Hi Dave
You might like to build something like I have. Its cheap, easy to build and goes very well.
Hull - block of polystyrene foam, 25" x 11" x 3". Taper the underneath from 1" at the bows to full depth at 8 " back from the bows.
Cover with thin balsa ( I covered the underneath of mine with thin styrene sheet but I like to slide it up our concrete slipway when leaving the water)
Hollow out to take the radio gear (mine is in a small waterproof box - a mini size rx and a small aircraft size controller.) Also hollow out for the battery pack.
A 500 motor using an MFA Olympus belt drive gearbox with a 9" prop gives plenty of push on a 7 cell pack ( 8.4v)
Balance is very important. Balance the whole lot at 2/3rds back from the bow. Mine weighs 3lbs 14 oz ready to go.
The prop is protected by a hoop of thin ply with the twin rudders (linked together) 9"x2" supported on the hoop at the top and the deck at the bottom.
A standard servo is recessed into the foam and linked to one rudder .
A driver giving an irreverent gesture completes the model
( This is not compulsory though
Don B
Author
Topic: any one out there interested in airboats, or am I the only one building them (Read 9533 times)