HA Kits Ocean Racer

Looking excellent, like the additional bull pit rails, good job

So - fixing the hatch proved easy  I had the idea last night, and tried it this morning.



It doesn't need anything but to be stopped from 'popping out'. It can't slide forward or back, so this is all it needs.

I have edged it with some thin strip wood to make it look as though it is meant to be there!



Having got that sorted I finished installing the Rx and ESC. All tested - just waiting for ballast and a name!

 

Barrie

I took advantage of the sun to ballast three of my boats, including this one. My order also came from CMB with the propellers I had ordered. Unfortunately the wheel  was missing from the order. My silver paint also arrived, and the model is now finished - except I haven't thought of a name

 


Also today my next two projects arrived  These are a Dumas Chriscraft Sedan - a static model. Looking at the quality of the wood, I think it may be a challenge. I also bought a fibre glass fishing boat hull with some plans. Again, the hull is not the best, but I think it will be OK.

 

Build logs when I get started.

Barrie

good looking boat, sun dose it justice, thanks for sharing and looking forward to your next projects!

This had it maiden voyage yesterday. As I suspected it was underpowered. It sailed well enough but was lacking in speed and the bow seemed too heavy, although there is no added weight there. I think the solution, if I want to go ahead, would be either a 400 type motor, or brushless. Given the performance of Vigilant with a 400, I think that could be overkill.

Not sure I will bother to change this one. I have plenty more boats to sail and am thinking of building a more accurate Fairey Huntsman/Swordsman as my next project. 

NOTE to Self ---  Must get rid of some models

Barrie

I decided to give brushless a try. Its by way of being a test run for when I build my Fairey Huntsman.
I bought a 1000kV motor and 30 amp marine ESC from Banggood. £15 with postage and it arrived from China in 10 days. The ESC and motor are not water cooled - I didn't want that complication.

I had some difficulty getting it all in, and haven't managed to fit a switch. This is not really too much of a problem as I always remove the battery after a run. It is fused - currently at 20 amps, which could be used as a switch.



I think I could tidy up the wiring a bit by using some thinner wire. I will see how it goes and if I decide to keep the boat, or use the motor/esc in my Fairey.

Barrie

As one of my LiPos is looking a bit sick I have bought a new one. There didn't seem to be any stock of the one I wanted in the UK so I bought from Banggood again. It came from Europe in less than a week.

I had a run with this yesterday. Much quicker, but not as fast as I expected - still fast enough for me. It still seems bow heavy and doesn't look like the pictures I've seen of the real Fairey boats at speed.
I also found it takes on water. There are no coamings in the design, and I can't at the moment see how to stop the water getting in. Most of it is coming in from under the front of the cabin.

Using the fuse as a switch works well so I will not be altering that although I will have another go at the wiring.

Barrie

Hi Barrie
I have bought one of these kits and I am at the point of looking to fit the motor etc. Being very new to this I didn't know where to start and saw your blog which is great. Some really good tips.
Wondered if you would be able to advise me on all of the workings you have fitted as can't seem to get any good advice locally. So what size motor, servo, batteries, prop, rudder, etc. Also reliable place you suggest I could purchase from. Any help much appreciated.
Cheers Kev

Hi barriew,

You have done a great job, she looks really good.
Well done sir.