Building a predator Outrigger

[Danko]

Guys, does anybody have pictures of their hardware setup for a Predator Outrigger that they could post? I am building one but I'm not sure what setup to get as for the rudder, stuffing tube etc. Yeah I am a boat beginner. This will be my second boat build. Plane guy mostly, but getting VERY addicted to boats...

[Peter A]

Hi, here is my predator setup, strut and bracket are my own creation. Second pic shows it next to my new 25% bigger version. Can take some more pics tonite. 26-5-11 043.jpg26012013139.jpg

[Danko]

Hey Peter thanks for the pics that helps. Have you ever seen a Predator with a rudder thats centered behind the prop. I found a cheap rudder and strut with this setup but I haven't seen any predators with it. I wonder if theres any reason for it.

[Peter A]

Hi Danko, it is normal to offset the rudder on riggers, putting the rudder behind the prop may cause proplems with the performance. Mine has a 3300 kv 3650 motor on 3S, prop is x632 and is good for around 50mph. I've had it going faster with bigger props but due to it's size it can be unstable and high speed wipeouts happen. I have modded the sponsons and turn fin, and also widened the sponsons out a little. 13022013151.jpg13022013154.jpg13022013155.jpg13022013153.jpg13022013152.jpgHere are some more pics.

[Danko]

Peter,

Thanks for the pics and the tip. Offset will be it. Also any recommendations on the how deep the rudder should be? Say 90mm or 115? Another question. The sponson say to cut cores and cover them with the ply. But I've read people using expansive foam, others against it because it can break seams and some no foam at all. Any suggestions on that? I'm leaving the plan stock as I'm planing on using a 300kkv motor. The place I run at is quite small for something going 50 probably.

Here's a vid of my first boat. Mr. Southwest provided me with motor and drive setup and fins. http://youtu.be/zI8Zg7Si6Ss

[Peter A]

The rudder doesn't need to be too deep for a rigger, so go with the 90mm if it fits best. I made the sponsons hollow just using the pieces from the plan. The sponson outside goes on last and gets trimmed to fit. The ride plates on the sponson bottoms are 1/16" ply and were worth putting on. On 2s I've run it with props up to 442 with a reasonable speed (sk90 esc), it just goes faster on 3s! Btw there is some good stuff to read on the OSE site for boat setting up and tuning.

[Danko]

predator-outrigger.jpg

Here it is almost ready. One question though guys. Can I seal it with polyester resin instead of thinned epoxy? I got access to the stuff and it's cheap so...wonder if it's ok..

First time I saw an outrigger I though they looked hideous, but man the actually look menacing! The name predator fits this boat to a tee looks fiercer even just sitting there.