I came across this video via the RCMF forum. I'm subscribed to Flite Test but I somehow missed it myself. It's mainly to protect servos, receivers and esc from water ingress in float planes or from wet weather flying but it has as much, if not more, relevance to model boats.

The only problem is acquiring the products in the UK but other comments on the RCMF thread found this:

http://www.rccarshop.co.uk/index.php/rc-accessories/lazy-goo/corrosion-x-waterproofing-solution.html

Although it's currently shown as out of stock an internet search might help. I think I'll certainly look into it for my barge. I know my 1 metre yacht hull seemed to spend quite a lot of time submerged in a blow and it was better waterproofed than my scale barge is likely to be.

Geoff

Someone on the RCMF forum did suggest an (unused) condom as a waterproofing sleeve but, as we all know, they are not 100% foolproof .

We used to use screw top plastic pots for the receiver and battery in racing yachts (I'm sure they still do) but at some point the wires have to come out of the pot to the winch and servos. The servos themselves can't easily be sealed in a box because of the push rods. I used to take the rudder servo apart and put conformal coating on the board (just an ordinary 148 servo) because there was always a lot of water in the hull after a breezy race because the sheets have to come out somewhere and it's impossible to fully waterproof the hull. I would think fast racing models might benefit, too.

I was involved in designing radio telemetry systems that were subject to high G (20,000!) and high temperature (125 deg C) in aero engines so had access to all sorts of gunk at the time though I didn't go to the point of potting the electronics in epoxy as we did at work.

I was particularly impressed with the performance in salt water after proofing because whilst pure water doesn't conduct electricity salt water certainly does. Moreover sea water is a notorious corrosion agent. I think the potential for saving electrical and electronic components following a sinking makes it worthwhile.

Geoff