Towboats

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

Please advise what type of “big motors” you are using.

I`m looking for a motor to power Great Eastern ,7`-0″ long, using a 3″ prop

[TelstarParticipant @telstar]

Bob I have a large tug 53in long about 50lbs displacement and have used a ic boys starter motor (I think it was trademarked Challenger). It runs on 12V and swings a 90mm 4 bladed brass prop. It draws 9A flat out with a home build esc . It has given no problems and has plenty of push.  I will try to post a photo of the tug in full flow, if I can master this site

cheers

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

That`s certainly ploughing threw the water!

The starter motor…….is it the type used for starting model aircraft engines?

Can you please post a picture of the motor drive close up?

Bob

[John BoydParticipant @johnboyd97248]

Hi bob that moter sounds just perfect.

I allways use car fan moters as they to dont draw to many amps

all the best john b

[TelstarParticipant @telstar]

Hi Bob     Yes it is/was the type used to start model aircraft engines. It has had the thumb switch and other bits removed to leave a bare motor, the rubber/metal bit on the shaft was also removed (if I remember right it left a 6mm dia shaft), It is coupled directly to the prop shaft, NO gearbox, originally with a home made coupling but now in refit I used a  Mobile Marine Models safety coupling, (the rubber coupling is quiet)It’s not easy to see the installation, I have installed a sound unit with the speaker just under the engine room hatch I am also playing (sorry investigating) a steerable nozzle not strictly correct but it does improve the steering especially astern.

Put photos on gallery waiting for approval, or so message says

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

Thank you Telstar………..I can see how you`ve mounted the motor now

Need to know the diameter of the motor body please.

The max diameter I can fit in…..would be 3"……if I cut the keel away!

Bob

[TelstarParticipant @telstar]

Hi Bob      photos now on gallery Vintage model

Motor body is 63mm dia (just under 2.5in)

hope this helps Tom

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

I think 63mm sounds OK to me

So the next point……how did you control the beast?

[TelstarParticipant @telstar]

Hi                AS I mentioned earlier I use a home build Electronic speed control that was designed to work on 24V 12A, I did while testing duering the recent refurbishment fit a Ripmax Sismic unit but I didn’t like the ‘electronic squeal’ these things give so I have gone back to the home build.  I was told at Warwick show by Dave Milbourn they (ACTion kits) have brought out a speed control that can accept upto 24V battery and handle 10A although I havn’t tried it.  Electronize also do speed control all rated up to 24V but the 12A one can be set to low frequency to minimise the squeal.  I personally tend to use higher battery voltage and lower amps, but this is just from having worked in electrical engineering until I retired.

Cheers Tom

I lost the plot the size controller for your model will of course be partly governd by how much current your (I believe non standard) prop makes your motor draw, the voltage you use mainly determins the max rpm

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

Thanks once again Telstar……..I think the Electronize unit will be OK.

The motor is the priority at the moment…….needs sorting before the deck gets glued in.

[Ralph HagerParticipant @ralphhager84023]

I am a beginner in Model Boating….

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

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