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View Full Version : Proboat Shockwave stuffing tube upgrade



Hydrocarbon82
04-16-2016, 09:18 PM
I recently purchased a PB Shockwave (green version), here's the story so far.

I got it for stupid cheap because it just needed a few parts: motor coupler, flex cable, drive dog, and prop. After purchasing them I was still under half price. After the 2nd battery pack I knew I had a bunch more work left - the flex shaft had ovaled out the stuffing tube where it was wearing on the strut! I was using Lucas wheel bearing grease that exceeds all marine specs, so it's just a horrible design. An aluminum tube?? lol

Anyways I wanted to get capitalize on the weather finally breaking so I figured I'd rig it before going all-out on a plastic hull. They use a 6x5mm aluminum stuffing tube, 5x4mm liner, and 0.150" flex with a 5mm shaft (stepped for a 3/16" prop). I tried a twist on the Speedmaster bearing design to work with this. I drilled out the existing tube halfway into the gummy seal and enlarged the strut to 1/4". I slid a stub of a 1/4"x0.014" K&S tube into the strut & transom hole, then drilled out a 7/32" brass tube to 5mm ID. Several 3s batteries later and it's still working great - FAR less wear than before. The shaft still shows the previous scars but was polished with 1200 grit. I'm making 2 more cross-drilled inserts to improve lubrication, the 1st was made quick and dirty.

Another mod I did right away was to enlarge the strut holder holes so the strut angle was adjustable. If you look close you can see a few degrees vs a stock boat. The old location is visible in the pic with the bearing half installed.

http://i.imgur.com/KHzvTKc.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/60xyw67.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/OYXKZ4e.jpg

I also had to make a new motor mount. This was because the Octura coupler was a bit longer than the stock part. I also shortened the stuffing tube so I didn't have to move the motor that far forward.

http://i.imgur.com/L6EmjRD.jpg

Right now it's not that fast since I followed the wrong recommendation on prop. I've tried a 1440 and a y536 (20mph vs 21mph), which are probably a lot better on the OLD Shockwave. I believe the stock prop is actually 1.6"x1.6"; I have an x445 on order since I plan to run 4s and maybe 5s later. I built my own magnetic tire balancer a while back, so I did some work on the y536. The key bits are the white teflon pads in front of the recessed magnets. This balancer is so sensitive and friction-free that it can balance the shaft alone. The shaft is precision-ground 4140 steel from Mcmaster, the magnets china neodymium discs, the rods 1/4-20 stainless, the sides 1/8" 6061.

http://i.imgur.com/EPO8jux.jpg

This was my first time using 3s packs and I was annoyed with the sparks I got upon attaching batteries. I did a method I haven't seen anywhere else: I used the balance lead for the anti-spark connection. I took a 2s balance plug extender, cut it in half, then soldered it on. When I attach a battery, the 100 ohm resistor on the female will charge the ESC slowly. This split plug will work on a 2s the same as a 6s and doesn't need any complicated harness nor procedure. Just connect the balance connector then the main connector. If you worry about it sharing current, just disconnect the hot lead. Works real slick.

http://i.imgur.com/LwUUIni.jpg

You can also see the cheap flysky receiver I replaced the original with. I tried my first waterproofing job with it, so far so good. I used GB-brand liquid electrical tape from Home Cheapo. I did one main coat & a 2nd touch-up to get some spots I missed. It's since been soaked w/o issue.

Yeah, it's a lot of work for a cheap boat but I'm the kind of guy that mods EVERYTHING he owns.


Future mods:
x445 prop
OSE 3/16" flex cable
1/4" stuffing tube with wet well
Seaking 120A ESC

PS: sorry if the pics are a bit big

Hydrocarbon82
04-24-2016, 11:45 PM
I got the new Octura x445 prop & got it into the water today. Even with 6" tall waves it made a WORLD of a difference! On 3S it's enough to shoot out of the water if I start full-throttle into the wind. I didn't get to clock it since the receiver started acting up (forgot to use dielectric grease on the pins), but it's far faster. Hard to believe just 0.3" more final pitch could do that.

Besides sharpening & balancing, I had to shorten the drive dog to get the stock nut to hit the nylon insert. I could have shortened the prop if I was careful, but I already had the lathe all set to go.

gearhd48
06-29-2016, 10:20 AM
For what it's worth I have the SW26 also, running a 120 AMP ESC, the 2030 KV motor with a 11.1 50 C 5000mah battery with a M545 prop, 642 works too but always watch temps. I have dual water pick ups and run a good 5min at 35 Mph. It's a good speed and very controllable. I love your motor mount, nice job!. The stock Esc I overheated with the 50C battery. If I can assist in any way feel free to tag me, Happy boating!

kfxguy
06-29-2016, 11:04 AM
I had shaft issues with mine too. I changed it all out and put a flooded tube.

I just sold mine the other day. Shipping it today but I ran it one last time yesterday. It ran for I know well over 5 minutes on a 5500mah pack.


Here it is on its last run before leaving me. CNC 443 prop on 4s

https://youtu.be/XlLT_cJ5aKM