Anyone here into RC boats?

[Psychographic]

I recently was given a present of a boat I built quite a while back and would like to get it back up and running. Actually it's never been run, as I never found a starter with enough torque, or didn't know the proper technique to do so.

 

As it's been forever since I've done anything with RC, I was hoping someone here could share some knowledge or maybe point me to a good RC boat forum.

[High octane]

I recently was given a present of a boat I built quite a while back and would like to get it back up and running. Actually it's never been run, as I never found a starter with enough torque, or didn't know the proper technique to do so.

 

As it's been forever since I've done anything with RC, I was hoping someone here could share some knowledge or maybe point me to a good RC boat forum.

While I used to be into R/C boats and also an R/C boat club back in the 90's, that was a long time ago as I've been out of it since 'bout '98. I would suggest that you take your boat to a hobby shop that handles R/C cars, trucks, planes, and or boats and they should be able to help you out.

[Joe Handley]

I've never really gotten into boats, but if you have pics, I can give it a shot!

[Ace-Garageguy]

I know next to zip about RC boats...but a guy I work with is building a 4-foot replica of the old Miami Vice boat...with a chain saw engine and a really cool little outdrive setup.

 I don't know if that's typical or not, but it sure looks like it oughta haul posterior.

[High octane]

I know next to zip about RC boats...but a guy I work with is building a 4-foot replica of the old Miami Vice boat...with a chain saw engine and a really cool little outdrive setup.

 I don't know if that's typical or not, but it sure looks like it oughta haul posterior.

Oh it will haul, that's for sure. Back in the late 90's some R/C boaters were using weed wacker motors for power on  their boats.

[Psychographic]

Here's my boat, it's a Prather 46" Deep Vee with an OPS 90 engine. The radio equipment is an old Airtronics 3 channel FM setup. As I don't have the transmitter. I'll need a new radio setup and I'm sure there are much better setups than the old Airtronics. From what I've seen of the Traxxas tv commercials there are now waterproof receivers and speed controls.

 

 

 

 

[High octane]

Here's my boat, it's a Prather 46" Deep Vee with an OPS 90 engine. The radio equipment is an old Airtronics 3 channel FM setup. As I don't have the transmitter. I'll need a new radio setup and I'm sure there are much better setups than the old Airtronics. From what I've seen of the Traxxas tv commercials there are now waterproof receivers and speed controls.

 

 

 

 

Great lookin' boat, but needs a driver. I'll bet it scoots pretty good also.

[Mike C]

Go to a forum called RCUniverse to get a lot of answers. They cover boats, planes, cars. Pretty much everything RC. I did RC cars for many years.

[Joe Handley]

Definately look at the newer 2.4ghz radios and maybe even one of the "waterproof" Rx boxes made by Traxxas for the receiver. I'd also look at a rechargeable 5 cell/6volt receiver pack to power the electronics in the boat over just using 4AA's, not only will it be rechargeable, but then you have more voltage to power the receiver and servos, which will give you better radio and servo responses over 4 AA akalines or a 4 cell/4.8volt rechargeable pack. Delending on what shape the servos are in, you may consider replacing and upgrading those to torquier and waterproof.  Since I'm not in the field any more, I'm not sure what is best any more, but considering how nice it looks and the power levels it should have, I wouldn't skimp on the quality of parts.

Edited October 18, 2016 by Joe Handley