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    Airboat, getting back to it
    25 Posts ยท 10 Followers ยท 65 Photos ยท 121 Likes
    Began 4 years ago by
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    Latest Post 1 year ago by
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    ๐Ÿ“ AIRBOAT - NEW CAMERA MOUNT
    1 year ago by ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฟ jbkiwi ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 39 Views ยท 3 Likes ยท 3 Comments
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    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Add Comment
    I'm re purposing the airboat as a camera boat, as I found it's a bit too heavy and needs more freeboard. Goes well but I think I'll build a better one as it's a bit battery hungry. Recently bought a cheap kit of camera mounts, and one of them was just the ticket for mounting a camera in a better place. The bracket I've used is for a motorbike helmet camera, but as I sold my last bike a few years ago, I won't be needing it.

    I removed the camera mount base from the rear behind the prop where it was originally, and attached it to the foredeck along with the helmet bracket. The bracket can be moved to any position or the whole thing unscrewed and turned 180 deg to lean out over the bow.

    I might be adding twin hull extensions with rudders to lift the boat up as well (catamaran like) and changing the motor for a less hungry one. Can't believe it's been 2 years since it was finished !

    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: AIRBOAT - NEW CAMERA MOUNT
    1 year ago by ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ pressonreguardless ( Commodore)
    โœง 26 Views ยท 1 Like
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    Thanks, JB
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    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: AIRBOAT - NEW CAMERA MOUNT
    1 year ago by ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฟ jbkiwi ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 31 Views ยท 1 Like
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    Hi Trev, have used a number of the smaller 'sports cams' (2 older US Vivitar models and a copy, plus an SJ type (common cheap square type) I recently bought a Kaiser Baas x450 (was an Australian sports equipment crowd which sold them, but bought out by an NZ company when they went broke) which takes very good videos and photos, but haven't tried it on a boat yet. I'll try the cheaper ones first on the airboat, just to be safe๐Ÿ˜

    Each one came with a waterproof case which was handy, - I have tried them under water a few times and they work quite well, (pic from underwater in a rock pool) Fun just letting them float in a rock pool and seeing what comes out.

    JB
    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: AIRBOAT - NEW CAMERA MOUNT
    1 year ago by ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ pressonreguardless ( Commodore)
    โœง 29 Views ยท 1 Like
    Flag
    Hey JB.
    What do you use for a camera. I have been considering a camera boat if I put any of my boats
    in the water๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿคฃ๐Ÿคฃ
    I truly am worse than a Mother Hen with my babies๐Ÿ™„๐Ÿ™„
    Trev
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    ๐Ÿ“ Airboat, getting back to it (mods)
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฟ jbkiwi ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 39 Views ยท 4 Likes ยท 4 Comments
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    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Add Comment
    Finally got round to improving the steering. It tended to slide a bit much on turns, keeping the fingers quite busy, so I've now added 3 - 10x12mm strakes to the bottom, and used the adjustable mount to crank in a bit of down thrust to lift the nose. Works a lot better now (probably gone a bit the other way if anything) but at least it runs straight on full power and turns without spinning. Might halve the down thrust, as I want it to slide a small amount so it steers a bit sharper.

    Vids in the media gallery.

    Also fitted a camera mount so I can use it for filming . I have also swapped the 9X RX for a an HK 6DF RX and re bound it to the 6DF TX I use for small planes. This will enable it to be used as a rescue boat without clashing with the 6DF TX (modded for boats) I am using for most of the boats, (except the Hartley model which uses the 9X TX as more channels were required)

    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Airboat, getting back to it (mods)
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ญ๐Ÿ‡บ MouldBuilder ( Vice Admiral)
    โœง 46 Views ยท 2 Likes
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    That really does look a mean machine now JB. Will seek out the video now.
    Peter.
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    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Airboat, getting back to it (mods)
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง brianupyonder ( Warrant Officer)
    โœง 37 Views ยท 2 Likes
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    looks nice,allways liked those you see on television in the swamps or other inhabitable places
    brian
    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Airboat, getting back to it (mods)
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฟ jbkiwi ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 37 Views ยท 1 Like
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    Quite correct Martin, - good memory๐Ÿ˜- left to counter the motor torque and down to prevent nosing up. Some planes don't need much of either (high wings often need quite a bit,. This is sort of similar as too much up thrust causes the bow to go down (hence the nose diving in the earlier vids caused by the thrust being parallel )- now has about 2Deg down, (pushing the back down).

    JB
    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Airboat, getting back to it (mods)
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง Martin555 ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 36 Views ยท 1 Like
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    Hi Jb,
    Many years ago i messed about with rc planes and i have a vague recollections of having to angle the motor and propeller of centre and to the left to aid straight flight.

    I may be wrong you know what my memory is like.

    Martin555.
    ๐Ÿ“ Re: Airboat improvement mod.
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฟ jbkiwi ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 41 Views ยท 6 Likes ยท 3 Comments
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    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Add Comment
    Pylon braces now painted black, (to keep Martin happy, - if it looks crap, blame him๐Ÿ˜‚)
    JB

    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Re: Airboat improvement mod.
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฟ jbkiwi ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 37 Views ยท 1 Like
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    Re - With all that fruit on the table it looks like you use your Airboat as a juicer LOL!!
    Absolutely correct Martin, just went down the yard and picked a selection to blend for marmalade๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚
    JB
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    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Re: Airboat improvement mod.
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ญ๐Ÿ‡บ MouldBuilder ( Vice Admiral)
    โœง 37 Views ยท 2 Likes
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    The transformation is amazing with the painted struts JB. I am sure it will go a lot faster like that. Good spot Martin.๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜
    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Re: Airboat improvement mod.
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง Martin555 ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 37 Views ยท 2 Likes
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    Jb,
    I think that looks better.
    With all that fruit on the table it looks like you use your Airboat as a juicer LOL!!

    Martin555.
    ๐Ÿ“ Airboat improvement mod.
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฟ jbkiwi ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 40 Views ยท 5 Likes ยท 4 Comments
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    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Add Comment
    Just fitted some alloy pylon braces, as I think the pylon was flexing under higher throttle and affecting the steering, Seems to have made a slight improvement.

    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Airboat improvement mod.
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ญ๐Ÿ‡บ MouldBuilder ( Vice Admiral)
    โœง 37 Views ยท 2 Likes
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    With teeth.
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    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Airboat improvement mod.
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง Martin555 ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 37 Views ยท 2 Likes
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    Hi Jb,
    I think it should be 'Black' Just to add to that evil look.

    Martin555.
    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Airboat improvement mod.
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฟ jbkiwi ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 38 Views ยท 2 Likes
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    What colour would you suggest Martin? was thinking of polishing them. Orange or black, black or orange, take your pick๐Ÿ˜‚
    JB
    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Airboat improvement mod.
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง Martin555 ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 36 Views ยท 1 Like
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    She looks quite evil now Jb.
    Are you going to paint the new braces ?

    Martin555.
    ๐Ÿ“ Airboat, getting back to it Done!
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฟ jbkiwi ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 43 Views ยท 9 Likes ยท 17 Comments
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    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Add Comment
    Finally got to give the boat a run on the new pond I recently found (only 1km from my place and didn't know it was there, -And I've been travelling 30km to the other one!โ˜น๏ธ๐Ÿ˜) Also spotted 2 more a short distance away which I'll investigate. Boat went really well on the water and was easy to control, (apart from an excursion into the grass๐Ÿ˜) Bit dark to see well, as the sun was going down on the other side of the hill, so I couldn't give it too much power for long, as I was losing sight of it in the shaddows. Turns well (if a bit skippy) and slides without tripping a chine (I built a slight V in the stern which flattens off to the bow) Might add some spray rails, although it stayed pretty dry on the deck with no cockpit leaks.

    I'll do a daylight vid when the sun's up, (been dark and raining lately)so I'll be able to see what it's doing properly, (just couldn't wait any more,- hence the night sailing๐Ÿ˜ Tail light works well! and easy to see for orientation at a distance if you turn slowly.

    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Airboat, getting back to it Done!
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช RNinMunich ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 37 Views ยท 1 Like
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    "(I'd have to tow a barge full of batteries though๐Ÿ˜‚)"
    Not to mention air freshener ๐Ÿ™Š
    Hooray for FFP2 face masks!
    ๐Ÿ˜Ž
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    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Airboat, getting back to it Done!
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง Martin555 ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 36 Views ยท 1 Like
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    Ref :- "but it would pass wind very nicely!"
    I am not going there Jb, Fleet might get wind of it.LOL!!

    Martin555.
    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Airboat, getting back to it Done!
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง Martin555 ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 36 Views ยท 0 Likes
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    Just a bit of fun in the officers mess Fleet.

    Martin555.
    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Airboat, getting back to it Done!
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฟ jbkiwi ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 38 Views ยท 2 Likes
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    Re- I think that's a little over the top and not very stream lined LOL!!
    Oh! you didn't mention streamlining Martin๐Ÿ˜ but it would pass wind very nicely!๐Ÿ˜Š (I'd have to tow a barge full of batteries though๐Ÿ˜‚)
    JB
    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Airboat, getting back to it Done!
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฟ jbkiwi ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 38 Views ยท 2 Likes
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    We do our best Doug, we do our best๐Ÿ˜
    JB
    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Airboat, getting back to it Done!
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช RNinMunich ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 37 Views ยท 2 Likes
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    Go Vamp Go!
    I dunno JB! You an' Martin make a fine pair๐Ÿ™„
    Martin 'on the fiddle' and you 'vamping it up'๐Ÿ˜ฎ
    Behaviour unbecoming of Officers and Gentlemen!
    ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜Ž
    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Airboat, getting back to it Done!
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง Martin555 ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 36 Views ยท 1 Like
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    I think that's a little over the top and not very stream lined LOL!!

    Martin555.
    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Airboat, getting back to it Done!
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฟ jbkiwi ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 39 Views ยท 3 Likes
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    Now you've done it Martin! too much,- or perhaps the VAMPAIREBOAT?๐Ÿ˜
    JB
    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Airboat, getting back to it Done!
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง Martin555 ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 36 Views ยท 1 Like
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    Hi Jb,
    I am not into Aeroplanes but i will admit i thoroughly enjoyed the video of the white plane.
    The Pilot could really handle that plane.
    Thank you.

    Martin555.
    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Airboat, getting back to it Done!
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฟ jbkiwi ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 38 Views ยท 2 Likes
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    Martin,- I just checked on the Kitchen rudder setup, similar idea.
    JB
    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Airboat, getting back to it Done!
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฟ jbkiwi ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 37 Views ยท 1 Like
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    Thanks Martin that's pretty clever , wonder what the linkages look like and how many servos it's using (possibly 1 with a sliding 2nd?) Probably would work on the airboat but would need more curve frontwards so you get a good reverse thrust. (is that like the kitchen rudder setup? - separate vid) You can actually buy reversing props for R/C aircraft and they are quite impressive.
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    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Airboat, getting back to it Done!
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง Martin555 ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 36 Views ยท 1 Like
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    Hi Jb,
    I just spotted this and thought you might like to see it.
    It might start to give you ideas LOL!

    Martin555.
    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Airboat, getting back to it Done!
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง Martin555 ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 36 Views ยท 1 Like
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    Hi Jb,
    I have just seen this, i know it is on a Hovercraft but it should work on an Airboat.



    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Airboat, getting back to it Done!
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฟ jbkiwi ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 38 Views ยท 2 Likes
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    I'll be out the next fine period Graham to try and set the steering. It seems to have a few different modes depending on power applied (ie full power sort of torque slides to the left but low speed wants to go right). Needs a bit of experimenting. I put a 9x4.5" prop on it to take a bit of load off from the previous 10x5" which seemed a bit much (motor's a revver not a torquer). Battery was still at 3.8v/cell after about 8 mins of mucking about which is not too bad considering this motor's a power hog. I think either the 35/48 1100kv or the 35/48 900kv I have might be a better option and give a better quieter run time.

    I find with the scale models, I tend to build them, use them a few times then leave them on the shelf, - this I can chuck in the car and run anywhere. can't wait for a nice sunny calm day and a full tide down at the estuary,๐Ÿ˜ I can go for miles down there!. Might attach some spray deflectors for the salt water though (even though it stays surprisingly dry on top. Have to attach GPS and camera next run. Twin rudders were much better, very responsive, (learning to be gentle) can always put in dual rates ( probably only need 20% at full power) doesn't take much to get it sliding๐Ÿ˜!
    JB
    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Airboat, getting back to it Done!
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฟ jbkiwi ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 38 Views ยท 2 Likes
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    Certainly was a lot better on the water Martin, as I thought it should have been. Couldn't really see where I was going which limited things a bit, but heaps of fun. Might be taking the other models down there and making the most of it before the fun police come. Only problem is those flood control ponds can be quite deep, (maybe 12ft in the middle so you have to be careful. Very sticky deep clay mud on the bottoms as well (almost lost my flip flop getting the boat out of the rushes. Eventually the rushes and Carex will overtake the edges making it difficult to get near the water (unless I do a bit of secret cultivation to maintain a 'shipping lane'๐Ÿ˜‰) Might need to take a kayak for emergency retrievals๐Ÿ˜€
    JB
    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Airboat, getting back to it Done!
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ฟ๐Ÿ‡ฆ redpmg ( Commodore)
    โœง 37 Views ยท 2 Likes
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    Good one JB - pretty well controlled - be good to see under lighter conditions - as Martin says it seems to turn well . Wonder if the twin rudders helped ?
    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Airboat, getting back to it Done!
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง Martin555 ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 36 Views ยท 1 Like
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    Well Jb,

    She is certainly more controllable than i thought she would be.
    It's good to hear her belly slapping on the water.
    A job well done.

    I am glad that you seem to of found a new pond closer to home.

    Martin555.
    ๐Ÿ“ Airboat, getting back to it
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฟ jbkiwi ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 40 Views ยท 6 Likes ยท 6 Comments
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    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Add Comment
    First big test in an open area. Bit of a dark day with rain looming so I went down to our local sports grounds for a test skid. Went ok but hard to keep straight due to getting slippery at speed. Might need to reduce rudder throw, but I'll see how it goes on water first. Thrust line may need adjusting as well, but was hard to tell while running here, as the wind was blowing about 10 knots and a bit gusty.

    Ended up on the rough concrete walkway at one stage, ripping the plastic protection to bits and getting a case of gravel rash (plastic did its'job well, saved a lot of paint damage). ๐Ÿ˜€Touched up at home and added another coat of clear for a bit more protection. No doubt it will suffer in the future just due to the nature of the boat. Might need to add some 8x8 hardwood skid strakes on the bottom or aluminium runners. Also for land use I might see if I can get hold of some thin Teflon sheet to strap on. Didn't notice on this run that the tail light light lens had come off when it went over the concrete on a previous run, and the batteries had fallen out๐Ÿ˜. Found everything, but will zip tie the lens on next time. Hit fairly hard and I heard it go over the concrete from 100m away.๐Ÿ˜ฎ

    Boat should go a bit better on the water, as it takes about 75% power to unstick its' 3kg weight on the grass. Once moving it only takes about 50% to keep it going. Bit more testing required yet, but looks promising. Should track better in the water as well.

    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Airboat, getting back to it
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง Martin555 ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 36 Views ยท 1 Like
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    Good videos Jb,

    You definitely have to master the throttle to get it to do what you want it to do.

    It dose show how manoeuvrable they can be.

    Good luck.

    Martin555.
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    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Airboat, getting back to it
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฟ jbkiwi ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 37 Views ยท 1 Like
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    A really good vid of airboat control on land shows what I mean.
    JB
    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Airboat, getting back to it
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฟ jbkiwi ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 37 Views ยท 1 Like
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    Thanks Martin, yeah, airboats obviously not really primarily designed for high speed on land so can't be expected to handle perfectly. There are vids of Guys coming out of the water and travelling 60m or so to park them, but all at slow speed. You might like the vid (first half)
    JB
    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Airboat, getting back to it
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง Martin555 ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 36 Views ยท 1 Like
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    She certainly looks like she can be a bit of a handful but i am sure you will tame her.
    Good job.

    Martin555.
    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Airboat, getting back to it
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฟ jbkiwi ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 37 Views ยท 1 Like
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    Thanks Graham, I think it was just the whack it got jumping onto the footpath, normally it's a tight clip on fit. Seems to want to turn right so I think some right thrust might be required. Apart from that it seems reasonable. Just a bit of tuning to do.3s 4000mAh battery didn't last that long (about 3mins) as it's having to constantly push hard on the grass. I can always go to a 1000kv motor and more pitch (this is 1450kv, more for ducted fans and just a trial, can be run on a 6s with a 90mm ducted fan at around 34000 rpm) and get the same thrust with less noise (just not as fast) Nowhere near top speed at the moment.
    JB
    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Airboat, getting back to it
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    โœง 37 Views ยท 2 Likes
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    JB,

    Looks great. Good job you weren't on the water when the lens fell off. Wouldn't have been so easy to retrieve all the bits that fell off!

    Graham93
    ๐Ÿ“ Airboat, getting back to it
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฟ jbkiwi ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 39 Views ยท 3 Likes ยท 1 Comment
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    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Add Comment
    Ready to go,- final pics, (maybe) just waiting for the weather. Made the pin retaining clips for the rudders and a 'fairlead' for the rudder actuator rod as the last jobs. Checked the programming on the ESC and gave the boat a float test in the indoor test tank ('big white') - only draws 1/2in at the stern, tapering away to nothing at the bow. Final weight is 3kg with 4000mAh 3s LiPo. Should stick to the water ok. May have to play with different motors, props, lower KVs etc) for noise reduction (small props going fast make lots of noise) -don't want to upset the natives! - whiners everywhere these days! I also have an on board digital battery monitor/alarm for 'drive-by' checking.
    JB

    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Airboat, getting back to it
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง Martin555 ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 36 Views ยท 0 Likes
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    Jb,
    She definitely looks ready to rock and roll, well hopefully not roll over.

    ('big white')
    I like it.
    Or have you a pink bathroom and are just being manly LOL!!!

    Martin555.
    ๐Ÿ“ Airboat, getting back to it
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฟ jbkiwi ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 39 Views ยท 3 Likes ยท 6 Comments
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    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Add Comment
    Made up a decal for the front and clear coated it and also the 2 deck side decals.

    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Airboat, getting back to it
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง Martin555 ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 36 Views ยท 0 Likes
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    Hi jb,
    A word of warning do not use the wife's net curtains unless you have a really good quality washing powder.LOL!!

    Martin555.
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    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Airboat, getting back to it
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช RNinMunich ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 37 Views ยท 1 Like
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    Amazing what useful 'stuff' there is to be found in a good hadabashery JB๐Ÿ‘
    BTW; But PLEASE don't post any pics of yourself in your frilly lace!!๐Ÿ˜ฎ๐Ÿ™ˆ๐Ÿ™ˆ๐Ÿ™ˆ๐Ÿ™ˆ
    BTW 2; Very nice paint job๐Ÿ‘ Looking forward to the first 'annoy the neighbours' vid very much.
    Cheers, Doug ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜Ž
    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Airboat, getting back to it
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฟ jbkiwi ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 38 Views ยท 2 Likes
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    Might just pop into the haberdashers and buy a nice bit of frilly lace to use Martin, YEAH RIGHT๐Ÿ˜‚ The big Spotlight store here has truckloads of stuff like that, - might have a gander sometime. Lace painting takes a ton of clearcoat to make it look good as you need the depth.
    JB
    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Airboat, getting back to it
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง Martin555 ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 36 Views ยท 1 Like
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    GO FOR IT JB!
    I think a nylon net curtain was used placed on then sprayed through then the net removed.

    I have done quite a bit of custom airbrush work.
    I really must get around to doing a bit more, i quite enjoy it, i tend to loose myself for hours and hours.

    Martin555.
    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Airboat, getting back to it
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฟ jbkiwi ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 39 Views ยท 3 Likes
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    I know what you're up to Martin!๐Ÿ˜ Blast, if I start that I'll never get it in the water๐Ÿ˜ (and as chance would have it, I do have an airbrush!) thinks... perhaps a nice bit of fancy vintage hotrod lace painting, THAT DOES IT, Im off to the store tomorrow! NO, don't listen to him๐Ÿ™‰๐Ÿ™‰๐Ÿ™‰๐Ÿ™‰๐Ÿ™‰๐Ÿ™‰
    but wouldn't it look nice with.....NO, don't listen to him๐Ÿ™‰๐Ÿ™‰๐Ÿ™‰๐Ÿ™‰๐Ÿ™‰๐Ÿ™‰๐Ÿ™‰!!
    JB๐Ÿ˜‚
    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Airboat, getting back to it
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง Martin555 ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 36 Views ยท 1 Like
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    Hi Jb,
    The next step is custom airbrushing.LOL!!!

    Martin555.
    ๐Ÿ“ ๐Ÿ“ Airboat, getting back to it
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฟ jbkiwi ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 43 Views ยท 8 Likes ยท 6 Comments
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    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Add Comment
    99% ready for sea trials (after I've checked whether it will float, in the neighbours pool) Radio box velcro'd in, cockpit/battery cover securing sorted (hooks under front lugs and over embedded 3mm threaded rods at the back and held down by silicone tube pushed over the rods) Found some thin sponge self adhesive strip for battery cover and radio box. Waterproofed the gaps in the ESC shrink wrap and backs and joints of all plugs with marine sealant.

    Added an air scoop on top of the canopy which blows down on the battery for cooling (hopefully) The air exits through the raised center of the cockpit/battery cover. Battery is held down with a velcro battery strap. Also fitted a small strobing (6 settings) bike tail light on the rear of the pylon for dull conditions (also for seeing direction if operating at a distance)

    Covered the access holes for the steering servo slide out tray screws on the deck with doped coverall for future access.(just poke a screwdriver through it if necessary) Servo is under the deck in the battery compartment, so normal access is not possible (servo is screwed to a tray/block which slides into guides under the deck, and is secured to a block through the deck holes, - necessary for service or replacement)

    All motor and mount screws loctited. Thrust angle is adjustable by nuts on motor backing plate. On off switch is inside the radio box but is quick to get at due to a locking bar over the lid (ply and balsa bar which is radiused on the ends, and is turned and jammed in place cross ways against the inner partitions, and holds the lid down firmly on the seal) basic but it works. Needed everything as waterproof as poss due to proposed use in salt water. Only thing left to do is to make a couple of cranked brass brackets to hold the rudder pins down.

    Now it's ready, we are about to have some rubbish weather, just had a week of beautiful fine calm days!โ˜น๏ธ. Had a bit of major tree surgery to do yesterday, and was clambering around 20ft up a huge Acmena in the top corner of my yard, lopping off 300lb branches to give my other trees some light -nice sunny calm day- "perfic" (OFAH) for tree sculpting! Nothing as satisfying as hoeing through logs with your chainsaw!๐Ÿ˜Š

    Was wondering what Chinese Hackwood would be like for carving a boat out of (just lopped some big trunks off one of those as well, - supposed to be the most flexible wood in the world, and very white) I'll let one dry and see what it looks like,- might be good for a tug if it will dry without splitting. Might do a bit of pre carving with the chainsaw while it's soft.

    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: ๐Ÿ“ Airboat, getting back to it
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ญ๐Ÿ‡บ MouldBuilder ( Vice Admiral)
    โœง 37 Views ยท 2 Likes
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    Looks good JB. Looking forward to the wet trials.๐Ÿ‘
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    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: ๐Ÿ“ Airboat, getting back to it
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Joe727 ( Commander)
    โœง 37 Views ยท 2 Likes
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    JB,
    LEDs are great, lots of uses with such low power consumption. I really like your idea for low voltage on your planes. ๐Ÿ‘
    Joe
    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: ๐Ÿ“ Airboat, getting back to it
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฟ jbkiwi ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 38 Views ยท 2 Likes
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    Re - You sneaked that strobe light in Jb.
    Suddenly remembered I had them Martin,- bought about 4 from a Chinese $2 shop a few years back. Have actually taken the tiny board out (6 LEDs) and wired them to run on a 3v button cell in my 2 ducted fan electric Vampires. You can see them from about 100m away on a dull day. Have one of those battery voltage monitors with a bright blue LED and a Piezo horn fitted to the 'floor' of my re-created Graupner Terry plane, and just need to fly overhead at about 50ft, and if the light's not flashing, you are still ok to fly,-quite handy. This type could be fitted to a boat as well as you would only need a small hole to see the LED.
    JB
    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: ๐Ÿ“ Airboat, getting back to it
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฟ jbkiwi ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 38 Views ยท 2 Likes
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    Re - Looking forward to the sea trial video
    Keeping the fingers crossed Graham, haven't done a float test yet, (we're on water restrictions due to no real rain for months,-no hoses etc) hence the neighbours pool's looking good. Told him not to drain it yet just in case of a shortage (capacity about 1000 gals)
    JB
    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: ๐Ÿ“ Airboat, getting back to it
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง Martin555 ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 36 Views ยท 1 Like
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    You sneaked that strobe light in Jb.
    I cannot wait to see it hacking across pond/lake.

    Martin555.
    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: ๐Ÿ“ Airboat, getting back to it
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง Graham93 ( Vice Admiral)
    โœง 37 Views ยท 2 Likes
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    Wow! You have been busy ๐Ÿ‘ Looks great. You wonโ€™t miss that tail light ๐Ÿ˜€ Looking forward to the sea trial video.

    Graham93
    ๐Ÿ“ Airboat, getting back to it
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฟ jbkiwi ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 44 Views ยท 10 Likes ยท 11 Comments
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    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Add Comment
    Sun was out, mud was in down the estuary, so what better time to pollute the atmosphere with a bit of spray painting!๐Ÿ˜Š. Just have to make some gaskets for the pylon and cockpit, re-fit the radio gear. hinge the cockpit for quick battery access, buy some printer ink to knock up some decals and Bobs your aunty. Colour is 'Chrysler Orange' -(metallic) - same as the charger in Dukes of Hazzard. One of the standard colours for chargers. Almost play time๐Ÿ˜Š

    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Airboat, getting back to it
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ฟ๐Ÿ‡ฆ redpmg ( Commodore)
    โœง 37 Views ยท 2 Likes
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    Great stuff JB - that's a good looking Airboat - you have really made a good job of it - love the colour ........
    Easy to keep an eye on it too. Look forward to seeing it on the water soon,
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    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Airboat, getting back to it
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ญ๐Ÿ‡บ MouldBuilder ( Vice Admiral)
    โœง 37 Views ยท 2 Likes
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    And your storms are cyclones?๐Ÿ˜Š
    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Airboat, getting back to it
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Commodore-H ( Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
    โœง 61 Views ยท 2 Likes
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    looks really good, nice color.

    Let her rip!
    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Airboat, getting back to it
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฟ jbkiwi ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 37 Views ยท 1 Like
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    You've been into the wifes' sherry again, haven't you Martin๐Ÿ˜‚? We're at the top of the world, the other way up๐Ÿ˜Ž
    JB
    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Airboat, getting back to it
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฟ jbkiwi ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 37 Views ยท 1 Like
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    You're onto it Doug, (not to mention the water goes the other way down the plug'ole)๐Ÿ˜Š
    JB
    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Airboat, getting back to it
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง Martin555 ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 36 Views ยท 1 Like
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    Your right Doug,
    Its me i have totally lost the plot! Again!

    Martin555.
    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Airboat, getting back to it
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช RNinMunich ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 37 Views ยท 3 Likes
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    I think YOU have been in lockdown to long Martin!
    JB is in New Zealand, you know 'Upside down land!
    ๐Ÿ˜Ž
    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Airboat, getting back to it
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง Martin555 ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 36 Views ยท 1 Like
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    Jb,
    Ref :- Autumn ?

    I think you have been in lockdown to long LOL!!
    Or are you talking about next year.LOL!!

    Martin555.
    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Airboat, getting back to it
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฟ jbkiwi ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 39 Views ยท 3 Likes
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    Thanks guys, shouldn't be too long Martin, some nice calm days at the moment, but starting to get cold now, (Autumn) Taken a while as I have had other jobs to do but getting there! Should be something that can be chucked in the car used anywhere, and I won't have to worry about knocking bits off. Will probably use it more than the scale boats, and as I mentioned I might try strapping a camera to it for a bit more fun. Should be an ideal platform for filming other models from (if I can ever find anyone even running boats these days). Can always use it for trolling, taking a fishing line out, or a rescue boat, (no prop to get caught on weed๐Ÿ˜)
    JB
    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Airboat, getting back to it
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง Martin555 ( Fleet Admiral)
    โœง 37 Views ยท 2 Likes
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    WOW!!
    What started off looking like a couple of wide planks of wood has now turned it to a masterpiece Jb.

    That is a fantastic job you have done.
    Well done.

    I can't wait to see her in action.

    Martin555.
    ๐Ÿ’ฌ Re: Airboat, getting back to it
    3 years ago by ๐Ÿ‡ญ๐Ÿ‡บ MouldBuilder ( Vice Admiral)
    โœง 37 Views ยท 2 Likes
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    That really has been transformed. Looks super.๐Ÿ‘
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