My first build..Mean Machine

[supastar1568]

Hey all,

I'm nearing completion on my first build. It's a Mean Machine hull running Fiego 540 14XL, Seaking/Turnigy 180A ESC, 6s @ 5000mah total, with speedmaster hardware. I've put this together from lots of searches on this site to gather as much info as possible. I still need to add foam, tape/organize cooling tubing and wires, and grease the flex shaft. Pretty close though.

Funny, I wanted to get some bright yellow/orange paint to match my kayak, but was turned on to the metallic blue at the last minute. Should work fine for visibility.

[oscarel]

You might want to change out those Deans connectors, they may get warm. Everything else looks good. How long is the rudder?

[supastar1568]

Yeah, and I gotta change over to Deans. Forgot to add that to the to-do list. The rudder is still much too long at 5.25", probably need to shave some of that off too.

[oscarel]

I have the 29" sprint cat which I believe is about the same as yours and my rudder is 5 1/8" and it tuns great. I like the MM extra wide opening.

[Rumdog]

Do NOT cut the rudder. The Mean Machine likes it! It will corner absolutely excellent with the full length rudder.

I use the exact hardware on my Sprintcat .20/.40 like oscarel and yours. I tried running a shorter rudder and she spins out quite easily.

[oscarel]

And unlike a lot of other videos I've seen there's no need to slow down when cornering.

[supastar1568]

Ok, nice. I'll leave it alone for now, thanks.

[Rumdog]

One other thing, besides nixing the dean's, You should shorten up the motor leads on the esc.

BTW, GREAT job for a first build!

[Make-a-Wake]

I personally like longer rudders.........adds alot of stability. The blue is stunning, very nice. Looks like a turnigy/seaking 180a ESC instead of a swordfish...........T180's are awesome!

Great job!

[supastar1568]

Yeah, my bad, typed the wrong thing. It's a seaking 180 (same thing as turnigy). Dont know what I typed and was thinking swordfish.

Still have the random urge to try my Mamba Monster from my savage flux. No ventilation for the fan though.

[jingalls007]

Excellent build dude!!

[epsonjackson]

great job man! i like the color of the mean machine

[supastar1568]

Final setup configuration, added the noodles and minor details:



Today was maiden voyage day. First attempt to run, found out what happens when you forget to tighten the motor to cable coupler. No movement whatsoever, ha.

Got home, tightened it. Went to a nearby lake. Wow, the first run went perfect. Plenty of speed for me, I'd say about 40mph or so. Battery life good, about 8 minutes or so going back and forth. Next run I'll check the temps.

It made my day as not only was it my first run/build, it's really the first time I've seen a FE boat in action. Good stuff.

Gotta remember to keep it a couple feet offshore when bringing it in, or my rudder won't be long for this world. :)

[dana]

I cut about an inch off my speedmaster rudder. Thing still turns on a dime at full speed

[supastar1568]

Just realized the recommendation to ditch the Deans.

Think I'd be suited well with 8mm bullet connectors? Gonna try to order a new prop anyways (x640) while I'm at it.