post rescue rigs here

[Cope]

I figured you folks may find this useful. Here's a short video of my modified 360 Deg. rotation servo and deck winch drum. The drum will play in and out line of my rear deck recovery crane. The line will be hooked to a 3 prong grapple. This way I can raise and lower the grapple and pull large grappled boats up to the transom of my recovery tug.

Enjoy.



EDIT-Line is 80LB. Braided fishing line, More than enough to pull a swamped 40-50" gas boat.
Double Edit-The servo is a OLD Futaba FP-S130. The 360 Deg. rotation mod is VERY EASY on an old servo like this. No soldering required. Just open the servo remove final drive gear, Remove pot locator tab on bottom of gear and remove Pot locater ring(Throw locater ring at doubting friend). Twist pot to desired max speed. Resemble. That's it. I looked on line and was afraid to try to mod a servo. Then I decided to just take this one apart. Low and behold it did have the pot locater ring. If you have some very old servos open one up and take a look.
Triple Edit-You will need to use a bunch of trim or preferably a radio with Sub trim. The servo has a hard time knowing center with the pot disconnected but you can see I got it to stay with trim or sub trim.

[mickvk]

Rescue boats are EASY!! Not :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZW7WgHCUaPY

[pmx]

One tip I have learned from experience is that you want thrust vectoring or a steerable outdrive. A fixed prop with a rudder makes very poor maneuverability.

Not sure if this would work on boats this size, but sailboats with a prop in front of the rudder are more maneuverable. (Inboard vs. Outboard)

[pmx]

Here's my rescue barge in action. all scratch built, running a 60T crawler motor direct drive to stearable outdrive and a 40A proboat ESC. It is the boat that has the most wet time of the whole fleet. It also fits right behind my driver's seat with the forks on the floor and leaning against the back seat, wedging it up in the air - very convenient and goes every trip. Construction foam and styrene tub - unsinkable, and pvc with pool noodle for booms. The lid keeps water out. I am still thinking on how to upgrade it, but it keeps working and saving FE pilots' lives.

That looks like a winner. Do you have any more suggestions for someone trying to build one like it?

[mickvk]

Not sure if this would work on boats this size, but sailboats with a prop in front of the rudder are more maneuverable. (Inboard vs. Outboard)

Yeah, that type was used in boats and ferries but has been largely replaced by the VSP/cycloidal drives which can direct the thrust when maximum maneuverability is required. The image you show in the previous post are definitely the way to go - steerable out drive. Keep in mind, testing may go pretty good with a fixed prop, but once you tow a load, the deficiency will be apparent.

[Jesse J]

That looks like a winner. Do you have any more suggestions for someone trying to build one like it?

yep definitely a winner! I have it up to 98% reliable (just gotta make sure the battery has a good charge!).

key points that make it success:

wide flat bottom = super stable AND maneuverable
steerable outdrive = it can pivot
wide LONG booms = it can rescue up to 12" wide 4' boats
60 turn brushed motor/ESC (e.g., XL5 with LVC) = lots of torque and no need of gear reduction (caused main reliability issues early on)
solid strait shaft = no fuss with flex cables - wire drive is another good option.

you can pick up unwanted new/used crawler motors for $10-15 on RCCrawler.com swapshop. The Traxxas esc goes for about $40-45.

General construction material is nearly free: go to lumber yard and ask for damaged insulation board - they cut you a big chunk and send you on your way. This can be glassed or even left rough. I used PVC with pool noodles for the booms - gives flotation and cushion for the pushin. The white tub is styrene.

[pmx]

yep definitely a winner! I have it up to 98% reliable (just gotta make sure the battery has a good charge!).

key points that make it success:

wide flat bottom = super stable AND maneuverable
steerable outdrive = it can pivot
wide LONG booms = it can rescue up to 12" wide 4' boats
60 turn brushed motor/ESC (e.g., XL5 with LVC) = lots of torque and no need of gear reduction (caused main reliability issues early on)
solid strait shaft = no fuss with flex cables - wire drive is another good option.

you can pick up unwanted new/used crawler motors for $10-15 on RCCrawler.com swapshop. The Traxxas esc goes for about $40-45.

General construction material is nearly free: go to lumber yard and ask for damaged insulation board - they cut you a big chunk and send you on your way. This can be glassed or even left rough. I used PVC with pool noodles for the booms - gives flotation and cushion for the pushin. The white tub is styrene.

That is great. Thank you.

Got the foam (old boogie board), pvc, and noodles. Found a motor on ebay for $14 http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=360356844742

What esc do you recommend? Will this work? (traxxas xl1 esc 75amp w/ rev) http://www.amazon.com/XL1-Speed-Cont.../dp/B0006O5JAG

Last dumb question, what outdrive, and shaft do you suggest? (not familiar with that set up at all)

Thanks again!

[Jesse J]

I don't know that ESC. Here is probably better one esc

here is outdrive set up: outdrive housing, outdrive bracket, shaft housing, plastic U-Joint (or metal), and prop. you will need steering linkages.

[pmx]

You're awesome. Thank you for all of the info.

I'll post a pic when it's done.

[Jesse J]

[pescador]

Don't forget lights for night ops

[pmx]

Where did you get that siren? That is awesome.

[785boats]

Here's the rig we use at our club.
Even works in the rain.

[mickvk]

Where did you get that siren? That is awesome.

Looks like my Trek light... Search for "bike safety light" on ebay... you can find them for $5 and up .

[pescador]

Looks like my Trek light... Search for "bike safety light" on ebay... you can find them for $5 and up .

Exactly

The waterproof LED's are from HK one of those things that pops up when it shows how much weight you can still put in your package.