivated.

[Hydro Junkie]

Just wait till you start building, the confusion, the glazed over look in your eyes. It may change your mind. I'm just waiting for you to call HELP!!!!!!!!!! In my case it's no big deal. This will be number 9 :D

[BoatDoc]

glazed eyes and confusion usually come from building a dumas kit. i'm looking forward to nice, long cold wisconsin winter. it'll be a nice time to re-acquaint myself with my workshop. you must remember, i was born with a wrench in my hand!!! i have five boats, i've built 4 airplanes, and i build almost anything that i can't afford to actually buy. i hate to imagine where i'd be if i hadn't been out of the hobby for 5 years!!!

[Hydro Junkie]

Bankrupt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[BoatDoc]

that about says it!!!! oh by the way...sorry to mrgizzly, didn't mean to steal the thread. i can't wait to get started on this one. this should be a lot of fun to build.

[Hydro Junkie]

Unless he wants to build one too? Give me an update as to when you order/get your plans. It wouldn't be fair for me to get a huge headstart, would it? Gotta go, have some errands to run. Talk to you later

[mrgrizzly]

One more question, promise, just one more, then I'll leave you guys alone for a while. I've read all there is to read on my EP hammer, and I've heard about "adjusting" the trim tabs. When I got the boat, the tabs were like...different from one another. One hung down below the hull, while the other was even with the hull. I "slotted" the holes in the trimtabs, and made them both flush with the hull, cause I didn't know what else to do. The guy that tested the boat when it came out said he adjusted them to improve performance... how do you adjust the trim tabs, cause I can't see what effect they have on performance???? (if i could figure this out, it would help me in deciding what kind of boat I want to build, and how to set it up) again, thanks!

[BoatDoc]

sorry about stealing the thread...me and hydro tend to get a little competitive. first of all, you did the right thing by evening out the trim tab. as far as adjusting them, here's how it works. if you bend them down, it will lower the bow. bring them up and it raises the bow. basically, they are for changing the attitude that the boat rides at. if the boat is getting wild, then you want to bring them down. if it runs too wet, you'll want to bend them up. if you decide to modify your boat for more speed, you'll see that they take on more affect. i don't have an ep hammer, but i have a nitro hammer. the stock tabs on the nitro hammer were fairly ineffective...so i imagine the same holds true for the ep. enjoy!!

[Hydro Junkie]

Trim tabs should be mounted flush with the bottom of the boat, initially. After that, all adjustments are done by bending them up or down. What they do is control how high the bow can get while running. By bending the tabs down, you force the bow down and vice versa. In smooth water, an up adjustment will let more of the hull get out of the water and let the boat go faster. Conversely, by lowering the tabs, more of the hull is in the water, slowing the boat and improving handling. In rough water, it can be totally the opposite. The effect of the tabs also varies from boat to boat, so each boat has to be set up differently. It's a balancing act that goes on every time you go to run the boat. Hope that helps you decide