|||
Not Registered
Go AD FREE & get your membership medal
BRONZE
Less Ads
SILVER
GOLD
Ad Free
Β£2.50
Β£4.50
Β£6.50
Subscribe
Go AD FREE & get your membership medal
BRONZE
Less Ads
SILVER
GOLD
Ad Free
Valid 12 Months
Β£25
Β£45
Β£65
Donate
You Will Be Helping Towards:

  • Domain Fees
  • Security Certificates
  • iOS & Android App Fees
  • Website Hosting
  • Fast Servers
  • Data Backups
  • Upkeep & Maintenance
  • Administration Costs

    Without your support the website wouldn't be what it is today.

    Please consider donating towards these fees to help keep us afloat.

    Read more

    All donations are securely managed through PayPal.

    Many thanks for your kind support
  • Join Us On Social Media!
    Download The App!

    Login To
    Remove Ads
    Login To
    Remove Ads

    Model Boats Website
    Model Boats Website
    Home
    Forum
    Build Blogs
    Media Gallery
    Boat Clubs & Lakes
    Events
    Boat Harbour
    How-To Articles
    Plans & Docs
    Useful Links
    Registered
    23rd Jan 2022
    Last Online
    9th Jun 2023
    LewZ
    Member Stats
    Stats
    Member No.#6724
    RegisteredπŸ“…23rd Jan 2022
    Last OnlineπŸ“…9th Jun 2023
    CityπŸ“Clearwater, Florida
    CountryπŸ‡ΊπŸ‡ΈUnited States
    Gender♂️Male
    AgeπŸ‘Ά79
    PostsπŸ’¬304
    FollowersπŸ“£6
    Likes ReceivedπŸ‘793

    πŸ’¬ Send Private Message
    Members Following
    Follow LewZ
    πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ hermank ( Sub-Lieutenant)
    πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ KevinH ( Leading Seaman)
    πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Ronald ( Vice Admiral)
    πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ lew ( Leading Seaman)
    πŸ‡¨πŸ‡­ Mike Stoney ( Sub-Lieutenant)
    πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ RonH ( Chief Petty Officer 1st Class)
    6 Followers
    Recent Activity
    Liked Krabbenkutter TΓΆn 12 5 days ago
    Sub-Lieutenant
    Ranks Points
    Fleet Admiral 10,000
    Admiral 8,000
    Vice Admiral 6,000
    Rear Admiral 5,000
    Commodore 4,000
    Captain 3,000
    Commander 2,500
    Lieutenant Commander 2,000
    Lieutenant 1,600
    Sub-Lieutenant 1,200
    Midshipman 900
    Warrant Officer 600
    Chief Petty Officer 1st Class 450
    Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class 300
    Petty Officer 1st Class 200
    Petty Officer 2nd Class 150
    Master Seaman 100
    Leading Seaman 50
    Able Seaman 20
    Recruit 0
    71 Points Away From Lieutenant!
    Points
    ActivityWorthAwarded
    πŸ‘ Likes (rcv'd)1793
    πŸ’¬ Forum2382
    ✍️ Comments2120
    ✏️ Blog432
    πŸ“· Photos44
    πŸŽ₯ Videos100
    πŸ“ Place88
    🚀 Harbour8160
    πŸ“ Guestbook1020
    😊 Avatar1010
    1,529 Total Points
    United States
    Signature
    Lew Zee (LewsModelBoats)
    About
    Retired senior designer of test/production equipment and CAD Operations Specialist. Hobbies: RC scale model boats; RC scale armor; 3D modeling & 3D printing; web site design and maintenance.
    Members Harbour
    Members Blogs
    Recent Posts
    πŸ“ Not a good day
    17 hours ago by πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ LewZ ( Sub-Lieutenant)
    ✧ 29 Views · 3 Likes
    Flag
    πŸ“ Reply
    Happy to see that the boat was easy repairable!

    Other most likely had lousy days for model boating. I've see/had sinkings, collisions, drops (especially on concrete), loss of electronics on the water (batteries, connections, RC gear), weed entanglements, as some examples.

    "Not a good day" is a good topic for some more feedback from members, so...

    What was your "Not a good day" experience?

    Lew
    Florida, USA

    Login To
    Remove Ads

    πŸ“ Not a good day
    2 days ago by πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ LewZ ( Sub-Lieutenant)
    ✧ 79 Views · 6 Likes
    Flag
    πŸ“ Reply
    Uh ohπŸ˜”. __it happens. Look forward to seeing your boat back in the drink.
    Lew
    Florida, USA πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ

    πŸ“ Receiver aerial length
    2 days ago by πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ LewZ ( Sub-Lieutenant)
    ✧ 23 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    πŸ“ Reply
    Made me look!

    I have one old (20+ years) FM radio and use that on my trawler. The receiver antenna goes up the aft mast and does not stand out. The radio is a Hitec "Ranger 3" (pretty heavy transmitter). All the others are 2.4ghz.

    Lew
    Florida, USA

    πŸ“ Are Motorized RC Scale Model Boats Hazardous?
    4 days ago by πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ LewZ ( Sub-Lieutenant)
    ✧ 57 Views · 6 Likes
    Flag
    πŸ“ Reply
    WOW!!! - thanks to all of you that responded.

    I think the RC sail boaters are the ones that influenced the city officials to post the "sailboats only" sign. (I agree with them about the noise and speed problems associated with RC speedboats.)

    Dave B (and all interested) - good sign, gets to the point. I am attaching the sign currently at this potential new site for us. As per this sign (and the city's own ordinances that allow toy and unmanned boats) it seems apparent that powered (not "speed") are allowed, but one can't use the dock to safely launch and retrieve powered scale model boats. [I am posting a picture of that sign so you can see what I am up against.]

    Conflict between the RC scale and sail boaters should not be a problem. I'm willing to work that out with the sail boaters.

    As we can not use our current (weed choked, smelly) location I sent them a link to a video [also linked here] so they can see for themselves what we are about.

    This video was created by professionals contracted by a local TV station. If you want to see a feel good video on scale RC boats want to see please check it out.

    Lew
    Florida, USA



    https://www.wfla.com/news/suncoast-scale-model-boat-club/
    πŸ“ Are Motorized RC Scale Model Boats Hazardous?
    4 days ago by πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ LewZ ( Sub-Lieutenant)
    ✧ 82 Views · 7 Likes
    Flag
    πŸ“ Reply
    Here is an interesting question: Has any had or has seen any motorized RC scale model boats causing hazards? (This includes injuries, damage to others, noise, environment, etc. issues.)

    We (the Suncoast Scale Model Boat Club) have been operating at Lake Seminole Park's "model boat pond" (Florida, USA) for almost 50 years. This year has been a disaster. With the dry weather the pond level lowered significantly, vegetation has clogged access, and the water is stagnant and smelly.

    The SSMBC's last meet was on April 2, 2023. All meets have been cancelled until the pond clears up or we find a new site.

    There are lots of ponds locally but very few would meet our needs (parking, rest rooms, clear/no vegetation water, etc.) or they are private. One pond (15 acres) is actually quite acceptable and that one is at Freedom Lake Park, only a few miles from our current site.

    Unfortunately, there seems to be an issue with operating scale model boats at this site. There is a sign on the model boat launching dock that says "for launching model sailboats only". My understanding is that the sailboat club had an issue with the RC racing boats. (Having one of our scale boats swamped and another one side-swiped by one of these boats I can sympathize with this issue).

    I have been in contact with the municipality which operates the park, I am getting resistance in having the sign changed to include slow and quieter scale boats by posting a reasonable speed limit (20mph) and acceptable noise level. (There are homes abutting the pond so I suggested a noise limit (75db seems reasonable).

    This "resistance" seems to center around safety as identified above. I'm trying everything to convince the city that there is not that much difference between RC sailboat and RC scale boats. Certainly no where near to the difference to the fast RC racing boats (not talking about those cheap boats here).

    So, the question is has anyone seen accidents, injuries, property or environmental damage, annoyances, anything that can be associated with RC scale model boats (motorized)? In my ~50 years in the hobby I have never seen anything in scale model boats associated with this. I hope to hear back from others either way. Thanks,

    Lew
    Florida, USA

    πŸ’¬ Re: Krabbenkutter TΓΆn 12
    5 days ago by πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ LewZ ( Sub-Lieutenant)
    ✧ 46 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    πŸ’¬ Add Comment
    Looking good (😊😊😊).

    My Artesnia "Heller" trawler is one of my favorite boats. In fact it won a piloting event (conning) while competing with tugs. Runs equally well aftward aside does forward.

    Lew
    Florida, USA πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ

    πŸ“ ANOTHER HOBBY SHOP CLOSES, NZ
    10 days ago by πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ LewZ ( Sub-Lieutenant)
    ✧ 32 Views · 4 Likes
    Flag
    πŸ“ Reply
    I would have posted a "like" but unfortunately another hobby shop closing and clubs being hard to find deserves more of an "agree" comment. We are all facing that, even here in Florida where this area has a lot of retirees who are more involved in hobbies than young people.
    Lew
    Florida, USA πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ

    πŸ“ Relays
    10 days ago by πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ LewZ ( Sub-Lieutenant)
    ✧ 27 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    πŸ“ Reply
    CJanik001 is right! Forum members will be happy to share their knowledge, but as I have said before, ask away but give more details. This particular question could have dozens of answers rather than "...need to have more details..."

    Lew
    Florida, USA

    πŸ“ Good Reoccurring Videos list
    13 days ago by πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ LewZ ( Sub-Lieutenant)
    ✧ 31 Views · 2 Likes
    Flag
    πŸ“ Reply
    JB,
    Thanks for passing the link on to me.I had an opportunity to take a quick look and we'll get back to it. So far. I enjoyed what I saw.
    Lew
    Florida, USA πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ

    πŸ“ Capacitors for 12 volt Mabuchi Motor
    15 days ago by πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ LewZ ( Sub-Lieutenant)
    ✧ 39 Views · 4 Likes
    Flag
    πŸ“ Reply
    I see the ProBoat ESC in your photo. I took mine out of my 47' USCG boat. Water cooled (?) made me think the ESC was not efficient (the motors are not high current drawing). Besides, they ProBoat ESCs have a lousy low speed to them. Replaced it with two Hobbywing 1060 brushed ESCs, one for each motor. (...and no capacitors.) Runs much Better!!!
    Lew
    Florida, USA

    πŸ“ Capacitors for 12 volt Mabuchi Motor
    16 days ago by πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ LewZ ( Sub-Lieutenant)
    ✧ 51 Views · 0 Likes
    Flag
    πŸ“ Reply
    I agree with Roy about capacitors for motors while using a 2.4 mhz radio. Since using th 2.4's I have not been installing capacitors on my motors - no problems.

    Lew
    Florida, USA πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ

    Login To
    Remove Ads

    πŸ“ FPV (First person view) for scale model boats
    18 days ago by πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ LewZ ( Sub-Lieutenant)
    ✧ 38 Views · 4 Likes
    Flag
    πŸ“ Reply
    Phil, etc al,

    My Sony Camera (50X zoom) is dying after 10 years. The stabilization degradation is to the point the camera is useless. It did a good job of photographing boats "closeup" at 80-100 feet away, especially with a tripod.

    Can't do much anyway with the low water situation here in west central Florida😎. We haven't had a model boat meet in the last two monthsπŸ˜”.

    Lew
    Florida, USA πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ

    Here is the last video I recorded with the Sony camera... You can see the advantage of using a long zoom cameraπŸ‘, but you can also see the camera shakeπŸ‘Ž even though I edited most of it out. Link:

    πŸ’¬ Re: USCG 44' Motor Lifeboat
    21 days ago by πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ LewZ ( Sub-Lieutenant)
    ✧ 40 Views · 2 Likes
    Flag
    πŸ’¬ Add Comment
    Wow - really nice! Check out the solder joints in the railing. (Good job, just needs some repairs.)

    If it ain't broke don't fix it. A beauty from an era where RC grew into multichannels.

    Lew
    Florida, USA πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ

    πŸ“ Good Reoccurring Videos list
    22 days ago by πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ LewZ ( Sub-Lieutenant)
    ✧ 54 Views · 5 Likes
    Flag
    πŸ“ Reply
    A part of my enjoying this hobby in watching continuing videos of model boats, including meets, shows, action, construction, etc. Problem is the search comes back with many one time results rather than those from a videographer who uploads them frequently. They don't need to be professional but detail and information is good. No one seems to add information to the video, heck I have not done it in the past so this is something I will try to do in the future.

    I don't see a lot listed when searching so if anyone has recommendations please post them. Then, I can add them to my YouTube subscriptions looking forward to new videos.

    Currently some of my subscriptions are...

    PirateFleetAU - nice site from our "mates" down under.
    ModelBoatMayhem - one of the better sites.
    SubwaterFilm - nice boats, horrible photography, pool scenes and music.
    GrahamWhite - too much old stuff but steady camera with good narration.

    Recommendations for videos: Either have the boats closer to the camera or use a telephoto lens - too much video from afar. Use an editor to cut out boats going in circles, over, and over, and over. A lot of videos could have 90% trimmed out.

    Just my opinion.

    Lew
    Florida, USA

    πŸ“ Unidentified Motor.
    23 days ago by πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ LewZ ( Sub-Lieutenant)
    ✧ 50 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    πŸ“ Reply
    Kind of looks like this:



    https://cdn.billiger.com/dynimg/QtzYZJ9BvP9sp-axk5xLqPt4H9rycHjeBa9LTdXG2DAzk8-q
    πŸ“ FPV (First person view) for scale model boats
    23 days ago by πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ LewZ ( Sub-Lieutenant)
    ✧ 57 Views · 4 Likes
    Flag
    πŸ“ Reply
    I have a GoPro which drops off the wifi connection frequently. Had a GoPro knock-off - junk! My RunCam died when the boat it was on sank.

    What I am looking for is one of those miniature cameras that could be mounted in an inconspicuous way as not to attract attention to it (like the photo in Algon's link).

    Problem is that these usually seem to require multiple parts - camera, battery, cable, viewer and ??, all having to work together, i.e. same frequency, channel, pixels, and whatever.

    I was wondering if anyone has done this successfully and would like to share the info (maybe I'm too lazy), rather than repeat the search and test.

    All of this in contingent if we can survive the current drought here in west Florida. We get some rain about once every 3-4 weeks. Ponds look like they are in a solar "spring" tide.

    Thanks, Lew
    Florida, USA

    πŸ“ FPV (First person view) for scale model boats
    23 days ago by πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ LewZ ( Sub-Lieutenant)
    ✧ 65 Views · 5 Likes
    Flag
    πŸ“ Reply
    Has anyone out there tried (successfully) a FPV setup in their boat?

    I have been doing some research and there is a variety of ways to go. I'm thinking about a small camera with WiFi, and a viewer which can be mounted next to the RC transmitter. I do not want it to be expensive, yet have a reasonable viewer to see what is happening.

    So, if you have a successful setup, do you mind sharing the information here. (Product names, model numbers, source, cost., etc).

    Lew

    πŸ“ What is this called?
    1 month ago by πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ LewZ ( Sub-Lieutenant)
    ✧ 50 Views · 3 Likes
    Flag
    πŸ“ Reply
    Taffrail is the name of the railing itself. As for the extension of the bulwark around the stern it looks like it seems it is still called the bulwark and the taffrail is mounted on that (if there is one). Just my interpretation.

    Lew
    Florida, USA πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ

    πŸ’¬ Re: WWI Sub Chaser
    1 month ago by πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ LewZ ( Sub-Lieutenant)
    ✧ 158 Views · 2 Likes
    Flag
    πŸ’¬ Add Comment
    Here is one I photographed in 1975, in New York's central park. (Pretty large size!)

    Lew
    Florida, USA

    πŸ’¬ Re: Was asked what a Balloon Duster is
    1 month ago by πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ LewZ ( Sub-Lieutenant)
    ✧ 167 Views · 2 Likes
    Flag
    πŸ’¬ Add Comment
    Here is what the "Florida" version of the "Balloon Boat" looked like (first photo, ~1990).

    This is what the "Mother" of these balloon boats looks like today (second photo, current rescue boat). This was the master to make the mold for subsequent fiberglass hulled boats like in the first photo.

    Lew
    Florida, USA

    πŸ“ Other Functions for Model Boats
    1 month ago by πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ LewZ ( Sub-Lieutenant)
    ✧ 60 Views · 4 Likes
    Flag
    πŸ“ Reply
    Some great "accessories" out there people!

    Dave, I thought about having a marker/float on the deck, that had either a light tension retractable line spooled inside the hull or perhaps the line coiled up on the deck with a thin water soluble cement holding it in place. However, never had a boat completely sink. My 47 ft USCG almost did, 98% under water.

    Lew
    Florida, USA

    Login To
    Remove Ads

    πŸ“ Other Functions for Model Boats
    1 month ago by πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ LewZ ( Sub-Lieutenant)
    ✧ 67 Views · 2 Likes
    Flag
    πŸ“ Reply
    I also have the Dusseldorf FLB that someone else built. I completely disassembled it to build it to the current real boat. Had to stop to get some tank stuff done.

    πŸ“ Other Functions for Model Boats
    1 month ago by πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ LewZ ( Sub-Lieutenant)
    ✧ 59 Views · 3 Likes
    Flag
    πŸ“ Reply
    When I first started in RC scale model boats the only functions that the boats had was steering and speed control (probably like most new to the hobby). Gradually, some of my boats had additional functions, sound, smoke, lights, radar, and more.

    My question is what unusual functions do others have in there models? (Perhaps some photos. )

    Lew
    Florida, USA

    πŸ“ Swamp buggy (Florida)
    1 month ago by πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ LewZ ( Sub-Lieutenant)
    ✧ 26 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    πŸ“ Reply
    Don't know (until now), never been on one. There was one going around the pond behind my back yard clearing some water hyacinths several years ago. Seen them in movies.

    So I asked at gas station attendant and he said the airboat operator fills his tank up about every day, so I figured the airboat was local. Found the web site (and photo), and the answer to your question: 55 MPH. Also, those wide props are normal for airboats.

    Lew
    Florida, USA

    Airboat link:

    https://www.clearwaterseaplanes.com/air-boat-rides
    πŸ“ Swamp buggy (Florida)
    1 month ago by πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ LewZ ( Sub-Lieutenant)
    ✧ 34 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    πŸ“ Reply
    Oops... sorry, I forgot to attach the photo! Now it should make sense.

    Lew
    Florida, USA

    πŸ“ Favourite homemade tool
    1 month ago by πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ LewZ ( Sub-Lieutenant)
    ✧ 85 Views · 10 Likes
    Flag
    πŸ“ Reply
    I made them but not at home...

    I made my favorite and well used tools when taking machine shop classes (part of my engineering design career to understand manufacturing processes) at a local school. The one vise, and assort blocks (I made more of these) are steel with ground surfaces. Made them over 50 years ago and use them almost every day, especially for model building.

    Lew
    Florida, USA

    πŸ“ Thoughts on Spektrum RC units
    1 month ago by πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ LewZ ( Sub-Lieutenant)
    ✧ 83 Views · 9 Likes
    Flag
    πŸ“ Reply
    Of all my RC systems (a bunch) my one Spektrum (8 ch) is the best by far. It is heavy (weight) and has great quality parts. It seems to have a few more features than most other radios I have. When one of my boats sank I thought the receiver was a goner. Took it apart and let it dry a few days and it did not work. Bought another one and after a few more days then I went back recleaned and tried the original one and it work!

    Downside is it is expensive. Can buy a whole bunch of Flyskys for the equivalent of one Spektrum. For just the price of one 8 channel Spektrum receiver only, I can get a Flysky transmitter, receiver, and a spare receiver and have change for a cup of java.

    For my needs, Spektrum is an overkill. Have not had a Flysky fail yet.

    Lew
    Florida, USA

    πŸ“ Question about Schottel drives
    1 month ago by πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ LewZ ( Sub-Lieutenant)
    ✧ 38 Views · 2 Likes
    Flag
    πŸ“ Reply
    If the Z-Drives are the 70BM-Z tooth belted, they look pretty durable. Interesting setup with the belt drive for both the steering and propeller!

    Usually, the z-drives are independently controlled to give the vessel amazing maneuvering. Years ago I talked to the captain of the Arne Christiansen towboat (photo attached) and we discussed that. To implement the 360 degree forward only the transmitter setup is quite unique, operating like the real boat, each mounted in a rotating knob with the speed control in the middle. You can see the z-drive controls, one on either side of the captain's consoles (interior photo).

    Anyway, good luck on the build and I look forward to seeing progress reports and photos!

    Lew
    Florida, USA

    πŸ“ Question about Schottel drives
    1 month ago by πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ LewZ ( Sub-Lieutenant)
    ✧ 45 Views · 1 Like
    Flag
    πŸ“ Reply
    I get an error message on the link: "The page requested is not available."

    Lew
    Florida, USA

    πŸ“ Receivers
    1 month ago by πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ LewZ ( Sub-Lieutenant)
    ✧ 39 Views · 4 Likes
    Flag
    πŸ“ Reply
    Questions are great but for others to respond, they need more information.

    For example, saying something like "I have a 3 channel transmitter that I want to convert to 6 channel..." isn't enough.

    Now if that was "I have a 3 channel (brand) that is a (model number) transmitter than I want to..." -now that helps a lot!

    Not all manufacturers have the same design and functions.

    Not being picky here, but this happens here often. I think if this information is supplied up front there will be less speculation and confusion. (Just my opinion.)

    Lew
    Florida, USA



    About This Website
    Terms of Service
    Privacy Policy