Dark Horse Shovel prop suggestions

[marko500]

I'm setting up a couple Dark Horse shovels for me and my son to start racing each other. Both are powered with SV27 1500kv stock motors on 4s batteries. Wondering what prop would be a good starting point on these boats. Thanks.

Mark

[raptor347]

I'd run an M645. But what do I know.

[marko500]

Thanks, I have one of those in my prop box too. If it makes you feel any better you know a hell of alot more then I do!! LOL

Mark

[tomstoys2]

Hey Mark,
I bought mine from 6s Hydro and he said he ran a prather 220 s/b for high speed runs hitting 50.9, for Lsh racing used a 440/3.
I have a 440/3,x442 and a x642 I figured I would try.
Tom

[marko500]

Tom, I have the 440/3, x442, x642 in regular and some detounged also.

Mark

[Fluid]

An x440 has too low a Kv to hit much speed with that low rpm SV motor. It is a good prop for the UL-1 motor - which the OP does not have. Expect maybe 40 mph with the x440, and high-40s with the x645. The above assuming decent packs and setup.

I'd follow the suggestion of the guy who designed the boat - even if he doesn't know much....

.

[marko500]

Jay, I was planning on following Brians suggestion. I agree that I won't get a better answer than from the designer of the boat.

How about air dams on these hulls. One of the ones I picked up has one (tape) and one does not. What do you guys have to say about those to the guys who REALLY don't know much (but are willing to listen and learn).

Thanks,
Mark

[raptor347]

I usually ended up running a 1/2" deep tape air dam 3" back from the nose. It didn't need it as much in the days of round cells. But today's lighter and more powerful systems require it.

[Fluid]

I run my Dark Horse with an air dam 1/2" high 3" back from the nose....now where did I learn about that...?

I also set the CG about 1/4" back of the sponson transom. Our club runs an N-2 "spec" sport hydro class: everyone has a Feigao 7L and an x440 prop, ESCs and hulls are optional. They run mid-40s and allow us to recycle our old LSH boats. Lots of fun!

[marko500]

There's no one racing FE around here. In fact there are only a couple of us around here that run regularly. We have a couple more guys planning to join us this summer. My son was bitten by the racing bug running his SV against one of the other guys. We figured a couple Dark Horses would be a fun start for me and him and we convinced Tom to join in.
Both the hulls I picked up were formerly raced and I have them with the CG already set where you recommend. I will add a air dam to the other one and go with the recommended prop and take it from there.
Kind of nice to have an 18yr old son who still has something he enjoys doing with, spending time with, and in common the "old man". Thanks FE.

Mark

[madgadget]

truly priceless.

[tomstoys2]

truly priceless.

Obviously madgadget, you haven't spent any time with Mark!

Mark,
What speeds do you think we should shoot for?
Tom

[marko500]

I don't know about speeds Tom. How about we see what mine can do and you and my son can shoot for just a little bit less! Well maybe ALOT less, I'm a terrible driver.


Mark

[madgadget]

originally posted by tomstoy2

Obviously madgadget, you haven't spent any time with Mark!

Still laughing at that one and here I was thinking that I was witnessing a kodak moment