Converting at gas boat to electric, need advise.

[stelerzman]

Thanks lenny, how much do you think I should cut off the stuffing tube?

[srislash]

I have some parts in to start mocking up the locations of the electronics. Ie batteries, motor, esc, servo and receiver. Here are some pic's, help me out if I'm going in the wrong direction. Thanks.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]106737[/ATTACH]

[ATTACH=CONFIG]106738[/ATTACH]


Thank you for any help or advice you can offer.

I think the motor where the ESC is in the pic would be good. I would keep the motor behind that 9.5" mark but with adequate room to work on the motor bolts/ coupler. You will have plenty of room forward of motor then to set batteries to get your balance.
What kv(ie:2000) is that motor

[stelerzman]

It's a Turnigy 4082 1500kv motor.

[srislash]

So the tube can be cut 3/4" behind where the motor shaft ends when in its mounted position. This will leave room for the coupler and and such

[stelerzman]

I was able to take a closer look at the stuffing tube and the motor placement. Here's the problem I'm seeing. As of now the motor would
be aprox. 1/2" off the bottom of the hull, which concerns me because if water should get it the motor would not have enough clearence to stay out of the water. Also, if I shorten the stuffing tube then the motor would be evan lower in the hull.

Here are some pic's for verification.

20131022_153637.jpg

20131022_153626.jpg

20131022_153338.jpg

[lenny]

You just need to keep it dry in there,
The motor will get wet from time to time in most boats.
Just need to dry them out when that happen and coat them with WD 40 or CorrosionX,
Before they get wet.
All my boats have the motor as low as I can get them to the hulls floor.
I think it helps with keep them top side up in a roll over and coming off of some good wakes to,
My Little Modded Rio that I never use tape on gets wet almost every time I run in heavy chop.
But it is still running very good with very old and cheap parts in it.
I just bring it in and drain it out and put a fresh pack in and send it back out,
Than when I get home from running I just let it dry out good and sometimes I lube it with some WD 40.
But it is nice if you can keep the water out side of the hull.

[stelerzman]

Thanks for the info lenny, after looking at the pic's do you think I should still shorten the stuffing tube and if so to what length???

[stelerzman]

I have to admit that this site, OSE, has THE best smilies EVER.

[lenny]

I think 5" is looking pretty good.
But remember measure three times cut once,
Or replace the whole tube and start over again.

[stelerzman]

Ok, thanks. How do I Remove the old stuffing tube? Can I use ss for a new one?

[lenny]

Very carefully with a Jack hammer works for me.
SS will work, But just very hard to shape and bend,
Must use brass for that reason because it is soft and will not rust to.

[stelerzman]

Do you think heating the tube will soften the resin enough to release it?

[srislash]

Heating the tube is the way to go. If you have a good wattage solder iron just stick it in/on the tube for awhile. Still takes pliers and pressure though.

[stelerzman]

Heating the tube is the way to go. If you have a good wattage solder iron just stick it in/on the tube for awhile. Still takes pliers and pressure though.

That was my idea, thanks.

[srislash]

I did my old 45" Dumas with Dremal grind wheels around the tube as there was too much epoxy around the tube and too old. Not to mention huge tube.