Can anyone recommend a good self-righting speedboat that can handle saltwater?

[Fairmont]

I guess the title says it all.

I'm looking for something that is fast but very durable, something that can take a full underwater dunking in the ocean and still come up functioning.

Needs to be self-righting and would ideally hit a speed above 15mph, perferably 20+ (but doesn't need to go faster than 25mph or so).

Durability is the key. Waterproof.

I've seen the RC Surfers in action, but prefer something a little larger.

Oh, and RTR would be best.

If anyone can make a recommendation, I very much appreciate it.

This isn't for racing, and I don't care about looks. Functionality is more important.

I want to mount a digital camera in a waterproof housing to the deck of the boat to take photos out on the ocean.

Seriously. :)

[quicksilver]

Probably your best bet is the Cen racing wave shark, it look like a jet ski, but has a prop. It's upgradeable and from what I've heard, has very good self righting characteristics.

[Fairmont]

Insane!

Thanks so much. that's EXACTLY what I was looking for.

[Umi_Ryuzuki]

Ah, you found something already,.. I was going to recommend a
Lifeboat model...

http://www.speedline-models.com/page9.html

:D

I'm kind of considering one of the new Tamar class boats, but maybe
in 1/16th scale. :o

[Fairmont]

Those models are cool, but I'm not so sure they could take a beating.

I have some stupidly smart ideas for this. I'm going to mount a lightweight digital camera on it and put it into places you normally wouldn't want to be (think Niagra Falls and such).

I'm trying to get so stupid as to make a paradigm shift.

Or something like that.

[Umi_Ryuzuki]

That's what we're planning..
You know, "Launch for distance!!" and have a friend throw the boat out into the pond..
:D

Rolling in surf or high currents...

The Speedline models are Lasercut acrylic superstuctures and fiberglass hulls.
The Model Slipways are more traditional,... wood and fiberglass.
Cost wise and scale, I am leaning toward the Model slipways.

But the Speedline models are very impressive...

[Fairmont]

Not really sure what you're talking about. Lingo issue, perhaps?

I'm specifically looking for something that can handle being pounded by BIG waves and bob back up for more.

[Umi_Ryuzuki]

The lingo is not hard to decipher..

Launch for distance... = have a friend throw the boat out into the pond..
Literally a double underhanded toss out about 10 feet into the pond.



Rolling in surf or high currents... = pounded by BIG waves and bob back up for more.

:p

Speedline models are laser cut acrylic supersturctures and fiberglass hulls
Can't get much more accurate or stronger construction than that... :)


The Model Slipways are more traditional,... wood and fiberglass.
Means they are more traditional wood and fiberglass construction. And can be made strong and durable.

Cost wise and scale, I am leaning toward the Model slipways.
Because of the lower pricing I would probably buy a Model slipways kit.

I hope that helps decipher any lingo I used... :)

[pompebled]

Those models are cool, but I'm not so sure they could take a beating.

I have some stupidly smart ideas for this. I'm going to mount a lightweight digital camera on it and put it into places you normally wouldn't want to be (think Niagra Falls and such).

I'm trying to get so stupid as to make a paradigm shift.

Or something like that.

I'm sure that I can make something that would stand up to such abuse (not sure about Niagra falls though...), but I'm also sure, nothing RTR will take that kind of beating and still operate, they're simply not designed for it.

In the ocean, a hull with a fin keel and ballast bulb would always recover, if you stay far enough from the shore.
The footage will be sickening no doubt...

Regards, Jan.

[quicksilver]

you guys think differently than me, I seem to have a mental block of not including slow boats. I'm sure the lifeboat would work better than the wave shark, but then again that makes sense. I think one of the tricks here is camera weight.

Could always cheat and duct tape a soda bottle on top of any boat.

[Fairmont]

I should have been more specific. What I really want to do is photograph big wave surfing.

Currently there are different ways to do it, but for the water view, it usually involves some guy swimming out there with a camera. Not the safest route.

My idea was to use a rc speedboat to swing in, take the pictures, and swing out.

I can keep the camera gear under a pound (including underwater housing for the camera).

[Umi_Ryuzuki]

Hmm,

Take a boogie board narrow it's width, water proof drive box, and a weighted keel underneath. Then mount your camera box on top...

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=845000

:)

[mrwuffles]

hey umi what model is that in the thumbnail video you posted?

[pompebled]

It's a Waveney Class Lifeboat.

Regards, Jan.

[Fairmont]

Yep, I think I have some ideas now.

Ever see Jaws on Maui? 70-foot waves.