I just recieved a big package today containing the remains and the hull of this Fairplay V. The included paperwork included a A3 sized scan of the original plan. But this plan only shows partnumbers instead of measurements.

Indicated on these original plans are a 60mm diameter propellor, and the Marx Monoperm Super Special (what a name!) with reduction 3:1 in it. A choice which seems undersized to me compared to the (same era & comparable size) Bugsier Tug from Graupner which has a Decaperm.

For the moment I tend to go for this 12V low Rpm Xdrive 555. it has 25Nm of torque and doesn't need reduction. And combined to a Raboesch propshaft - which one can easily shorten - will help to get the driveline as far aft as possible in the boat, leaving more room for a bigger battery.(Or have the possibility to trim the boat with the battery and have the battery as deep as possible in the boat.)

I'll check these mentioned forums too, thank you for the advise.

Hi Radiosailor
I was not familiar with the model so have just searched.
The Tug forum http://modeltugforum.com/
has an article by a member who did some mods. if you register you can see the pics and ask for advice.
Regarding fixed or steerable nozzles they both work better than a standard prop. For maximum effect the steerable works best and this will certainly be the case with a single prop. I have had both types on tugs but mine were twin screw and I could turn both on the spot with independent motor control.
From the motors you have I suspect the Xdrive 555 may have the best torque which as Doug said is best for Tugs.
There are several suppliers but without knowing any measurements it's difficult to point you to a specific site.
It should make into a nice model and will certainly look the part on the water.
If you look on Model Slipiway's web site http://www.modelslipway.com/ they have a kit Al Khubar and AZIZ which are twin Kort. There are links to build blogs for the AZIZ which may be useful. Model Boats and MMI also had featured articles on builds for Al Khubar.

Hi, I can't profess to be a Tug expert but I believe the general rule is 'Low revs & Hi Torque'. I hope one of the tug fans here will pick up this thread.
Also this forum might be useful to you; a discussion on kort nozzles & tugs 'Fixed or steerable'.
https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?1536288-Steerable-kort-nozzle-vs-fixed-kort-and-rudder
Good luck, let us know how it goes. Cheers Doug 😎

That's the sort of information is was looking for! Thank you very much!

I have three motors from which I would like to choose one for the Fairplay V tug (30" long, 9" wide, about 3 Kgs displacement):

-Graupner Speed 500E 12V / 12.000Rpm / 0.4A
-Monoperm Super 6V / 5.000Rpm, / 0.20A
-Motraxx XDRIVE 555-1 12V / 5.900Rpm / 0.25A

(The 500E would be run on 6V)

I have a Robbe Rookie Navy speedcontroller (6-12V) max 35 A. And haven't bought a (lead)battery yet.


Which one would be best?

Hi Radiosailor, have a look here
http://www.mobilemarinemodels.com/kort-nozzles-69-c.asp
might give you some inspiration.
Cheers Doug 😎

Hi AllenA, LOL! I think you're referring to my post "Local Boatshow" in the Boat Harbour section. Doesn't matter.

Happy to read that I'm perfectly fine!

I'm just new here and have no idea how active this forum is. I happened to stumble over this forum while searching RC boat photo's on the web, and thought: Well why not drop a question here. (not knowing at that time that I would spend half the afternoon posting pics of my own fleet...and I haven't even finished yet...)

Back on topic: I'm curious to see what advise I get over here regarding the Fairplay V.

I might even keep up a build blog over here. I like the classic - almost yacht like - sheerline and superstructure. And this model is compared to the Banckert, Bugsier, Kalle or Torben tugs slightly wider and heavier; which will give this tug just a bit bigger wavepattern...

Hi Radiosailor, what you have to realise is that we are all crazy but hang on, it's not us, it's those people who don't sail model boats. They are the crazy ones.