FE AQ Top Speed 3 build

[th3umbra]

Hello folks. I'm new around these parts and thought I would show my boat build. I'm used to running nitro and this build was new for me. I got tired of running out of fuel or the engine cutting out in the middle of the pond. This is why I converted my Top Speed 3 to FE. I still have a couple of nitro boats because I just love the smell and sound of nitro. I'm using an Aquacraft 60 amp speed control as well as an Aquacraft 2030KV motor mounted on a Fuller carbon fiber leg. On to my "build".

First, I cut off the raised area of the back of the boat where the fuel tank went:



I then reglassed the area that I cut out and painted the hull (sorry, no pics of the bare glass):



I spent a little while trying to figure out how to install the electronics in the boat. I was going to make a box out of plexiglass. I happened to be at the mall with my girlfriend and they were having a coin show there. One guy had these 2x2x9 inch plastic boxes holding his coins. They looked perfect for holding the battery and receiver in the boat. I asked him where he got the boxes and he told me amazon.com. That night I ordered 2. They were like 7 bux each and if they worked they would actually save me time on the build. 2 days later they came. I test fit a 4S battery in it and it fit perfectly. Not only that, the box fit perfectly in the recess in the hull of the boat. I decided to cut a hole in the top of the box and install the servo into that. I also mounted the speed control on top of the box:



I use electrical tape to hold the box shut and to keep water out:



I finally got to test run the boat today and I think its actually faster than when it had a nitro motor on it. Here are a couple of shots of it sitting in my backyard pond...my "testing grounds" per se:





All in all it was a fun build. Now I'm thinking of getting some more hulls just for FE! Thanks for looking!

-Tristan

[hebner]

Where are the pics at? That plexiglass box was a goog idea.

[th3umbra]

Hmmm...the pics show up for me...fixed, i think.

[capnswanny]

Tristan,
Thanks for the thread!
I know this post is a year old but I thought I'd pick your brain if you're still hanging around :)

I recently bought a used TS2 from a friend with a REK leg 1800KV and 80A ESC. In my searches for a new cowl I found that I could pick up a brand new TS3 ARR Hull on Tower for $61.00 (Red).....so it is on its way.
Before I start the process of swapping the running gear over to the new hull I wanted to see if you had any suggestions. What worked/didn't, what you wish you'd done differently, what you're glad you did. Also curious about how the boat balanced out with everthing in the back half of the hull.
Hope this post finds you doing well....thanks for any input you may have to offer!

-Corey

[brushlessfreak]

dont know if this helps but i built mine according to yhe article in the new rc boat magazine.i run a single reedy 4s pack that sits about 4-5inches back from the front and it seems to be balanced perfectly for me.i am running a feigao 540 9xl which is approx 1850kv ,mounted on the hyperformance bullet drive,and a x642 prop also with a seaking 90amp esc and it goes very well,a hell of a lot better than the stilleto i bought a few months ago.do yourself a favor and dont drill the motor mount holes till you actually get your outboard,i did and the bullet drive motor mount hole spacing is much smaller than the holes the directions have you drill.it is a fun and relatively easy build and the tunnell hull performs very well and is relatively easy to dial in,just start with the motor in the middle of the mount and the prop about level with the bottom of the hull and go from there.for the steering rod i used 2-56 rod and metal clevises .good luck