Lehner Rivercat build

[kfxguy]

Finally getting cranked up on this build. I've been having parts for a while, just been stacked up with other stuff. I did the inlay in it a couple months ago so I won't show it. Here's a list of parts:

Lehner 2240
Mbp collet
Swordfish 240 pro plus 2 esc
Savox waterproof servo
Carbon Rivercat 32" hull
Fiberglass hatch to allow gps tuning
Custom cap bank
3/16 flex
Ball bearing converted strut
Aeromarine sts (stuffing tube seal)


Here's some pics as I get it started...

Mockup

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc243/ltzguy/49146CA5-21FD-4B5C-8041-74594F83B0D3.jpg (http://s218.photobucket.com/user/ltzguy/media/49146CA5-21FD-4B5C-8041-74594F83B0D3.jpg.html)

[srislash]

Hoohoo, big boy gear. Way to go Trav. Let's see what the little machine will do.

[kfxguy]

Hoohoo, big boy gear. Way to go Trav. Let's see what the little machine will do.

Heck yea, this guy wanted top line components, I'm glad he did...made me buy the same esc (in my Daytona) and order me a 2260 lehner for my shocker. Here's more pics:

Got everything measured and marked where I want it. Tape off and sand...

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc243/ltzguy/71336CD9-451A-4427-AD0F-BB1CC059A7AF.jpg (http://s218.photobucket.com/user/ltzguy/media/71336CD9-451A-4427-AD0F-BB1CC059A7AF.jpg.html)

[kfxguy]

I was stressing on how the motor connectors would look. I cut a little off the nubs to get the connectors closer for a cleaner look. I angled them. Turned out nice.

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc243/ltzguy/B0883D90-89EA-4257-9E52-C5A0266E8279.jpg (http://s218.photobucket.com/user/ltzguy/media/B0883D90-89EA-4257-9E52-C5A0266E8279.jpg.html)

[kfxguy]

Sand it...http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc243/ltzguy/5AA33317-9043-466C-8232-E270878E6448.jpg (http://s218.photobucket.com/user/ltzguy/media/5AA33317-9043-466C-8232-E270878E6448.jpg.html)

Then I line it all up, tack in place.

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc243/ltzguy/6369EBA8-D103-43FC-8D42-33320055983C.jpg (http://s218.photobucket.com/user/ltzguy/media/6369EBA8-D103-43FC-8D42-33320055983C.jpg.html)


I called it quits for the evening. I'll get back on it tomorrow night. It may go kinda quickly because I'm pretty sure on what all im doing, plus I've done a few already so that helps lol

[kfxguy]

Making a little progress.

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc243/ltzguy/0B653BD4-9A39-48AD-8F2C-603DF28EAB19.jpg (http://s218.photobucket.com/user/ltzguy/media/0B653BD4-9A39-48AD-8F2C-603DF28EAB19.jpg.html)

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc243/ltzguy/6BC30629-67E7-4DE4-B66C-49178D87C731.jpg (http://s218.photobucket.com/user/ltzguy/media/6BC30629-67E7-4DE4-B66C-49178D87C731.jpg.html)

[Heath M]

What KV motor is that?

[kfxguy]

What KV motor is that?

1850kv

[kfxguy]

Cut hole for shaft. Lining things up...

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc243/ltzguy/80EE8466-E11F-4065-A7A7-3C8F7A673258.jpg (http://s218.photobucket.com/user/ltzguy/media/80EE8466-E11F-4065-A7A7-3C8F7A673258.jpg.html)


Getting ready for epoxy. I let the tubes of jb weld sit in hot water for a few minutes. It flows out very easily like this. Brb.....

[kfxguy]

Ok, I touched on this before but I'll add some to it. I like to use jb weld to hold my high stress parts in. I didn't like the color of it but found out I can use graphite powder to darken it. Jb weld is naturally thick and does not flow well, we all know that....but..if it's warms it does flow well. What I do is use a heat gun several times to warm it as I'm mixing and pouring it. When im done pouring I'll heat it a little and it will flow out on whatever I'm doing. It also gets rid of air bubbles inside it you don't see, making it even stronger than normal. When it flows out like this it gets shiney and smooth looking. I'll use a paint brush an brush away from the part at the edges (I forgot to mention the shape I want is taped off) and use the paint brush to feather it. When it starts to kick off in about 4 hours, I go peel the tape up to reveal a nice clean looking shape.

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc243/ltzguy/A9775F04-051C-469F-8849-530D5D7D75C3.jpg (http://s218.photobucket.com/user/ltzguy/media/A9775F04-051C-469F-8849-530D5D7D75C3.jpg.html)

[kfxguy]

I really like how this turns out doing it the way I posted above. Looks super clean.

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc243/ltzguy/A6FF5A9D-8CF4-4AB4-959D-54E41B2BA9B0.jpg (http://s218.photobucket.com/user/ltzguy/media/A6FF5A9D-8CF4-4AB4-959D-54E41B2BA9B0.jpg.html)

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc243/ltzguy/A3A3C67E-9810-440E-86AD-7EBE45649276.jpg (http://s218.photobucket.com/user/ltzguy/media/A3A3C67E-9810-440E-86AD-7EBE45649276.jpg.html)

[Heath M]

WOW awesome job, nice looking motor coupler to

[785boats]

Very nice indeed. Customer will be happy.

[kfxguy]

Very nice indeed. Customer will be happy.

Thanks! I hope so! This will be my nicest Rivercat to date

[Fella1340]

Looking great Travis. That motor is going to make it a rocket, beauty job on the connectors. How does 1850 kv loaded translate to the unloaded kv that all the others use?

[kfxguy]

Looking great Travis. That motor is going to make it a rocket, beauty job on the connectors. How does 1850 kv loaded translate to the unloaded kv that all the others use?

Thanks man. I was worried that having the rear of the motor up like that, I wouldn't be able to come up with a nice solution on the connectors. I think it turned out nice too. I'm hoping this thing is as fast as mine or faster. Im not sure on loaded vs unloaded thing but these motors are supposed to be pretty strong. If this thing is rated at 1850kv loaded....it's going to be a rocket!

[kfxguy]

Flipped it over and epoxy the bottom of the stuffing tube. Can't do anything else until this cures....so not much progress. Once I get back to the top side it ought to go pretty quickly.

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc243/ltzguy/A63DF79D-23EC-421A-AE4B-C3F285D26AB1.jpg (http://s218.photobucket.com/user/ltzguy/media/A63DF79D-23EC-421A-AE4B-C3F285D26AB1.jpg.html)

[kfxguy]

Back on this thing. I've been working on it, just haven't posted. Got the strut/rudder assy mounted. Stuffing tube done. And I just made the servo mount and epoxied it in.

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc243/ltzguy/B23B11F9-7C23-4DB6-9DA8-B389C575A661.jpg (http://s218.photobucket.com/user/ltzguy/media/B23B11F9-7C23-4DB6-9DA8-B389C575A661.jpg.html)

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc243/ltzguy/68022E36-4354-4FFF-A412-2E4ABE4D52EF.jpg (http://s218.photobucket.com/user/ltzguy/media/68022E36-4354-4FFF-A412-2E4ABE4D52EF.jpg.html)

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc243/ltzguy/94050FDE-A66A-4F6E-BE6F-4D0AEC41BDE9.jpg (http://s218.photobucket.com/user/ltzguy/media/94050FDE-A66A-4F6E-BE6F-4D0AEC41BDE9.jpg.html)

[rearwheelin]

I'm liking these servo arms your coming up with on your builds !

[kfxguy]

I'm liking these servo arms your coming up with on your builds !

I knew someone would like that. Check this one out...

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc243/ltzguy/7B95277B-B05B-4F30-A609-64CA93FFB3EC.jpg (http://s218.photobucket.com/user/ltzguy/media/7B95277B-B05B-4F30-A609-64CA93FFB3EC.jpg.html)

[Kaotic]

Thanks man. I was worried that having the rear of the motor up like that, I wouldn't be able to come up with a nice solution on the connectors. I think it turned out nice too. I'm hoping this thing is as fast as mine or faster. Im not sure on loaded vs unloaded thing but these motors are supposed to be pretty strong. If this thing is rated at 1850kv loaded....it's going to be a rocket!


Lehner's from what I've "read" are roughly 11-12% less than unloaded. So 1850kv loaded is around 2050kv unloaded.

[kfxguy]

Esc mount...

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc243/ltzguy/7064B1D8-D692-45BF-82B9-61EE9F7E7334.jpg (http://s218.photobucket.com/user/ltzguy/media/7064B1D8-D692-45BF-82B9-61EE9F7E7334.jpg.html)


And finished

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc243/ltzguy/F0B4C858-B8A2-4EA2-A6A8-195DDFC6E670.jpg (http://s218.photobucket.com/user/ltzguy/media/F0B4C858-B8A2-4EA2-A6A8-195DDFC6E670.jpg.html)

[kfxguy]

Been pecking away at this. Just haven't been posting. Got the battery trays done.

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc243/ltzguy/0C8F4661-96B8-4AB0-9374-F43664663166.jpg (http://s218.photobucket.com/user/ltzguy/media/0C8F4661-96B8-4AB0-9374-F43664663166.jpg.html)

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc243/ltzguy/B8331594-F73F-479E-A536-E2FBEA0E70CA.jpg (http://s218.photobucket.com/user/ltzguy/media/B8331594-F73F-479E-A536-E2FBEA0E70CA.jpg.html)

I machined the strut to accept sealed ball bearing. I've been doing this in all my latest builds. No water up the flex. No slack. Less friction. Win win I guess!

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc243/ltzguy/107B8FDC-8357-4E1C-A1B4-3701CE65C97F.jpg (http://s218.photobucket.com/user/ltzguy/media/107B8FDC-8357-4E1C-A1B4-3701CE65C97F.jpg.html)

[Fella1340]

Looking fantastic, the slots for the battery trays are a much needed improvement over the ones you can buy. Have you been playing with your cnc lately?

[kfxguy]

Looking fantastic, the slots for the battery trays are a much needed improvement over the ones you can buy. Have you been playing with your cnc lately?


Not yet, I set it up in my shop but been too busy to fool with it. I did buy cut 2d program for it.

[Fella1340]

I guess the cnc would make a better winter project. To many (more) hours stuck inside when the weathers nice.

[Heath M]

Nice work, what size bearing do you use?

[kfxguy]

Nice work, what size bearing do you use?

5/16 od
3/16 id
1/8 thick. R156 is the number. You must use 5 or 6 of them stacked. If you use just two, expect a very very short life.

[kfxguy]

I guess the cnc would make a better winter project. To many (more) hours stuck inside when the weathers nice.

This is very true. I'm in build mode and running mode right now. I'm making trips to the lake several times a week. Sometimes 2-3 times a day. Trying to line out boats. Lost a test prop on my Rivercat yesterday. That prop was awesome too. The boat was stable, no torque roll. It had a closer take in the blades so the thrust cone was tighter. At about 65% throttle it went 71 on 5s. I could not give it full throttle because the wind was blowing very hard and the water was very rough. So that was tooling around and taking it easy. Then the prop nut came off. First time I had that happen (from what I can remember) and lost this prop. Pretty bummed. The boat just sounded so smooth. The m645 sounds like it's beating the water compared to it.....it just sounds so smooth. O well. I ordered a couple more.

[Heath M]

5/16 od
3/16 id
1/8 thick. R156 is the number. You must use 5 or 6 of them stacked. If you use just two, expect a very very short life.

Awesome thanks, I found some at a local hobby suppliers :)

[kfxguy]

I've been working on this thing trying to get it finished. My goal is to finish it this weekend and maybe run it Sunday. I have it wired up mostly. I had to order some shorter height caps and make a more compact cap bank. It wouldn't fit so I had to make another. Something else I've come up with is an oiler. Basically I use a water fitting nipple for it. More on that later.

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc243/ltzguy/7A6CA765-A36D-42D2-B172-9B9EA454372A.jpg (http://s218.photobucket.com/user/ltzguy/media/7A6CA765-A36D-42D2-B172-9B9EA454372A.jpg.html)


http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc243/ltzguy/DFC54A72-EF21-4EA1-BE1E-66BF1EE6E37B.jpg (http://s218.photobucket.com/user/ltzguy/media/DFC54A72-EF21-4EA1-BE1E-66BF1EE6E37B.jpg.html)

[kfxguy]

Made some headway on this puppy. I added the floatation which is a bit more than mine has so this boat won't suffer the same fate as mine. I also reinforced the hatch because it's possible that it failed in my last crash. I'm taking extra precautions to not have another boat sink. I have only a couple things left to do at this point. Here's the interior

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc243/ltzguy/845CD44B-A0C4-4478-A848-E67FB3A1BA51.jpg (http://s218.photobucket.com/user/ltzguy/media/845CD44B-A0C4-4478-A848-E67FB3A1BA51.jpg.html)

Have you guys seen black fiberglass before. (I'm sure a few of you have). I didn't want to use carbon because it blocks gps signal. This stuff is a little hard to conform but seems strong. Better than not doing anything that's for sure.

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc243/ltzguy/D7CC4B0A-B40D-4E94-82E5-AF1C3823AEFB.jpg (http://s218.photobucket.com/user/ltzguy/media/D7CC4B0A-B40D-4E94-82E5-AF1C3823AEFB.jpg.html)

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc243/ltzguy/92661674-4121-44B4-AEAC-FB1C5A7B8E14.jpg (http://s218.photobucket.com/user/ltzguy/media/92661674-4121-44B4-AEAC-FB1C5A7B8E14.jpg.html)

[TheShaddix]

That's pretty cool! Looks like carbon, plus you can layer it up even more.

[Mike Caruso]

Thanks for the tip on heating the JB I'll start using it again.

[kfxguy]

That's pretty cool! Looks like carbon, plus you can layer it up even more.

I know, I'm so glad I came across this. I'll be doing all my hatches with this!

[TheShaddix]

Looks good!

[kfxguy]

I completed this last night. Should maiden it this week. I'm guessing 85-90 in saw mode and 70ish in sport mode.

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc243/ltzguy/172BFA4E-362B-4510-8478-433EF054FA0A.jpg (http://s218.photobucket.com/user/ltzguy/media/172BFA4E-362B-4510-8478-433EF054FA0A.jpg.html)

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc243/ltzguy/93EEEAA5-57D1-45D2-A0A3-A1798BDD3815.jpg (http://s218.photobucket.com/user/ltzguy/media/93EEEAA5-57D1-45D2-A0A3-A1798BDD3815.jpg.html)

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc243/ltzguy/43D199A4-3867-4AAC-BBC0-F41B07D6A97C.jpg (http://s218.photobucket.com/user/ltzguy/media/43D199A4-3867-4AAC-BBC0-F41B07D6A97C.jpg.html)

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc243/ltzguy/E47A9A74-9A24-4451-82D2-A1B074CE1F2E.jpg (http://s218.photobucket.com/user/ltzguy/media/E47A9A74-9A24-4451-82D2-A1B074CE1F2E.jpg.html)

[kfxguy]

I completed this last night. Should maiden it this week. I'm guessing 85-90 in saw mode and 70ish in sport mode.

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc243/ltzguy/172BFA4E-362B-4510-8478-433EF054FA0A.jpg (http://s218.photobucket.com/user/ltzguy/media/172BFA4E-362B-4510-8478-433EF054FA0A.jpg.html)

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc243/ltzguy/93EEEAA5-57D1-45D2-A0A3-A1798BDD3815.jpg (http://s218.photobucket.com/user/ltzguy/media/93EEEAA5-57D1-45D2-A0A3-A1798BDD3815.jpg.html)

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc243/ltzguy/43D199A4-3867-4AAC-BBC0-F41B07D6A97C.jpg (http://s218.photobucket.com/user/ltzguy/media/43D199A4-3867-4AAC-BBC0-F41B07D6A97C.jpg.html)

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc243/ltzguy/E47A9A74-9A24-4451-82D2-A1B074CE1F2E.jpg (http://s218.photobucket.com/user/ltzguy/media/E47A9A74-9A24-4451-82D2-A1B074CE1F2E.jpg.html)

[kwiktsi]

So, how did this one run? Looks great!

[kfxguy]

So, how did this one run? Looks great!


It's been raining every evening so I haven't been able to run it just yet. It should go over 80 pretty easy tho.

[kwiktsi]

That stinks. I live in FL, so we've been getting a lot of rain as well, but only for a few minutes at a time lol.

[dmitry100]

kfxguy: Know of anyone that sells those stand-alone torque mounts that go on the back of the motor? A screw got loose on my aluminum motor mount... which I suspect is from not enough support in the mount :-/ So I hope throwing one on the back of those would help.

[twonb1]

i new to the forum and im bulding a single explorer and i must say your build has been most helpful. any updates

[kfxguy]

i new to the forum and im bulding a single explorer and i must say your build has been most helpful. any updates


I maiden it last weekend. I had it set up very very conservative and ran it on 4s (it's a 6s boat) with a very low pitch cnc prop. Ran 52mph. I just wanted to make sure everything was good with it and no leaks. I already know it'll hit the number so no worries there. He should get it tomorrow.

[kfxguy]

kfxguy: Know of anyone that sells those stand-alone torque mounts that go on the back of the motor? A screw got loose on my aluminum motor mount... which I suspect is from not enough support in the mount :-/ So I hope throwing one on the back of those would help.

Ose or kintec should have them. Or you can get a ring like below and make you some side plate to the height you need.


http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc243/ltzguy/69ECF5B6-DC41-419B-9B71-5AEBF1D8D5DF.jpg (http://s218.photobucket.com/user/ltzguy/media/69ECF5B6-DC41-419B-9B71-5AEBF1D8D5DF.jpg.html)

[dmitry100]

I bought a pair from OSE. Would have made some myself though if I was able to find some stand-alone clamps like that though.
But for future builds... where did you buy those clamps from? :)

[kfxguy]

I bought a pair from OSE. Would have made some myself though if I was able to find some stand-alone clamps like that though.
But for future builds... where did you buy those clamps from? :)


Some came from kintec, fightercat and ose.

[dmitry100]

What do you think of using JB Weld to make threads for the kurl screws to keep the hatch in place? I was actually thinking to try first before using those that since its steel reinforced and all...

BTW found something that might interest you... so that you can have people machine parts for you: https://maketime.io/public/external

[kfxguy]

What do you think of using JB Weld to make threads for the kurl screws to keep the hatch in place? I was actually thinking to try first before using those that since its steel reinforced and all...

BTW found something that might interest you... so that you can have people machine parts for you: https://maketime.io/public/external

There's lots of things jb weld would be good for but I don't think threads is one of them. The threaded inserts are best I think.

[dmitry100]

Hmm okay. I'll give both a shot.

Where can I get those thread inserts though? Can't seem to find any decent ones with good amount of flange

[kfxguy]

Go to eBay and search for 8-32 rivnut

[Turbo Dan-O]

Looks awesome!

Quick question: What are you using for the neoprene seal? 1/4" wide, 1/8" tall? Foam?

[jbracehabits]

I really like how this turns out doing it the way I posted above. Looks super clean.

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc243/ltzguy/A6FF5A9D-8CF4-4AB4-959D-54E41B2BA9B0.jpg (http://s218.photobucket.com/user/ltzguy/media/A6FF5A9D-8CF4-4AB4-959D-54E41B2BA9B0.jpg.html)

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc243/ltzguy/A3A3C67E-9810-440E-86AD-7EBE45649276.jpg (http://s218.photobucket.com/user/ltzguy/media/A3A3C67E-9810-440E-86AD-7EBE45649276.jpg.html)

Yeh buddy! That does look clean, I'm soon to be installing my motor mount as well, taking notes 😆

[Fella1340]

Looking great. JB weld would not be a good option to use for building up threads.

[kfxguy]

Looks awesome!

Quick question: What are you using for the neoprene seal? 1/4" wide, 1/8" tall? Foam?

I think that's the size.

[twonb1]

did you make any type of stand off plate for your battery trays, so that the trays dont just rest on the bottom of the hull?

[kfxguy]

did you make any type of stand off plate for your battery trays, so that the trays dont just rest on the bottom of the hull?


They sit at a slight angle so they aren't flat.....even if they were the sponson floor isn't flat.

[Mxkid261]

I have the XL notched trays from kintec and they fit perfect, sitting at a slight angle like travis stated.

[dmitry100]

What is the purpose to keep them at a slight angle and not be flat? Do you mean lifted off from the floor with some spacers?

[Mxkid261]

Mine sit at a little angle only because they are just barely too wide to sit all the way down on the bottom of the sponson. But, even if they could sit all the way down, the sponson isnt completely flat so they would still be at a slight angle. Heres a pic, I put a piece of paper under it so its easier to see, I havent epoxied them in yet.
http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx156/mxkid261/Mobile%20Uploads/image_15.jpg