post rescue rigs here

[monojeff]

What do you guys think about running my retrieval boat which is a 32" mono which will have twin 550s.

I am trying to figure out what prop size to go with.
The motors are from apache.

I have 2 45mm props but wondering will they be to big & run to hot?

They are gruapner 45mm which is wider then the typical ones I have seen which I thought might give me a little more push then speed?

Any way I could cut them down if needed??
Or should I get different props all together??

[pmx]

For the flasher, I found this for about $12
Pelican Mini Flasher

[mickvk]

What do you guys think about running my retrieval boat which is a 32" mono which will have twin 550s.

I am trying to figure out what prop size to go with.
The motors are from apache.

I have 2 45mm props but wondering will they be to big & run to hot?

They are gruapner 45mm which is wider then the typical ones I have seen which I thought might give me a little more push then speed?

Any way I could cut them down if needed??
Or should I get different props all together??

Slower is better... Really low voltage, low RPMs, and a big prop will give you tug-boat-like control.

I assume your dual drive is fixed/non steerable? You aren't going to have the best results. If you really want to use that boat, consider over-sizing the rudder. But I'd say just enjoy your big twin as is and get a cheap Shockwave 26. PLenty big, cheap, steerable out drive... I'm still working on a good PVC gate in front or grappling hook for the rear. Whatever you decide to do, please post your results here. I'll do the same.

[monojeff]

Well I will be running it on 12v 3s battery.
I have a large runner I will be installing.
I don't really have any intention to use this boat other then for retrievals.
I am using spare parts other then the props and got the boat for pretty much nothing.
I will post results here and I also have a thread in the build section called project rescue rig.

I just need to put a few things together and put it in the water.
I guess only one way to tell if the props are to big and that is to run them and see.

[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.

One more question... what battery are you using? It looks like the airplane guys are using 5s.

[Bigbore]

I'm building a Rio Ep rescue boat but for the meantime I've been using this

[pmx]

haha, I had to jump in the lake today. I MUST finish the retrieval rig.

[monojeff]

Your inflatable looks a lot like one I have.

I run my gas boats on a large river.
Today I was playing with my rudder settings on my mono and it took the largest U turn left I have ever seen.
I was not sure if it was coming back or not. It was way to far to paddle and far enough I was worried about loosing signal.

Thank goodness I didn't!

[pmx]

After a long delay, the rescue rig is almost done.

short video with the flashing lights on
http://www.flickr.com/photos/20634033@N08/6107955526/

[egneg]

My rescue boat ...

S5000049.jpg

[pmx]

My rescue boat ...

[ATTACH=CONFIG]59230[/ATTACH]

How do you hook the boat?

[egneg]

How do you hook the boat?

Just circle the boat a couple times and it will snag the rudder, strut, turn fin, etc. and haul it in. I have used it to retrieve sailboats that were almost under.

[JonD]

I have a Hobby King Princess V hull that I have decided to convert to a rescue boat, and will fit up with a typical PVC tube outrigger pontoon style attachment out the front of the boat, similar style to those shown in this thread. Seems that steerable outdrive is recommended to give best manoeuvrability. Is this significantly better than in-line prop/rudder ??

The only steerable outdrives I can find are those used in the Traxxas Villain, and one from Pro Boat. Which is best? Are there any others I should consider?

I guess these only need a solid drive shaft. Is that going to be better i.e more reliable than using a flex shaft?

How much power/torque can these steerable outdrives reliably handle? I would think that torque would be more important than speed in this application. But makes no sense getting yourself in to the situation where you need a rescue boat to rescue your rescue boat......... I am thinking about using a Leopard 4074 1050Kv with 4S LiPo - low RPM but with lots of torque available if I select a suitable prop (assuming that one is available ??), and if the steerable outdrive can handle it - which brings me back to where I started!

Any guidance would be appreciated.

Jon

[Bigbore]

My Rio EP Rescue boat RIG is ready. I hope it works ... tomorrow I'll test it at the pond.

[pescador]

Just an idea but here's what I used to attach the rig on my Villain. Cable tie mounts, one at the front and two at the transom fastened with glue and pop-rivets. They have been holding up for 3 years now. They make it easy to attach and remove the rig.

A couple other mods I've done on it are moving up to pool noodles instead of pipe insulation for more floatation and adding a rod in front pointing down that helps stop riding up over low floating boats.
I'll try to get some updated pics.

Jon
The outdrives are great and hold up fine there is more than enough torque on the Villain Ex to push anything I've tried. I'm usually pushing waterlogged 1/8 scale nitro boats and they can get pretty heavy.
You need to be careful with the power when you are turned all the way in either direction you can snap an outdrive, it's easy to fix if you have a radio with EPA and can set endpoints for steering.