RC Beginner Boat Suggestions?

[daGurnman]

Okay rc'ers...
For years I have wanted an rc boat. We now have a place on a lake, and
Saturday and Sunday mornings can be calm, just asking for an rc boat! I'm
considering an electric model. Speed is NOT the main concern, but I don't
want a toy.

Boats I am considering:
- Kyosho Blue Streak 800 EP
- Kyosho EP Air Streak 500
- Traxxas Villain IV RTR Boat w/Radio

Are those brands decent? I have NO idea what to consider for a radio,
except one person said a twin stick unit is better for boat maneuvering.

Although I am looking at these at Tower Hobby, I think I might buy the items
locally. I may pay more than internet prices, the expertise I can get from
the store is invaluable!!!

I am 50 years old. I put models together years ago, and should still have
the skills to put together models, as long as my eyesight doesn't give me a
hard time.

Suggestions? Thanks...
-gurn

[daGurnman]

Rob:

Thanks for the response.

I started to post the amount I wanted to spend, but for some unexplained
reason, I left it out. I'm hoping to stay under $300 USD, but if I have to
go slightly above that, I won't worry.

I like to tinker, but I don't have the time.

The 30-35 mph kinda scares me. I can image running the boat into the rocks
on the shore at 30 mph and starting all over again!!!

Do you think I will be disappointed immediately with the electric boat? I
saw the video on the web of the of the Traxxas, and it looked right up my
alley.
http://www.traxxas.com/products/marine/villain/trx_villain.htm
I figure if I can get a couple of seasons (3 month summer season here) out
of the electric boat, I should be happy.

Thanks again.

"boris" <boris@not.really.here.org> wrote in message
news:zhM1a.44575$jM5.113178@newsfeeds.bigpond.com. ..
> As with most hobbies, it's a case of "How much do you want to spend?"
>
> If you want to have some real fun get a deep vee mono powered by a 2
stroke
> gas engine (weedeater type). With a good muffler on the pipe it shouldn't
> disturb the neighbours too much (no more than mowing you lawn or
> whipper-snipping the edges would).
>
> This would be a good option, especially if you like to tinker. With a
stock
> engine you should be able to get something to run about 30-35 mph and run
> times aroung 30-40 mins.
>
> If you need some serious advice (from people who really know what they're
> talking about) check out Jim's RC Boat Dock (do a search at google.com and
> you should find it easily) and go to the message board.
>
> Rob
>
>
>
> "daGurnman" <dagurnNO_SPAMMAman@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:TwA1a.170917$GF.46528712@twister.columbus.rr. com...
> > Okay rc'ers...
> > For years I have wanted an rc boat. We now have a place on a lake, and
> > Saturday and Sunday mornings can be calm, just asking for an rc boat!
I'm
> > considering an electric model. Speed is NOT the main concern, but I
don't
> > want a toy.
> >
> > Boats I am considering:
> > - Kyosho Blue Streak 800 EP
> > - Kyosho EP Air Streak 500
> > - Traxxas Villain IV RTR Boat w/Radio
> >
> > Are those brands decent? I have NO idea what to consider for a radio,
> > except one person said a twin stick unit is better for boat maneuvering.
> >
> > Although I am looking at these at Tower Hobby, I think I might buy the
> items
> > locally. I may pay more than internet prices, the expertise I can get
> from
> > the store is invaluable!!!
> >
> > I am 50 years old. I put models together years ago, and should still
have
> > the skills to put together models, as long as my eyesight doesn't give
me
> a
> > hard time.
> >
> > Suggestions? Thanks...
> > -gurn
> >
> >
>
>

[Lohring]

An electric boat will be too small to handle the conditions on a lake. They
are more suited to a swimming pool. The gas mono suggestion was a good one.
The Prather ( http://www.pratherproducts.com/ ) fun cruisers are the most
readily available complete gas boats. Aeromarine (
http://www.aeromarinerc.com/ ) makes better hulls powered by better engines.
Don't worry about the 30 mph speeds. After a while that will seem slow.
These days a gas mono powered by a 25cc engine goes 60 mph in heat race
trim..

Lohring Miller




-----= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =-----
http://www.newsfeeds.com - The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World!
-----== Over 80,000 Newsgroups - 16 Different Servers! =-----

[Kevin Russell]

Electric will be fine on a lake unless its blowing a gale??
a few waves at its a bit more fun
Kevin
"Lohring" <lohring@pacinfo.com> wrote in message
news:3e47d1e5_4@corp.newsgroups.com...
> An electric boat will be too small to handle the conditions on a lake.
They
> are more suited to a swimming pool. The gas mono suggestion was a good
one.
> The Prather ( http://www.pratherproducts.com/ ) fun cruisers are the most
> readily available complete gas boats. Aeromarine (
> http://www.aeromarinerc.com/ ) makes better hulls powered by better
engines.
> Don't worry about the 30 mph speeds. After a while that will seem slow.
> These days a gas mono powered by a 25cc engine goes 60 mph in heat race
> trim..
>
> Lohring Miller
>
>
>
>
> -----= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =-----
> http://www.newsfeeds.com - The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World!
> -----== Over 80,000 Newsgroups - 16 Different Servers! =-----
Electric will be fine on a lake unless its blowing a gale??
a few waves and its a bit more fun
Kevin

[DGAdshead]

Lohring is kidding you if he thinks that electric boats can't handle high
winds/waves. I race fast electric model boats all year round and we get our
fair share of bad weather here in England.
Take a look at the NFERC section and BMMMS section of my web-site:
www.toysailor.com

My advice is buy electric -less noise - less pollution - more fun!

By the way, the Traxxas Villain is a good beginners boat, but not fast enough
to compete effectively. You could also try the Kyosho Jetstream, another good
beginners boat for scale style fast electric racing.

[daGurnman]

You guys are GREAT!

Thirty mph still sounds super fast to me! And in the morning, the lake can
look like glass! So wave conditions I don't think will be a problem.

I had troubles earlier finding info on the web, but after I started
searching by brand names, I got flooded....

I'm still leaning towards electric for ease of use. I read a thread earlier
that talked the importance of getting something up and running while the
initial interest is there. I kinda think I may have to buy extra batteries
to keep driving for some time. Are these batteries like my electric drill
with a one hour recharge? How long do they take to recharge? More amps,
longer time?

I just checked out your web page... those electrics look FAST!!! I am VERY
impressed... What about these videos... Are these videos real time, or not:
http://www.traxxas.com/products/marine/villain/gallery/movies/Villain.wmv
http://www.hobby-lobby.com/media/GR2050-PhantomCombo.wmv
http://www.hobby-lobby.com/media/MTC6902-CarribeanCruiser.wmv

Those look plenty fast for what I'm looking to do...

"DGAdshead" <dgadshead@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20030210152140.00928.00000356@mb-fp.aol.com...
> Lohring is kidding you if he thinks that electric boats can't handle high
> winds/waves. I race fast electric model boats all year round and we get
our
> fair share of bad weather here in England.
> Take a look at the NFERC section and BMMMS section of my web-site:
> www.toysailor.com
>
> My advice is buy electric -less noise - less pollution - more fun!
>
> By the way, the Traxxas Villain is a good beginners boat, but not fast
enough
> to compete effectively. You could also try the Kyosho Jetstream, another
good
> beginners boat for scale style fast electric racing.

[Jim Clark]

I think you have been smelling tooooooooooo much notro. Electrics are
just fine on a Lake. We run on lakes all the time .
Jim Clark

On Mon, 10 Feb 2003 08:25:44 -0800, "Lohring" <lohring@pacinfo.com>
wrote:

>An electric boat will be too small to handle the conditions on a lake. They
>are more suited to a swimming pool. The gas mono suggestion was a good one.
>The Prather ( http://www.pratherproducts.com/ ) fun cruisers are the most
>readily available complete gas boats. Aeromarine (
>http://www.aeromarinerc.com/ ) makes better hulls powered by better engines.
>Don't worry about the 30 mph speeds. After a while that will seem slow.
>These days a gas mono powered by a 25cc engine goes 60 mph in heat race
>trim..
>
>Lohring Miller
>
>
>
>
>-----= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =-----
>http://www.newsfeeds.com - The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World!
>-----== Over 80,000 Newsgroups - 16 Different Servers! =-----

[Gary R. Schmidt]

daGurnman wrote:
> You guys are GREAT!
>
> Thirty mph still sounds super fast to me! And in the morning, the lake can
> look like glass! So wave conditions I don't think will be a problem.
>
Why not a sailboat? They are a lot more relaxing, and the batteries
last much longer than in an EP, or a tank of fuel in a nitro.

Cheers,
Gary B-)

--
__________________________________________________ ____________________________

Gary R. Schmidt At Play: grschmidt@acm.org
Sure I work, I no longer boast about it.
__________________________________________________ ____________________________

[drobie]

I looked at the Villian video and I'm skeptical about that being a stock
boat. I have a friend with one and his didn't look that fast out of the
box. The most basic upgrade is to replace the props with some from Octura.
Even if the video is accurate, the close-up enhanced the perception of
speed.

Don't be intimidated. They're very forgiving. Your transmitter throttle is
your fail safe. Chances are, after the first day it won't be fast enough.

As for batts....yes, they are similar to your cordless drill but expect much
shorter durations between charges. A Villian has twin geared motors, so you
might get 10+ min out of a pack. You'll want a couple of extra packs.
You'll also need a charger. A GWS2002 is a great charger for recreation
use. $44 here at this online dealer,
http://www.officeshops.com/gws/chargers/ I know some experienced, budget
conscious flyers and FE boat racers that use them.

Go buy the Villian. You'll have a ball.

drobie

"daGurnman" <dagurnNO_SPAMMAman@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:VqY1a.173598$GF.47720032@twister.columbus.rr. com...
> You guys are GREAT!
>
> Thirty mph still sounds super fast to me! And in the morning, the lake
can
> look like glass! So wave conditions I don't think will be a problem.
>
> I had troubles earlier finding info on the web, but after I started
> searching by brand names, I got flooded....
>
> I'm still leaning towards electric for ease of use. I read a thread
earlier
> that talked the importance of getting something up and running while the
> initial interest is there. I kinda think I may have to buy extra
batteries
> to keep driving for some time. Are these batteries like my electric drill
> with a one hour recharge? How long do they take to recharge? More amps,
> longer time?
>
> I just checked out your web page... those electrics look FAST!!! I am
VERY
> impressed... What about these videos... Are these videos real time, or
not:
> http://www.traxxas.com/products/marine/villain/gallery/movies/Villain.wmv
> http://www.hobby-lobby.com/media/GR2050-PhantomCombo.wmv
> http://www.hobby-lobby.com/media/MTC6902-CarribeanCruiser.wmv
>
> Those look plenty fast for what I'm looking to do...
>
> "DGAdshead" <dgadshead@aol.com> wrote in message
> news:20030210152140.00928.00000356@mb-fp.aol.com...
> > Lohring is kidding you if he thinks that electric boats can't handle
high
> > winds/waves. I race fast electric model boats all year round and we get
> our
> > fair share of bad weather here in England.
> > Take a look at the NFERC section and BMMMS section of my web-site:
> > www.toysailor.com
> >
> > My advice is buy electric -less noise - less pollution - more fun!
> >
> > By the way, the Traxxas Villain is a good beginners boat, but not fast
> enough
> > to compete effectively. You could also try the Kyosho Jetstream, another
> good
> > beginners boat for scale style fast electric racing.
>
>

[tater schuld]

Bah, you're both nuts. Steam is the only way to go....

--
Tater
President of MARS Club
www.treece.org/mars.htm
NAR #79654
AMA #747769
EAA #22007969
remove spam spelled backwards to reply


"Jim Clark" <clark5080@att.net> wrote in message
news:q6hh4vosi37g2cfneq6iqd8c6t5efqlljs@4ax.com...
> I think you have been smelling tooooooooooo much notro. Electrics are
> just fine on a Lake. We run on lakes all the time .
> Jim Clark
>
> On Mon, 10 Feb 2003 08:25:44 -0800, "Lohring" <lohring@pacinfo.com>
> wrote:
>
> >An electric boat will be too small to handle the conditions on a lake.
They
> >are more suited to a swimming pool. The gas mono suggestion was a good
one.
> >The Prather ( http://www.pratherproducts.com/ ) fun cruisers are the
most
> >readily available complete gas boats. Aeromarine (
> >http://www.aeromarinerc.com/ ) makes better hulls powered by better
engines.
> >Don't worry about the 30 mph speeds. After a while that will seem slow.
> >These days a gas mono powered by a 25cc engine goes 60 mph in heat race
> >trim..
> >
> >Lohring Miller
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >-----= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =-----
> >http://www.newsfeeds.com - The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World!
> >-----== Over 80,000 Newsgroups - 16 Different Servers! =-----
>

[daGurnman]

I thought about that, as I used to have a sailboat and sailed every weekend
as a teenager. I may do that after I get my feet wet with simple
electric...
I need to get somewhat used to steering as the boat moves away from you and
then moves towards you!!!! 'Sailors' must be a unique breed, and there must
LOTS of training on that...
"Gary R. Schmidt" <grschmidt@acm.org> wrote in message
news:_w62a.4267$3x1.105838@nasal.pacific.net.au...
> daGurnman wrote:
> > You guys are GREAT!
> >
> > Thirty mph still sounds super fast to me! And in the morning, the lake
can
> > look like glass! So wave conditions I don't think will be a problem.
> >
> Why not a sailboat? They are a lot more relaxing, and the batteries
> last much longer than in an EP, or a tank of fuel in a nitro.
>
> Cheers,
> Gary B-)
>
> --
>
__________________________________________________ __________________________
__
>
> Gary R. Schmidt At Play: grschmidt@acm.org
> Sure I work, I no longer boast about it.
>
__________________________________________________ __________________________
__
>

[daGurnman]

Thanks for your comments. You are very honest... Yeah, the close-ups may
be misleading. Thanks for checking the video. I appreciate it.
I went to the local hobby shop tonight, and talked to someone who talked to
me in VERY basic terms. I liked that. Sometimes the pros can be not as
forgiving as ... well, we all were beginners at one time!! Anyway....
I was really interested in the Villian. Funny you should say "Go buy the
Villian" .... They had one there in a 'complete' kit, and it looked like one
to consider. $250 plus batteries plus charger... put me over my limit but
not enough to cancel the deal... BUT, the twin geared motors threw me for a
loop at first. I'm thinking... start with four fully charged batteries, run
the first two, change, go to the next two, charge the first two, and that
takes about an hour..rotate. Sounds like we could have a good time with
this setup.
Now... What about the Radio System? Should I go with the Villian and the
Traxxas radio combo, or buy the Villian and like the Futaba Attack 2-Channel
radio?
I'll check out the charger suggestion...

"drobie" <drobie@tds.net> wrote in message
news:v4ik584ih9h738@corp.supernews.com...
> I looked at the Villian video and I'm skeptical about that being a stock
> boat. I have a friend with one and his didn't look that fast out of the
> box. The most basic upgrade is to replace the props with some from
Octura.
> Even if the video is accurate, the close-up enhanced the perception of
> speed.
>
> Don't be intimidated. They're very forgiving. Your transmitter throttle
is
> your fail safe. Chances are, after the first day it won't be fast enough.
>
> As for batts....yes, they are similar to your cordless drill but expect
much
> shorter durations between charges. A Villian has twin geared motors, so
you
> might get 10+ min out of a pack. You'll want a couple of extra packs.
> You'll also need a charger. A GWS2002 is a great charger for recreation
> use. $44 here at this online dealer,
> http://www.officeshops.com/gws/chargers/ I know some experienced, budget
> conscious flyers and FE boat racers that use them.
>
> Go buy the Villian. You'll have a ball.
>
> drobie
>
> "daGurnman" <dagurnNO_SPAMMAman@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:VqY1a.173598$GF.47720032@twister.columbus.rr. com...
> > You guys are GREAT!
> >
> > Thirty mph still sounds super fast to me! And in the morning, the lake
> can
> > look like glass! So wave conditions I don't think will be a problem.
> >
> > I had troubles earlier finding info on the web, but after I started
> > searching by brand names, I got flooded....
> >
> > I'm still leaning towards electric for ease of use. I read a thread
> earlier
> > that talked the importance of getting something up and running while the
> > initial interest is there. I kinda think I may have to buy extra
> batteries
> > to keep driving for some time. Are these batteries like my electric
drill
> > with a one hour recharge? How long do they take to recharge? More
amps,
> > longer time?
> >
> > I just checked out your web page... those electrics look FAST!!! I am
> VERY
> > impressed... What about these videos... Are these videos real time, or
> not:
> >
http://www.traxxas.com/products/marine/villain/gallery/movies/Villain.wmv
> > http://www.hobby-lobby.com/media/GR2050-PhantomCombo.wmv
> > http://www.hobby-lobby.com/media/MTC6902-CarribeanCruiser.wmv
> >
> > Those look plenty fast for what I'm looking to do...
> >
> > "DGAdshead" <dgadshead@aol.com> wrote in message
> > news:20030210152140.00928.00000356@mb-fp.aol.com...
> > > Lohring is kidding you if he thinks that electric boats can't handle
> high
> > > winds/waves. I race fast electric model boats all year round and we
get
> > our
> > > fair share of bad weather here in England.
> > > Take a look at the NFERC section and BMMMS section of my web-site:
> > > www.toysailor.com
> > >
> > > My advice is buy electric -less noise - less pollution - more fun!
> > >
> > > By the way, the Traxxas Villain is a good beginners boat, but not fast
> > enough
> > > to compete effectively. You could also try the Kyosho Jetstream,
another
> > good
> > > beginners boat for scale style fast electric racing.
> >
> >
>
>

[boris]

If you have your heart set on the Traxxas check out ebay as there are always
a few of them there for sale. There are 4 there at the moment that you
could pick up rtr for about $200

looking at the link it looks like twin steerable outdrives would be fun. My
suggestion would be to replace the props with something better (read: not
plastic) and get some better electric motors and watercool them




"daGurnman" <dagurnNO_SPAMMAman@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:sIM1a.172258$GF.47153992@twister.columbus.rr. com...
> Rob:
>
> Thanks for the response.
>
> I started to post the amount I wanted to spend, but for some unexplained
> reason, I left it out. I'm hoping to stay under $300 USD, but if I have
to
> go slightly above that, I won't worry.
>
> I like to tinker, but I don't have the time.
>
> The 30-35 mph kinda scares me. I can image running the boat into the
rocks
> on the shore at 30 mph and starting all over again!!!
>
> Do you think I will be disappointed immediately with the electric boat? I
> saw the video on the web of the of the Traxxas, and it looked right up my
> alley.
> http://www.traxxas.com/products/marine/villain/trx_villain.htm
> I figure if I can get a couple of seasons (3 month summer season here) out
> of the electric boat, I should be happy.
>
> Thanks again.
>
> "boris" <boris@not.really.here.org> wrote in message
> news:zhM1a.44575$jM5.113178@newsfeeds.bigpond.com. ..
> > As with most hobbies, it's a case of "How much do you want to spend?"
> >
> > If you want to have some real fun get a deep vee mono powered by a 2
> stroke
> > gas engine (weedeater type). With a good muffler on the pipe it
shouldn't
> > disturb the neighbours too much (no more than mowing you lawn or
> > whipper-snipping the edges would).
> >
> > This would be a good option, especially if you like to tinker. With a
> stock
> > engine you should be able to get something to run about 30-35 mph and
run
> > times aroung 30-40 mins.
> >
> > If you need some serious advice (from people who really know what
they're
> > talking about) check out Jim's RC Boat Dock (do a search at google.com
and
> > you should find it easily) and go to the message board.
> >
> > Rob
> >
> >
> >
> > "daGurnman" <dagurnNO_SPAMMAman@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> > news:TwA1a.170917$GF.46528712@twister.columbus.rr. com...
> > > Okay rc'ers...
> > > For years I have wanted an rc boat. We now have a place on a lake,
and
> > > Saturday and Sunday mornings can be calm, just asking for an rc boat!
> I'm
> > > considering an electric model. Speed is NOT the main concern, but I
> don't
> > > want a toy.
> > >
> > > Boats I am considering:
> > > - Kyosho Blue Streak 800 EP
> > > - Kyosho EP Air Streak 500
> > > - Traxxas Villain IV RTR Boat w/Radio
> > >
> > > Are those brands decent? I have NO idea what to consider for a radio,
> > > except one person said a twin stick unit is better for boat
maneuvering.
> > >
> > > Although I am looking at these at Tower Hobby, I think I might buy the
> > items
> > > locally. I may pay more than internet prices, the expertise I can get
> > from
> > > the store is invaluable!!!
> > >
> > > I am 50 years old. I put models together years ago, and should still
> have
> > > the skills to put together models, as long as my eyesight doesn't give
> me
> > a
> > > hard time.
> > >
> > > Suggestions? Thanks...
> > > -gurn
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

[daGurnman]

"boris" <boris@not.really.here.org> wrote in
news:Rcp2a.45945$jM5.115439@newsfeeds.bigpond.com:

> If you have your heart set on the Traxxas check out ebay as there are
> always a few of them there for sale. There are 4 there at the moment
> that you could pick up rtr for about $200
>
> looking at the link it looks like twin steerable outdrives would be
> fun. My suggestion would be to replace the props with something
> better (read: not plastic) and get some better electric motors and
> watercool them
>
>
Thanks for the tip...
I already checked eBay... I am a big fan of eBay, but I thought I would buy
my first one new, and then, when I move on to other boats, I would go the
eBay route...

What do you thing about the twin motors... I thought it was cool until I
realized... OH! Twin motors means twin batteries!!!

hmmm... something better... Faster pitch???... is that what would help?
Larger diameter???

[Rob]

*grin* LOTS of suggestions! I just saw this thread and I LOVE to play
with boats - all kinds except fast ones, just cuz. I sail, and
currently have 5 of 'em. I, not being too techie, pretty
impoverished, and just not really feeling like concentrating most of
the time, like sail. We call it 'therapy' and it's still plenty
challengine. Tweaking a set of sails and a rig costs nothing except
time.

My 'wee' hobby is converting small-scale plastic boats to R/C which is
still pretty cheap when you take Ebay into account. But, well,
*ahem*, it's not the kind of hobby you invite the wifey to the pond to
watch.....

I did an R/C duck for $20! That's plenty of stupid fun :). Ebay
Radio Shack jetski that somebody didn't realize was as boring as it is
for $10. cabelas.com for a foam duck decoy - realistic enough for me.
5 minutes with a pocket knife opening up the hollow in the
duck.....all done. This year, my improvement will be a couple of
yellow bathtub rubber duckies tied to 'her' butt :).

[boris]

Simply changing to brass from plastic can make a big difference, as they
don't flex nearly as much under load

I don't know much aboiut sizing props for electric motors, but i'm sure
there's plenty of info on the 'net. I think it basically comes down to
getting something that allows you to keep the electric motor's RPM up so
they don't overload





"daGurnman" <dagurnNO_SPAMMAman@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:Xns9320B607CAC5BdagurnNOSPAMMAmanhot@65.24.2. 11...
> "boris" <boris@not.really.here.org> wrote in
> news:Rcp2a.45945$jM5.115439@newsfeeds.bigpond.com:
>
> > If you have your heart set on the Traxxas check out ebay as there are
> > always a few of them there for sale. There are 4 there at the moment
> > that you could pick up rtr for about $200
> >
> > looking at the link it looks like twin steerable outdrives would be
> > fun. My suggestion would be to replace the props with something
> > better (read: not plastic) and get some better electric motors and
> > watercool them
> >
> >
> Thanks for the tip...
> I already checked eBay... I am a big fan of eBay, but I thought I would
buy
> my first one new, and then, when I move on to other boats, I would go the
> eBay route...
>
> What do you thing about the twin motors... I thought it was cool until I
> realized... OH! Twin motors means twin batteries!!!
>
> hmmm... something better... Faster pitch???... is that what would help?
> Larger diameter???