1:8 scale Hydroplane Maiden Voyage and my first taste of driving!!

[nichismo]

Actually, in all honestly the title isnt entirely accurate, as this was my third overall trip to my local lake. However I only drove the first time for a minute before bringing her in to check temperatures, and then I ended up calling it a day. The 2nd trip to the lake, I accidentally forgot to tape over the drainage holes in the back of the hull and thus it sort of hampered its performance as you could imagine..... boneheaded mistake.

Today I finally was able to have a more relatively successful run. The boat still needs some fine tuning and obvious cosmetic work, but its been about 10 months since I started this build and I am very happy to culminate in what happened today :) I really had no idea what I was getting into when I decided to go with a 1:8 scale hydroplane as my first boat with zero prior driving experience whatsoever. But ive always had a love for hydroplanes my whole life, living in Seattle and going to Seafair practically every year, so I couldn't resist. I originally wanted to go with a 1:10 scale which would have had a giant impact in the scope of the project, but I was impatient and could not find a proper hull. Im now very very glad I went with 1:8 scale, as I feel its better for a beginner like me wscale ith the amount of resources, information, and racers involved.

Heres my setup:

Phil Thomas T5 epoxy and carbon fiber hull (heavily modified for FE)
Motor: Hyperion 4035 - 800kv outrunner
ESC: Castle Creations Hydra Ice HV200
8s1p
Octura X450/3 blade
Accutech scale hydro rudder
Speedmaster round bottom extended strut
.250" flex cable
Dick Tyndall/Virginia Craftsman Turn fin and bracket

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mtrZN_osEs&feature=youtu.be

I think I ran the batteries too low, as the boat seem to really slow down alot. That, and I am getting far too much water in the back section of the boat, I need to make a more proper hatch for that section that can be sealed off or something of the likes. Also, I think this propeller is far too small, ill probably go with an x455 or x457, try out both 2 and a 3 blade.

If anyone is interested, the build thread for this boat is in my signature!

Thanks for watching and reading! Can always use constructive criticism as well :)

[Doby]

Might want to put running lights on it.

[nichismo]

I will probably get one of those indicator lights that go on top of the cockpit on the real boats but I likely won't drive it so late and in the dark again

[Agitator]

Try a 450/2 blade and 452/2 and 3 blade A 455 or 457 is a bit to big for your motor. You might try running without so much 'off and on' the power as that really causes a lot of heat to build up. On 8s you are only turning 23k unloaded, so a bigger prop will slow you down more, plus it will raise the amp draw quite a bit.

[nichismo]

hey Michael!

I have a 2 blade x450 that I used the first time out but I didnt really get a feel for it, so ill definately give it a shot again. I actually have a x452/2 blade but I need to sharpen and balance it. The lake is too small though, so I am going to go to a bigger and more properly shaped lake I know of on the other side of town. Overall I still need to get comfortable, my hands were shaking a bit even today, im still really nervous lol. The trim is still a tad bit off too and I needed to fix it, but it really felt like my vision was limited with it being dark, and without the rear wing it really made it hard to see once it even got remotely far away. Ill be more aware in the future of the heat buildup

Im really curious about how so much water seems to get into the back section. I have the back turbine tray taped up just like I would the sub hatch (the tray isnt mean't for this hull though, im going to make a more suitable piece) and the strut is well sealed with silicone all around, top and bottom. im probably going to cut up a sponge to set back there.

Seeing as I only had 5500mah with that battery setup, how long would you estimate I should/could be able to run on WOT for? Also, do you think the weight from the water accumulating in the back, along with potentially running the batteries too low, is what caused the boat to slow down so much toward the end?