Boat recommendations

[batman53201]

Hi, I'm new to electric boats and wanted some recommendations on which boat to buy. I want something fast out of the box. Ideally. I would like to pick up a zelos 36, twin motor boat, but i also understand that means extra costs for twice as many batteries, props, ECT. While I still may go this route, I'm open to other suggestions. Any other FAST out of the box boats out there.

[fweasel]

Love or hate the looks of it, but the new Proboat Veles is a real performer right out of the box. The Promarine (based in Indy) single motor cats are an incredible value too if you see yourself wanting more speed.

[CraigP]

Agreed, great starter boat!

[batman53201]

Looks like a nice boat, and nice savings. I did check that one out, along with the UL19.

[CraigP]

That’s the big question you have to answer, Hydro or cat. For me, it would be the UL-19, fabulous RTR Hydro and a boat that can allow you much learning on. And it’s fast out of the box!

[MADRCER]

batman53201, You said that you are new to electric boats...but are you new to boats all together or do you some other rc boating experience such as gas or nitro? If you don't have any experience at all, I don't recommend the Zelos 36 as a starter boat due to this boat requiring more knowledge and skill to set up properly so your not breaking hulls in half like others are doing. I recommend the boat the two gentlemen above suggest. Below is a video of my Veles 29 if you want to check one out. Good luck with whatever you choose.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGK2aj9RAKw&t=190s

[vinnyp]

I like both the veles and the zelos. Both of mine run fast and have the capability of running much faster. Just look north 1 post (#6 ) for the proof of that. Mark has the distinction of owning the fastest running stock veles and zelos around.
I had issues with my veles out of the box Took quite a while to get them sorted out. Be aware there are some issues with the stock flex cables. Consider the additional costs of good OSE cables before your purchase of either boat.

[batman53201]

Madrcer, I had 3 nitro boats, the fastest being my Prather deep v . So, not new to rc boats, just new to electric. I would also like to purchase a toy t.v. boat to use as a recovery boat, if anyone has any recommendations.

[batman53201]

Thanks for the tip vinnyp. I have been hanging around here and plan on taking advantage of tips like yours and buying superior flex cables, batteries, and props no matter which boat I decide on.

[batman53201]

BTW, if anyone is looking to purchase my Prather deep v, I've been trying to sell it. Was asking $500 . Comes with contoler. When I put it together, the engine alone was almost $500. I don't have a lot of Info handy, but if anyone is interested, I will try and answer any questions that you may have.

[vinnyp]

Thanks for the tip vinnyp. I have been hanging around here and plan on taking advantage of tips like yours and buying superior flex cables, batteries, and props no matter which boat I decide on.

Sounds like a plan. If you are planning on running ABC props, good luck trying to get them. They always seem to be backordered.

[batman53201]

ok, I narrowed it down to 2 boats. Veles29 or UL 19.

Can some more people chime in as to the advantages/disadvantages on these 2 boats. Same speed capability? Which one can better handle a slight chop?

[CraigP]

1. Both are smooth water boats, but hydros are generally accepted as handling rougher water a bit better.
2. UL-19 is overall a slower boat, but they provide great excitement in the turns. Cats flip a lot in turns, so you have to go slower.

Basically, you need to ask yourself do I want to run fast laps or do I want a zip-zip boat and loaf around the turns? I have both a Cat and Hydro and for me, the hydro is more exciting because I can push it more to the danger line with higher confidence it will stay right side up. It really amps you up to run a hydro full speed down a straightaway then just turn it, never letting off. It takes a while to work the courage up! At least it did for me. My hydro and cat are both mid 70’s boats, but I generally run around 62-63 on the hydro and do full speed corners. I have not worked my resolve up to putting the big prop/motor in it and turn it full speed yet. My Cat I run in the 70’s but have to back out quite a bit in the corners if there’s ANY chop in the turns.

So obviously MadRCer is a Cat guy and I’m a hydro guy. So the question is, what are you?

[CraigP]

I agree, stock, the boat is a good mid-50's runner all the way around the track. The stock turn fin is a joke at higher speeds. You said "washing out" in the corners. I think what you're seeing is turn fin deflection at fast cornering speeds and the boat starts to understeer going through the corner. I fought the same thing on my hydro... I had a UL-1 turn fin on mine with a side brace installed, it still deflected badly! I'm running the Speedmaster single bend turn fin now. Its made for a 45" boat, but I cut it down. Boat turns like on a rail now... Tried the curved fin, it tagged the right side down too hard on my hull...

But back to the OP, this is part of the decision making process. Both boats need "tuning" to get them right. All RTR's have limited upper end performance. But there's a big difference between tuning a Cat and a Hydro. They both involve about the same amount of work, but the two behave very differently to common changes. They're both very exciting to tune up right, and both hull types will leave you feeling with a good sense of accomplishment! But it's better to start with one, then progress to the next. The Deep-V Mono is also a completely different animal to tame. But I'm not sure you can ever tame a Mono! And they take rough water the worst...

There is plenty of postings on both boats on this forum, so I suggest you just take a week or two and read about both here. I think one will light your fire more than the other, then go with that one. Post your questions along the way. There's a great group of guys on this forum that try hard to help others! Use that resource...

[batman53201]

thanks guys. yeah I have done some searches here. I could of searched more, but I'm lazy. another question. I'm sure that some batteries are better than others. what are some good 3s batteries?

[martin]

The Turnigy Graphenes are a pretty good battery for reasonable money.

[vinnyp]

I have had good luck with these..

https://www.smc-racing.net/index.php?route=product/product&path=67_152&product_id=481

[MADRCER]

Gens Ace, SMC and Revolectrix are some good performing packs that won't break the bank.

[batman53201]

thanks again guys.

[batman53201]

Hate to sound like Columbo, but I got just one more thing. I'm purchasing props, flexshaft and batteries now. If I'm running two 3s batteries, is there a special connector that I need to Get? Once all my stuff comes, I will go buy the boat.

And vinny, are those batteries in the link 3s

[CraigP]

Are you wiring the batts in series or parallel? Most of us solder up our own batt hookup cables.

[batman53201]

I guess that really dont know. I assumed that there was only one way to wire them to run on 6s.

[fweasel]

I'm not sure which boat you selected, but both the UL-19 and the Veles use the same 120A ESC which is already wired with EC5 series connections. You will want 3S lipos with EC5 connectors on them. Plug in two 3S packs and you'll be running 6S voltage.

If the packs you buy do not come with EC5 connectors, you will need to
A) purchase EC5 connectors and solder them on the batteries yourself
B) buy adapters to convert the included connectors to EC5 (Not Recommended)
C) buy new connectors for the ESC and solder them on to match the connectors on your new batteries
D) cut off everything on solder on the connectors of your choice to both the batteries and ESC.

[CraigP]

That would be a series connection. So, you have four battery leads. A Plus lead from battery A goes to The a Minus lead on battery B. The Minus lead from Battery A goes to the Minus of the ESC. The Plus lead from battery B goes to the Plus of the ESC. My preference, I wire the Plus and Minus from the batteries to the ESC FIRST Then I use a precharge resistor between the other two leads with the ESC OFF. I precharge for 5s or so, remove the precharge resistor and plug the leads together. I would use 6mm bullets to make up the battery connections. The precharge resistor is 10ohms at 1/2W connected to leads with alligator clips on each end, to make the temporary charging connection.

[CraigP]

Sorry Ryan, didn’t see you posted....

[batman53201]

Ok, I got it. Now i just have to find out if the batreries in the link anove have the EC5 conectors. Doesnt say on the description. And I'm going with the veles29

[vinnyp]

batman,
Yes, the link I attached for the SMC lipos are 3s. Seems you are going for the veles. You will need 2 of those lipos to run that boat on 6s. As was said, its easiest to order the lipos with EC5 connectors. That way, they will simply plug in the wiring supplied from ProBoat.

[MADRCER]

Ok, I got it. Now i just have to find out if the batreries in the link anove have the EC5 conectors. Doesnt say on the description. And I'm going with the veles29

I've got two nearly new 3s SMC True Spec Premium 90c 5200 packs with EC5 connectors that I might get rid of if you are interested. They have only been ran 3 times in my Veles pushing it well over 70mph before I had it dialed in like it is now. I Purchased them new at the end of October 2017. I'll take $75.00 shipped for the pair. If you are interested I can send pictures with voltage readings. They are like these linked below but mine are 5200mah.
https://www.smc-racing.net/index.php?route=product/product&path=67_99&product_id=413

[dasboata]

thanks guys. yeah I have done some searches here. I could of searched more, but I'm lazy. another question. I'm sure that some batteries are better than others. what are some good 3s batteries?

I have new revo and new roaring top batteries for sale pm me if interested

[batman53201]

I'm interested. I'll get back to you. Curious on how long it will take to get the props. Ice goes away in a few months.

[batman53201]

Hey guys. What would be a good charger to buy. I want to be able to charge at a minimum of 4 batteries at once

[MADRCER]

I've got two nearly new 3s SMC True Spec Premium 90c 5200 packs with EC5 connectors that I might get rid of if you are interested. They have only been ran 3 times in my Veles pushing it well over 70mph before I had it dialed in like it is now. I Purchased them new at the end of October 2017. I'll take $75.00 shipped for the pair. If you are interested I can send pictures with voltage readings. They are like these linked below but mine are 5200mah.
https://www.smc-racing.net/index.php?route=product/product&path=67_99&product_id=413

Below are photos of my batteries with resistance numbers and cell voltage as we discussed by PM. The manufactured date is on inside of the box lid as well (10-16-17). They have been in storage mode for about a month. Also as we discussed 90c discharge packs will not damage your boat. Most people run at least 50c and higher packs. Lower C-rated packs will won't hold voltage under load as well and they will overheat under heavy amp draw leading to failure.

156088156089156090156091156092

[jim82]

https://hobbyking.com/en_us/turnigy-4x6s-lithium-polymer-battery-pack-charger.html

[MADRCER]

Hey guys. What would be a good charger to buy. I want to be able to charge at a minimum of 4 batteries at once

Jim above has a good economy model that would work....

Unless you want to spend a lot of money on a power supplies and top of the line charger...The Hitec x4 would fit your needs as a decent entry level charger. It's not the fastest charger while charging 4-3cell and above packs but it will charge 4 packs at one time. Some like a charger that charges 2 packs, but it's capable of charging those two packs at higher amps and faster overall charging (if they need them charged really quick). Below is a link to the hitec x4

https://www.amazon.com/X4-AC-Pro-Port-Multicharger/dp/B01M23WBJ2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1515632055&sr=8-1&keywords=hitec+x4

[batman53201]

Jim above has a good economy model that would work....

Unless you want to spend a lot of money on a power supplies and top of the line charger...The Hitec x4 would fit your needs as a decent entry level charger. It's not the fastest charger while charging 4-3cell and above packs but it will charge 4 packs at one time. Some like a charger that charges 2 packs, but it's capable of charging those two packs at higher amps and faster overall charging (if they need them charged really quick). Below is a link to the hitec x4

https://www.amazon.com/X4-AC-Pro-Port-Multicharger/dp/B01M23WBJ2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1515632055&sr=8-1&keywords=hitec+x4
After checking out this charger, I'm guessing that I will need to purchase more connectors in order to charge 4 at once. It comes with a bunch of different connectors, but only one of each. Which connector type would I need?

[MADRCER]

Its cheaper to buy it at Tower Hobbies and use promo code 011V3 to get $20.00 off your order if you want to go that route. Below is what you will need.
1 of these https://www.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXGJSF
3 of these (only 3 because it already comes with 1) https://www.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXAUAU&P=M
4 of these http://graysonhobby.com/ec5-male-to-4-0mm-banana-charging-cable.html?utm_source=google_shopping

[batman53201]

Great. Thanks again.

[MADRCER]

Dave your batteries have been shipped. Tracking number sent.
Thanks!

156281

[batman53201]

thanks mark

[batman53201]

Its cheaper to buy it at Tower Hobbies and use promo code 011V3 to get $20.00 off your order if you want to go that route. Below is what you will need.
1 of these https://www.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXGJSF
3 of these (only 3 because it already comes with 1) https://www.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXAUAU&P=M
4 of these http://graysonhobby.com/ec5-male-to-4-0mm-banana-charging-cable.html?utm_source=google_shopping

do you happen to have a current promo code? the one above doesn't work.

[MADRCER]

do you happen to have a current promo code? the one above doesn't work.
011V3 ($20 OFF $199.00 order)

[batman53201]

that's the one that I tried and it didn't work

is it a letter o, or number zero?


EDIT:NEVERMIND. I think I just had to register first.

[batman53201]

mission accomplished. I have everything ordered, except the boat.

4 new smc batteries (received)
2 used batteries from MADRCER (received)
2 PROPS from dashboata(received)
2 flex cables from kfxguy(received)
battery charger and accessory cables from tower hobbies(received)
connectors from grayson hobby(received)

when all that gets here, then I will go to my local hobbytown to order the boat.


hope I got everything I need

[batman53201]

Thanks. I got it to work after I registered with them.

I also received the batteries you sent. Thanks again