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RiggerSpeed
11-10-2016, 02:01 PM
Hello. So after building a Predator Outrigger exactly as the plan says, Ive found some changes are needed for a LiPo setup.

My setup:
3650, 3900kv 5mm shaft
3S, 5000mah Gen Ace
Seaking 120a
Octura P735 prop
Hitec HS-82MG servo

Here is what I've found:

-Rear sponsons were not helpful. Idk if I built something wrong, but the handling and speed was really bad. Once removed, it's a whole different boat.

-Hatches: go longer on the front hatch. With the bigger, thicker battery (compared to the 6-8 cell NiMh pack), you need more moving room to insert and remove the battery.
Go like 2-3" longer on the front hatch. Cut forward. Don't go near the motor mount.

-Sponson carbon rods:
Widen the front sponsons! Add 1.5" on both sides.
Carbon hunting arrow shafts! They're easy to find, strong and cheap cmpared to hobby carbon rods. But! Once you wreck the boat and break a rod, you have to take the old ones out, clean everything up and then re-glue the new ones in. Not anymore!
Put inserts in the hull and sponsons similar to the JAE21 rigger. I've used PEX piping from Home Depot (3/8 o.d.) and drill the inside out with a sharp 5/16" drill bit. USE LOW SPEED - KEEP THE PIPE COOL.
The arrow shaft fits PERFECTLY. Friction to keep them sliding side to side. Do the same in the sponsons. Hold them in with zipties on each side of the hull.
For the sponsons, drill a 2-56 or 4-40 sized hole and put a screw through the shaft and Pex pipe.

Prop: with the high kv's, I've got a P735 and the motor is STILL screaming. In addition, I'll be trying a 1735 and 2135.
Go with much more than a 32mm prop, a 36mm can motor can do much more. Try more pitch before going dia. You wanna keep the RPM's up. 35mm is a good place to begin.

Rudder: 75mm seems to be good. 80mm would be great.

I hope you find these mods helpful, this is an awesome little boat. Flat line speed is fun.

Have a great day!

monojeff
11-24-2016, 06:11 PM
Very cool break down post some pictures if you can.
I'm sure others would also love to see.

Thanks

Dirk Jan
11-30-2016, 05:17 AM
Interesting findings RiggerSpeed, thanks.

Ik built a modified Predator rigger myself about 7 years ago. I actually narrowed down the front sponsons with 7mm, but I increased the rigger width by elongating the carbon rods. I used the rear sponsons, but I narrowed them as well with 3mm.
I made my Predator rigger 52cm long (20.4") and I used a 28mm 3900kV motor with a 2200mAh 3S lipo. Speed and cornering was great. It reached 49mph.

Just to say: There are several ways to modernize this rigger to a lipo setup that work great! ;)

Here's some photo's and a movie:

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/djcozijnsen/Predator%20Rigger/21102010214.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/djcozijnsen/media/Predator%20Rigger/21102010214.jpg.html)

After repaint:

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/djcozijnsen/Predator%20Rigger/DSC02628-1.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/djcozijnsen/media/Predator%20Rigger/DSC02628-1.jpg.html)

Movie:

https://youtu.be/e4O0ojHvYXw

RiggerSpeed
11-30-2016, 01:53 PM
Thanks guys.
Dirk Jan:
Oh my gosh, you're boat was what I based my setup off! And when I saw your Predator on YouTube, I decided to finally make it. You inspired me.

How do I upload pics? Not finding an attachment button.

Dirk Jan
11-30-2016, 03:38 PM
That's a coincidence then ;) Good to hear my Predator inspired you to build one as well!

For photo uploads, you can use a photo sharing website like photobucket or picasa. I'm curious to see your Predator.

Unfortunately I sold mine a few years ago. I had to make room for my other boats..

Steven Vaccaro
11-30-2016, 03:49 PM
Its a bit old but here is a thread
http://forums.offshoreelectrics.com/showthread.php?401-How-to-post-a-Picture

RiggerSpeed
11-30-2016, 04:59 PM
Read the write up (thank you!) I looked and can't find anyway to attach a photo like it says. Android phone - should that be a problem?