Converting a 40 nitro to Electric

[eagle927]

If I was to go electric in a sport 40 what size motor would everyone go with? I have one setup now with a OPS.45 nitro engine in it now but I have an extra one that I want to set up electric can anyone give me some ideas. I added some pics need some help before I go looking for the motor and all that.


Thanks all :)

[Ghost 2501]

important, how big is it + how heavy is she bare?

[CG Bob]

That would depend on if you're running according to IMPBA or NAMBA rules. Based on your nitro engine size, the E-flite Power 46 BL Outrunner (http://www.e-fliterc.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=EFLM4046A) or similar rated BL motor seems like a good starting point. For most boat applications, they're using brushless inrunner motors. I did a quick check of several bl motor producers, and E-flitewas the only one that I found that provided any comparison of motor to nitro size.

[eagle927]

It is 7lbs the way it is right now that is with the rudder and turn fin on it and two empty fuel tanks that have to come out look at pic#1. It is 36 inches long and 18 3/4 inches at its widest point. and I would be running OPS45 if I was running a nitro engine. I do not think I will be racing it this will be just for enjoyment fun for me.

[Ghost 2501]

for that, probably a speed 700 or BIGGER, maybe a 900 running on 9.6v, esc- Proboat Tornado 50

[eagle927]

Ok so where would one buy motors of this size and I looked for the esc but could not find it.

[AndyKunz]

Best place to find answers:

www.OffshoreElectrics.com (check the forum)

There are a number of top-name NAMBA electric racers there. We have a class for Sport 40 hulls (Q/S Sport). The P power package with LiPo's will get you comparable performance easily enough.

Andy

[Ghost 2501]

hobby lobby sell the 50A Pro boat esc

[Rex R]

feigao 540 8xl bl motor might work (on 4s lipo,14.8v nominal). for a brushed motor 50 amps will not be enough 80-90amps (imo) would be a better choice. you definately do not want reverse(unless you want to turn it into a sub :)).

[Ghost 2501]

personally, I do wander just how safe a Lithium Polymer battery will be if it gets wet, after all, water is bound to get in there at some point.

Nickel-Cadmium / Metal-Hydride types are probably the safer option, and as Lipo's are so light, you would probably need to add some trim ballast, the heavier nickel types could simply be adjusted in position to trim out the boat.

It is 7lbs the way it is right now that is with the rudder and turn fin on it and two empty fuel tanks that have to come out look at pic#1. It is 36 inches long and 18 3/4 inches at its widest point. and I would be running OPS45 if I was running a nitro engine. I do not think I will be racing it this will be just for enjoyment fun for me.

Rex, eagle wants it as a fun boat to simply take out and hare around the lake for personal enjoyment, not competition, as a result a 50A esc, which with 9.6v gets my 36"x12" Najade sports cruiser which is HEAVIER than the miss-bud style hydro to generate a respectable wash.

[AndyKunz]

LiPo's are just fine if they get wet. They are sealed. The aluminum contacts are exposed and could possibly corrode if you do not take care of your batteries when done, but that's about the same as the rust on NiMH cells.

There are tons of folks running them in the US and Oz and nobody is having great problems.

Andy

[eagle927]

Thanks everyone for all the help.