F1 Style Tunnel Hull for a beginner...

[OffShore_RC]

I currently have a non working Proboat Apache 24. I would have to spend a considerable amount of money to get this boat back up and running.

I have decided to get a F1 style tunnel hull. I was looking at the Hobbyking Hornet a while back, but when I checked again recently, it said it was discontinued (Although I am not sure I would buy from hobbyking, given the nightmare that some of my friends had with receiving their items/a refund).

To this end, I am looking for recommendations on a ARTR F1 style tunnel hull. I already have a Spektrum DX3S and the Spektrum MR200 receiver to go with it (The receiver was pulled from my Apache).

[koen]

If you want a great looking F1 tunnel hul look at hydromarine.de,built quality is very good with exelent guides

[OffShore_RC]

If you want a great looking F1 tunnel hul look at hydromarine.de,built quality is very good with exelent guides

Just did, unfortunately they do not have what I am looking for.

They do have some nice hulls though.

[jkflow]

Stock is hard to find.
I have not purchased anything from the ones listed below, but they are on my list of interest.

https://www.insaneboats.com/category/boat-hulls

http://tobsd.com/

[properchopper]

This is a very cool boat - I looked for it's comparable "sister", the TFL Cauldwell F1 but it seems hard to find. There's been a discussion of each of these here - both boats were given some encouraging approval. The Tenshock actually was rated higher IIRC. Shipping from China does try one's patience 'tho

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32328456382.html?spm=a2g0o.detail.1000014.13.2f4875c7xmayeC&gps-id=pcDetailBottomMoreOtherSeller&scm=1007.13338.183347.0&scm_id=1007.13338.183347.0&scm-url=1007.13338.183347.0&pvid=fcbde1a7-e01c-4af4-b906-c419430031ef&_t=gps-id:pcDetailBottomMoreOtherSeller,scm-url:1007.13338.183347.0,pvid:fcbde1a7-e01c-4af4-b906-c419430031ef,tpp_buckets:668%230%23131923%2316_668%23888%233325%2316_3338%230%23183347%230_3338%233142%239890%2310_668%232846%238113%231998_668%235811%2327181%2346_668%236421%2330823%23212_668%232717%237563%23531_668%231000022185%231000066059%230_668%236808%2332770%23129_668%233422%2315392%23165&&pdp_ext_f=%7B%22sceneId%22:%2223416%22%7D

The Cauldwell promo vid -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6uAzhwkaCI&t=8s

OTOH the Insane F1 Tunnel is 47" and meant for a Gas outdrive - not for the timid of bankroll

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G16Lhhyff8c

OOPS [Edit} I just found this - might make trying to find the TFL Version a better idea :

04-02-2021, 06:02 AM#9larryrose11 larryrose11 is offline
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Quote Originally Posted by Turbo View Post
Hi Larry-

I'm curious how you like your Tenshock? I've been looking at getting one myself.
Do you run yours much? And how has your hull held up? I've seen posts saying it is quite thin - perhaps too thin?
What is your opinion on this?
Seems like a very quick boat on 3S power - which would make it economical to run as a "fun" boat as well.
I had the Tenshock version. It was smaller, and the hull was quite thin. I got rid of it. The issue I had was:
1. Lots of stress cracks in the hull.
2. The Tenshock vesion kept breaking drive cables. They were 2.3 mm cable on a 4 mm threaded stub shaft.

I have an extra TFL Drive, and I was thinking of getting a bare TFL Hull.
The TFL Drives are much nicer than the Tenshock ones. The TFL Cables are 3.2 mm, and have a teflon liner. You could remove it, and put a larger cable in if it breaks.
I opted for a 1600 KV, 6s setup. Lower current helps motors run cooler.
The boat I had was a blast to drive. The self righting feature meant you could run it a bit looser, and hence faster.

Get the TFL Version.
Get the hull from TFL, and the Drive here from OSE. use an ESC you have around.

[OffShore_RC]

This is a very cool boat - I looked for it's comparable "sister", the TFL Cauldwell F1 but it seems hard to find.

Found the TFL Cauldwell Here

Doesn't say it is out of stock, but I can't order it right away since I need to save up the money first.

Those two are definitely the boats I am looking for, just have to factor in the cost of an ESC & a lipo battery as well.

Also, it doesn't say what battery pack/ESC to get, although I suppose I would need to get an ESC that supports lipo batteries.
If that is the case, I suppose I should start with 2S lipos and go from there (My Apache ran on NIMH battery packs) as I gain experience with the tunnel hull?

OTOH the Insane F1 Tunnel is 47" and meant for a Gas outdrive - not for the timid of bankroll

Without a doubt. Running gas is definitely not for me.

[Alfa Spirit]

L@@K at the Tenshock F1, 70cm lenght,


F1.1.jpg

3e21e2a0a4f3440faa4c57d68395a996.jpg


The Exceed F1 is interesting too, cool price

[sciesielka]

For a very beginner boat, which I think is still available, check the WLtoys WL915 F1 boat.
Found it on Amazon but I've seen it other places: https://www.amazon.com/Goolsky-WLtoy.../dp/B07MHJZKGH
Pro Boat made the Valvryn which is similar. That you would have to find on eBay since they stopped making it a few years ago.

[jkflow]

You do not want to start with 2S on the hobby grade types. They will barely move. If you truly want an entry level, go with the Tenshock (advanced) or the WL Toys type.
You will find quickly that you are spending a lot on batteries, chargers etc. It's an upfront cost, but don't start wrong with no way to advance. You could run 2x2S in parallel at a later time, but it gets complicated quickly.

On TFL, call the dealer and ask them for lead time. Web status is typically inaccurate, from what I have found.

[OffShore_RC]

L@@K at the Tenshock F1, 70cm lenght,

I was considering the tenshock, but I am very hesitant about ordering it from China, since I have heard of some of my friends who have ordered mostly electronic items from Aliexpress and not getting their items.

The Exceed F1 is interesting too, cool price

Says on the website it's been discontinued, although the price is right in my books

If you truly want an entry level, go with the Tenshock (advanced) or the WL Toys type.

Well I was thinking about getting the tenshock, but the one thing that is prevented me from doing so is mentioned above

You will find quickly that you are spending a lot on batteries, chargers etc. It's an upfront cost, but don't start wrong with no way to advance. You could run 2x2S in parallel at a later time, but it gets complicated quickly.

On TFL, call the dealer and ask them for lead time. Web status is typically inaccurate, from what I have found.

I think the TFL cauldwell is the one I am looking for after further consideration. I wanted one slightly more than entry level, but not one that is too advanced.

So on any of the boats listed it is better to go with a single 4S pack? Already have a charger that can charge the common battery types (NIMH & LIPO) plus one type that is rarely used now, forgot the name of it.

[OffShore_RC]

So can anyone tell me from the link to the Cauldwell boat (Click Here) what is included? I take it that it is indeed hull and hatch, but the photos which include the motor and out drive could prove misleading to those unfamiliar with ARTR boats (Such as myself).

Just wanted to double check, doing my due diligence so I can budget for this boat properly :)

[jkflow]

I have ordered many items from Banggood and Aliexpress and never had an issue. Advertised shipping speed has always been met.
Pay with paypal though, just in case. Been a happy customer for many years and multiple orders per year.
On AliExpress, check the review of the seller, don't go with new ones or a less that 4.0 score, just my advice.


Call TFL America and check availability ,he can help you out on questions as well.

https://tflnorthamerica.com/

I always prefer single packs unless it calls for multiple. Keep access in mind and how you secure these.
Not sure if the F1 is a good entry boat. They will do 40mph out of the box.

[OffShore_RC]

I have ordered many items from Banggood and Aliexpress and never had an issue. Advertised shipping speed has always been met.
Pay with paypal though, just in case. Been a happy customer for many years and multiple orders per year.
On AliExpress, check the review of the seller, don't go with new ones or a less that 4.0 score, just my advice.

Same advice that was given to me about buying stuff on ebay, don't buy from ebay sellers with less than a 99% feedback rating or new sellers. Never had a bad experience on ebay.

Call TFL America and check availability ,he can help you out on questions as well.
https://tflnorthamerica.com/

Just tried twice, might have to shoot an email over instead or try calling tomorrow sometime.
Do you know what their hours are?

I always prefer single packs unless it calls for multiple. Keep access in mind and how you secure these.
Not sure if the F1 is a good entry boat. They will do 40mph out of the box.

My Apache would do about 25-30mph out of the box, but the motor was brushed and I was using NIMH. The speed difference isn't drastic in my humble opinion, I will just have to adapt driving a offshore catamaran hull to a shorter F1 style tunnel hull :)

By the way JKFlow, thanks for all the advice :)
Really appreciate when someone takes the time to help another person out on a forum.

[jkflow]

You are welcome!
No, I do not have any better contact info.
Email him and it will take a couple days, that's my experience.

[OffShore_RC]

You are welcome! Email him and it will take a couple days, that's my experience.

I am in no hurry, like I said, still have to save the cash for it.