Mean Machine Build!

[Kevinlei324]

Hey, I'm relatively new to FE boats. This is the first boat that I'm building completely from the ground up (aside from the purchased hull). I bought all the parts I need from Steve. I'm aiming to make a boat that would go low 50's mph. This is what I have ordered:

Mean Machine 29.5"x 11" Hull
2 Venom Lipos: 4s 35c 5000mah (Specs from Steve's advice)
Swordfish 200
Leopard 4074 2200kv

The configuration I was recommended to run the boat at is 4s2p. I was told that some batteries may not be able to handle such a high discharge (35c), and can cause issues for the ESC.

Does anyone have any advice on a setup?
I have an Octura x637 Prop right now, but was told that the x442 would be a better start.

Any suggestions on the prop and battery setup? I'm worried that the total output of the 4s2p setup with 35c 5000mah batteries would destroy the ESC. Please help! Thanks!

[blackcat26]

A high discharge rate of the batteries is a good thing not a bad thing. It won't hurt at all unless you do not have enough "juice" to supply the esc/motor. Both those props are good starting points in my opinion. The are almost identical in their overall pitch measurement. It sounds like you are on the right track my friend. Welcome to the Forum.

[Kevinlei324]

Thanks for your reassurance!

But here is what I understand from the prop difference:
Although the both props have extremely similar pitches, the x442 is LARGER. Larger props are better for helping the boat get on plane.

[Chilli]

Your motor/esc shouldnt draw more than roughly 150 amps unless you over prop and that estimate is conservatively high. Each one of your packs can discharge 175 amps (5.000mAh X 35C) and since you will be running two packs in parallel you can double the discharge capacity of the batteries to 350 amps. Having packs that have more than twice the discharge rate that the motor can draw is a very good thing. Less heat on the all your gear and increased battery life.

Great first boat and nice equipment selection though I'm not too familiar with the Leapord motors. The larger diameter 442 will give you less cavitation at the start. Don't worry about going 50 till you learn how to drive the boat or you'll spend alot of time retrieving a flipped boat. Then you can try larger props checking for heat every minute or two.

[keithbradley]

Your motor/esc shouldnt draw more than roughly 150 amps unless you over prop and that estimate is conservatively high. Each one of your packs can discharge 175 amps (5.000mAh X 35C) and since you will be running two packs in parallel you can double the discharge capacity of the batteries to 350 amps. Having packs that have more than twice the discharge rate that the motor can draw is a very good thing. Less heat on the all your gear and increased battery life.

Great first boat and nice equipment selection though I'm not too familiar with the Leapord motors. The larger diameter 442 will give you less cavitation at the start. Don't worry about going 50 till you learn how to drive the boat or you'll spend alot of time retrieving a flipped boat. Then you can try larger props checking for heat every minute or two.

The Leopard motors are great. This one is very similar in performance to a Neu 1515-1y. I have had both and they performed about equally.

I agree with the above post that 50mph should be a goal for down the road. Starting with a somewhat conservative prop wont get you 50mph+ right off the bat, but it will give you the opportunity to move up slowly and not go up in smoke right away.
Your prop choice will have a large effect on current draw, your batteries just need to be up to the challenge.

Good luck with the build. It sounds like it will be a fun boat.

[Rich]

Hey, I'm relatively new to FE boats. This is the first boat that I'm building completely from the ground up (aside from the purchased hull). I bought all the parts I need from Steve. I'm aiming to make a boat that would go low 50's mph. This is what I have ordered:

Mean Machine 29.5"x 11" Hull
2 Venom Lipos: 4s 35c 5000mah (Specs from Steve's advice)
Swordfish 200
Leopard 4074 2200kv

The configuration I was recommended to run the boat at is 4s2p. I was told that some batteries may not be able to handle such a high discharge (35c), and can cause issues for the ESC.

Does anyone have any advice on a setup?
I have an Octura x637 Prop right now, but was told that the x442 would be a better start.

Any suggestions on the prop and battery setup? I'm worried that the total output of the 4s2p setup with 35c 5000mah batteries would destroy the ESC. Please help! Thanks!

Welcome to the forum! I have the same setup as you and with the leopard 4074 2200kv and 4s2p, I used an X640 prop and hit speeds in the high 40's pulling around 140 peak amps. This would be a great setup for you, I WOULD RECOMMEND adding extra caps such as these http://www.offshoreelectrics.com/pro...prod=etti-e041 this will help cushion the esc from voltage changes just as a precaution. If you want to hit high 50's you could bump this setup to 5s2p BUT ONLY RUN FOR ABOUT 3 MIN MAX AT A TIME, I hit 57 mph on 5s2p, but drawing 180 peak amps, this unfortunately blew my esc. All in all your going to love this hull / Leopard motor setup, very reliable. Have fun! Shoot me a message if you need help/ pics with setting up the COG etc...

[Kevinlei324]

Thanks guys!
I really appreciate your help. I'm a college student and was planning to build this thing when I get home for Thanksgiving with my family...
I'm more excited to build this than ever!
Thanks again for the lesson!

[Rich]

No problem we are here to help!

[Kevinlei324]

Hey guys! I finished my build last night!
I'm happy I finished my first boat in one day... Took me about 16 hours though...
I hooked everything up:
4s2p 5000mah 35c each
4074 2200kv Leopard Motor
Swordfish 200 ESC
Marine MR3000 Receiver
s200 Spectrum Servo
DX3E Transmitter
I'm going to start with the x442, and prop up to x642
My CG is 27% forward of the transom

I'm running this setup with an inline rudder... I was so obsessed in finishing my boat, I forgot to take pictures as I was going!

I greased the flexshaft and all too. I can't wait to test this thing out!


PLEASE share some thoughts and tips before I run this boat!!!

[Kevinlei324]

P.S. I owe my sincere gratitude to this amazing forum ; My knowledge of boats greatly expanded due to extremely helpful- and most importantly- patient members of this forum. With your help and wealth of knowledge, I felt as if I knew exactly what I was doing (almost) during this build and completed my build with confidence.

Thank you all!
To this forum and all its great members.

[JCAustralia]

Congratulation Kevin

Pics are a must Can't wait to see some pics.

I just completed mine also after 1 year Enjoy.

[Rich]

Hey guys! I finished my build last night!
I'm happy I finished my first boat in one day... Took me about 16 hours though...
I hooked everything up:
4s2p 5000mah 35c each
4074 2200kv Leopard Motor
Swordfish 200 ESC
Marine MR3000 Receiver
s200 Spectrum Servo
DX3E Transmitter
I'm going to start with the x442, and prop up to x642
My CG is 27% forward of the transom

I'm running this setup with an inline rudder... I was so obsessed in finishing my boat, I forgot to take pictures as I was going!

I greased the flexshaft and all too. I can't wait to test this thing out!


PLEASE share some thoughts and tips before I run this boat!!!

Excellent I want to check some think on you boat that helped me out. I would like to see a pic of the rear! I would first try the strut 1/4 inch up from the bottom of the sponson. This will help lower the amp draw. I would also put the strut 1.5 degree up on the prop end and try the C.O.G at 33%. One more thing, CHECK YOUR TEMPS! Run the boat for only a min or two and bring her in. Do you have water cooling on the motor and esc?

[Kevinlei324]

Congratulation Kevin

Pics are a must Can't wait to see some pics.

I just completed mine also after 1 year Enjoy.

Great build! let me know how it runs.. I'm going to upload some pics tomorrow... My computer is acting up..

[Kevinlei324]

Excellent I want to check some think on you boat that helped me out. I would like to see a pic of the rear! I would first try the strut 1/4 inch up from the bottom of the sponson. This will help lower the amp draw. I would also put the strut 1.5 degree up on the prop end and try the C.O.G at 33%. One more thing, CHECK YOUR TEMPS! Run the boat for only a min or two and bring her in. Do you have water cooling on the motor and esc?

Makes a lot of sense to raise the strut...
I'll upload the pics tomorrow...
i ran with the x442 today, and the temps were great! Both the ESC and the motor stayed relatively cool.
COG during today's run was at 27%. Next time, I'll try it at 33%

I ran on rough waters today with 15 - 20 mph winds... It ran about 40 mph!!:rockon:

HOWEVER, the rough waters flipped my boat and tossed it head over heels... Even in a straight pass... The hull was FLOODED. I think it burnt out the ESC...

After I emptied the hull, I tried running the boat dry, and the motor stuttered... At first, I thought it was the motor because it got water in it. Even at a brief full throttle, the motor stuttered, then suddenly roared to full power, but BOTH the ESC and motor became warm REALLY fast... When I got home, I attached the motor with my truck ESC and it ran beautifully. But back on the drowned Swordfish, it stuttered, then ran smooth after a couple of seconds. Then...

I feel like such an idiot running the boat on such rough waters...

If I have to get another ESC, which would you guys recommend? I'm looking at either another Swordfish 200, or the Hobbywing 180a... I'm naturally skeptical of the Swordfish although I'm pretty sure it was my fault it went ...

[Rich]

Cool I'll keep an eye out for the pics. That sucks it went BOOM! If you put the bottom of the strut up 1/4" from the bottom of the sponsons it does 2 things: 1. less prop in the water = less amps and 2. less prop in the water less lift (from my experiences). I have no idea what esc, since i have went through two, did you use the B.E.C on the esc? I have had bad luck with using one, I use a 6cell nimth pack instead. The etti 150 opto without bec is good, the only reason why mine went were because of my stupidity. I would most def. move the packs forward more since it flipped. I have ran mine in rough water going full throttle at 57mph and haven't flipped it. Thought it took many many flips for me to get the cog right. Don't be afraid to run it a little wet at first then slowly move the packs back.