Model Forum / Radio Controlled / Water Models / February 2009

Sounds about a good size for a small electric boat.  I guess it will all
come down to your budget, but you need the following gear:

   
- motor
- motor mount
- speed controller
- collet adapter on motor (to connect flex shaft)
- flex shaft
- stuffing tube
- drive dog
- prop
- prop nut
- strut
- rudder
- servo for rudder
- Radio Receiver
- Battery packs
- trim tabs (if required)
 

I think that's about it. Some stuff you make yourself and other gear
you are better off buying pre-made stuff.

Wish I could help you, but I know nothing about electrics. I'm sure
someone here will be able to help you.  Doug

Mode 1 & 2 refers to transmitters with 2 sticks, the type usually used for
aircraft and helicopters.  Boats and cars usually use a transmitter with a
trigger for the throttle and a round "steering wheel" type knob for
steering.  While you can use the aircraft type transmitter for boats, the
ergonomics of the sticks tend to make steering more difficult than with a
knob.  At any rate, the mode has to do with the sticks on a 2 stick
transmitter.  I'm not sure, but I believe Mode 1 has the throttle and rudder
on the right hand stick while Mode 2 has the throttle on the left stick.
Mode 2 is used almost exclusively here in the states.

Earlier, you asked about a motor for a 24" boat, mentioning an outrunner.
Most avoid outrunners in boats.  When a motor is run without cooling air,
they usually must be water cooled to avoid overheating.  Since the case of
an outrunner rotates, they can not be water cooled.  Also, inrunners tend to
have a higher Kv rating than outrunners, meaning they turn higher RPMs per
volt.  In a boat, you want high RPMs, but in an airplane, with it's much
larger propeller, you want to turn fewer RPMs (typically 800 to 1200 Kv).
Generally, the higher the RPMs, the lower the torque available and the
higher the operating temperatures.

I am building a 27" outrigger.  I will be using an HTX 36 - 56 2700 Kv
inrunner motor from http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/store/uh_index.asp.
I will be using a Turnigy 60 amp ESC from the same folks.  Both have water
cooling built in.  With this setup, I'm expecting the boat's speed to be 35
MPH plus.  BYW, if you are looking for drive hardware or props, you might
check out http://www.offshoreelectrics.com/.

Good luck,
Randy