Hello fellas,

I'd like to try and get into electric RC boats. I do have a hull and some gear that I bought for a Miss Elam about 6 years ago. I just never got around to building it, and lost some parts along the way (octura bailer ball) I guess I couldn't figure out what I all needed to get it running and they were out of sharpened and balanced props that I needed, so lost interest.
What would be a top of the line ARTR or RTR boat that would be ran off a single 3 - 4 cell battery 4000 MAH or 2, 2 cell 4000MAH batteries in series? I don't really care about being the fastest 35-40mph, just would like something that Runs good, is fairly stable in corners... But something that is durable, and electronics that are proven. Something that looks nice.
Being pointed in the right direction, would be very much appreciated. I've looked around a bit, and the cigar boats aren't really my taste. Was possibly looking into a 2 cycle gas boat as well.

Have a look at the AquaCraft Motley Crew or Revolt 30, or ProBoat Blackjack 29 (not 26!) or Impulse 31.

All of those will run well on a 4s 4000mah + pack, or two 2s 4000mah + packs in series.

The "best" RTR out right now is probably the Revolt 30. We have several in my club and they perform great right out of the box. A prop change and you're over 40 mph, all with great reliability. If you prefer cats then the Miss Geico 29, the Blackjack 29 or the Motley Crew are good choices. For hydros, the UL-1 is about the only choice for reliability.




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Great, thank you for the help, I'll go check them all out.
Do you know what prop is giving them the 40MPH, and would it be okay with a 30C 4 cell?
Take care

Jimmy

The prop was an Octura m445, but when running this prop your run time will go down and motor/ESC heat will increase. These boats use two 2S packs in series, I recommend at least 30C and a minimum of 3300 mAh capacity. More is usually better, no maximums.



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Thanks Zozer!

Zozer, kinda off topic, but is there a site you recommend for batteries. I used to use ALLERC in the past using hyperions...but would like to find a cheaper battery source. I got tons of planes and cars, helis, and sometimes I will go 5 or 6 months without running some. Even though I leave at the recommended discharge rates, they sometimes loose their voltage and go bad.. had it happen with many batteries. I'll just buy the cheap ones and if they survive they survive if not, I'll get more when the time comes. I have several RCs that will use the 4s 4000MAH...and I'd like a higher c...somewhere around 35-40 constant.

Check out hobbypartz.com or hobbyking.com, I've had good luck with turnigy from HK and gensace from hp.

How are you storing them of you're having troubles with packs not lasting? If you're storing them fully charged any pack will have issues. They should be stored at about 3.8v/cell for best longevity.

wparsons,
Thanks for the info, I went with the turnigy 5000MAH pack. May work with some of my cars, as well as the hexicopter. I have nearly 60RC craft, and I own a business and have a family, so it makes it difficult to keep the batteries stored every year. Some batteries I haven't used in 5 or 6 years. Those I bet are toast anyway. LOL Oh well... There are very few that I have ran every year at least once, and those are the 2100MAH 3 cells, those go with a lot a different craft.. Also, my 4000 MAH 2 and 3 cells, those I have kept in good shape. Its the odd ones that I haven't used in a while that are toast. Even when stored at half capacity I found if you don't use them in a year or two... three... they loose their voltage... I totally expect that.. Thats why I just want to go this route... pay cheap, and don't worry about it ... Next year they will come out with something better too.
Thanks again

JImmy

How will the miss geico hold up in saltwater? Because there is a large tidal lagoon where I live and I'd like a quick cat to buzz around in there for a bit of fun.

It'll be fine in salt water, but you'll have to flush everything out with fresh water after every running day, and lube up moving parts more often (rudder pivot, flex shaft, etc).

Cheers