Stiletto First Run w/New Boat

[Darin Jordan]

will these take full speed turns?

In stock trim, certainly... flies through the turns...

When you start proping up, and get it up to race speeds, you have to do a little more balancing in the turns. Basically, ease off a tad to set it into the turn, then squeeze it back to full throttle, easing off here and there if it starts "flying" in the turn (pushing to the outside).

That's just been my experience thus far, but mine is still not quite dialed in to a comfortable place for me to drive it. Also, that's a description of trying to drive a race-course, with 35' radius turns, holding lane one. If you turn a little wider, you can flat-out it. What can happen, however, is if you set it down too hard entering the turn, and try to add too much steering input too quickly, it can grab the outside sponson and tumble/roll to the outside.

Takes a little setup, timing and finisse to get it just right, which is part of the fun, and frustration, of driving tunnels...

[simo71]

I think thats why people enjoy racing tunnels so much. Watch some footage of the F1's (1:1) & they have the same response if a driver is being over aggressive when entering a turn etc.

[longballlumber]

In stock trim, certainly... flies through the turns...

When you start proping up, and get it up to race speeds, you have to do a little more balancing in the turns. Basically, ease off a tad to set it into the turn, then squeeze it back to full throttle, easing off here and there if it starts "flying" in the turn (pushing to the outside).

That's just been my experience thus far, but mine is still not quite dialed in to a comfortable place for me to drive it. Also, that's a description of trying to drive a race-course, with 35' radius turns, holding lane one. If you turn a little wider, you can flat-out it. What can happen, however, is if you set it down too hard entering the turn, and try to add too much steering input too quickly, it can grab the outside sponson and tumble/roll to the outside.

Takes a little setup, timing and finisse to get it just right, which is part of the fun, and frustration, of driving tunnels...

Darin has giving a great answer about full speed turns with an O/B tunnel hull. This hull or any other O/B tunnel hull requires you to DRIVE the boat. This hull type isn't like most others where you can "throw" it in to a corner and expect it to sling shot around with out upsetting the hull. Racing these hulls WILL teach you how to manage your throttle thru the turns and teach you how to set up a boat. If your set up is a little off you will know it. However, once you hit that sweet spot.... man-o-man these tunnel hulls are a blast to drive and race...

Later,
Mike

[Brushless55]

I think thats why people enjoy racing tunnels so much. Watch some footage of the F1's (1:1) & they have the same response if a driver is being over aggressive when entering a turn etc.

full size racing is killer
I love watching those in person

[ALD]

Ok folks. I have made several runs with the stiletto and found that this boat instock form can not due 40mph. Without a GPS I would guess at around 30mph. Being fairly new to boats and tunnels this speed is perfect to learn how to drive a tunnel. Anything faster at this point for me, would be frustrating. Spin outs in turns etc. I re-programed the ESC and calibrated my DX3s. This boat is so much fun to drive and learn at a relaxing speed. I'm sure in time, I will upgrade motor/esc/ prop for speed, but for now, great boat and lots of fun!!!!!!!!!! Test made using 4s 2pack 5300 25C lip"s.

[GP73]

When I ran it last weekend I noticed mine was a little slow as well, but I thought I didn't set the motor angle properly. That was with an X440, I haven't tried the stock prop.

I just finished applying the first layer of gelcoat to mine, hopefully it will be ready for Sunday!

BTW, I've found other areas of the sponson where the gelcoat is slightly raised and if I gently press on it it flexes, I guess it didn't adhere completely to the fiberglass, I wouldn't be surprised if other cracks were to 'magically' appear on those spots.

Something to check on your Stilettos I guess.

[Flying Scotsman]

Tunnel boats are very hard to setup. I just received my Stiletto and looks very well built. I was not looking for the fastest boat on the planet, just a very cool looking F1 tunnel with what appears is a neat outboard power source and not some apendage that is but ugly.

Douggie

[ALD]

Yes, it is a very cool looking boat. I trimmed mine according to the instructions. I tried trimming the motor up (away from transom) a little and that was a huge mistake. boat fliped and very unstable.Taking awhile to learn how to drive. I added a lot of expo and cut the travel down on steering and I find that setup to be very forgiving. I use 4s lipo 2pack so unable to adj cog. I think a4s lipo single pack would be a better fit for adjusment.

[Flying Scotsman]

When I ran it last weekend I noticed mine was a little slow as well, but I thought I didn't set the motor angle properly. That was with an X440, I haven't tried the stock prop.

I just finished applying the first layer of gelcoat to mine, hopefully it will be ready for Sunday!

BTW, I've found other areas of the sponson where the gelcoat is slightly raised and if I gently press on it it flexes, I guess it didn't adhere completely to the fiberglass, I wouldn't be surprised if other cracks were to 'magically' appear on those spots.

Something to check on your Stilettos I guess.

Why are you applying gelcoat and how are you doing it?

Douggie

[heli123]

Great looking boat can't get it to go more than 35mph on a single 45c 4s pack,may try 5s but don't want to burn anything out.There is no way to get over 40mph on this boat unless you change out the electronics.I have tried everything!

[Flying Scotsman]

If it can keep up with a VS-1 with modified legs and apparently it does, it is fast. Speed, stability and handling are all relative

Douggie

[Brushless55]

Great looking boat can't get it to go more than 35mph on a single 45c 4s pack,may try 5s but don't want to burn anything out.There is no way to get over 40mph on this boat unless you change out the electronics.I have tried everything!

any pics of your setup
sounds like your doing it wrong

[ron1950]

i think if mine had gelcoat blisters and chips comeing off id be on the phone to horizon right away for a new hull...it wont get better only worse with blisters....

[Rumdog]

Great looking boat can't get it to go more than 35mph on a single 45c 4s pack,may try 5s but don't want to burn anything out.There is no way to get over 40mph on this boat unless you change out the electronics.I have tried everything!

I doubt you've tried EVERYTHING. What props have you ran. You mention a x440. That is a small prop with minimal pitch.

[GP73]

i think if mine had gelcoat blisters and chips comeing off id be on the phone to horizon right away for a new hull...it wont get better only worse with blisters....

There were some minor scratches around the area, I believe I did scratch it and that made the blister break and the gelcoat come out. The fiberglass under the chip looked nice and clean.

I've fixed it now and I'll be more careful, if any more gelcoat comes off without reason I'll contact them and see what they can do.

I was just wondering if any of you guys have noticed any "blisters" on theirs.