Q & A with the Pros

Radio Control Boat Modeler, Apr 2005 by Prezentka, Tom, Castronovo, Tony, Eyrich, Rick, Hayes, Remy Jr, Et al

Experts answer your FAQs

At RC Boat Modeler, we receive many emails that contain questions, and inevitably, we see many of the same questions time and time again. We answer as many as we can, but this time, we compiled some of the most frequently asked questions from the past year and presented them to some of the most well-known pros in the industry. Here is how they addressed your FAQs.

Q How do you prepare a metal prop?

A Use a small, 6-inch flat file with a fine cut to remove any excess flashing or material around the prop. Then, on the side facing the hub, sharpen the leading edge of each blade down to the tip, bringing it to a knife-edge. Last, balance the prop. Use an RC airplane propeller balancer (available at hobby stores), or put a drill blank of an appropriate size through the prop. Then place the combo over the mouth of a glass. The heavy side of the prop will swing downward. Lightly file the heavy side in the same place as you sharpened the edges. We don't recommend that you polish props because that might unbalance them, and we don't recommend that you use power tools to remove material when balancing.

Tom Prezentka; Octura Models

Do you have to add lubricant to gas for a 2-cycle engine? If you do, which do you use and how much?

A In gas boats, 2-cycle engines require that you add lubricant to the gasoline prior to use. You'll find the proper oil-to-gas ratio for your engine in its operation manual, and it is very important that you follow this to the letter. A mixture ratio of 32:1 (4 ounces of lubricant per gallon of gas) is typical; however, it is best to use the manufacturer-recommended ratio.

Tony Castronovo; Warehouse Hobbies

Q How do you retrieve a boat that's dead in the water?

A You can simply tie a small rubber ball or tennis ball to a rod-and-reel setup to create a "boat hooker." Cast the ball over the stalled hull, crank the reel until the ball contacts the boat, and just wind the ball and boat to shore. Now, if you can't reach the craft with the ball, sail a canoe, a kayak, an inflatable raft or another small boat to retrieve your hull. Never attempt to swim after a disabled RC boat; there's no model hull worth drowning over!

Rick Eyrich; RC Boat Modeler "In the RC Zone" columnist

Q How do I prepare my gas boat for winter storage?

A Preparing a gas boat for a long storage is very easy. First, drain all fuel out of the tank. With the fuel line disconnected, drain the fuel out of the carb (sometimes, I leave the fuel in the carb because the drained fuel residue can "gum" its components). Either way, plan to replace the carb's diaphragms next season. Next, rotate the magnet on the flywheel, 180 degrees off the magneto. Remove the radio-box cover to vent condensation. Lube the flex shaft with light oil such as WD-40. Cover the carb intake and exhaust. Remove the spark plug, and apply after-run oil to the cylinder; turn the engine over and cover the plug hole. Last, remove all the batteries.

Remy Hayes Jr.; Aeromarine Laminates

Q What should I do with the unsightly receiver antenna on a scale boat?

A If the boat is large enough, you could run the antenna at nearly deck level around the inside perimeter of the hull (but don't loop it back onto itself), and then secure it with masking tape. If it looks appropriate, you could install a W.S. Deans Slimline antenna or a Black Kat 75MHz Sub Micro Antenna. This is available from E-Cubed R/C for $10. This antenna is a little coil that's only 1 5/8 inches long.

John Fryant; RC Boat Modeler "Scale Views" columnist

Q What's the difference between AM and FM?

A That's one of the most popular questions we get at Hitec. Listen to your car stereo: select an AM music station and listen to it; then select an FM station. Notice how the FM station is much clearer? The same is true of RC radio transmission; an FM radio has a much clearer and more powerful signal, so there's less interference and, typically, a longer range. That does not mean that AM is bad -just that FM is better. If you are in the market for a new radio, I suggest you go for an FM computer radio with multiple-model memory, since their prices are now so low.

Mike Mayberry; Hitec RCD Inc.

Q My boat hops on the water; how do I fix this?

A Moving the boat's center of gravity (CG) forward often helps, and if the hull has trim tabs, you can bend them down a little at a time until the hopping stops. The easiest way to move the CG is to move the boat's battery pack. If the boat has an adjustable prop shaft, raise the propeller or angle it down slightly at the aft end. A smaller-diameter prop can also help to minimize hopping. Too much power for the boat can make it hop, but some hulls, e.g., Crackerbox models, are supposed to bounce just like their full-scale counterparts.

Jay Turner; RC Boat Modeler "Fast Electrics" columnist

Aeromarine Laminates (302) 628-3944; (302) 628-3945; aeromarinerc.com.

E-Cubed R/C (937) 849-0418; azarr.com.

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

Octura Models Inc. (847) 674-7351.

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