TFL Hobbies "Popeye" Hydro: P-Sport Hydro

[Monica Smith]

Jeff.
Usually, there is less voltage depression under load with parallel packs. Therefor the motor revs a bit higher. That creates a higher ampdraw with the same size prop. That coupled with the extra weight & longer run time can build up the heat a bit more. The motor seems to handle it well enough. How much was left in the packs at the end of the run? They weren't too low were they. Heat builds up quickly in packs & ESC when the packs start to become over depleted, as I'm sure you know. I'm sure you didn't take them down too low, but even at the 20%-25% they can start to increase in temp at a higher rate sometimes.



Well here's another test run with the Popeye. I used it as a Restricted class hydro a few weeks ago with the 1500kv motor & 45A ESC (club regs) & came away with a 1st, 2nd, & a 3rd for the day.

But now I've put a TFL SSS 4074 2200kv motor & seaking 180 in it. Now it's back to the speed it was meant to do.
Here's a video from yesterday at Sippy Downs.

Great job, Paul!

[785boats]

Thanks Monica.
They are a fun boat to drive.

[Jlov]

Finally got the new multi color Popeye today. Couple of pics before I start the build. Really impressed with the paint job looks awesome.....

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Also if a Popeye owner will compare for me as I've sold my other Popeye hull,the angle on rear of sponson where the turn fin mounts looks more pronounced then on my first Popeye. See last pic. I did not shim the turn fin on my first Popeye as was recommended but think I may have to on this one as the angle seems even worse on this new hull. Thx Jeff

[tlandauer]

Hull does look fantastic!
Can't tell you how the angle is on you hull, I mean I can't tell by the picture. Mine was vertical, ( your looks a bit slanted may be just the picture) , it was the lateral surface was not "true" the ( perpendicular) to the imaginary center line.

[Jlov]

Yes that what's I'm saying Tim. The angle looks more severe on this new hull. Thinking shim is going to be a necessity. Didn't have much luck making one on my first Popeye. That's why I left it off on first one

[tlandauer]

I made one out of G-10 FG plate, I put a piece of sand paper on a hard glass table top and started putting more pressure on one side of the little piece. In no time a wedge shape is formed, like a door stop. But my sponson was mildly angled and the thin piece was sufficient. You may have to look for a thicker piece of ply wood, shape it correctly then seal it with either epoxy or CA.
May be another picture showing the bottom of the mounting surface, not the side view as you have shown.
I can't wait to see her in the water!

[Jlov]

Yes Tim I saved that pic you sent me of shim but this angle definitely is more severe.



I haven't gotten to turn fin yet so cross that bridge when I come to it.
I did get some work done on it tonite. I'm in a hotel for a few nights so limited to what I could do but had to dig into it some....lol. Here's a few pics. Really like this Speedmaster hardware it's well built and like the rudder design. Thanks Slo for the tip on where to buy it.

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[tlandauer]

Looks great! Is that a TFL dual pick up rudder mounted to a Speed Master bracket???!!! Wow!

[Jlov]

Yes had to trim rudder a little to fit on Speedmaster bracket and drill two new holes.

[SloHD]

Hull looks very nice Jeff. That is an odd choice to mate together back there. Looks fine anyway. Looking forward to watching it get built. Sorry my build has been on the back burner as of late. Just been burned out on it, and focusing on my onroad cars. I'll be back on it soon.

[Jlov]

Got some more work done. Got linkage rod and holder mounted. I found some 9/32 x 1/4" OD stuffing tubing at Ace that's silver instead of the normal brass as I like the way it matches the hardware. Got the turn fin and shim mounted and at correct angle hopefully. I switched the water inlet lines from top of boat to come thru transom instead and ran antenna wires out the top thru holes where water lines were originally. Still few more things to do hoping to get her wet this weekend.



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[Jlov]

Few more pics


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[tlandauer]

Jeff, you are the man! Great job! Can't wait for your video!

[Jlov]

Finished the remaining stuff. Mounted in servo and linkage. Got t-nuts mounted and epoxied in. Installed weather stripping for seal on hatch lip. JB welded stuffing tube to strut and sealed hole on bottom of hull. So all done and now it's raining by me today.....
Heres last pics will post vids after first run.

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[785boats]

Nice job Jlov.
You are going to turn some heads when you drop that thing on the water.
I really like the paint job on these boats. RC Boat Bitz, here in Australia sell them as the "Viper" for anyone here in Aussie land, looking for one.

Just one thing to try on your test day. I find that the boat seems a bit more stable with the battery mounted across the tub about halfway between the motor & the front of the boat.
Try it both ways & see what you think.

All the best.
Paul.