Running in salt water

[crabstick]

Are you running fuel or electric? Back in the day that I ran fuel (nitro) I could keep a radio box dry with no problems. Water got in the boats anyway because there wasn't any outside hatch. So water coming up through the stuffing tube, etc. wasn't an issue. On scale boats with motors turning a lot slower, water rarely gets 'pumped' up the shaft anyway. It is the taped hatches, etc. on the electrics that I can't seem to keep dry and we're turning serious rpms's that the water just loves to chase inside the boat! I have one or two boats that stay pretty dry but most of them and most of the others I race with can't keep a boat bone dry inside either.

I agree about the DP270 on the receivers. Wish I could find something like it a bit cheaper though!

Hi Sailr, I have both gas and FE boats. I have started another thread here http://forums.offshoreelectrics.com/...ad.php?t=13191 on the basic things I do to each boat.

[sailr]

Hi Chuck. Yep, I grease the heck out of the shaft and I use a piece of fuel tubing or shrink on the inside like you say. Still get some water in that way. Maybe I need to start using some heavier grease! I don't use liners either and use the smallest size stuffing tube that the flexshaft will turn freely in. I don't use a sponge, I use a tampax! You wouldn't believe how much water those suckers will soak up!

slair. if your stuffing tube is sealed to the strut and you dont have alot of play between the shaft and stuffing tube (or liner) a heavy layer of grease will keep it out. i know this for sure because o put sponge under the stuffing tube at the inside opening and it is dry. make sure you arent using too big of a tube as i know you dont like to use liners. you can also use a piece of heat shrink on the inside, shrink it with the shaft in and about 3 turns of the motor and it will be zero drag and lessen the tolerance between the shaft and tube. also remember that a few drops is OK, it is several drops that starts to get things wet. also the small piece of sponge keeps water from getting to anything.

[westbeach]

I never thought I would hear an adult male confess to this!!

"I use a tampax!"

[BHChieftain]

Which brings up a tip for any wanting a cheap water proof balloon. Cut the finger off of a latex glove. They will stretch over most small receivers and are just long enough for the antenna and leads comming out to seal. Tie it off with a zip tie. Then put a wrap of 1" wide electrical tape aound the circumfernce and you have a surface to attach your velcro to.

John

Mind you, I'm pretty new to this hobby, but I wrapped my reciever with Glad Press and Seal plastic wrap and taped the leads with electrical tape-- I once capsized the boat in the middle of the lake outside of fishing pole rescue range. I didn't tape the hull correctly and it filled completely with water (only the tip of the hull was above the water line) . When it finally drifted to shore 4 hours later, I removed the radio from the wrap and it was completely dry. I think I'll keep using that method!
-Chief