RE: a lesson to all
I wouldn't say that at all. I have one legal radio, a Futaba 9CAP Super II. While I can "upgrade" to 2.4 by changing a module, I can't see the point. It's right now on 75MHz for use in my boats but, until I have no choise but 2.4, I'll stick with 72 and 75MHz
Posted on: 5/16/2013 9:56 PM by Author "Hydro Junkie" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11513884

RE: Best prop angle for 1/8 scale hydro
I was hoping someone would chime in, no luck on that one apparently. Here'e my take on it so if anyone want's to add to or give other thoughts, go for it. First off prop angle(aka thrust angle) isn't the only thing in which you need to deal with. Prop depth is just as much of a factor. As a general starting point, I'd go with a flat thrust angle with the prop centered at the depth of the sponsons. There are several reasons for this: 1) a flat thrust angle means the prop's thrust won't be influencing the boat's running characteristics 2) a flat thrust angle will give you the most speed as well as show the need for a lifting or standard prop 3) a flat thrust angle will show if the hull as other issues with balance, sponson angle of attack, etc 4) centering the prop at the sponson depth will, if everything else is set up correctly, give the boat the closest to level ride it's going to get. After the first few runs, making small adjustments (changing props, prop depth, changing thrust angles, etc) can be tried to "dial in" the boat's ride for best speed and handling
Posted on: 5/15/2013 8:17 PM by Author "Hydro Junkie" in the forum "RC Scale Boating"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11512763

RE: Decals
If you don't get a response, check with Mike McKnight and see what he could do http://thunderboatgraphics.com/
Posted on: 5/15/2013 11:50 AM by Author "Hydro Junkie" in the forum "Speed - RC Nitro Boats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11512397

RE: Antenna length question
I would contact Horizon's service department or Radio South and check with them. I do know the antenna length is tuned for the best possible reception so this is something that really needs to be right
Posted on: 9/13/2012 10:14 PM by Author "Hydro Junkie" in the forum "RC Boats General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11227986

RE: Running 1:12 Elam
Sounds to me like an alignment or friction problem with the flex shaft if it failed that quickly.
Posted on: 9/10/2012 4:01 PM by Author "Hydro Junkie" in the forum "Speed - RC Nitro Boats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11224226

RE: IW members
My though on this is it shows Tom is serious about what he posted.
Posted on: 9/7/2012 5:47 PM by Author "Hydro Junkie" in the forum "Speed - RC Nitro Boats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11221217

RE: IW members
[b]NONE OF THE ABOVE SINCE THE WHOLE SITE WAS SHUT DOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!![/b]
Posted on: 9/7/2012 4:29 PM by Author "Hydro Junkie" in the forum "Speed - RC Nitro Boats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11221144

RE: IW members
I'll save my thoughts for a PM headed your way in a few
Posted on: 9/7/2012 4:00 PM by Author "Hydro Junkie" in the forum "Speed - RC Nitro Boats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11221121

RE: IW members
Nothing new has happened. Tom just wanted a day or three away from some of the "stuff" that has been (for lack of a better term) polluting IW. While most members try to be helpful, a few have let personnal "issues" get in the way of the helping and good natured kidding that have made the forum fun and helpful to many, me included
Posted on: 9/7/2012 3:22 PM by Author "Hydro Junkie" in the forum "Speed - RC Nitro Boats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11221089

RE: beginner has some questions
[quote]ORIGINAL: Justaddwata Welcome to the forum!! Monos Vs Hydros. A Mono is a single hulled boat (Typically a Vee shaped hull) that is well mannered and maneuverable in all directions and most all conditions. They are easy to operate at just about any speed. Hydros are a design that tends to fly above the water with multiple points of contact. They are designed for speed and speed alone. They are designed for calm water and have limited maneuverability. Most have a turn fin mounted to one side of the boat and will have very good cornering one way only. Because of the speed (and skills needed to control and react) hydros are not typically targeted at beginners. Regarding Gas Vs Electrics. I will speak to Gas as I have only limited (and old) experience with electrics. Gas boats tend to be larger to accommodate the size of motors we typically use. Gas boats typically run 30-50mph though speeds over 100mph are capable in the hands of experts. Budget for a Gas boat will start in the $600 range for something used (in decent RTR condition) and $750 for something new. Prices go well up from there. My personal recommendation for a beginner to gas boats would be something like the Warehouse Hobbies Enforcer or similar (a thread on them here - http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_9313299/tm.htm). One thing I would recommend for a beginner is a Clutch - it allows you to slow the boat down (even stop it) while the motor continues to run. Advantages of Gas boats. They are reasonably priced for large size and performance. Long run times. Parts for a gas boat are reasonably easy to replace should a repair be needed. There are also plenty of upgrade options that are also reasonably priced. Fuel is readily available and inexpensive. Disadvantages of gas - Fuel smell (however a gas alternative ''White Gas'' is odorless), Noise - Gas boats tend to attract unwanted attention - be sure to use a muffler. I would also strongly recommend finding some local boaters in your area who are experienced. Race clubs (NAMBA.com and IMPBA.com) will also have events around the country - may be something close to you. It is also a very good place to see (hopefully) the right way to do things. It is also a chance to meet fellow enthusiasts and learn and share the fun (plus if you want to get into racing you will probably see more of these people). Be sure to walk around and check out what they are up to. Asking questions (when appropriate - stand clear if they are preparing for an event!) is one way to learn too. RC Boating is certainly fun and reasonably safe however the water and the propeller must both be respected and used with proper care. Be sure never to boat alone. Never to swim for your boat. Have a reliable means to recover your boat and use a life preserver if going on the water. Never to operate in water shared by swimmers or other full sized boats. Certainly ask questions of us here. I am sure you will hear from others regarding Gas, Nitro, and Electrics too! Matt [/quote] Matt, one thing you didn't cover other than a quick mention was nitro. Many times nitro is referred to as "gas" by beginning boaters. I'll take care if this one for you[;)] Clintv11, I'm not sure if you were refering to nitro boats when you said gas so here's the scoop on nitro. First, the pro's: Nitro boats come in smaller sizes than gas, for the most part. Nitro boats can be as small as 24" or as large as 60+, depending on what you want. Nitro engines run in sizes from the little .12s up to 1.0 in displacement. With a proper set up and correctly sized engine, a nitro boat can run into the 50+MPH range. You can find hydroplanes, vee hulls, catamarans and airboats all powered by nitro engines. As far as fuel, boat fuel is available with nitro contents from 0% up to 70% commercially. Now, the con's: While hobby grade nitro boats can be bought or built fairly inexpensively, the engines are not cheap. For example, an engine commonly used in 1/8 scale hydroplanes, a CMB .67, will cost you almost $600 for just the engine. Smaller engines generally cost less, larger more. In addition, you will need to buy the appropriately sized tuned pipe and header for your engine. Boat fuel will cost you more than gas, starting out around $25 per gallon for low nitro content and going up as the nitro content goes up. At the same time, higher nitro means more power but also less range than the lower nitro fuels. Now, for the big cost: Starting equipment. Unlike the gas or electric boats, nitro boats REQUIRE a way to heat up the glow plug, a starter and belt(some small engines have a pull start on them), a battery to power the starter and extra glow plugs. Small engines can normally be started with a 12 volt starter and battery, .67 and larger can need 18 to 24 volts to start. As for the glow plug ignitor, there are self contained with rechargable batteries, inexpensive clips and round clamp ons. The later two require a battery or power panel connected to the battery to provide the votage required to heat the plug.
Posted on: 9/5/2012 10:03 PM by Author "Hydro Junkie" in the forum "RC Boats General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11219087

RE: Which is lighter CA or Titebond?
If I'm gluing balsa with CA, I prefer to run a little along the thin edge of the rib/frame to keep weight down. I've never had good luck using CA to make fillets so I tend to avoid them
Posted on: 8/27/2012 1:13 AM by Author "Hydro Junkie" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11207269

RE: Anyone know what this is?
I'm not picky, just borderline purrfekt[:D]
Posted on: 8/24/2012 11:11 AM by Author "Hydro Junkie" in the forum "Speed - RC Nitro Boats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11204609

RE: First Advanced kit build, recommendations on tool purchases recommended
I have to agree as well. Nothing worse than trying to see a lite cut line in a dark area
Posted on: 8/23/2012 11:53 AM by Author "Hydro Junkie" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11203604

RE: Anyone know what this is?
JP, I think it's a reworked MKI. The cockpit shape in the front is wrong for the MKII. It has me wondering if the boat has had a crash or two in it's history
Posted on: 8/23/2012 11:46 AM by Author "Hydro Junkie" in the forum "Speed - RC Nitro Boats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11203594

RE: Anyone know what this is?
I don't remember the name of the boat but I do know it was a kit made by Dumas. The boat originally was designed with a somewhat sharp point at the front, similar to a round nose, with the cockpit fairing extending further forward.
Posted on: 8/22/2012 1:56 PM by Author "Hydro Junkie" in the forum "Speed - RC Nitro Boats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11202445

RE: First Advanced kit build, recommendations on tool purchases recommended
Let me throw another idea at you. A few years ago, I was working on a project that required holes and round end slots cut in the parts. After trying to sand the slots with a sanding drum in a drill press and fighting the wood the whole time, I found a convertible oscillating spindle/horizontal belt sander at Home Depot. It has become my "go to" sander ever since. While I still have my belt/disc unit and the assorted pad, belt and DA sanders, the spindle/H-belt still gets the lion's share of my work
Posted on: 8/21/2012 11:00 AM by Author "Hydro Junkie" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11201020

RE: fiberglass hull repair help?
I wish that was all I had to repair. I have a glass hulled scale hydroplane that I've been refurbishing and found that one area was so thin that JUST TOUCHING IT with the edge of my sander's vibrating pad was enough to go right through the skin. I now have to repair that area and, while I'm at it, will reenforce the same area on the other side of the hull
Posted on: 8/21/2012 6:19 AM by Author "Hydro Junkie" in the forum "RC Boats General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11200730

RE: Ck this out
That's not as fast as an Unlimited Hydroplane. They can easily top 200 in a straight line and do it with a single 16" prop driven by a 2700 HP helicopter turbine routed through a gear box that reduces shaft speed from 100K at the engine down to around 15K at the prop
Posted on: 8/15/2012 10:37 PM by Author "Hydro Junkie" in the forum "Speed - RC Gas Boats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11195365

RE: Twin Hydro Videos
Okay, who let the wolf out of it's cage and into the "henhouse"?[:D]
Posted on: 8/15/2012 10:23 PM by Author "Hydro Junkie" in the forum "Speed - RC Nitro Boats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11195354

RE: About nitro engines
Julian, how long did it take you to learn single engine boats before going on to twins? There is a major learning curve with nitro boats as you well know. With the statement about using a balsa hull, I have to agree with Ron. Steeo needs more time running singles before attempting a twin and a vee hull isn't where I'd try running twins either
Posted on: 8/15/2012 4:59 PM by Author "Hydro Junkie" in the forum "Speed - RC Nitro Boats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11194957

RE: miss bud nitro dynamite 15 issues
Is the boat still all original? You could have pinholes in the hoses, a crack in the fuel tank tubing or debris in the needle valve can all cause those kinds of problems
Posted on: 8/6/2012 10:35 PM by Author "Hydro Junkie" in the forum "Speed - RC Nitro Boats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11183808

RE: Running 1:12 Elam
All in all, I LIKE THE LOOK. That being said, the canard could cause you problems if it that is its final position, I would have left it in a neutral position as it may make the boat very prone to blowing over
Posted on: 8/6/2012 7:50 PM by Author "Hydro Junkie" in the forum "Speed - RC Nitro Boats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11183650

RE: Newbie to boats
I can tell you something about that boat. It's a Dumas model of the Atlas Van Lines U-70/71 from the early 70s. It originally had a vacuum formed cockpit and nose cowl, both gone per what I can see. Someone tried to build a nose cowl for it, nothing close to scale in this case. You can order a 1/8 scale color sheet for it from Newton Marine that will show you how the boat "should" look that can be scaled down to fit your boat's size. There are several color sheets that apply to this particular hull so I'm including the address so you can look at them all. The address is http://www.newtonmarine.com/plans.php?pageNum_rsCWResults=11&category=5
Posted on: 8/6/2012 7:35 PM by Author "Hydro Junkie" in the forum "RC Boats General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11183626

RE: How do you haul your boat?
It's all good, just had to razz you a bit[:D]
Posted on: 7/24/2012 6:07 PM by Author "Hydro Junkie" in the forum "Speed - RC Gas Boats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11167949

RE: How do you haul your boat?
Ron, you need to get some real boats in that trailer. A scale hydro or two would fit the bill[:D]
Posted on: 7/24/2012 5:35 PM by Author "Hydro Junkie" in the forum "Speed - RC Gas Boats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11167908

RE: Lindbergh Blue Devil
Never said it didn't illustrate the point. Just saying the CO was showing off on how well his ship handled when there really wasn't a need to do so.
Posted on: 7/24/2012 3:04 PM by Author "Hydro Junkie" in the forum "RC Scale Boating"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11167699

RE: the unofficial home of the dumas dauntless
Rich, that is a definate possibility. I have too many other irons in the fire to start one any time soon. Before I can even think about starting a Dauntless, I have at least half a dozen scale, three or four sport 40 and three sport 20 hydroplanes to finish, four Revell full riggers(USS Constitution, USS Kearsarge, CSS Alabama and Cutty Sark), a Tamiya 1:350 Bismarck, a Revell 1:400 Enterprise and a stack of 1:48 airplanes. After all of that, I can look at doing a Dauntless[;)]
Posted on: 7/24/2012 2:58 PM by Author "Hydro Junkie" in the forum "RC Scale Boating"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11167686

RE: Miss Elam 1/12 scale prop
Contact Mark Sholund at http://www.props4u.com He will be able to set you up with a better metal prop that will last longer than what came with the boat from the factory
Posted on: 7/23/2012 9:08 PM by Author "Hydro Junkie" in the forum "RC Boats General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11166831

RE: Lindbergh Blue Devil
Looks to me like the CO of the Arleigh Burke class destroyer USS Gonzalez was showing off
Posted on: 7/23/2012 5:26 PM by Author "Hydro Junkie" in the forum "RC Scale Boating"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11166486

RE: HELP! Can't find M-3 36mm plastic props!
Why not use an Octura X435? The hub is drilled at 1/8" which is almost identical to the 3mm shaft. Install a longer 3mm threaded shaft, a 1/8 bore drive dog and the X435 with an M3 nut to retain it and you'd be good to go
Posted on: 7/22/2012 5:49 PM by Author "Hydro Junkie" in the forum "RC Boats General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11165002