First time boat, but I want something fast.

[nitrotoys]

Is that with engine???

if so grab it and have fun.

 

[shane]

Yes it includes the OS .21.

Will my stock Futaba magnum servo from my rc car be able to handle steering duties on this beast?

 

[MarkScott]

Shane,

Since I belive you are just in for the fun, the Top Speed maybe a good first choice.. However, the boat is made of ABS plastic.. These boats tend to warp.. Before you put good $$$ down, make sure it is not warped.. Easiest way to do that is to put the boat on a level surface and push the transom down. If both sponsons touch at the same time, then the boat is in good shape...

The OS is a very good motor.. Which servo are you talking about?? For steering duties, you'll need at least 60 oz of torque...

Mark..

OB Nut Racing.....

 

[Shane]

It didnt look warped, but thanks for the heads up. The hull has been on display so I will be sure to check it out. Sounds like I need to pick up a servo too. Where is a good place to buy all the associated products?

I know I will need a starter, glow igniter, fuel, receiver pack.... what else?

 

[shane]

Also, the boat is brand new so is warping still an issue?

 

[Ron Olson]

Keep the motor, throw away the boat. I made the mistake of buying one. The hull looked liked it was designed after some of the better tunnels out there but that's where it ends. The plastic is thin which translates into flex, the radio box is impossible to seal and I didn't like the idea of mounting the motor with sheet metal screws. If you have your heart set on it, go into the Archives area of this site and see what upgrades were done to make it tolerable. My ugly but honest 2 cents.

 

[Shane]

Keep the motor, throw away the boat. I made the mistake of buying one. The hull looked liked it was designed after some of the better tunnels out there but that's where it ends. The plastic is thin which translates into flex, the radio box is impossible to seal and I didn't like the idea of mounting the motor with sheet metal screws. If you have your heart set on it, go into the Archives area of this site and see what upgrades were done to make it tolerable. My ugly but honest 2 cents.

So would the Kyosho heatwave be a better boat? My heart isn't set on anything, as I am determined to make a good first buy.

 

[GTR]

Hi

My recommendation is buy the Topspeed - as the price is right - run it until sick of it and while learning to set-up and tune the engine build yourself a JD WOF tunnel. Jerry Dunlap can provide plans for a fee and he has a long reputation of fine tunnel designs. I think you need to come on over to the tunnel forum and join in with those of us that like to fly.

GT ;D

 

[nitrotoys]

I would eather go with the 1/4 scale servo is you can, or the highest tq on you can get in there.

if the boat in time warps and twistes, you still have a good motor, so that can be bolted on to any other tunnel out there. MY LHS Is selling a OS ob for 280, So think of it as the boat for FREE ;D ;D Its a good little light boat, will need weight in the front, 3-4 oz i think.

as far as the radio box, might want to put your receiver in a tupperwear cup and cut a hole in top and seal around your wires, will help keep it dry.

Spray your servos and receiver with some of the anticrosive sprays and will help with the water too.

I found DIGITAL servos and water DO NOT MIX, so i wouldnt recomend a dig servo.

NT

 

[MarkScott]

Where is a good place to buy all the associated products? I know I will need a starter, glow igniter, fuel, receiver pack.... what else?

Always try to support your local hobby store (LHS), they should be the first place to look for the associated products. Not listed in your 'other' items would be a fuel pump.. There are electric, hand crank or bulbs for getting the fuel over.. As for fuel nitro content, depends on the boat you plan on running. I've always heard to stay away from 'plane and car' fuel.. They are normally mixed differently than boat fuel. There are many makers of fuel out there... Wildcat, RedMax(?), Bryon, etc are all good fuel.. One thing to remember, most boaters will add an ounce or two of good castor oil to each gallon.. If you go with the OS .21, go from 40% to 65% on nitro...

GTR is right,, tunnels FLY!!!!!!!!!!

Mark..

OB Nut Racing: Love to fly, but don't leave the tundra.....

 

[riph]

Hey guys he said his folks have a lake house. 3.5, electricts to run on an open body of water ??? - no way. Find a used Warehouse Hobby Gas - Gas not Nitro - boat and have fun instead of head aches. Gas is great because you don't need any of the support equipment such as starters, glow lighters, plugs after every run, etc.

Fill up the tank with gas & oil mix, take your boat and transmitter down to the lake and have a 1/2 hour of fun before you have to re-fuel. Electricts are toys. : ;D ;D ;D

 

[MarkScott]

Shane,

How big of a lake do your parents live on? You mentioned something about it being a 'big pond'.. If you plan on spending around $300, a gas boat will be more than that - unless it's in "VERY" used condition. Is the pond around an acre or so? Are there other houses? Do the neighbors want to listen to the noise of a big Nitro? Might want to think of a muffler also if the boat is piped. The OS .21 is still hard to beat for speed and noise...

Mark.

 

[Shane]

Well it is a good sized pond, and all the neighors have jon boats with trolling motors on them for fishing. I have a Jon boat I will use either as a retrieval or as a "drivers stand". Its kinda kidney shaped, and the back stretch is probably over 200 yards. I would like a gas boat, but they are too much $ (I am 26 and trying to buy a house) and I am afraid they would be too big.

 

[MikDee]

Here you go Shane, enjoy!

http://www.pirespreto.com/heatwave.htm

 

[Shane]

Picked up the TopSpeed last night. I spent as much on support gear as I did the friggin boat. I am going to paint it tonight, and assemble it Thursday night. I will post pics when done.

 

[topfuel443]

Topspeed is a good boat for the first time. I had one myself. If I can give you any advice on it, it would be to take EXTRA care with fuel getting on the hull. especially where the fuel tank sits. The fuel will destroy the ABS if it sits there long enough. If I remember right, there is sort of a pocket for the fuel tank to fit in. Be sure you dont spill any fuel in that pocket b/c it will soak all the way through the bottom of the hull. Trust me on this, I have experience....... :

~ James

 

[nitrotoys]

All the support gear will bite you when getting it all.

You should think about a few spair props, and glow plugs. Nothing worse than out running and not have spair stuff. and LQQK Out for turtles. there hard on the boats.

and that OS should last you a long time.

NT

 

[CySlyde]

get yourself some fuel proof engine paint and spray the inside so that you have a little more protection against the fuel eating the hull..... i have been looking at the lhs lately and niticed this happening on a few boats.

 

[MarkScott]

Shane,

At the end of running for the day, it's wise to take out the plug, spray some WD40 in the carb and plug hole.. Turn it over with the starter.. Then put some After-Run oil and do the same.. It will help keep the motor in tip-top shape.. Every now and then, take the power head off the lower unit. Pull out the cable, clean it up and give it some fresh grease. I've used this, that and now switching to white lithium grease to lube the cable.

Post some pics... Keep asking questions.. We all have our own questions and someone out here has an answer!

Mark...

OB Nut Racing...

 

[Shane]

I am painting the entire boat to prevent the fuel problem, and to add some style 8) I just ran a tank of fuel through the engine at a high idle with water going through the head (engine isnt mounted yet). Is 16% oil enough for this engine? The book says 18%, but my LHS said this is the stuff to use.

Do I need to grease the cable before running the boat or is it greased from the factory?