Periscope

Radio Control Boat Modeler, Jun 2004

WHAT'S NEW AND NOTEWORTHY ON THE WATER

Replica Mercruiser z-drive

MHZ USA

Speedmaster S6

The Speedmaster S6 handles virtually any power system-from the venerable Zenoah gas engine to large electric motors-using its E-motor adapter kit. It even handles twin drive configurations with the optional gearbox, allowing the S6 to power any boat from 35 inches up to MHZ's own monster, 95-inch race monos. The S6 boasts exquisite machining; it has a total of eight ball bearings and is fully articulated for pitch as well as rudder motion. The drive is geared up 16 percent for more hydrodynamic efficiency, and the drive inlet accepts any standard, square flex shaft without gluing. It measures approximately 8.25x6.5 inches, weighs 28.6 ounces and accepts a prop up to 80mm (3.15 inches).

MHZ USA (239) 225-8505; mhzusa.com.

Powdercoating!

Warehouse Hobbies

Warehouse Hobbies has long supplied go-fast parts for big gas boats. Now, it offers a powdercoating to add style and durability to match the performance. Warehouse Hobbies can handle virtually any metal engine and hardware component that is capable of withstanding the 400-degree-temperature procedure, which bonds polyester paint to metal surfaces. The result is attractive and much more durable and fade-resistant than anodizing. Several colors are available; call for pricing, colors and other info.

Warehouse Hobbies (863) 699-1231; whobbies.com.

Automatic transmission shifting!

Hitec

HIS-03MK receiver

No, not gears; we're talking about radio signals. Radios transmit on either negative (Futaba, Hitec) or positive (other major brands) shift, and until now, receivers for one were not compatible with the others, even though they may operate on the same frequency. But Hitec's new HIS-03MK automatically detects the shift that your transmitter uses and flips from its default negative-shift position to work compatibly with JR, Airtronics and other positive-shift radios. Just as impressive is the new Intelligent Pulse Decoding (IPD) feature that automatically detects signal loss and returns your throttle to a preprogrammed position (usually fully closed). You'll never experience another runaway with the HIS-03MK! It even has a low-voltage warning for your receiver pack. It is available on 27 or 75MHz FM and sells for about $55.

Hitec RCD Inc. (858) 748-6948; hitecrcd.com.

There's a new ESC in town ...

LRP Marine Speed Controls

Ask any RC car enthusiast about the LRP brand, and you're likely to hear terms like "bulletproof," "amazingly fast" and "hard to beat." Well, that same level of quality and performance goes into LRP's boat products. At the top of our most-wanted list were LRP's marine ESCs. The Runner Marine Reverse ESC is a superb swap for boats that come with mechanical speed controls. Splash-proof, fully proportional in forward and reverse, with BEC and one-touch setup, it's a great way to increase the capability of your sport electric. The Marine Reverse 12V, designed specifically for scale applications, has the same features as the Runner, with expanded voltage capacity and amp rating (35A continuous) and a BEC that saves enough juice for four servos, plus special functions.

The real gem of LRP's line is the Quantum Competition 2. Designed for top-level electric car competition, it has one feature that makes it uniquely suited to marine applications: it is waterproof to the point at which it will happily run indefinitely while completely submerged. And that the QC2 can supply 150A continuous to any motor of 5 turns and more is just gravy. Worried about voltage drop? How does just 0.013 volt at 20 amps grab you? And its "reactive frequency" feature continually adjusts the frequency for optimal efficiency at different speeds and loads around the racecourse.

LRP; Irpelectronic.de.

Monster Radio

Futaba 3PM-fs Computer FM Synthesized Radio

Futaba's new 3PM-fs radio is fully synthesized, so you can forget about having to swap out crystals and modules when you change frequencies. The radio also has a ton of cool features such as a High Response System (HRS) mode, an alphanumeric LCD screen with high-intensity blue LED monitor, 10-model memory, 1-channel program mixing, steering and throttle exponential, servo-reversing on all channels, endpoint adjustment (EPA) for all channels, digital trims, adjustable steering speed and much, much more!

Futaba; distributed exclusively by Great Planes Model Distributors Co. (217) 398-8970; (800) 682-8948; futaba-rc.com.

19-FOOT RACING RUNABOUT

Dumas

1949 Chris-Craft

With their beautiful wood and chrome classic look, Chris-Crafts are the most recognizable speedboats. The latest addition to the Dumas Chris-Craft line is this pretty little Runabout It is 28 inches long, making it 1/8 scale, and has a wood-framed hull and mahogany strip planks for that unmistakable scale finish. All the deck fittings are chrome-plated, and the kit includes most of the necessary running hardware (you supply the motor, ESC, battery and a 2-channel radio). If you always dreamed of owning a classic Chris-Craft, your wait is over.