RTR or Build a FE Boat?

[markymizzle]

Well I think this summer I def. need to get into a FE boat. So I have a few questions to ask....

I need a boat that can handle pretty well because where I will be using it isn't 100% smooth all the time, so I am thinking a bigger hull might be the fix.

Really want to go all out and get a boat that'll do close to if not more then 50mph. I know it might be a tall order but it's my goal.

So what should I do...get a bare hull and start from there, or pick up a SuperVee, ditch the stock motor/esc and upgrade?

[ace028]

Well I think this summer I def. need to get into a FE boat. So I have a few questions to ask....

I need a boat that can handle pretty well because where I will be using it isn't 100% smooth all the time, so I am thinking a bigger hull might be the fix.

Really want to go all out and get a boat that'll do close to if not more then 50mph. I know it might be a tall order but it's my goal.

So what should I do...get a bare hull and start from there, or pick up a SuperVee, ditch the stock motor/esc and upgrade?

Building your own boat is fun, but....you have to know what components will work for what application you doing, I'm sure you don't want to burn up batteries and ESC's and motors. I think that the supervee is a great starting point, its ready to run, and is pretty quick, and you can easily upgrade it. I think it would be a good foundation for a starting point. As you become more familiar with running it and seeing how different props or batteries affect speed, and torque and component temps, then you can move on to build your own.

If you decide to build your own, feel free to ask questions, there are FE veterans on this forum that can answer all your questions, and steer you in the right direction to help avoid blowing stuff up.

[Eodman]

Speed is Money .. the faster you go the faster the money goes!

There's a learning curve to any speed sport. There's a jump to learning from just a Traxxas Villian to a super stock Supervee! A lot of new people have given up on this hobby due to frustration with boats flipping and then not running until things dry out usually the next day or so! Learning curve here also!

Even with road racing experience, I have a hard time translating what's happening with the boat at speed! I believe its because I'm not in the boat but rather 10, 20 sometimes 75 yards away on land when things start happening! The faster you go the faster you have to read & react!

[properchopper]

re :

Markymizzle, most of us started out with one rtr or another. Then modify, modify, modify. I learned most all the basic building skills doing that. Then, started buying used raceboats from the swap shops. Then started with bare hulls & went from there.Either way over time you'll end up with what pleases you. The fun for me has been in the journey there just as much as the end result. Regardless, and , as ace208 says, ask questions and we'll jump in and gladly help.

[Eodman]

Mark this will be my second year in this hobby, let me tell you ... all these guys are really helpful & will share their knowledge in a heartbeat!

Just remember, they also have real jobs so they may not be on as often as some of us!

Don't be afraid to ask!!!!

[markymizzle]

Thanks for the posts. The more I think about it, a SuperVee and some quality lipo's is likely where I'll start.

Think I could break 40mph with a "Stock" SV and Lipo (maybe a few different props etc.)?

[Eodman]

One more tidbit to remember your boat is going to handle different when you are racing side by side with others! When you are alone you only have to contend with your wake, ... now put two or three other boats throwing up water & handling changes! So don't dial your boat in to run real loose!

[Flying Scotsman]

Very good advice from all. Do not get all stoked up about speed. You will even find a stock SV27 plenty fast to start with and for the price, it is great value.

Douggie

[Bill-SOCAL]

I agree. The SV is a great place to start. FE seems obsessed with the top speed. And with trying to push hulls past their natural limits. I get no joy from retrieving boats so end to set them up so I can pick them up at the shoreline.

In race water a 35 mph SV is more than competitive and you can do that with 4S Lipos and a GrimRacer 42x55prop. They are a blast to race too!!

[Darin Jordan]

In race water a 35 mph SV is more than competitive and you can do that with 4S Lipos and a GrimRacer 42x55prop. They are a blast to race too!!

Also of note...

When you are running by yourself, speed seems more important... There's only so much you can do by yourself...

However... when you are racing with 5 other boats... speed is really irrelevant... You can be doing 25mph in N1-Mono or 50mph in P-Mono... or 35mph in SV27... the thrill is all really the same... How fast you are going becomes irrelevant... how COMPETITIVE you are becomes everything...

THE best races I've been in or seen have been in boats where no one was going over 35mph... the most recent being a couple of TS-2 Tunnel races last season... It's a LOT more thilling to race neck and neck with someone and make a pass that it is to outspend them and just blow by them...

[Bill-SOCAL]

Well said. And victory does not always (usually even) go to the fastest boat.

[Eodman]

My son & I have Supervees that we run together and its fun! We have a Villian for a go get it boat!

We have a few more ... a bigger twin drive Toysport that I'm just finishing but the one I enjoy the most so far is the one I built last year! It has 2 outboards on it and is a Mean Machine hull, It's fun to drive, turns on a dime and looks cool! Did my research and got all my questions answered on this site!

I don't have any pictures of it on the water yet but I do have this one sitting in dry dock!

[Ctonez]

Also of note...

When you are running by yourself, speed seems more important... There's only so much you can do by yourself...

However... when you are racing with 5 other boats... speed is really irrelevant... You can be doing 25mph in N1-Mono or 50mph in P-Mono... or 35mph in SV27... the thrill is all really the same... How fast you are going becomes irrelevant... how COMPETITIVE you are becomes everything...

THE best races I've been in or seen have been in boats where no one was going over 35mph... the most recent being a couple of TS-2 Tunnel races last season... It's a LOT more thilling to race neck and neck with someone and make a pass that it is to outspend them and just blow by them...

This is a really important and well-stated point. Racing against someone - especially if the racing is close - is easily the most fun you can have with a model boat IMO & IME. The SV27 will get you there with minimal cost and maximum enjoyment...I should know, I have 2 of 'em, and that was the boat that got me started.

to answer your Q Markymizzle:
Yes, an SV with Lipos and some tweaking oughta get you to 40+ without much trouble.

[markymizzle]

Right now I have a maxamps 3s 8000HV lipo...any idea what type of speeds I'll get outta running this in an SV? I know it can handle a 4S lipo but I'm curious what it'll do with the one I have...

[Old Sloppy]

Can you run a SV27 on 4s Lipo power ?

Can it be run on 5s Lipo ?

I mean the stock boat with stock ESC & motor ....

Harry