ESC/Prop suggestions

[PowerDemon]

Ok so I am ordering a Fightercat River cat 32" and I already have the Castle Creations 1515 that I am going to put in it. I am not sure about the prop and the esc combo though. I would like to run something the same size as an x442 or larger. I am only going to be running this rig on 6S. What is the best combo for the most top speed. The ESCs I have been looking at are the Turnigy/Seaking 180, the Swordfish 240 (really expensive), or the Castle Creations Hydra Ice 240. A lot of people have run the Turnigy but I have also heard that an x442 plus 6S is to much. Is this true? Do I need to add an extra cap bank? Any replies would be appreciated. Thanks!

[grsboats]

The T180 is a very trusty esc when used correctly.More caps won't hurt your performance so just add two more caps you can get here at OSE.X442 is a good prop for this combo .On 6S just run three minutes and check your temps.The SF 240 is a great esc for the money too but the Castle Ice 240 was discontinued.Gill

[tlandauer]

CC 1515 2200kv on 6s is in SAW territory. ( what is your goal, running SAW or just sport boating?)
On 4s you can comfortably use the x442.
Turnigy/Seaking 180 is a great unit, but I don't think it is made any more... unless you can get one somewhere.
CC Hydra Ice 240 is also discontinued...
Read a bit more before you decide, there are guidelines for setting up the best combo. In general, this motor is not meant for running 6s in boat, disregard the factory RPM rating, it is the whole drivetrain you need to consider. With the typical high amp draw in boat application, few if any ESC ( at least with the ones you mentioned) would survive continuous runs ( typical sport running) with this set up. In SAW application the runs are short , and people who do that are usually very experienced and knowledgeable, so they do get away with that.
Just my $.02
cheers!

[tlandauer]

I have to say, Gill here is a lot more experienced than I am, it's good to learn his opinion , for me as well, good luck!

[Fluid]

I set SAW records with that motor/hull/voltage combo, it is not a very good sport setup. If you keep to small props like an x440 or x442 you can get by but voltage spikes will be high. I used a Castle HydraICE 240 with no problems, but I know what I'm doing.

Just what is your experience level, and what are your goals for the cat? That combo on 4S would be a better sport setup, although with a lower speed potential. You will need good batteries if you want to prop up on 6S and not blow an ESC.


.

[PowerDemon]

Thanks for all the responses guys! My experience in building my own boats is not much. I own a Traxxas Spartan and have run it on 6s multiple times. I have browsed multiple boating forums and decided on this motor because of the rpms. Not sure about amp spikes with it though which is why I asked you guys for prop/esc suggestions. This is not really going to be a SAW boat, but its not going to be a sport boat really. Thats what I have my Spartan for.... My only plan with this boat is to break about 65-70mph then hopefully learn some stuff from this build and build a true SAW boat with twins. The main reason I want to run 6S is because those are the batteries I have... Is 5S ok with this setup? Also If I were to use this boat in a sport application would a smaller prop be better/ok on 6S? In other words could changing the prop make this boat run in the 50s without having to swap the motor, esc or batteries? Thanks again!

[grsboats]

Yes 5S would be a good thing to start running your boat with a X442 then you can go with more power(6S).Something really important to be checked out is the temp of components after a short run in her maiden voyage : my temps of esc,motor and batts barely exceed 45C and never burnt a single component running only SAW.What's your motor's kv's? Gill

[PowerDemon]

2200kv. What prop would you suggest if I ran 6S?

[grsboats]

We've been using 2200kv motors on 6S for SAW on light riggers but in a 37 cat expect some smoke after few runs...have seen this lot of times!Stick to 4S with top quality batteries(high discharge for less heat),large connectors,and a well built and balanced hull before go higher then you can decide what to do .You can also have a great performance using a 1600kv motor on 6S turning a X442 without sending your amps to the roof! Gill

[PowerDemon]

Thanks for the advice! Will do!

[grsboats]

Wish you enjoy your building and let us know your progress,
Cheers
Gill