Recovery Rig

[PowerDemon]

Hey guys,
I am looking to build a rescue boat so I don’t have to go only to places that rent paddle boats... I have calculated the cost to build one myself and it was just shy of $200. Thats a little more than I would like to pay for one, so you guys have an alternative? Let me know what you guys use to get your boats back if they break down or flip. Thanks!

[Heath M]

Google search RC recovery boat and click on images. You'll see a lot of different types ppl have made.

[78MaicoRider]

I use a Jet Sweep R/C Pool Skimmer. I remove the arched bumper thing in the front and that's it. Bought it with 2 battery packs from Craigslist for $10. The range isn't the best but as a whole it works well. It has forward and reverse with vectored thrust steering. It will spin in one spot if you want. Very maneuverable.
lpm-JN06-600-024_40037.jpg

[PowerDemon]

I use a Jet Sweep R/C Pool Skimmer. I remove the arched bumper thing in the front and that's it. Bought it with 2 battery packs from Craigslist for $10. The range isn't the best but as a whole it works well. It has forward and reverse with vectored thrust steering. It will spin in one spot if you want. Very maneuverable.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]140280[/ATTACH]

Is there any way to increase the radio range? That looks like an excellent idea. How wide is the net area?

[78MaicoRider]

The net is 17 inches wide and the same size that is typically used on a long pole for swimming pools. The net lifts right out. I usually use it without the net and just push the dead boat back between the sponsons. The radio range is good for use on oval course racing. Once I needed to rescue a boat that was about 100 yards away. I found that getting up higher helped. I have wondered how it would do with twin 4092 on 8s. But then it would need rescuing sometime. haha. But it wouldn't have a blow over issue like most cats.
a387a9a071d45e3b85f1f715d59ddab9.jpg

[PowerDemon]

Ok thanks for the info!

[revoltrunner]

I built this pretty cheaply and it works great.

[JimClark]

should be way cheaper than 200

[PowerDemon]

I built this pretty cheaply and it works great.

What do you use to steer it and what electronics did you use?

@JimClark I know it should be cheaper and thats why I’m asking you guys how you built one.

[revoltrunner]

it steers with the air rudders. I added a pic of them.
the motor is a 35mm airplane motor I had laying around
and a proboat 60 amp esc. 3s 2200mah battery.
you could use all airplane stuff on it though.
I didn't glue the front arms on. makes it nice
to transport with them off.
its 36" long , 20" wide

[PowerDemon]

This is awesome! Thanks!

[Diegoboy]

I remember back in the day my rig called "the contraption".

http://www.diegoboy.com/media/contraption01.wmv

[PowerDemon]

Hmm. I had forgotten about the use of brushed motors. That would make for a really good setup.. I actually might have an old Titan laying around somewhere.

[SD Eracer]

Unfortunately, I've been through the whole recovery boat thing, and only two things seem to work well for our group.

A good fishing pole with a tennis ball, assuming you are close enough to hit it was a cast. This is a great option for an enclosed boat pond. I would avoid your $25 Walmart fishing poles, they won't have the range a good one will have. I suggest Craigslist and pickup a quality used one.

The other is Kayak or some other single person small boat. When we run in the ocean, this is our only option, the strong winds and currents will make many of these home made recovery boats ineffective.

[Revolt Flash]

I bought a Harbor Freight boat for 50.00 and built a PVC frame that goes around it. Got about 70.00 total in it. Works really good and keeps the challenge going.