Mean Machine Struggle

[robinator63]

OK. So I have owned a mean machine for quite some time. I have never been happy with the boat.
So far I have powered it with Aquacraft UL1 power, Pro Boat 1500kV BJ26 power, and most recent Leo 3672 power.
T120 esc. Every prop known to man. From 440, to m442, x442, to m445.
I cannot get this boat to plane off correctly and GO!!!!!

I am pretty sure this issue has been expressed in this forum, but I just want to show you guys what I did last night. I hope it helps this black sheep of my boat fleet get wings. I set the strut WAY up after breaking out the torch and Dremel.

Can I now set my CG 1/3?? I have had to stuff batts to the rear to even get it to start to plane.

Comments please. Thanks.IMG_0025.jpgIMG_0026.jpgIMG_0028.jpgIMG_0027.jpg

[Fluid]

Assuming adequate power (the UL-1 is marginal due to high Kv and low torque) you need the bottom of the strut to be 3/16" to 1/4" above the bottoms of the sponsons and angled up at the prop end 1-2 degrees. The CG should be about 9" ahead of the transom to start. This should get you on plane and running decently, the speed will be proportional to the power applied.



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[robinator63]

Thanks, until last night the strut was even with the bottom of the sponsons. Now it is as high as speedmaster would allow. Almost 1/4".
Leo 3672 1900kv T120 with X442 on 4s2p. Will try next weekend. Fingers crossed, I am losing patience with this boat.

[RaceMechaniX]

Did you scuff the bottom ride surfaces after you painted the hull? I shiny surface will stick and cause all kinds of problems.

Tyler

[dana]

Do you have any video? Gps?

[Rumdog]

What cells are you using? It's hard to believe the boat won't even get on plane. Where us the cg currently?

[robinator63]

Yes the bottom is skuffed. I am using Turnigy nanos 4000mAh 40c. With the batts shoved all the way to the rear my cg is about 5 inches from the transom. I am hoping the next time I run it better results will occur.
I will video on the next outing. I estimate the boat is running around 30mph with the front end way wet and the rear trying to get on step like a hydro.

[Fluid]

Thanks, until last night the strut was even with the bottom of the sponsons. Now it is as high as speedmaster would allow. Almost 1/4".
Leo 3672 1900kv T120 with X442 on 4s2p...

That may have been the problem. Running the prop deep on this hull never worked for me since that forces the bows down. You need the bottom of the strut to be 3/16" to 1/4" above the bottoms of the sponsons and angled up at the prop end 1-2 degrees. A CG at 17% is silly. The boat should be running around 40 with that motor/pack/prop setup, once you have it freed up there is room for more prop if the ESC can handle it.



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[robinator63]

I certainly hope that cures it. Thanks for the input guys. I will try it this weekend and see what happens.

[dana]

Hers how it should look aired out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjEqH...e_gdata_player

[robinator63]

Yeah Dana,
It was actually one of your posts that made me realize my strut was waaaaay low compared to yours.

[robinator63]

Made several runs today with the MM. WOW! It was like night and day. Boat planed and was running low 40's with chop. I set my CG to 30% more or less.
Temps were not an issue, everything under 100 degrees after a 4 minute run.
Plan to switch from 442 to 642 for next run. Baby steps.
This setup should be a sticky for Mean Machine owners.

[dana]

nice man… what kv motor are you running? that strut adjustment is the key with this boat for sure

[robinator63]

1900 kV Leopard 3674. I'm propping up now. Slowly.

[dana]

You got m445 to try?