HOMEMADE RC CATAMARAN CONSTRUCTION
Building
radio controlled boats is a little more involved than building static model
boats, but if you ask me, it's twice the fun. This page is a hub for articles
that addresses some of the additional ingenuity that is required when building
a model RC boat.
RC Boat Plans
If you
want to scratch build an RC boat, first thing to do is to get yourself a set of
plans. I'm currently offering the following RC boat plans:
The fist
of a series of plans are now released. The first one is an easy-to-build cabin
cruiser. Follow the link above for more information about the plans. Build logs
will follow promptly.
This is
my version of the PT 109 - an Elco 80-foot PT boat from WW2. Follow the link
above for more information.
When it
comes to selecting an RC radio, there are a number of options including AM, FM,
2.4GHz, multifunction, pistol grip or stick etc. Follow the link above for more
information.
One
important note: don't ever use a radio frequency dedicated for airplanes for
your radio controlled boat. It's against the law and you may be held liable for
damages you cause from interference. It could be serious, life or death, so
don't do it.
Learn
more about servos (follow link above).
RC Boat Steering
- Learn more about RC boat rudders
- Make a simple brass model boat rudder
- Make a simple rudder linkage
- Simple RC model boat rudder
RC Boat Propulsion
- Learn
about, and find cheap brushed motors for your model boats
- How
to size your model boat motor
- Brushless motors explained
- Make
your own Model Boat Propeller Shaft
- Learn about batteries suitable for model
boats
RC boat propellers
RC boat
propellers come in many shapes for different purposes.
- Material
– plastic, bronze, brass or stainless steel
- Mounting
– threaded or with dog adapter
- Pitch
– medium pitch for scale models or high pitch for speed
- Surface
piercing or traditional
- Number
of blades – two, three, four or more
- Direction
– left or right
As with
real sailboats, there is something extra cool about being powered solely by the
wind. These model boats are equipped with one or more sail winch servos that
control the sheets and one servo for steering. Many have drop-keels for added
stability. Follow the link above for more info.
RC Scale Model Boat
RC scale
model boats is probably the broadest radio controlled boats category. Popular
subjects are tugboats, warships, pleasure crafts, fishing boats etc. Sometimes you’ll
see novelties like jet skis, hydrofoils and row boats.
People
have different standards when it comes to scale. Usually within the radio
control boats community, you are your hardest judge. If that is not enough, you
can enter your model in national and international meets and competitions.
RC Power Boats
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These
suckers are fast. There are many kits available of Deep Vee, Hydroplanes,
Tunnel hulls, Catamarans, Offshore racers, Water jet and stepped hulls.
If you
are into radio controlled boat racing, there are numerous international classes
based on hull form, size and engine.
Model Boat Engines
The most
common IC model engines for fast radio controlled boats today are Nitro or Gas
powered. Back in the days, and they seem to enjoy a little bit of a comeback
are model diesel engines.
Nitro RC
boats are powered by a glow engine. The fuel is a mixture of methanol,
nitro-methane and oil. Different mix ratios are promoted for different
purposes. Traditionally, the oil is castor oil.
Gas RC
boats are powered by a small two-stroke gasoline engine. The fuel is a mix of
gasoline (or petrol for those not in the USA) and two-stroke oil.
Small is
a relative term, today's model gasoline engines for model boats are usually
26cc and up. In hobby terms, this is a big engine. Big engines need a big hull,
so if your storage and transportation options are limited, you may need to
consider Nitro or electric.
RC model warship combat
This is a
form of war gaming where warship models are equipped with CO2 powered BB guns
and shoot each other up. The hulls are skinned with a thin layer of balsa
veneer to enable the BB's to penetrate the hulls with less power for safety
reasons.
The radio
controlled boats are also equipped with bilge pumps. At some point, if your
ship takes enough hits, the capacity of your pump will be insufficient to stay
afloat. At this point expect cheers from the opposing team. Get your swim
trunks out.
Model Steam Boats
Steam
power has its own following and the most dedicated builders make their own
steam plants. Steam engines are not cheap, but definitely have their charm.
When shopping for steam engines suitable for radio controlled boats, be sure to
get one that is reversible. Another feature that is nice to have is a self
starting design. To be self starting it requires at least two cylinders driving
up the price further.
RC Boat Hulls
Buying a
ready made RC boat hull and finish it yourself has some advantages. You'll save
time compared to building the radio controlled boat hull from scratch. At the
same time it costs less than building a kit. You'll also have the advantage of
picking out all the components yourself.
RC model boat kits
There are
a large number of RC model boat kits available on the market today. Just about
all types of radio controlled boats come as a kit from somewhere. Some of the
more well known manufacturers include:
- Dumas
- Midwest
- Billing
- Calder
Craft
- Dean's
Marine
- Kyosho
- Graupner
- Robbe
- Pro
Boat
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