Sealing Your Rc Boat's Battery Box: The Comprehensive Guide

If you're an RC boat enthusiast, you'll know that it's important to keep your boat's battery box sealed to prevent water from entering and causing damage. A well-built, watertight battery box will also help to keep water out and protect against acid spills. To seal an RC boat's battery box, you can use tape, such as Pro Servo Tape, to seal the joints between the canopy and hull. You can also use a polyester resin to cover the hull surface for extra strength and additional waterproofing. It's important to make sure that the battery box is secured and that the terminals are covered.

Use tape to seal the electronics

To seal a battery box for an RC boat, you can use tape to seal the electronics. This is an important step in making your RC boat waterproof and protecting its electrical components.

Firstly, you should ensure that all the electronic parts are securely mounted. You can use tape to re-adhere receivers and other components to the inside of the hull, preventing them from bouncing around. A recommended tape for this purpose is Parma's Pro Servo Tape, which holds well but can also be removed in one piece when needed.

In addition to mounting the electronics, you can use tape to further seal them off from the elements. Pro Boat offers a flexible tape that can be used to seal the inside of radio boxes. This tape can also be applied to seal the seams between the canopy and hull, ensuring your boat is super-sealed and water-resistant.

When selecting a tape for waterproofing your RC boat's electronics, consider a product designed specifically for this purpose, such as Atomik Waterproof Hatch Tape. This tape is designed to create an easy waterproof seal for RC boat hatches and other areas where water ingress needs to be prevented. It is highly flexible and can stretch and conform to any curves or surface changes. It is also transparent when installed, making it a discreet choice.

When applying tape to seal the electronics in your RC boat, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and take the necessary precautions to ensure a proper seal.

Use a polyester resin to cover the hull

To make your RC boat hull waterproof, you will need to use a polyester resin to cover the hull. Polyester resin is a significant sealer and adds extra strength to the overall structure. Without the polyester resin sealings, the boats tend to disassemble during crashes or after spending several days on the water surface.

To begin, mix the polyester resin with two catalyst drops in a can and then pour it inside the boat. Cover all the hull surfaces and joints with the mixture. By following this step, your RC boat’s hull will become waterproof.

It is important to note that you should never forget to properly settle down the hull bottom and hull sides to make them water-resistant. Make sure that you don’t forget to add polyester resin to spread over the surfaces and the joints of the hull, as the polyester resin makes your RC boat strong and waterproof. Lastly, you will need to make sure that you close the hull setting correctly and seal the holes permanently to make the hull water-tight.

Prevent water damage with a sealing tape

To prevent water damage to your RC boat's battery box, you can use sealing tape to protect the electronics, drive system, and radio system. Here are some steps you can follow:

Protecting the Electronics:

Firstly, ensure that all electronic components are securely mounted and won't come loose during shipping or operation. You can use Parma's Pro Servo Tape to re-adhere any loose parts to the inside of the hull. This will prevent them from bouncing around and potentially getting damaged.

Sealing the Hull:

To enhance water resistance, you can use Pro Boat's flexible tape to seal the inside of the radio boxes. This tape can also be applied to seal the joints between the canopy and the hull, creating a super-sealed barrier against water ingress.

Protecting the Drive System:

The drive shaft, which transfers power from the motor to the propeller, can be a source of friction and water ingress. Before using your boat, remove the drive shaft and tube and lubricate them with marine grease. This will provide a better waterproof seal between the drive shaft tube and the drive shaft itself inside the hull.

Radio System Protection:

Water can interfere with the RF signals sent to your boat's receiver, so it's important to take steps to protect the radio system. Ensure you use an antenna tube to keep your antenna as high as possible, improving signal stability. Additionally, if your receiver uses two antennas, mount the secondary antenna perpendicular to the primary one, along the inside of the hull, and above the waterline.

Sealing Tape Considerations:

When selecting a sealing tape, look for purpose-made radio box tape or vinyl/plastic tape. Clear tape is the most commonly used option, but plastic tapes are also available in various colours, allowing you to colour-coordinate with your boat's paintwork. Remember, a taped-down hatch cover can help prevent water ingress, even if your boat flips over.

Use a battery strap to secure the battery box

To secure your RC boat's battery box, you can use a battery strap. Battery straps are an effective way to immobilize the battery and prevent it from moving around during operation.

When choosing a battery strap, opt for heavy-duty ratcheting straps with stainless steel buckles. These straps should be made from strong, durable materials such as stainless steel and heavy-duty fabric. Avoid using lightweight straps and plastic buckles, as they may not be able to withstand the weight and movement of the battery.

Additionally, consider the length and width of the strap to ensure it fits securely around the battery box. You may need to adjust the strap to fit snugly, so look for adjustable straps or consider cutting the strap to the desired length.

When installing the strap, ensure that it is tightly secured around the battery box to prevent any movement. You may also want to combine the strap with other mounting methods, such as eye bolts or brackets, for added security.

By using a battery strap, you can be confident that your RC boat's battery box will remain securely in place, even during rough waters or high-speed maneuvers.

Use a clamp-type strong back arrangement

To seal an RC boat battery box using a clamp-type strong back arrangement, you can follow these steps:

Firstly, it is important to ensure that the battery is completely immobilized within the box. This can be achieved by using a clamp-type strong back arrangement, which often utilizes vertical rods and a beam or strong back. The strong back should be made from a non-conductive material, such as extruded fiberglass, to prevent the possibility of a short circuit. It should also be padded where it comes into contact with the batteries.

Secondly, through-bolting is the preferred method for securing the clamp arrangement. Eye bolts are ideal for this purpose, as they provide a secure and sturdy connection.

Thirdly, when designing the battery box, it is crucial to allow for adequate ventilation. A vent system should be in place to allow for the discharge of hydrogen gas released by the battery. This can be achieved by venting the apex of the box's lid or by using remote ventilation systems. However, it is important to ensure that any tubing used is robust and not easily crushed or kinked.

Finally, it is recommended to have a smoke detector installed above the battery space as an early warning system in case the batteries start to overheat. This will help to defuse the situation and prevent any potential fires or explosions.

By following these steps, you can effectively seal an RC boat battery box using a clamp-type strong back arrangement, ensuring the safety and proper functioning of your RC boat.

Frequently asked questions