I've definitely been enjoying my SonicWake, even though I'm still only running it on 4S. With the stock battery connectors, I'm a little reluctant to go up to 6S, even though I've already purchased four 3S packs from Steve. I've also gone ahead, and picked up a Seaking 180A ESC, as well as the OSE-qs6 connectors, which will be used for 6S running. As I already have two hulls (the RTR boat I'm currently running, plus a second hull that's currently undergoing custom graphics), I suspect that, in the end, I'll have two complete SonicWakes - one for 4S, and one for 6S.
Of course, this thread isn't about the boats, themselves, but about alternate motor & prop options. I was watching a video on YouTube, done by someone who, obviously, knows boats, ESCs, motors, & props (based on the collection of boats he has, spotted during the video, I suspect he races). In his SonicWake, he replaced the ESC & motor, and also went with a larger-diameter prop. For the ESC, he also went with the Seaking 180A. As for the motor, he opted for a slightly larger (in diameter), but much lower kV (1050kV), Leopard motor...yet, he used the stock mount, choosing to Dremel it out for the Leopard. If I'm to consider swapping motors, I don't want to do anything that drastic...so, I'd prefer sticking with a 36mm diameter can.
In the video, he also opted to move the ESC, to the starboard side of the hull, which would allow a longer motor (he didn't specify the diameter, or length, of the motor he went with...only the brand & kV). As such, a motor that is longer than the stock 74mm can is a possibility. Moving down the line, to the prop, so as to counter the slower speed of the motor, yet still maintain overall speed of the boat (on 6S, when compared to the stock electronics & prop), he went with a much larger prop (52mm, although he never mentioned the pitch).
The reason he did all this was to lower the overall temperatures (batteries, ESC. & motor), as well as to increase running time. With the above-mentioned combination, he achieved average runtimes of 15 minutes. However, his boat is now slightly slower than the stock 6S speed. If I'm going to make the jump to 6S, I'd like to achieve something similar...lowering the electronic's temps AND increasing runtime...but, preferably, without the loss in speed.
As the stock motor is 1900kV, and the motor he went with was 1050kV, I'm guessing something in the 1200kV-1700kV range would probably be best, with 1400kV-1500kV (probably) being 'optimal'. Also, since I'd prefer not having to change motor mounts, and I don't want to "modify" the stock mount, it's probably best I stick with a 36mm diameter motor (the stock motor is a 3674). If I were to go only with OSE's offerings, I'd have to pick among these choices:
1) Leopard 3674 1400kV
2) Leopard 3674 1700kV
3) SSS 3674 1300kV
4) SSS 3682 1650kV
5) TP 3640 1570kV (36x75)
6) TP 3650 1550kV (36x86)
The first half of the equation is deciding what motor to go with. Not that I know much of anything about RC boat motors...but, if I were to make a completely uninformed decision, I'd guess the Leopard 3674 1400kV & SSS 3674 1300kV would be the two best choices, if only because I've read those two brands mentioned numerous times, and I can't recall having seen TP mentioned. Between these three brands, how would they be ranked? Part of why I'm asking is because I'm curious how they compare to reach other. The other part of why I'm asking is because, kV wise, I'm really thinking I'd prefer one of the two TP options...e especially the 1550kV.
The second half of the equation is determining the proper prop. Again, taking an uneducated guess, I'd assume something in the 48mm-52mm diameter would work...but, as for pitch, that's where I'm clueless, and could use the greatest amount of assistance.
Again, my "goal" is to achieve longer runtimes (at least 8 minutes, with 10+ minutes being preferable), and cooler components (ESC, motor, and batteries), while maintaining (at minimum) the stock 6S speed. Can this be done? If so, what is the best way of going about this, and achieving all three goals? Slightly slower (1500-1700kV) motor, and slightly larger (45-48mm) diameter prop? Or, even slower (1200-1500kV) motor, and even larger (48-52mm) diameter prop?
So...there you have it. My "goal" has been laid before you, as have 6 motor choices. Will a longer motor fit (without modifying the motor mount), if I move the ESC to the starboard side? Or, should I stick with a can of stock length? If I must use a stock-length can, which of these motors - Leopard 3674 1400kV, Leopard 3674 1700kV, or SSS 3674 1300kV - would be best? If it's possible to go with a longer can, which of these motors - SSS 3682 1650kV, TP 3640 1570kV, or TP 3650 1550kV - would be best? Also, if I can only use a stock-length can, considering that the TP 3640 1570kV is only 1mm longer than the stock motor, would that still fit?
Switching back to the prop side of things, for whichever motors are deemed "beat choices" (one for 'stock length', and one for 'longer than stock'), what diameter & pitch should allow me to maintain the stock boat's 6S speed, but without overworking/overtaxing the electronics?
I know it might seem like I'm asking a lot of questions...but, in reality, it's only two questions. It's just that they're two somewhat-convoluted questions, with multiple variations. Call it "simple, yet difficult". Some people learn by 'doing', and some by asking lots of questions. Honestly, I usually prefer to 'do', but, in this matter, 'doing' would be quite costly, and I can exactly afford to buy 6 different motors, plus a bunch of props. I don't mind spending the money on a few different props...especially when ones not used on this SonicWake would probably end up used on something else. But, for the motor, I really need to narrow down the possibilities to 1-2, and then make a final decision. That's where those reading this can help.
Ready...Set...Suggest..........
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