NEW Pro Boat RECOIL 26" Self-Righting!!

[Darin Jordan]

If anyone has a suggestion on tabs and fins, please let me know.

Second set of stock trim-tabs, with the fins cut off... I think these turn-fins are from an IM31... But with different brackets...

20160330_202559.jpg 20160330_201757.jpg


Hasn't been tested AT ALL yet... I'm going to do that in about... well... about 1 hour from now. :)

[rcdrivertim]

Receiver

I've had mine for nearly a month now as well. Having some transmitter issues, but it will be fine.
I'm really enjoying the boat. I took the weighted coupler out and running 3s, 5000mah and its fun, with some good run times. Self righting feature works like a charm.

That being said, I'd be interested in some upgrades as well, looking for some larger trim tabs and fins

Be VERY careful with the receiver issues. I had the same problems. Almost lost it. HH had to send me a replacement but I don't trust it now since you have the same issues as I did. I have had the issues from the first day. Have not had to use the self righting feature yet. LOL Does the 5000mah battery make it lean to the left? What kind of run times are you getting with the 5000mah pack?

In enclosing, the distance I had problems with was under 100 feet. I put an on-road receiver from Spektrum and ran it with my Spektrum DX3S. Seemed okay. I didn't push the distance.

[Rafael_Lopez]

Radio range with the Pro Boat radio system is only 150-200 feet, less if the antenna is facing away from you.

[Mitch S]

I too have a new receiver on its way. Yes, it happened from the first battery.
HH has been great! A new one is on the way.

I just ran a 5200mah battery, It was a little choppy in my lake, and I flipped like 4 times :) No issue what so ever, Just stab the throttle, and flips right back over! Yes, it does lean to the left. It makes the handling very odd. It carves a nice turn when turning right. Turn sharp left, and it nose dives, water goes over the top. You must tape the lid.

I"ll say it again, great boat, fast, fun, a hoot to drive.

[rcdrivertim]

Receiver

Radio range with the Pro Boat radio system is only 150-200 feet, less if the antenna is facing away from you.

I am VERY surprised the boat only has a range of 150 to 200 feet. With the speed it has it will pass that range quickly. Most smaller ponds are bigger than 200 feet. Also, I just remember I had range issues UNDER 150 feet. Rafael, will a car receiver work on this boat? It will be inside of a balloon to protect it from water. The antennae is not long enough to come through regular tube. The ABS hull should not interfere with the range, correct?

[Darin Jordan]

Honestly, if you are going to run RC Boats, I'd opt for an upgraded radio system and just plan on running that in all your boats. You can get a VERY reasonably priced mulit-Model Spektrum TX for about $100.00, with 20-Model Memory and compatible with the latest Spektrum waterproof RXs (SR210, SR310, etc.)...

Then you don't have to worry about some of these lower end supplied TXs. Those get you running, but everyone ALWAYS wants/expects more than these provide. :)

http://www.spektrumrc.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdId=SPM4200W

[Darin Jordan]

Also, RXs for boats with these TXs are inexpensive. Here is the SR210... 2-CH, waterproof, etc... $29.99....

http://www.spektrumrc.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=SPMSR210

[Rafael_Lopez]

Using the stock radio for boats is nothing new. We've been doing this for over a year know with the Blackjack 24 and Shockwave 26, with no complaints other than a bad RX/Tx here or there; nothing abnormal. A DX2e with a 310Rx is $60 if you want more range. "Car" receivers will work in any application. The only materials that hinder the performance of 2.4 are tightly woven composites like Carbon or Kevlar. Keep in mind that water deflects 2.4 radio waves so if the antenna is to low in the hull, range will suffer.

[rcdrivertim]

Rafael, I understand what you are saying. The antenna isn't very long at all. I would say 3 to 4". This the older receiver from my DX3S. I like the radio very much. What do you think the range would be using this set up? Also since the antenna on the receiver I got with my DX3S is just a bit above the receiver would be okay to get more than 200 feet?

[rcdrivertim]

Honestly, if you are going to run RC Boats, I'd opt for an upgraded radio system and just plan on running that in all your boats. You can get a VERY reasonably priced mulit-Model Spektrum TX for about $100.00, with 20-Model Memory and compatible with the latest Spektrum waterproof RXs (SR210, SR310, etc.)...

Then you don't have to worry about some of these lower end supplied TXs. Those get you running, but everyone ALWAYS wants/expects more than these provide. :)

http://www.spektrumrc.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdId=SPM4200W

Darin, I would hate to buy another surface radio when I have the DX3S which cost me over $200.00

[Darin Jordan]

Darin, I would hate to buy another surface radio when I have the DX3S which cost me over $200.00

Obviously, but you didn't mention that, did you??

Was just trying to help.

[rcdrivertim]

I don't understand Darin. I know everyone is here to help and I appreciate it. I wasn't implying anything else. I meant no disrespect. Most people would not want to spend the money on another radio in an RTR that is $300.00. Proboat should realized that or at least listed that in their advertising. I would have returned mine or just not ordered it. Don't get me wrong, I like the boat very much. I think they should have offered an ARR. I would not have bought the boat knowing the lack of distance in the radio. Since I have driven it I doubt I can exchange it for a better model.

Again, I meant no offense.

[Darin Jordan]

Again, I meant no offense.

No worries...

Having the DX3S available, you have several RX options that will work. Is this a recent DX3S, or have you had it awhile? I ask, because it makes a difference on what RXs will work well with it.

If it's OLDER, then you can always find some 2nd hand MR200s and you'll never have range concerns again. If it's newer, then the RX I posted above will work well.

I think the reason Pro Boat can't/doesn't provide ARR any longer is that it's simply one more stocking item. It's less expensive and more practical for them to offer these as RTR. And, it likely gets more people involved.

Never ideal situations, but with RTR stuff, there are always production compromises somewhere.

[rcdrivertim]

Hey Darin.

I understand everything you said. It does make sense about one more item to stock. By the way my DX3S is the older one. I will look for a MR200. I have a 4 channel in there now with the shorter antennae. It cannot go up into the antennae tube though. Do you think that will be a problem?

[Darin Jordan]

Hey Darin.

I understand everything you said. It does make sense about one more item to stock. By the way my DX3S is the older one. I will look for a MR200. I have a 4 channel in there now with the shorter antennae. It cannot go up into the antennae tube though. Do you think that will be a problem?

Shouldn't be, but radios are finicky. If you get the antenna as high in the hull as you can, you should be fine at reasonable ranges. I used to velocro my RXs upside down under the upper side of the hull to get the antennas out all the way. Keeps water out mostly too. :)