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ReddyWatts
03-14-2008, 06:46 PM
Steps to building a Fast Electric catamaran boat.

Please review and add suggestions.

1. Build a boat stand.
2. Paint the hull.
3. Add floatation to hull and hatch.
4. Mount the strut and rudder.
5. Drill holes for water-cooling inlet and outlet.
6. Place all equipment in boat to find the desired center of gravity. Move the motor around so that you will be able to move the batteries and keep the COG in the desired range. 27-33%
7. Install water jacket and thrust bearing on motor.
8. Epoxy motor mount to hull. Might need to strengthen bottom of hull.
9. Decide where to cut hole/slot for flex drive tube.
10. Bend and cut tubing to fit between strut and motor. Leave less than ½ inch gap between motor and tube. Start with strut bottom even with bottom of hull. Raise it during water tests to desired height. Use heat shrink on strut connection.
11. Cut flex cable to length needed.
12. Epoxy tube into hull. Check alignment at motor and strut. One bend is better.
13. Lubricate drive line.
14. Decide where to drill hole for rudder/servo connecting rod.
15. Mount servo and use rubber boot to waterproof connecting rod and hole.
16. Install radio antenna.
17. Install radio and battery switch if used.
18. Install battery tie downs.
19. Install water-cooling hoses. Check for leaks.
20. Test hull for water leaks.
21. Program and test ESC.
22. Check motor rotation.
23. Check for receiver glitching.
24. Check everything for tightness.
25. Use tape to seal the hatch.

SJFE
03-14-2008, 07:47 PM
You got it down. The only thing I think that some of us do the HW, stuffing tubes & anything else that needs drilling first. Test it then remove all the bolt on items and paint. Other than that the list looks to be perfect. Nice work Mr. Watts.

Rex R
03-14-2008, 07:47 PM
comment: I like to do my stuffing tube before I paint the hull so the epoxy can get a better 'grip' on the hull

ReddyWatts
03-14-2008, 08:08 PM
Thanks for the comments. What else?

calcagno45
03-14-2008, 08:27 PM
Thanks Reddy!!

Thats pretty much what I PMed you for. Great info.

One question- maybe a little more elaborate on the stuffing tube part. I'll probably see exactly how to do it once I have it in my hands, but a little more detail would help me.

I know I'm a little slow. Sorry

ReddyWatts
03-14-2008, 10:52 PM
I use a bender from Harbor Freight Tools. It is about 6 bucks. I just feel more comfortable using this, than bending with my bare hands. I like only one long sweeping bend.