Model Boat Mayhem

Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => Other Technical Questions... => Topic started by: sandy1000 on March 18, 2011, 11:27:51 pm

Title: Model boating in salt water.
Post by: sandy1000 on March 18, 2011, 11:27:51 pm

What is the general feeling about model boats in saltwater? There is a huge empty marina near where I live which is part of a maritime complex which has gone broke. It is perfect for model boat. Access is acceptable to the administrators. But it is directly connected to the open sea, so the water is salty. Would there be problems with salt in bearings for example. Are there any other salt issues that should be considered?

Title: Re: Model boating in salt water.
Post by: unbuiltnautilus on March 19, 2011, 10:01:26 am

Our local lakes in Portsmouth are all salt water, we have two clubs running on it with no complaints. Basic rules, keep the water on the outside of the model. Keep all plugs and sockets out of the bilge of the boat as salt water will eat your electrical contacts for lunch if they get wet. In the summer, any water splashes on the upperworks will dry out to salt crystals, this can be remedied with a fresh water wash when you get home. We even run submarines in the salt water, however, you are limited in their operational depth and the subs need to be fitted with an insulated aerial. Avoid mild steel fittings, use brass or plastic. Look after the model after every run. :-))

Title: Re: Model boating in salt water.
Post by: alan colson on March 19, 2011, 10:21:19 am

I have run models on the odd occasion in salt water, when I get home I try to run them in fresh water in the bath (test tank) and oil or grease shafts and rudders.
Alan

Title: Re: Model boating in salt water.
Post by: sandy1000 on March 19, 2011, 11:25:29 pm

Thanks for the advice.

Title: Re: Model boating in salt water.
Post by: malcolmfrary on April 08, 2011, 09:32:09 am

I've sailed in virtually nothing else since I started.  Just pay more attention to regular servicing, and make sure that the wet stuff stays on the outside.

Title: Re: Model boating in salt water.
Post by: john s 2 on April 08, 2011, 01:52:10 pm

Salt water does have an insidious way of corroding things. Ive had the soildered blades on a prop fall out.
Moral is total wash down after use. John.

Title: Re: Model boating in salt water.
Post by: irishcarguy on September 08, 2011, 08:21:27 am

For protection of electrical connectors try automotive dielectric grease it is used on autos to stop resistance in connections to computer compontents At least thats what is named in Canada. Also works well on Joseph Lucas prince of darkness connections Mick B. Look up Permatex dielectric grease on Google.

Title: Re: Model boating in salt water.
Post by: treeboa on September 08, 2011, 08:36:28 am

dont forget to flush any cooling systems through after use

Title: Re: Model boating in salt water.
Post by: Circlip on September 08, 2011, 11:20:53 am

Quote

Look up Permatex dielectric grease on Google.

 Look up "Vaseline" at the Chemist.

  Regards  Ian.