New to RC Boats; Needs Advice for Drive Line

[old_dude]

Hi Guys,

I've flown RC aircraft for many years but am new to RC Boats. I recently purchased a used ProBoat SunDancer. I need help and advice on connecting the motor to the prop shaft and on how to keep water from coming into the boat past the prop shaft and its tube.

I did a bunch of searching here and am a little familiar with stuffing boxes and universal joints etc. Here are a couple of PICS of what I currently have with comments and questions on them. The tube housing the prop shaft is securely epoxied to the boat !! I wish it wasn't :mad:

I did visit MACK Products web site and check out all the hardware.
Can some knowledgeable and friendly person help with suggestions on how to make this hookup and keep the inside of the boat dry ...please ???

[Rex R]

one measurement you overlooked...distance from motor shaft to propshaft :).
well no matter one of these ought to work
dumas
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXE444&P=0
pro boat
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=PRB2103
and for the water intrusion problem...grease the shaft. hth
rex

[HoaRC]

a 3000 mah or 4000 mah battery will be much better in the speed boat.,.. but 1500 is ok for starters :)

[LtDoc]

Another way would be to use two 'collars' and a 'dog-bone' connector. Considering the space available between motor and drive shaft, that may be what was intended, looks to be the average length of a 'dog-bone', sort of (that's a very rough guess).
- 'Doc

Oops, Rex beat me to it.

[nick_75au]

The "stock picture" looks like a dog bone coupler anyway. May want to check if reducing the length on the outside of the hull still gives clearance to the prop to the hull, you could make a longer shaft. I purchased several 2 meter lengths of stainless stock from a stainless steel supplier in sizes both metric and imperial 3/16 to 1/4 for about $30 Aust. A meter of your size would be minimal cost.
the angle of the picture may be misleading but how is the alignment between motor and shaft, If it is as appears then you will have to use a dogbone or double uni-joint.
Regards
Nick

HoaRC, it may pay to look before you leap

[old_dude]

one measurement you overlooked...distance from motor shaft to propshaft :).
well no matter one of these ought to work
.................................................. ...... hth
rex

Well, actually I can move the motor forward or back to adjust that distance :)
I'm surprised that the water intrusion potential can be solved simply by "greasing the shaft" :cool:

Thanks guys :D

Old_dude

[Rex R]

you'll want a lite to medium viscosity grease, NOT wheel bearing grease(the shaft does have to turn :)). btw the 'pro boat' dog-bone is the proper replacement part according to horizon hobbies.

[old_dude]

Hi Rex,

I read in some of the posts that white lithium grease works well. I plan on giving it a try but I also have some "Sil-Glyde" grease that works well on speedo cables that I'll try also.

Thanks

Old_dude