HFM marine Pilot boat power set

[floatmeboat2025Participant @floatmeboat2025]

I have recently acquired a HFM Pilot boat and have been enjoying sailing it. It is a very well made boat with some lovely scale details.

It is great to steer around the pond but at full throttle, it feels a little slow and I would like a little more speed.

Specs: 600mm long 70mm beam

weight 1.8kg/ 65oz including a 3s 2200 lipo

Current power set up is:

Mabuchi 380 12v brushed motor

Electronize type 43HX speed control (large and with a relay)

30mm 3 blade brass prop

3s 2200ma lipo (because I have several). After 30 mins of motor on time I still have 80% remaining.

What would you suggest would be the simplest solution to getting a bit more speed out of the set up?

Thanks,

Floaty

 

[Tim CooperParticipant @timcooper90034]

I’m building Eezebilt Fire boat which is about that size.

It will use a Leopold Hobby LC 2826 17T and a Quicrun Esc 30A from Component Shop.

It’s a combination I have used in several models, but not with Lipos.

I’m sure others will be able to give more advice of other combos.

Tim

[floatmeboat2025Participant @floatmeboat2025]

Thanks, Tim.

I may have to go for a new powerset and so will look into your suggestion.

I was wondering if a change of prop might get results? If so what size?

[Richard SimpsonModerator @richardsimpson88330]

When experimenting with new set ups it is worth having an ammeter available.   It helps if it remembers maximum current between resets but I haven’t seen that type for a while.  Component shop have a range.

You are taking a chance playing with propellers if you do not know how much current the motor is then pulling.

To get an accurate idea you are going to need to put the model in a paddling pool and run it on full speed while against the edge.  Then watch the ammeter reading, which you have located on the outside somewhere.

 

[Charles OatesParticipant @charlesoates31738]

I would certainly try a couple of plastic props, with the proviso that Richard has mentioned, an ammeter is an essential tool for most model makers. Does the motor get hot when running at the moment? If it does then you probably will be wasting your time trying new props. I suggest a 35 mm 2 blade standard prop as the most likely improvement, less than 2 quid from Cornwall model boats

https://www.cornwallmodelboats.co.uk/acatalog/s-type-propellers.html

 

[Charles Oates]

On Charles Oates Said:

I would certainly try a couple of plastic props, with the proviso that Richard has mentioned, an ammeter is an essential tool for most model makers. Does the motor get hot when running at the moment? If it does then you probably will be wasting your time trying new props. I suggest a 35 mm 2 blade standard prop as the most likely improvement, less than 2 quid from Cornwall model boats

https://www.cornwallmodelboats.co.uk/acatalog/s-type-propellers.html

 

On Richard Simpson Said:

When experimenting with new set ups it is worth having an ammeter available.   It helps if it remembers maximum current between resets but I haven’t seen that type for a while.  Component shop have a range.

You are taking a chance playing with propellers if you do not know how much current the motor is then pulling.

To get an accurate idea you are going to need to put the model in a paddling pool and run it on full speed while against the edge.  Then watch the ammeter reading, which you have located on the outside somewhere.

 

Thanks, Richard.

I have a watt meter which measures current and volts so I will measure carefully.

[Charles Oates]

On Charles Oates Said:

I would certainly try a couple of plastic props, with the proviso that Richard has mentioned, an ammeter is an essential tool for most model makers. Does the motor get hot when running at the moment? If it does then you probably will be wasting your time trying new props. I suggest a 35 mm 2 blade standard prop as the most likely improvement, less than 2 quid from Cornwall model boats

https://www.cornwallmodelboats.co.uk/acatalog/s-type-propellers.html

 

Hi Charles,

I have noticed the brushed motor running on the warm/hot side but with the price of the plastic props it would be worth a dabble to see what the result is. I will try the prop size you suggest.

 

[Richard SimpsonModerator @richardsimpson88330]

When you are measuring the current and volts it has to be under load.  There is quite a difference between the model out of the water with the prop running in fresh air and the prop submerged.

Even holding the model to get a reading is still only an estimate because the loading with change yet again when you have a normal flow over the hull and through the prop.  Its a lot closer than no-load conditions.

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