RE: Alligator Tours Hull
Thanks! I appreciate the information. I looked in a few places & didn't see anywhere to get one.
Posted on: 9/21/2009 9:26 AM by Author "donahue_85" in the forum "RC Airboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9111907

Alligator Tours Hull
Has anyone had to buy a new hull?? I smacked a mailbox & I will be in need of one soon & I haven't seen anywhere to get a new one. Please let me know if you know where I could get one at a reasonable price. I know, I know, learn how to drive! HA HA. Please help.
Posted on: 9/20/2009 8:29 PM by Author "donahue_85" in the forum "RC Airboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9110651

RE: AquaCraft Alligator RTR
Has anyone upgraded to a bigger engine on their boat or even thought about it? I was thinking of doing something, but I'm unsure of the consequences.
Posted on: 9/2/2009 2:54 PM by Author "donahue_85" in the forum "RC Airboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9064713

RE: AquaCraft Alligator RTR
I do the same. I check everything once over when I am finished everytime. Reason being, if your prop is slightly unbalanced it will make everything vibrate like heck & WILL make a screw or 2 fall out, if not get really loose. It does sound like a lot of work, but it is just preventitive maintenace. As I said, I do it each time & it is a good thing to get into the habbit of!
Posted on: 8/30/2009 8:27 AM by Author "donahue_85" in the forum "RC Airboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9056072

RE: AquaCraft Alligator RTR
As for the video, I guess you noticed some points that I wasn't even paying attention to! Still, it seemed like a good idea. [8|]
Posted on: 8/29/2009 12:19 PM by Author "donahue_85" in the forum "RC Airboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9054286

RE: AquaCraft Alligator RTR
I heard that there is no type of warranty on these boats. Just what I heard though. They will probably tell you that if it wasn't a defect right out of the box, then it's not their problem. Not trying to be offensive here, but that's probably what they will say. I guess it is worth a shot though. Let us know how it turns out!
Posted on: 8/29/2009 12:17 PM by Author "donahue_85" in the forum "RC Airboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9054282

RE: AquaCraft Alligator RTR
What do you guys think of the video I posted for water proofing servos?
Posted on: 8/29/2009 8:57 AM by Author "donahue_85" in the forum "RC Airboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9053913

RE: AquaCraft Alligator RTR
I always have to check my bolts. These boats do nothing but vibrate. You should always check all your bolts after each use!! Sorry to hear that happen to you though.
Posted on: 8/29/2009 8:54 AM by Author "donahue_85" in the forum "RC Airboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9053904

RE: AquaCraft Alligator RTR
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZt7BuiNtc0 Here is a nice video I found that seems like it would be easy to do & really cheap! It takes a minute to load, but it is worth it to watch!
Posted on: 8/27/2009 11:50 AM by Author "donahue_85" in the forum "RC Airboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9049347

RE: AquaCraft Alligator RTR
I used some RVT sealant on my receivers box to keep the water out & it seems to work rather well! It is like rubber glue, so it forms a good seal around the box & when you need to take it off, it comes apart relatively easy. I was trying to think of ways to keep the servos dry too. I thought of maybe a balloon, but you would have to cut it to get it to fit over the arm & that would just defeat the whole purpose. Unless you take the arm off, place the balloon over the servo, then screw the arm back on over the balloon. Maybe I will try this & I will let you all know how it works out! I have to replace my steering servo anyways, so it's worth a shot! As for your muffler bolts, you can use a little bit of BLUE loctite on them. DO NOT use the red kind, it is too strong & you probably won't be able to get them out again once you put it on. Mine did the same thing, my whole muffler actually keeps coming loose. Thats a whole nother story!
Posted on: 8/26/2009 11:32 AM by Author "donahue_85" in the forum "RC Airboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9046510

RE: AquaCraft Alligator RTR
My receiver seems to be ok as far as tweeking my servos to the way I like, but one more thing you might want to have on hand just incase is a couple extra servos. I've had my boat for about a month or so now & I've had to replace both servos already due to moisture. The bad thing is that they seem to want to quit on you when your out in the middle of the pond. I found that even the cheapest servo is better & faster with a response than the tactics that come with it. As for the skipping, I suppose I will have to deal with it. No biggie, I get a rush driving it like that anyways, makes me feel like it's gonna take off or something! LOL! Out at the pond where I've been taking my boat, there is a baby Alligator. Believe it or not, last Sunday when I ran my boat, that little guy literally came out of the water & chased my boat! He almost got it too. He was skiming the top of the water chasing it, it was unbelieveable! My Alligator Tours was almost eaten by an alligator! LOL!
Posted on: 8/25/2009 10:48 AM by Author "donahue_85" in the forum "RC Airboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9043440

RE: AquaCraft Alligator RTR
Yes, definatly do the washers! It will help your "control" of the roll overs. I haven't rolled mine once since I did it, only thing I'm noticing now is that it seems to porpose "hop across the top" on the water. I can't figure out whay it does this, even on days when there is NO wind!? I was wondering if it had to do with the thrust angle?
Posted on: 8/25/2009 12:33 AM by Author "donahue_85" in the forum "RC Airboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9042588

RE: AquaCraft Alligator RTR
I've been using a fishing lure to hook the cage, I don't see how a tennis ball would work?
Posted on: 8/24/2009 2:48 PM by Author "donahue_85" in the forum "RC Airboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9040859

RE: Hydro airboat...air or water rudder and why?
I have an Aquacraft Alligator Airboat, it has air rudders on it as it is a scale airboat. I have not owned this machine very long, but I have found that air rudders are by far harder to use. As I said, my boat is a scale model, so of course everything is just like an actual airboat. I am going to agree with everyone else on the water rudder, as your boat is a puller type hydroplane. I really don't think air rudders would do you much good on a puller, just my 2 cents.
Posted on: 8/7/2009 9:35 PM by Author "donahue_85" in the forum "RC Airboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8998689

RE: Port Charlotte?
Alright, I have heard of a group that goes there. I was unsure of what the times were that you all are there. I will try to make it over there next Sunday.
Posted on: 8/2/2009 9:46 AM by Author "donahue_85" in the forum "RC Airboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8983345

RE: AquaCraft Alligator RTR
Has anybody had any problems with the servo's? Mine were working fine & all of a sudden the throttle servo just got stuck. I took it out & looked at it & it looks fine, no evidence of burns or anything. I tried to get it to move while it was out & it'll only move in very small increments with the help of my finger, otherwise, it won't move. The other servo that controls the rudders works just fine, no issues there. I am curious to find out if you guys have had issues in the same area that I'm having them. Any help or suggestions?
Posted on: 7/31/2009 8:29 AM by Author "donahue_85" in the forum "RC Airboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8978428

RE: AquaCraft Alligator RTR
That would be interesting to see how well an electric gator would work.
Posted on: 7/27/2009 10:11 AM by Author "donahue_85" in the forum "RC Airboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8967403

Port Charlotte?
Does anyone on here have an RC boat from Port Charlotte FL? I have an Alligator Tours airboat, but I don't know anyone in the area that has a boat that can go out & run with mine! Anyone with any kind of boat, if you live in Charlotte County FL, plaese let me know!! I would like to meet you & figure out a good place to run!!! Thanks! Ohh, & I'm new at this whole thing too.
Posted on: 7/26/2009 10:01 PM by Author "donahue_85" in the forum "RC Airboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8966324

RE: AquaCraft Alligator RTR
I got the gator to run great today on a pond by my house. Only thing is, a REAL gator tried to eat it!! Really!! I had to wade out with my fishing pole & try to catch it, not fun. It flipped over, I had no way to get it other than letting it drift back towards the shore so my line could reach it. It was under for about 6-8 minutes. Got it out cleaned it up & it fired right back up, no problems, the fuel tank leaked no water into it, & I drove it around on the grass to ensure that all the water was out of the engine. Now that this thing is going good, I would say that it is a great little boat & would recommend one to anyone who is interested! The worst part is getting through he initial start-up process. If you can manage getting the engine through the break-in period, it will do you just right. Plenty of power!
Posted on: 7/26/2009 9:23 PM by Author "donahue_85" in the forum "RC Airboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8966211

RE: AquaCraft Alligator RTR
Is there any special sealant I need to use or just duck tape?
Posted on: 7/26/2009 9:36 AM by Author "donahue_85" in the forum "RC Airboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8964621

RE: AquaCraft Alligator RTR
Just got the boat yesterday! Ran it through its break-in & the engine ran great through all that. Now it dies when I give it full trottle. I've adjusted the HSN & the LSN as stated on here & in the manual, still not going good. It seems to run superb on my lawn, lots of power & no issues dying, but once I get it on the water, it idles good but once I give it gas it dies. What to do?? Also, I have already hit a few things with it (accidently), there are a few small cracks on the hull (on the seems). Is there a reason to worry? Should I patch them with something? Will the hull retain water (common sence says yes, but I've never had an rc boat, so I don't know)??
Posted on: 7/25/2009 10:57 PM by Author "donahue_85" in the forum "RC Airboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8963887

RE: AquaCraft Alligator RTR
What I meant is I have one coming. I called the hobby shop I ordered it from & they said it'll be here tomorrow. Sorry for the confusion. What are the critical points of break-in? Anything special I should know before I throw it in & go?? Besides it might roll over?
Posted on: 7/23/2009 3:45 AM by Author "donahue_85" in the forum "RC Airboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8956911

RE: AquaCraft Alligator RTR
Has anyone heard word on when these things will be released yet??? Still waiting......
Posted on: 7/22/2009 2:17 PM by Author "donahue_85" in the forum "RC Airboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8954917

RE: Alligator Tours
I appreciate all the advice you guys are giving me!
Posted on: 7/22/2009 2:16 PM by Author "donahue_85" in the forum "RC Airboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8954914

RE: AquaCraft Alligator RTR
That is some great info to know deslok113!!! I appreciate it! I plan to try my best to learn what there is to learn & get he hang of this thing! I have paid good hard earned money for this gator boat & if it breaks, I will be pretty upset!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! All in all, I think I should be ok, with the help from a few enthusiasts. But still, I really really really appreciate the information!!! Anymore tips that I should be aware of????
Posted on: 7/17/2009 7:22 PM by Author "donahue_85" in the forum "RC Airboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8942169

RE: AquaCraft Alligator RTR
I just bought one about 2 months ago & it's not here yet!!! It has been on backorder for quite a while now. I think it should be ok, from what I've heard from owners, it has plenty of power to do whatever you want to do with it! I have not yet myself been able to play with it, but I am looking forward to using it!! I have never owned anything R/C before, this will be my first. I am hoping to take it easy with this one & not break it or blow it up, so that I can interest my 3 year old son in R/C stuff! I think he will get a big kick out of this airboat!!!!!! I also know that my buddy that is very into R/C is kinda jealous that he isn't getting &/or doesn't have one! LOL! I hope it will be here soon, I can't wait anymore!! My skin is crawling with excitement!!!!!!!!!!
Posted on: 7/17/2009 7:13 PM by Author "donahue_85" in the forum "RC Airboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8942146

RE: Alligator Tours
Thanks for the information guys! There is a lot more involved in this than I thought. Please, if you guys have anymore tips or concerns I should know about, please let me know! The more knowledge I have before I go out, the better!
Posted on: 7/13/2009 10:40 AM by Author "donahue_85" in the forum "RC Airboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8928772

RE: Alligator Tours
My buddy knows a place where rc boaters meet up & race around this little pond. Its not too far from my house, & there will be other people with boats so I will have help if need be. I suppose if I ever go by myself, I'll need a fishing pole! Also, just to ask, what all is needed to be done after a flip in the water?? I mean, I know the major part is to get the water out of the engine by removing the glow plug, but is there any other steps I would need to take incase of a roll-over??
Posted on: 7/12/2009 10:24 AM by Author "donahue_85" in the forum "RC Airboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8926248

RE: AquaCraft Alligator RTR
I'm new here, but I have been reading up on this thing since I just purchaced one a week ago. As for your roll-overs, I heard that 2 #4 washers under the motor mounts will help you with your roll-over problem! Not sure of the procedure, but I'm sure you know what I'm talking about. Good luck & I hope mine doesn't have issues like this!!!!
Posted on: 7/10/2009 11:56 PM by Author "donahue_85" in the forum "RC Airboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8923183

RE: AquaCraft Alligator RTR
I just bought one, well it's on backorder. It should be here in a week or so, as I'm told by my local hobby shop where I orderd it from. The date today is (7/10/09), I was told it SHOULD be here right around the date of (7/16/09). I'm guessing I'm wrong? Well, anyhow, from what I see you all talking about, seems like I made a good investment! I have a buddy that is really into R/C cars & trucks. He loves them! He has 2 right now, don't remember the names of them because I'm still new to this whole thing. As far as the boat goes, I assumed I could take it home, put together what needed to be & go! I had no idea there was a break in period or anything. I know you all may laugh at me, but as I said, I'm new, give me a break! LOL! So, what do I have to do with her when I get her home for the first time?? I REALLY REALLY don't want to break it or blow it up AT ALL!!! I have a 3yr. old son that I would like to interest in R/C hobbies, that is the main reason that the wife let me make the purchace! LOL! Seriously, I do not want to break it in any way, I noticed that a few of you said the cage is not up to par, the engine dies out after about 6 minutes & a few other things. I have weighed my options & I think this is a good buy no matter what. A little maintenance is expected, like a car. Will it be okay to run in my front yard? Is there a big issue with roll-over? How does it do in the water (choppy, flat glass)? I live on a river in Florida, & I spend a lot of time out there, so will my R/C airboat. Just want to tie up some loose ends. Thanks! Any input is appreciated!!!!
Posted on: 7/10/2009 11:49 PM by Author "donahue_85" in the forum "RC Airboats"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8923173