Aquacraft Mini Rio stock impressions [Archive]

Diegoboy

04-02-2008, 07:33 PM

Did I ever time this one right! When I first found out about this boat on Feb 16th-ish, I ordered one from my LHS. I insisted on pre-paying at that time. I don't know if that helped in getting mine early, but here she is.

http://www.diegoboy.com/misc/100_2188.jpg

http://www.diegoboy.com/misc/100_2189.jpg

Yellow & Blue, just like I like it!

Stock run, she cavitated for the first 30ft or more, but once on plane she ran nice. She turned well (for a mono:tongue_smilie: ) When I brought her back in after about 2 minutes of running, she was dry as a bone inside the hull! That was impressive to me! I intend on another brushless build for her, AFTER I finish the mini-V I'm working on.

I was solo guys, so sorry no video today. If Dirty wants to come out and play tomorrow, I'll have vid then.

Doby

04-02-2008, 08:04 PM

Looks nice Diego !
Missed you around here lately.

Diegoboy

04-02-2008, 08:07 PM

Looks nice Diego !
Missed you around here lately.

Ya. Priority's have put RC boats a tad lower on the list :tape:

Doby

04-02-2008, 08:08 PM

As they should be. You take care of those beautiful women in your life first !

Diegoboy

04-02-2008, 08:18 PM

As they should be. You take care of those beautiful women in your life first !

I most definitely will!

Diegoboy

04-03-2008, 07:52 AM

I hope to get Video today (still stock) :sad:

Steven Vaccaro

04-03-2008, 10:27 AM

Thanks for the pictures. Looks like a new prop is in need. Nice that its replaceable!

Diegoboy

04-03-2008, 11:40 AM

More http://www.addemoticons.com/emoticon/monkey/AddEmoticons126156.gif to look at.

http://www.diegoboy.com/misc/100_2197.jpg

http://www.diegoboy.com/misc/100_2198.jpg

http://www.diegoboy.com/misc/100_2199.jpg

The box says "motor cooling jacket"
I haven't found that item yet, but there does seem to be a motor cooling plate installed.

Steven Vaccaro

04-03-2008, 11:53 AM

Ok, you have me intrigued. Any chance on getting a picture of the shaft?

I'm jealous, you got yours before me! I'm like a little kid at the candy store! lol

Darin Jordan

04-03-2008, 12:04 PM

I'm thinking that you could lose 1/2 oz or so by getting rid of that bulky rub-rail around the seam!

I'm thinking a "pool racer" series might be fun... there seems to be enough smaller micros out there to pull that off...

Looks like that hull is just SCREAMING for a motor like my Ammo 28-45-3600 motor... :tongue_smilie:

Diegoboy

04-03-2008, 12:15 PM

Ok, you have me intrigued. Any chance on getting a picture of the shaft?

I'm jealous, you got yours before me! I'm like a little kid at the candy store! lol

Sure! I think I bent my shaft pulling it out LOL

http://www.diegoboy.com/misc/100_2201.jpg

Diegoboy

04-03-2008, 12:20 PM

I'm thinking that you could lose 1/2 oz or so by getting rid of that bulky rub-rail around the seam!

True, but the seam is absolutely hideous without it. :ohmy:

z400

04-03-2008, 03:24 PM

Good looking little boat

so it gets up and goes pretty well?
besides the cavitating problem

Steven Vaccaro

04-03-2008, 03:46 PM

Sure! I think I bent my shaft pulling it out LOL

http://www.diegoboy.com/misc/100_2201.jpg

Ok, you have me all excited now!!! Twin rudders! Piano drive! I can see some nice , inexpensive upgraded, 30-35mph micros in the future!!

OJ racer

04-03-2008, 03:47 PM

I like it. Does it need 2 rudders though? seems like that would slow it down?

Diegoboy

04-03-2008, 05:44 PM

They put the 2 rudders on so that guys that want to mod it to BL can't install turn fins. :tongue_smilie: JK

Bigmax

04-03-2008, 07:27 PM

Diegoboy, you seem to be "The Man" when it comes to these minis...

I've got a quick question for you... I've got a Castle Creations 4200KV brushless motor for 18th scale cars. Would this be a good canidate for either a Mini Rio or the Mini-V or Mini-Cat and can you explain why or why not?

Thanks,

Chad

Diegoboy

04-03-2008, 07:46 PM

Thank you!

That motor is 20mm in diameter. The way the motors mount in the Mini Rio, V, & C are all based on the motor diameter. You'll have to modify the mount because the stock motor is approx 28mm. Therefore 20mm to 28mm will need a bit of engineering to mount.

Jeepers

04-03-2008, 07:59 PM

Nice little boat! what is the length/width of it?

Bigmax

04-03-2008, 08:18 PM

So other than that I would be good to go? No problems with it not having enough torque or anything like that?

If it's just the diameter that's not a problem... I'll just wrap some tape around it till I get the right size (J/K)

Thanks for the reply!

Diegoboy

04-03-2008, 08:35 PM

Nice little boat! what is the length/width of it?

Hull Length: 14.25 in (362 mm)
Overall Length: 16 in (406 mm)
Width: 4.75 in (108 mm)
Height: 2.5 in (63 mm)

Diegoboy

04-03-2008, 08:36 PM

Diegoboy

04-03-2008, 09:28 PM

...well Dirty couldn't come out and play today, so no video yet. She's ready for another (STOCK) run, but tomorrow looks pretty good. Right Dirty?

OJ racer

04-04-2008, 03:26 PM

I would love to build one of those! It looks like I might get a friend of mine into the hobby soon so I can race him, and I could buy the boat and the parts to mod it for 270! that includes lipos, a Feigao, an x432, and a 80a ESC! I'd have a pocket rocket!

Diegoboy

04-04-2008, 08:19 PM

Video is uploading...

dirtysouth31

04-04-2008, 08:27 PM

:sorry: :crying:

Diegoboy

04-04-2008, 08:39 PM

Here is the LAST video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apsnoyEzC_s)of my stock mini rio

Mich. Maniac

04-04-2008, 09:30 PM

why last????

OJ racer

04-04-2008, 09:36 PM

I think it's the last because he's modding it after. Man, that handling looks rock solid! The Mini Rio practically seems to be begging for brushless.

Diegoboy

04-04-2008, 09:42 PM

I think it's the last because he's modding it after.

You got it!

Man, that handling looks rock solid! The Mini Rio practically seems to be begging for brushless.
I agree

More pics...

http://www.diegoboy.com/misc/100_2211.jpg

http://www.diegoboy.com/misc/100_2212.jpg

wamf

04-04-2008, 10:47 PM

Mine was supposed to be delivered today. Whan I check the tracking # it shows that it is on time but it hasn't left IL. I live in WA. I'm ready with a BL and esc and wire drive for it. I'm getting anxious to get it.
MikeV

Doby

04-04-2008, 11:25 PM

I checked my LHS this afternoon, they have 5 in stock !!!!!

Mich. Maniac

04-04-2008, 11:37 PM

buy them all and sell em to US!!! how much anyway?

Doby

04-04-2008, 11:38 PM

They were 99 bucks, not a bad price !

Diegoboy

04-05-2008, 07:07 AM

They are truly RTR. Battery & charger is included. Not like we're gonna need them anyway! :tongue_smilie:

OJ racer

04-05-2008, 07:15 AM

Oh, you guys are killin me! That thing looks like it was a designer screwup to do it brushed. Unfortunately, I'm low on cash right now, but I'll save up till I can get my hands on one.

Diegoboy

04-05-2008, 07:26 AM

Another small, but nice feature is that the antenna tube is NOT mounted on the hatch.

OJ racer

04-05-2008, 09:14 AM

Does the Mini Rio have a 1/8th inch prop shaft?

Diegoboy

04-05-2008, 09:30 AM

Good question.
Yes it does

calcagno45

04-05-2008, 02:23 PM

$99, I might have to pick on up to run in the pool. :thumbup:

OJ racer

04-05-2008, 03:25 PM

I'm savin up to buy one to mod.

Diegoboy

04-05-2008, 06:03 PM

I'm trying to save up to buy the mods! (motor)

OJ racer

04-07-2008, 06:47 PM

Hey guys! Tower Hobbies just dropped their Mini Rio prices to 80 dollars! woohoo! I wana get a biggere prop for my DF22 first though. Speaking of which, what's faster: x632 or x435?

wamf

04-09-2008, 11:29 PM

Got my mini rio today. Ran it with a x432 prop and it only cavitated for a few feet. Motor didn't get hot. the water cooling seems to work , at least it shoots water out the side. Turns well and was ok on rough water Not very fast with a nimh battery a bit faster with a lipo. Just put a bl motor in it and will see how that works tomorrow. It is cool looking but I wonder how long the twist on caps are gonna work
MikeV

wamf

04-12-2008, 01:41 AM

With a 2632kv feigao motor 36amp ccTbird esc and a 2000mah tp lipo this thing rocks. It handles great at high speed if the water is calm but will do rough at a lesser speed. It could be made to go faster but i don't think I would want it to. That said I will put a 3900kv motor in it soon.
MikeV

Steven Vaccaro

04-13-2008, 03:37 PM

I have started a new forum header for this boat. So i will be moving this thread over there.

Diegoboy

04-13-2008, 07:29 PM

Thats awesome!

LJH

04-14-2008, 11:54 AM

Sounds like a perfect candidate for the Mega 16 series......

lonewolf

04-17-2008, 10:25 PM

Deigo the parts you orderd are ready to ship. Need your addy again...
P.s. pick up a short c off 4-40 rod and some 4-40 ball links for the drag link, I couldnt get the room for the "z" bar. Might need some 4-40 x .375 screws to attach the link. 4-40 was the smallest tap I have, I'm not used to stuff this small...lol Dave

Diegoboy

04-18-2008, 05:27 AM

Awesome Dave! Thank you again. I don't have an ESC that will work with your motor, is there anything else you need or want?
I'll PM you the address right away.

OJ racer

04-18-2008, 07:13 AM

Where'd you get those rudders? I'm planning on some mini rio mods and changing the rudders is a great idea.

lonewolf

04-18-2008, 07:19 AM

The rudders are custom and the only 2 pr in exsistance lol...

Diegoboy

05-04-2008, 10:37 AM

Here they are installed (mock-up installation)

http://www.diegoboy.com/misc/100_2262-sm.jpg (http://www.diegoboy.com/misc/100_2262.jpg)

http://www.diegoboy.com/misc/100_2263-sm.jpg (http://www.diegoboy.com/misc/100_2263.jpg)

SJFE

05-04-2008, 06:30 PM

Nice Nice...You have me thinking about breaking rules....

Diegoboy

05-04-2008, 06:34 PM

do it... do it... Do It... Do It... DO IT... DO IT...
Go Tom!

blastoff

05-31-2008, 11:05 AM

Did you by any chance weigh the rudders ??? I would sure like to know the weight

Chuck E Cheese

06-02-2008, 02:36 AM

here are a few video's of a ammo 24-45-2900, .098-35mm prop, 3s. it works well. this boat actually outran ira's proboat fomula down the straight.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KayiWUPbHQQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FE0kCCTuDX4&feature=related

Diegoboy

06-02-2008, 05:44 PM

Did you by any chance weigh the rudders ??? I would sure like to know the weight

I'll have to bring one set to Dirty's house. He has the scale I need

Diegoboy

06-03-2008, 09:08 AM

They weigh 25grams combined or 0.0551155655 pounds

Diegoboy

07-03-2008, 08:51 PM

I tried to hand drill out the coupler for the Ammo motor, It didn't work out. I ordered a pair of replacement couplers and a new wire cable (since AQ decided to discontinue the original ones and replace them with upgraded ones)
I couldn't wait any longer. I ripped out the stuffing tube, installed a bigger one, and went with the tried and true .098. I'm going to install a RX, and add a silicone cooling jacket and run her this weekend!

http://www.diegoboy.com/misc/100_2367-sm.jpg (http://www.diegoboy.com/misc/100_2367.jpg)

http://www.diegoboy.com/misc/100_2368-sm.jpg (http://www.diegoboy.com/misc/100_2368.jpg)

Steven Vaccaro

07-04-2008, 09:54 AM

Hint, hint. No need to remove the stock stuffing tube. The mini cat hydro .098 flex with 3mm prop shaft fits great. its almost the perfect length also. The only change is the drive dog. It will drag unless the front(leading) edge is cut/sanded to a 45degreee angle.

Diegoboy

07-04-2008, 10:33 AM

I remembered that issue from this post...

The quickest choice is the Mini Cat Hydro Cable and shaft. The only issue with that is the drive dog. Its not tappered like the stock drive dog, so the mini Cat setup will be an area of large drag if thats not addressed.

It was either turn the minicat hydro dog on a lathe (which I don't have) or pull the tube.
I pulled the tube!

Diegoboy

07-04-2008, 10:35 AM

Steven Vaccaro

07-04-2008, 10:47 AM

Turning the brass dog is easy with a belt sander. Just slowly rotate the drive dog while on the shaft. It took me about 1-2 minutes.

Bigmax

07-05-2008, 09:02 AM

I tried to hand drill out the coupler for the Ammo motor, It didn't work out.

LOL... me too! The way I got it done was to clamp a piece of plastic I had to the table on my drill press. Drilled a hole down into it with the 1/8" bit. Then took the bit out, turned it upside down and put it in the hole. Then put the coupler in the chuck and ran it down onto the stationary bit. Worked perfectly.

BTW, what's the part number on that jacket?

Diegoboy

07-05-2008, 09:13 AM

Part # gnd-4195 (http://www.offshoreelectrics.com/proddetail.php?prod=gnd-4195)
Fits 20mm to 28mm Diameter Motors. My motor is 28mm. Fits like a glove!

chirotray

07-08-2008, 05:29 PM

Hey, Diego, What prop do you think will be best with that motor? Im working on mine too.

Capgun_Slim

07-12-2008, 02:28 PM

I also added the silicone water jacket. the inlet and outlet were opposite each other which wouldn't work. I had to correct that issue.

http://www.offshoreelectrics.com/prodimages/gnd-4195.jpg

Here's the result

http://www.diegoboy.com/misc/100_2375-sm.jpg (http://www.diegoboy.com/misc/100_2375.jpg)

I'm such a NOOB to boats, so I really need your help guys. I finally got my Mini Rio, and I also purchased that same water jacket for motor cooling when I add the brushless. But I don't understand what you mean when you say the inlet and outlet were reversed to you fixed it. How did you fix it, or what will I need to do? Also, can you send me a link to the other parts I.E. the .098 Flex shaft? Also, where is the drive dog located?

Hang in there with me, as I said, I am a Noob, but everyone has to start somewhere.

Diegoboy

07-12-2008, 06:11 PM

I'm putting it together for you now...

Diegoboy

07-12-2008, 06:55 PM

Let's start with this question...

Where is the drive dog located?

This diagram should help out alot.

http://www.offshoreelectrics.com/images/propeller_diagram/prop_diagram.jpg

Diegoboy

07-12-2008, 07:20 PM

I don't understand what you mean when you say the inlet and outlet were reversed to you fixed it. How did you fix it, or what will I need to do?

Get yourself a piece of K&S 5/32 brass tube (http://www.offshoreelectrics.com/proddetail.php?prod=dh-ks-brass-tb).

Cut off one of the outlet tips on the jacket.

Drill a 3/32 hole in the opposite side of the outlet you just cut.
* The hole will close up with the bit removed, it's normal.

Insert the tube into the hole you drilled in the jacket let about 3/16 stick out the back and mark where the 2 water channels are placed on the tube with a pencil.
http://www.diegoboy.com/misc/100_2373-sm.jpg (http://www.diegoboy.com/misc/100_2373.jpg)

Drill 2 small 3/32 holes in one side where the pencil marks are.

Fill the end with solder to seal it shut.

http://www.diegoboy.com/misc/100_2370-sm.jpg (http://www.diegoboy.com/misc/100_2370.jpg)

file or sand the rough edges on the tube.

Insert the tube in the jacket positioning the holes in the water channels.
http://www.diegoboy.com/misc/100_2374-sm.jpg (http://www.diegoboy.com/misc/100_2374.jpg)

Cut the tube to length.

Done
http://www.diegoboy.com/misc/100_2371-sm.jpg (http://www.diegoboy.com/misc/100_2371.jpg)

Capgun_Slim

07-14-2008, 03:55 AM

Diego thanks very much for the great illustrations, and instruction. I can't believe how many parts/names for that little sucker, lol!

Jon K

07-14-2008, 12:52 PM

Do the silicone sleeves work best though? I'd think some aluminum or copper tubing around it would be better...

Diegoboy

07-14-2008, 05:02 PM

Do the silicone sleeves work best though? I'd think some aluminum or copper tubing around it would be better...

You'd be wrong. The tube is round, therefore very little surface area for cooling is contacting the motor. where as the silicone jacket, the water is in direct contact with the motor.

Jon K

07-14-2008, 05:04 PM

Well truthfully the water is in direct contact with the silicone sleeving, which is in better contact with the motor... but silicone isn't a super effective thermal conductor

Diegoboy

07-14-2008, 05:08 PM

Then put a heat sink on it and forget the water....

Capgun_Slim

07-15-2008, 01:59 AM

Hey Diego, I love the machined rudders and other hardware you fabricated. Very Impressive. Any idea if you'll be making more, that you might want to sell? Or will Grim Racer possibly be making something similar, that can be mass marketed?

Diegoboy

07-15-2008, 06:21 AM

They are very nice. I have 2 sets!. Lonewolf made them for me. He makes custom HW for just about any application. He's here, look him up.

rc freak 8892

07-17-2008, 10:44 PM

would i be better off putting an 11.1 volt lipo or a brushless motor and can you run them both stock:banana:

Jon K

07-19-2008, 08:36 PM

Hey guys - got my boat in the water today - lots of fun... for 7 or so mins. I need more time! But I also want more speed.

What is the most common upgrade on the motor? I am not really scared of electrical work at all, so I'd like to go to a brushless I think... but I need to know details!

Also - in the meantime, what is the largest battery that fits in these things? Or, should I just buy multiple 1100mAH ones?

FE Wannabe

07-22-2008, 07:03 PM

Does anyone have any idea how many amps the stock Mini Rio ESC/Receiver can handle or how many amps the stock 380 motor draws? I am using this ESC/Receiver in my Mini V and I am thinking about upgrading to a Graupner 480 BB brushed motor for a little more speed. The Graupner draws 8.5amps at max efficiency.

dirtysouth31

07-22-2008, 07:35 PM

Don't know how many amps.but I ran the same motor with the stock esc and it worked fine..wasn't much of a speed difference to me

FE Wannabe

07-22-2008, 07:42 PM

Thanks for the info Dirty!

I was hoping for a little more speed with the Graupner, but if there is not much difference, I can leave it stock and run it in my pool.

Brad

RCman

07-22-2008, 10:57 PM

Diegoboy

07-23-2008, 06:23 AM

Sure...

Coupler: Octura Coupler Flex Hex 1/8" to .098 Cable

Stuffing tube: 3/16" Diameter pn#129 (http://www.offshoreelectrics.com/proddetail.php?prod=dh-ks-brass-tb)

Flex Cable: Octura .098 cable system (http://www.offshoreelectrics.com/proddetail.php?prod=oct-oc098L-24c)

Lonewolf (http://forums.offshoreelectrics.com/member.php?u=315) made those rudders!

RCman

07-23-2008, 07:41 AM

hey Diegoboy
the flex did you assemble it or would you let offshore assemble it and how much of the cable was used and can you show me how to cut flex cable. also did you have to cut the stuffing tube and did you have bend the tube to fit
Thanks
Wil

Diegoboy

07-23-2008, 09:39 AM

I assembled the flex cable myself, the "how-to" is laid out here (http://www.offshoreelectrics.com/info-pages/assemble-shaft.php). If you're unsure of your skills, just get the assembled one!

Not very much of the cable was used. In fact, if you buy another Stub/prop shaft (http://www.offshoreelectrics.com/proddetail.php?prod=oct-oc4ps), you'll have enough for another boat.

The method for cutting the flex cable is described in the last paragraph of the assembly info (http://www.offshoreelectrics.com/info-pages/assemble-shaft.php)! (I cut mine in an unorthodox method.)

The tube will have to be cut, but bending it is not necessary for this application.
I use this (http://www.geocities.com/fourmost1/mitersaw.htm) to cut my tubes, but any ol' hack saw should be fine.

Jon K

07-23-2008, 03:42 PM

Diego what motor are you using in that setup

RCman

07-23-2008, 03:58 PM

diegoboy
would the mini cat racing mini hydro rudders work on the boat.

Jon K

07-23-2008, 04:03 PM

Diego saw you are using the 28-35-2700.. I am looking at the 28-35-3900. Do you know what ESC I should use? Or, where did you get your 28-35-2700 because Tower says they're out of stock til Sept :(

jfabcustom

09-06-2008, 08:39 PM

wamf

09-06-2008, 08:54 PM

I am new to RC boats. I just got my Mini Rio a few days ago. When I ran it today it wouldn't even get up on plane. It was just plowing along slowly. I have seen a few supposedly "stock" Mini Rio videos on youtube and they are way faster than mine. Could mine be defective from the factory, or is there something I can tune to make it run faster. It sounds like it's cavitating. Any Ideas?

I ran stock a few times and it worked ok from the get go. People have been saying it needs to be run a few times before the battery has full power. Try a octura 431 prop(red plastic) they are cheap and work well. check the drive line for binding but it will probably work better after a few runs.
MikeV

Diegoboy

09-06-2008, 10:05 PM

Diego saw you are using the 28-35-2700.. I am looking at the 28-35-3900. Do you know what ESC I should use? Or, where did you get your 28-35-2700 because Tower says they're out of stock til Sept :(

Sorry...
I picked up mine from the LHS.
That motor pulls a lot of amps. an ESC suitable for that motor may be a bit big for the hull. :confused2:

RCman

09-06-2008, 10:30 PM

I'm using a 28-35-3900 w/ a Thunderbird 54 works great. but for some reason i can't keep the boat from leaning to one side. going to put weight on the other side and see if that helps. any suggestions are welcome!
thanks wil

Diegoboy

09-06-2008, 10:44 PM

It leans opposite the prop rotation right? That is torque roll. try to use a smaller prop.

Bigmax

09-07-2008, 12:13 PM

jfabcustom - check your prop to see if the leading edges are smooth. My father-in-law ran his into the sand a couple of times and the prop still looked good but the leading edge wasn't perfectly smooth and it wouldn't get up on plane.

RCman - are you using a 2-stick radio or a Pistix? If not, how are you getting the Thunderbird to arm? I'm using the same motor & speed control.

jfabcustom

09-26-2008, 12:14 AM

The tube will have to be cut, but bending it is not necessary for this application.
I use this (http://www.geocities.com/fourmost1/mitersaw.htm) to cut my tubes, but any ol' hack saw should be fine.

If no bending was necessary, how did you get the motor to line up? The stock tube has a bend, correct? If there is no bend and the motor lines up did your drive angle change? Or does all the bend take place outside of the stuffing tube? I'm confused.

jfabcustom

09-26-2008, 12:17 AM

jfabcustom

10-02-2008, 02:31 PM

Hey Diegoboy did I piss you off somehow. Sorry if I did. Thanks again for your all help.:sorry:

p.swiggs

11-02-2009, 09:00 PM

brushless videos!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Brushless01

08-11-2010, 04:26 AM

Diegoboy what KV was your Ammo motor ??

Thanks

larryrose11

08-12-2010, 12:39 PM

Video?

Video Link (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SqZBlOe860)
it picks up weeds a lot in the vid, I was running on the Huron River

Mods:
- tore out the stuffing tube,
- upgraded to an OSE .095 flex drive.
- glass reienforced the inside.
- 3600KV motor from eBay (http://cgi.ebay.com/HOBBYWING-3600-KV-RC-Water-Cooled-Brushless-Motor-IM294-/250668416664?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Radio_Control_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3a5d007e98) kinda heavy
- a 35 / 45 A ESC, water cooled, also from eBay
-drive hardware: the micro strut and rudder from OSE
- Octura y534 Plastic prop
- 2S 1000 mAh, 30C Turnagy Lipo

It runs wonderfully, about 30 mph

I do have some prop heave to the side, but only out of the hole.

3S is next. Should be pretty fast