AquaCraft Mini Rio...???

[abfliegen]

While looking for an inexpensive boat to cruise around on a small local pond located near my home this summer, I ran across an ad for the AquaCraft Mini Rio - RTR. I won't be racing, souping-up, or doing anything other than maybe some simple or easy mods. This model looks like a bang for the (small) buck.

Has anyone on here ran one -- or seen one run? If so, I would be very interested in any info on it such as: top speed - handling - durability - pros/cons - or any other info. I realize that $80-90 for an RTR complete with radio and all accessories will be a 'toy.' But -- that's OK! RC Toys-R-Me!

Thanks,
Phil

[Swift16]

Phil,
I've run my Mini-Rio and found it's a 15-20 mph, agile, and reliable boat for "fun". The boats come in four colors, matched to four different 27 MHz frequencies with the "Blue" boat being channel 1 (26.995 MHz). The radio is FM.

The boat uses a combination receiver/ESC which works quite well - forward only. If you break it a replacement assembly containing receiver, ESC, and on/off switch is $16.99 at Tower Hobbies. Cheap! The driveshaft is a vary small diameter cable...works well. Spare props are two for four bucks or so, also cheap!

Duration is approximately 9-10 minutes. It's got a water cooled heat sink on the motor which keeps it all cool. The motor in mine barely gets warm. Recharging using the included automotive power plug charger is, unfortunately, slow.....about 45 minutes. It uses a six cell NiMh 1100 mah 7.2 V pack.

A nice feature are the two circular rubber sealed hatch covers which keep water out. The rudder pushrod exiting the stern has an accordian rubber seal also. The "cabin" fits over the hatches and adds another layer of water rejection.

There's foam flotation inside the bow in case it tries to sink and a rubber bumper surrounds the deck edge.

You need only supply AA batteries for the transmitter (8) and push the receiver antenna tube through the rubber seal at the stern, charge the battery and you're ready to run.

Our club is going to use them as demonstrators at regattas as well as just fun fooling around. Our local hobby shop gave the club a good deal on them. They're a hoot!
John

[abfliegen]

Thanks John for the detailed scoop! It sounds like it is just what I'm looking for. Durability of the ABS hull was one of my prime concerns, but the local pond only has 2 obstacles -- ducks! -- which I will carefully avoid. Now, if next Friday (payday) will just hurry and get here....!

Phil

[Swift16]

Forgot a couple of items:
1. You have to attach the transmitter's antenna which is an easy screw-in task.
2. The ABS stand is lined with rubber foam to protect the boat hull and it transports on it as well. The boat didn't slide off during the 15 minute run to our pond.
The hull appears quite durable and the rubber bumper should really help when (not if) you collide with another Rio.
For the price it's really a bargain. Proportional ESC and steering make racing another Rio fun. The small size and quick turning capability makes its speed seem even faster.
John

[MikeTwain]

I just got this the other day and have taken it to the pond park near my house and it's a blast!

It's smaller than I expected but twice as fun :)

[retoabcr]

380 motor? I have 3 of the 380s that you can have. i ordered a 400 and stamped on the can was 380. So i bought a speed 480-7.2 and works great. The cable is.98 and seems to work out great but went to a 431 plastic prop.

[abfliegen]

Thanks guys for all the positive feedback on the 'Mini Rio.' Nothing negative? Great! Keep the comments rollin' in.

I gotta admit that, since I also received a tax refund last week, I switched in mid-stream and bought a 'King's Ransom' instead. The Rio will have to wait for my next paycheck, but I'll order it then. What the heck -- you need at least 2 boats when you go to the pond, in case one gets stranded offshore -- right?

Thanks all,
Phil

[abfliegen]

Got another tax refund today and my finger accidentally hit the 'order' key for the Mini Rio! OOPS! (Smirk)

[green-boat]

received a tax refund last week
Tax refund???????????? What tax refund :confused: :confused:

Oh yeah, that thing we got and the wife already spent. :(

[abfliegen]

Tax refund???????????? What tax refund :confused: :confused:

Oh yeah, that thing we got and the wife already spent. :(
Yup! Gotta get up early to get a piece of that pie!

[abfliegen]

The Mini-Rio arrived. I ordered the orange one (ch 4). Some websites don't offer a choice of colors (frequencies).

I'm impressed! The overall design, materials, and workmanship are super, and it's truly RTR. Just push the antenna tube into the boat and you're ready to launch. I don't really consider charging/installing the batteries and Tx antenna as initial assembly. The factory setup and adjustments were all properly aligned and the trim decals (stickers) and finish are flawless. Everything checked out perfectly in the bench test.

Also, it's really small. It'll be just right for the pond I will be running it in.

Unfortunately, I didn't make it to the pond yesterday afternoon because we were experiencing high winds, torrential rain, golfball size hail, and tornados here in central Arkansas! Maybe next weekend...

[boat_builder]

I have one of these Mini Rio boats that another member here gave me. He ran it once and decided that it was too small for what he was wanting so he sent it on down the line to me. I too was very impressed by it's speed and construction. For what they cost they are a toooon of fun!! The only thing that I have found undesirable so far is the battery doesn't last very long and if you get even the smallest amount of grass or crud hung on the rudder or prop it will make the boat come off plane immediately and you'll have to bring it in to clean it off. If you run it water that doesn't have much crud floating around in it then they run suprisingly great and quick for their size. Not too shabby for the cost!! :)

[Swift16]

Ditto!

[sussur]

Ey guys,

Just got me a Mini Rio... I was wondering if this can handle 8.4 2/3aa packs? has tried 8.4V?

Thanks

Richard

[Predreadnut]

I dont think a 380size would take kindly to 8.4volts....well, maybe for a few seconds. :) Guys, does the Mini Rio use a standard sized 7.2v stick battery? If so, the short runtime issue can easily be fixed with a higher mah battery.

[abfliegen]

Sussur,
There is a thread http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_7082356/mpage_1/key_/tm.htm discussing several mods that have been tried on the M-R, including 2S LiPos.
Also note posts #52 by Russ W. (AquaCraft Product Manager) and #139 by GrimRacer (AquaCraft Boat Designer) for good advice. Draw your own conclusions and Go For It! I have little experience with RC boats, but it appears that this little boat has a lot of potential for improved performance, if that's what you want.

Predreadnut,
Yes, the stock battery is a NiMH, 1100mah, 7.2v, stick.

[retoabcr]

Can the mini rio be bought for just the hull only? I've read the posting but haven't seen any info on this, thanks!

[Frank Hurd]

I' too, would like to see the Mini-Rio available as a hull only. I seriously doubt that we will see that opportunity come to fruition. The thread on RCU gives some great mods and some nice videos of a brushless Rio running.
Having said that about the hull only, I guess one could always put the unwanted parts up for sale here and make some folks happy about getting a good deal on a radio,etc.
Mini boats are gaining popularity and micro boats are getting there, too. A lot can be done @ a reasonable price. Props continue to be a limiting factor but I'm sure that the manufacturers will soon see that there's money to made in the mini-micro market.
Frank

[retoabcr]

I believe your right about seeing a hull only in the micro rio. Now it was just a thought and thought i'd bring it up. Best of luck on your mini rios!

[abfliegen]

Frank,
I agree with you that the mini-boat market is expanding nicely lately, likely due to it's affordability and limited space operation. Maybe AquaCraft (and GrimRacer) will be successful in getting innovatively upgraded parts available to the market's growing demand. He has apparently already been researching things like turn fins, trim tabs, and drive system design improvements on the Mini Rio.

I gotta admit that I'm quite impressed with the stock quality and appearance of the M-Rio as a truly R-T-R mini-boat. The only thing I've done to it is glue a piece of light styro sheet (floatation) into the cowl in case it comes off in the water. Now, if I can just get a chance to get it in the pond for a performance check!

[retoabcr]

Mr. Frank Hurd; i have a mini-v and a mini-c which have a esc/rx and servo as one unit. I received a replacement ( esc/rx ) yesterday and put my sermos on proper wires and C worked great till i pushed the pistol trigger forward and smoke arose out of the wires. Now with the switch on esc/rx being off the motor runs till i switch it on! Beware!

[Frank Hurd]

Sorry to hear about the meltdown. Any ideas about what happened?
Frank

[retoabcr]

Frank, i've seen Ammo 25-35-2700's run and look to be a winner in the Rio arena with 7.4 lipos!

[smaerd58]

Batteries? Are these Sub C Batteries? Can you put in 6 Cells 7.2V 4200 Mah for longer run times? Thanks

[retoabcr]

Ok, i would buy a lipo pack or 2 of them that are rated at 800 each and saddle pack so cg can be attained and would give you 1600 mah to give you longer runtime in a parallel setup. Speed won't increase but runtime will. Now 4200's are heavier of which is a trial and error deal. Now some boats need the weight when they are micro and some don't. Voltage may do damage to motor and esc/rx cause they aren't rated to go to and above x-amount of juice. Contact the manufacturer. Lipos of 7.4 won't hurt cause voltage is the same in the 7.4 range. Now 11.2 lipos for a stock Rio is a dangerous game and is your choice and your wallets choice! These are suggestions only!

[Kmot]

I'm running a 3S lipo in my Mini Rio with the stock Aquacraft Rx/Esc:

[Basstronics]

I emailed them and asked about just a hull. They said it wont be available just as a hull.

So if you bust your hull, sorry about your luck.

With that info I bought a micro patriot from BBY.

[retoabcr]

Aw crap, i have a micro patriot i got from randy that hasn't been touched and cost me $9.50 and i have one already done. Better deal yet, get a micro Scat Cat, i just finished one and they're nice!---------- Kmot, glad your Rio runs on 3s, i did'nt know for sure, now we know!