Second hand Hydro

[Billy BobParticipant @billybob24045]

Hiya guys,

I am totally new to this site and also nitro hydroplane boats.

All being well i should be recieving a second hand hydroplane rc boat, kinda like the Miss Budwiser style. This 1/18 scale missile sports a .18 pull start water cooled power plant.

Just wandering if there is anybody with any advice, hints or tips, or even things to look out for with these boats, ie best prop/fuel and such like, Would be most appreciated. 

I did use to have a little kyosho speed boat many moons ago (electric,7.2 batt pack type effort) Pretty simple to operate, just plug up and go really.

But this hydro seems it could be a little more demanding,and a bit more thought might have to be put in to operating it. ie( May contain nutts, do not operate under the influence of drugs. For out door use only!) You got the idea!

Any how, this is my short and sweet intro to you guys. Hopfully after a few more posts and questions I should just be as bonkers as a few others on here.

Big ALLO and thanks in advance.

Newbie, Billybob…

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Hi Billy Bob

Welcome to the sedate little world of model boats

Even though the boat that you intend to use is anything other than sedate and is sure to annoy some of the gold braid.

After building and running a 4ft version I can offer the following tips.

The hydrofoil boats depend upon speed to compress a cushion of air in the tunnel which provides more lift and so more speed.

In short make sure that you have enough lake to run your boat inas its very easy to run out of water.

Also watch out for putting on to much speed from a standing start as these boats have a tendency to dig there noses into the water and so if you are not careful you will end up with a high speed submarine.

One last thing is to check that the lake that you intend to use allows IC engines as many clubs/local authorities have banned them.

Enjoy the model and have as much fun as is legal..

Paul

[Billy BobParticipant @billybob24045]

Thanks for heads up, paul. I was told that these boats need room to get on plane like you sugessted.

And as for local waters, Yes ive also been told you can get your donnys smacked for using a duck shredder such as these.  Now you have told me that you have built and run your own hydro, dont be surprised if i keep wanting to pick your brains on possible do’s n dont’s and what if’s…

You still running your hydro, or do you play nicley with the boys and girls now?

Thanks again Paul…

Regards Billy.

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

I sold it for quite a large sum of money but I would be glad to help you with your build

Paul

[Billy BobParticipant @billybob24045]

A massive thanks in advance Paul,

Can i ask what kind a prop did you runn on your hydro?

I don’t want to be one of thoses meat heads, that try the largest diam screw with most pitch they can get under there boat!

Also any advice about weight distribution that might serve me well!

Sorry, you shouldnt of told me you built your own hydro! Like I said,Im gonna pick your brains, and any body else who tells me they have played with these boats!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks again, Billy…

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Hi Billy

I used a stainless steel impeller off a jet ski 77mm dia with lots of pitch. keep the weight low and level across the boat just rear of the mid line to give the boat a slight rise to the nose when stationary.

I also used sponge in the fuel tanks to stop the weight of the liquid being moved about to much.

Like I said I don’t mind any question so you just go ahead and ask.

Paul

[Billy BobParticipant @billybob24045]

Er, is that leagal! Thats a big prop!

Sponge in the fuel tanks! Thats a new one on me, but now youve said it it does make sence!

With you on the weight too!

Ive also heard wispers on these auto bailers, these 10mm or so dia pipe and ball set up gadgets, Whats your take on them? They seem simple enough to install. The ones ive seen in these hydos, the guys have located them in the back left but, seems that most of these boats are mainly set up for sharper right turns, thus forcing any naughty water to bailer. Sound pretty trick in therory!

Thanks again Paul,

I’m gonna need a bigger note pad!!!!!!!!!!

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Hi Billy

Why does the size of the prop worry you  after all its only 3in across and it was contained within a jet tube, it had to work hard to move the boat fast, you have to bear in mind that the model was 4ft long and 2ft wide and used a 50cc chainsaw engine to make it go so the whole rig was quite heavy.

Mind you it did go like stink and I had to be careful not to lt it get out of radio range.

I am not fond of that type of auto bailer as they can let water in as well as out, I prefer a float switch and a proper bilge pump. Mind you the boat should be water tight anyway. 

As for sponge in the tanks I tested different types of sponge with the fuel mix to make sure that the sponge did not melt before putting it anywhere near the main tanks & engine. 

In answer to your next questions the hull was built from 18mm marine ply frames with 4mm marine ply skin and I used a 2 channel 27meg radio system, after all it only had to turn left & right and go forward fast.

Let us know how you get on

Paul

[Billy BobParticipant @billybob24045]

So not only are you a model boat builder, you read minds to!

Cheers paul, I will. You have given me a lot of food for thought here!

I suspect all boats have there little ways of ajustment and so on, ie; weight, size, trim, balance and of course the best ways to get there power trasferd to the water. As long as i can get the basics best I can surely the rest should follow! I think the sientific phrase is "Suck n see."

Thanks again Paul.

Billybob!

[Billy BobParticipant @billybob24045]

Hints n tips!

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