Model Boat Mayhem

Please login or register.

Login with username, password and session length.
Pages: [1]   Go Down

Author Topic: Model boating in salt water.  (Read 2797 times)

sandy1000

  • Guest
Model boating in salt water.
« 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?
Logged

unbuiltnautilus

  • Portsmouth Model Boat Display Team
  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Online Online
  • Posts: 3,154
  • Location: Portsmouth, England, third rock from the Sun....
Re: Model boating in salt water.
« Reply #1 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. :-))
Logged
Listen politely, nod approvingly, then do what you want, works for me!

alan colson

  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 693
  • I Just Dabble In Model Boats
  • Location: West Sussex
Re: Model boating in salt water.
« Reply #2 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
Logged

sandy1000

  • Guest
Re: Model boating in salt water.
« Reply #3 on: March 19, 2011, 11:25:29 pm »

Thanks for the advice.
Logged

malcolmfrary

  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 6,027
  • Location: Blackpool, Lancs, UK
Re: Model boating in salt water.
« Reply #4 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.
Logged
"With the right tool, you can break anything" - Garfield

john s 2

  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 1,172
  • Location: Southend on Sea Essex
Re: Model boating in salt water.
« Reply #5 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.
Logged

irishcarguy

  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 2,371
  • Happiness is running from a grizzly and escaping
  • Location: Calgary N. W. Alberta, Canada
    • Britishcars International. org.
Re: Model boating in salt water.
« Reply #6 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.
Logged
Mick B.

treeboa

  • Guest
Re: Model boating in salt water.
« Reply #7 on: September 08, 2011, 08:36:28 am »

dont forget to flush any cooling systems through after use
Logged

Circlip

  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 4,451
  • Location: North of Watford, South of Hadrians wall
Re: Model boating in salt water.
« Reply #8 on: September 08, 2011, 11:20:53 am »

Quote
Look up Permatex dielectric grease on Google.

 Look up "Vaseline" at the Chemist.

  Regards  Ian.
Logged
You might not like what I say, but that doesn't mean I'm wrong.
 
What I said is not what you  think you heard.
Pages: [1]   Go Up
 

Page created in 0.1 seconds with 22 queries.