UTE – Which motor?

[David Marks 2Participant @davidmarks2]

I am about to start building the Glynn Guest design – UTE. I have noted the postings on this site recommending NOT to use the motor employed by Glynn.

I would appreciate any recommendation from readers that have built this model i.e which motor they used and any modifications required to the model to accommodate their choice of motor. Regarding the latter, it would appear that the main bulkhead (Bulkhead 2) will need to be modified to accept the propshaft and/or drive coupling. Thanking you in anticipation.

[David Marks 2Participant @davidmarks2]

[Dave MilbournParticipant @davemilbourn48782]

David

I haven't built this particular model. The objection to the recommended drive system seems to be the noise of the gears. Glynn is a highly-respected designer and an enthusiastic proponent of gears – and I can fully understand why – but they don't suit everybody. For straight-drive I would venture that a 555 motor running something like a 3-blade 40mm plastic prop on 12 volts would be about right. I have one in my Boothbay lobster boat which is a little bigger than UTE. I use 12 cells, but only because I have two spare 6-cell packs. The current drawn is so low that you wouldn't need a large battery pack for a day's sailing. The alternative would be the MFA 540 Low Noise (which is a 5-pole motor). Links are here **LINK** **LINK**

If you have a browse through the various 'Masterclasses' build logs on the Model Boat Mayhem forum then you'll soon get the idea of how to mount a motor for straight drive, for example using a metal mounting bracket and a coupling. **LINK**

Good luck.

Dave M

[The Long BuildParticipant @thelongbuild]

As Mr M says, I was probably the one who mentioned the noise as I used the same motor and gear box as Glynns design ( As by chance I had one at the time ) I have found that no matter what grease I use it can be a tad noisy.. But does go well. Unfortunately I can not get it out without severe damage due to the way I fixed it in.

Look forward to seeing your build.

[Dave MilbournParticipant @davemilbourn48782]

Larry

Colin B would advocate replacing the gears with pulleys and a belt (O-ring) drive. He is a fan of this system and I have to say it has its merits, as long as you set and maintain the correct tension in the belt. Might you be able to do this mod with the motor as it is?

Dave M

[The Long BuildParticipant @thelongbuild]

Certainly worth a go, I shall look into that..

Thanks

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

Yes, as Dave says, I have always found the belt system to be very effective. It is quiet and has the benefit of reducing the motor revs to match the prop revs which helps with battery consumption. It is also easily adjustable as you can mount the motor in such a way as to introduce shims to get the tension just right.

If using O rings then do not put too much tension on the drive. O rings work best if they are kept almost circular. You can also use cassette motor drive bands as an alternative which are more flexible.

Colin

[The Long BuildParticipant @thelongbuild]

Cheers.

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David Marks 1

In reply to your post about the bulkheads may need modifying, then modify ahead, that is the great thing about Glynn's designs, they are just a guide line, Build it the way you want and the way which best suits what you are putting into it.

[David Marks 2Participant @davidmarks2]

Gentlemen – Thank you for your prompt responses. I will take the 540 motor option proposed my DM as I believe I have at least one in stock. Will just need to mount the motor in the void beneath the cab/cabin and make provision in the bulkhead for the drive.

This is not my first build. I have three pusher tugs Springer, Motoflote, plus one that I built from photographs and info available from the Internet. I enjoy the building element most. Going to the pond is just a social affair.

Thanks once again

[Trevor HollowayParticipant @trevorholloway99134]

I built one with a little 380 motor, direct drive and 7.2v split stick pack, on a 30mm prop it fair zooms round the pond.

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