Rudder query

[Stephen Paterson 2Participant @stephenpaterson2]

Took the PT boat out earlier first time since swapping to lipo batteries from lead acids.
I'll need to add some weight into the rear of it as its a bit high in the water now which results in when turning full rudder on full throttle it really kicks round. Not enough to flip on a calm pond…… but the risk if a chop would be worrying. Other than adding ballast would trimming the rudders do the same? Obv it would be trial and error with a bit a time.

[Stephen Paterson 2Participant @stephenpaterson2]

[Richard SimpsonModerator @richardsimpson88330]

Most radio sets will allow you to limit servo movement by percentage. I'm sure if you check your own manual you will find out how to do it.

As an example I find with the Club 500 boat at full throttle and then full rudder it simply digs in and almost stops. To prevent this I have the rudder movement set at around 70% so I don't inadvertently over do it. Experimentation on a calm day determined that just over 70% was the point at which it dug in so that was why I set it up to 70%. I now have to plan my curves a little more in advance but the big advantage is that I never have to back off the throttle.

[Charles OatesParticipant @charlesoates31738]

Hi Stephen, I had a similar problem with a RTTL, but I hated the idea of adding extra weight, it just dulls the performance. My radio has rate switches so I set one to give reduced rudder throw for normal running, and I can switch it out for slow running/ docking etc. It's a pretty common way to set things up.

With an older build, I didn't have that transmitter so I just reduced the rudder throw a little so the turns were a bit gentler. Easy to do using a different hole on the servo or tiller arm.

Charles.

[Stephen Paterson 2Participant @stephenpaterson2]

Thank you for replies. I'm sure my transmitter can do that, hadn't thought of that! (Still learning and lots to learn!)

[Kev.WParticipant @kev-w]

Richard,

I had the same problem with my Club 500, it's just about the fastest at my club (Boston MBC).

I found I had to limit rudder movement to approx 30 degrees, then smooth out the cornering at the buoys to keep the speed optimal. It must be working, as I currently lead the points table.

[Richard SimpsonModerator @richardsimpson88330]

Posted by Kev.W on 22/03/2022 17:40:48:

Richard,

I had the same problem with my Club 500, it's just about the fastest at my club (Boston MBC).

I found I had to limit rudder movement to approx 30 degrees, then smooth out the cornering at the buoys to keep the speed optimal. It must be working, as I currently lead the points table.

I think we both came to exactly the same conclusion Kev! Coincidentally 70% of 45 degrees is 31 degrees! I didn't realise you were as close as that, I travel two hours from Woodhall Spa to get my Club 500 kicks!

Where do you meet?

[Kev.WParticipant @kev-w]

I travel from Lincoln to Boston.

Boston MBC Website

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

My SLEC Faireys are very sensitive to the rudder too. Dave Milbourn recommended setting rudder servo travel to 50%. Even then, at full speed, the narrower Huntsman is was inclined to turn on its side using a 3S Lipo so I fitted a 2S instead. The wider Swordsman is less susceptible to leaning over so has the 3S.

Colin

[Richard SimpsonModerator @richardsimpson88330]

Kev, Do you have a steam tester at Boston and, if so, can I get in touch with him?

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

Club 500 related posts have now been transferred to the Club 500 thread.

Colin

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