Thundercat 31 conversion build

[Raylon]

Looks good lomdel, looked like a minor flip compared to what I've done to mine.

I'm looking to convert my TC31 to electric, the motor blew up like two years ago and it has just been sitting in my basement. Any advice on converting this beast? You've done it twice now and probably have it down to a science.

Realistically I am looking for stock speeds maybe even slower, not looking for a real speed demon just something that is easy to control and won't flip over. I have two 3s or two 2s, or could buy new batteries if needed. What kind of setup should I be looking for?

[lomdel]

Safe speed with cool temps would be a 13XL equivalent off 2x 3S in serie=6S through a 150A+ ESC and a P215 size prop.
Insane speed with a bit more risky temps would be a 11XL off same set-up.
I run a 12XL off the above set-up. Hardest part of conversion is the motor-mount. Mine was a custom CAD designed waterjet cut 4mm aluminium clamp-mount.
Use 30C+ batts to give the ESC enough juice.
It's extremely important for me to grease shaft after EVERY run.

[Diamond Dave]

HI, great set up you have there. I am new to the forum, and I have the same boat. I want to convert it as well.

My biggest concern is being able to mount the motor. What can you suggest I buy? Also, what parts and such should I order to build a brushless boat like yours?

Maybe a parts list will help me. Thanks in advance for any suggestions or opinions.

DAVE

[lomdel]

HI, great set up you have there. I am new to the forum, and I have the same boat. I want to convert it as well.

My biggest concern is being able to mount the motor. What can you suggest I buy? Also, what parts and such should I order to build a brushless boat like yours?

Maybe a parts list will help me. Thanks in advance for any suggestions or opinions.

DAVE

Dave. It would be difficult for me to do a parts list. It depends on what your objective is with the conversion. You can buy from OSE any bottom-mounted motor-mount to permanently epoxy to the floor of the craft. This would be a permanent conversion. For me, it was important to be able to swop between nitro and brushless, hence the removable clamp-type motor-mount. This is not an off-the-shelf product, but a custom designed once-off aluminium waterjet cut piece.
Then you would need a coupler, a way to mount batteries, ESC and Rx. I used the stock flex-shaft and transom hardware, except the rudder. If you browse through this thread you will see where I got most of the stuff.
Decide and plan your own build, that is the rewarding bit. Seeing her tear up the water is the other part of the reward...

Good luck!

[Diamond Dave]

Thanks for giving me some ideas, I have read your build up and I will use that as a base. I would make it a permanent conversion, I have run enough nitro, and electric is so much easier it is worth it.

I may have to ask a few questions here and there, but thanks again.

[m4a1usr]

HI, great set up you have there. I am new to the forum, and I have the same boat. I want to convert it as well.

My biggest concern is being able to mount the motor. What can you suggest I buy? Also, what parts and such should I order to build a brushless boat like yours?

Maybe a parts list will help me. Thanks in advance for any suggestions or opinions.

DAVE

I might be able to help you out with a stringer mounted motor mount. I have a TC31 conversion myself and played with different mounting setups before I settled on what I have currently.

John

[Bullwink]

Thundercat 31 FE Conversion

I am starting my Thundercat 31 FE build. I bought the hull on eBay for $25. You can see the minor glass damage at the stern. This is the only scratch or defect on the hull.This is my first build and I am doing it to gain some experience before I start on a Skunk Works 32 Cat I just ordered from Scotty. To go cheap, I bought a Tacon 3674--1300kv that puts out 2200 watts and can handle 44 Volts. I have a Neu 1515 1Y that I could put in it but I am saving for the Skunk Works project. I bought a Speedmaster strut. I ordered a Williams Racing Products 5 Inch motor mount from Jim at South River RC Boats. Great guy!. I am ordering a 200 Swordfissh 200AMp ESC from OSE. I am planning on running 4S to 6S.

[Diamond Dave]

Very cool! I am going to have to pay attention to this thread a bit more. My Thundercat is still sitting in stock form as the nitro it was when I bought it used.

I think this summer will be the time for me to convert. Good deal on that hull.

[Doby]

I've got a 1521 1.5D in mine on 4S,,,,tops out in the low 50's which is way more than the hull was ever meant to go...Fun boat, but has some stability issues unless its glass smooth on the water.

Do a sub-hatch for ease of taping, and reinforce the canopy as its pretty flimsy plastic.

The stock Proboat hardware has held up very well.

[Bullwink]

Thanks Doby! That is good information to know. I ordered the AeroMarine Dual Rudder System for the Thundercat 31/Shockwave 36 for some more stability in the turns. We shall see....




Traxxas Blast Stock, Traxxas Blast Orion 17T 2S LiPo, Aquacraft RIOP EP Brushless/LiPo, Aquacraft Minimono, Traxxas Villain EX Modified twin Orion 17T, 4 Aquacraft SuperVee 27 Stock, SuperVee Neu 15121Y, BBY MiniScat (Build), ProBoat Shockwave 36 FE Conversion

[lomdel]

[Bullwink]

Well I have done quite a bit on my Thundercat 31 build. I will be posting some photos later. Question: I got a Seaking 240 AMP ESC to put in. It weighs 250 grams. I originally thought I was going to put it in the stock radio box located at the stern. However, based on this ESC's weight, should I mount it in the space in front of the motor for better balance and COG? Is so, are there any issues extending the wire to the receiver?

[Bullwink]

I am putting the ESC in front of the motor. I had an old radio tray from the first and only RC boat I built 25 years ago that the esc fits perfect in. I just cut a plexiglass cover for it.

IMG_0714.jpgIMG_0716.jpg

[Bullwink]

I am glad I chose this boat for my first build. I bought the hull on eBay for $23. Before I start my Skunkworks 32 build I figured I better get some experience. This turned out to be a good idea as I make mistakes on each step. Lol. Like putting a hole through the bottom of the hull when I was trying to cut out some of the stringers. Also, the hull I bought had some damage on the transom that I repaired. Photo 1 - Used too much Marine Tex epoxy. I also redrilled the holes for the strut three times before I got it right and had to reinforce the transom on both sides with fiberglass. Photo 2. I have installled a Speed Master strut, a Top Secret dual water pickup rudder, battery trays and battery straps. The motor mount I did perfect as the flex cable slides into the coupler with ease. I just cut a clear plexiglass sub hatch based on advice from Doby. I just have to install the receiver (Tactic) servo and motor (Tacon 3674) and I am about ready to run. If it runs well, I will remove everything, remove the stickers, try to make the transom look better and then repaint the hull (Again for experience).photo (2).jpgIMG_0713.jpgIMG_0710.jpg

[phazewun]

did anyone ever find out the best way to get a motor mount for this ?

im thinking about doing a conversion but dont have the means to a CNC machine or anything