This section gives helpfull ways in which you can go about doing differt things in fast electric boat modeling.

--Select a Tip-- Props Motors Cooling Power Soldering Hull Repair Performance Flex Cables

Props

Prop your boat When proping your boat, it can be helpfull to start at a low pitch and a low size propeller. Then gradually work your way up until you reach a desired rpm rate for your boat.

Balance your prop Make sure you have a prop balancer because an unbalanced prop can cause vibration and damage your motors along with your hardware. A balanced prop is also more streamlined which allows it to spin more freely.

Make your prop fit Have you purchased a prop made for your shaft size but still rides a bit loose? If you have, find a piece of copper tubbing big enough to go over your shaft but small enough to fit in the hub of the prop. Cut the tubbing a bit smaller than the length of the prop hub. fit the tubbing over the shaft and inside your prop. Your prop should now fit snug.

Motors

A clean connection A good connection between the brush and the commutator is an absolute must. To keep this connection clean, remove the brush and clean it, along with the commutator with an eraser. You can also keep it clean with a motor cleaner spray. But remember, if you clean your motor with the motor spray, you must relube the motor bearings.

Stop that noise Engine noise can be a pain in the neck when it interfeers with your radio transmition. To prevent or reduse engine noise, solder capacitors between the positive and negative poles on your engine.

Cooling

The cooler the better In electric boating heat is the enemy. Cooling your motors can greatly prolong their lives. Install a water pickup in the back right of your hull. Run a gas line from there to a water coil that you put around your engine. From the coil you go back into a gas line and then through a water cooled speed controler and back into a gas line then out through a water outlet on the left side of the hull.

Power

Let it flow When it comes to power on an electric boat, the flow of electricity talks! When assembling battery packs, applying wire to motors, making Y harnisses, ect., use 12 guage wire. It reduces heat and allows for great power flow!

To much cells can hurt Did you know that some modle boaters try to put more cells in there boat than their motors can handle? Don't do what these people have done, it can fry your motors and over heat your speed controlers. This excess in power can even damage your batteries!

Discharge your batteries After using your battery packs discharge them before recharging them to get a full charge and to prevent memory problems withen the battery. You can purchase a discharger from your local hobby dealer or Tower Hobbies.

Soldering

Soldering stations help When soldering, use a soldering station to hold your iron. This will allow your iron to really heat up for those hard to heat jobs. Using a soldering station can also prevent you from being burned.

Flux works wonders Use flux when you are soldering. Flux helps to bond your connection and lets you know when its about time to apply your solder by bubbling.

Small wires=small irons When you are soldering small wires (such as reciever wires) use a low wattage soldering iron so you don't fry a circut.

Hull Repair

Cover that hole Have a hole punched in your hull? CA and duct tape can keep you in the race until you can make permanent changes.

Repair it from the inside If you get a hole in your hull, repair it from the inside so the outside remains as close to its original state as posible.

Find the hole If you seem to have extra water in your boat and suspect you have leak. Put your boat in a filled bath tub for a minute and see if you can detect a leak there by tilting the boat and determining what end the water is coming from. you'll probably beable to take it from there.

Get the water out fast When you open the hatch cover on your boat there is a chance that you might have water in your boat. Instead of wasting time by using paper towels to remove the water, use a surenge with about 4 inches of cooling tubing fitted to it to quickly suck the water out.

Performance

Here's to aerodynamics For better performance, file the leading edge of your rudder, strut, or turnfin to a sharp edge. This will allow for less drag in the water for an increase in speed and performance.

Center of gravity A low center of gravity is better for stability in the straits. A high center of gravity is better for stability in the turns. Knowing this can help you to get an idea on where you want to place the weight in your boat.

Reposition the weight If you have a propblem with a boat that seems to just flip off the water try repositioning the weight that already exists in the boat: batteries, servos, ect.. If that doesn't work try to change the position of the trim tabs,but keep the changes small, a boat with to much down trim angle will slow it down!

Check the CG IF your boat seems to be riding top heavy or any position that seems "not correct", chances are that the CG (center of gravity) may not be balanced correctly. The hull should be balanced at 27 to 29% of the hull length measured from the transom.

Types of Battery Cells There are many different types of batteries out on the market and at times, choosing which one to use on your boat can be confusing. Typically, 1500 for noobs, 2400 for racing, and 3000 for enduro.

Flex cables

No whip required When the use of a flex cable is required, bring the stuffing box tube (cable housing) up within 1/2 inch of the motor coupler. This will prevent whip and will save your cable.

Less bend is better For the best possible speed, you need to reduce friction. Try not to over bend your flex cables. Although flex cables are made to be bent, the less bend in the cable, the less resistance you will have resulting in higher rpm's.