Best Engines To Fit Your Laserline Rc Boat

Sizing a model boat motor is a difficult part of building a radio-controlled model boat. The power requirement for a model boat can be calculated by starting with the power rating of the full-size vessel and then recalculating the power to the reduced scale. For example, a 1:32 scale model of the PT 109 boat with Three Packard V-12s at 1,500HP each would require a motor with a power rating of 100 to 150W. The Dragon Hobby LASERLINE 700EP RC boat uses a 2800kv water-cooled brushless inrunner motor.

Brushless RC boat motors

Benefits of Brushless RC Boat Motors:

• High Speed and Efficiency: Brushless motors are known for their high power-to-weight ratio, enabling your RC boat to achieve impressive speeds. The efficient design of these motors ensures that your boat can cut through the water with minimal energy loss.
• Longer Runtime: Brushless RC boat motors are designed to be energy efficient, which means your boat can operate for extended periods without draining the battery. This is especially advantageous if you enjoy long-distance boating or racing.
• Low Maintenance: Unlike brushed motors, brushless motors do not have mechanical brushes that are prone to wear and tear. As a result, brushless motors require less frequent maintenance and part replacements, saving you time and money in the long run.
• Smooth and Quiet Operation: Brushless motors operate with minimal friction, resulting in a smoother and quieter ride. This is a significant advantage if you prefer a more serene boating experience or want to avoid disturbing others around you.

Factors to Consider when Choosing a Brushless RC Boat Motor:

• Power and Speed: Different brushless motors offer varying power outputs and speed capabilities. Consider the size and weight of your RC boat, as well as your desired performance level, when selecting a motor. A higher kV (kiloVolt) rating indicates a faster motor, while a lower kV rating is suitable for heavier boats or when more torque is required.
• Cooling System: Brushless motors can generate significant heat during operation, especially at high speeds. Look for motors that come with an effective cooling system, such as a water cooling jacket or heat sink, to ensure optimal performance and prolong the lifespan of your motor.
• Compatibility: Ensure that the brushless motor you choose is compatible with your RC boat's existing setup. Check the dimensions, shaft size, and voltage requirements to ensure a proper fit and easy installation.
• Ease of Use: Some brushless motors come with user-friendly features, such as easy-to-adjust timing and simple wiring configurations. If you're new to RC boating, consider choosing a motor with clear instructions and straightforward calibration.

Examples of Brushless RC Boat Motors:

• Surpass Hobby Brushless Motors: Surpass Hobby offers a range of brushless motors suitable for RC boats, including the 3670 3050KV, 3680 1800KV, and 4082 1900KV models. These motors feature cooling sets and are designed as replacement boat parts.
• KingVal Brushless Motors: KingVal provides brushless motors with water cooling jackets, such as the 4074 2250KV and 3660 2150KV models. These motors are compatible with RC boats and are designed to provide efficient cooling during operation.
• Taidda Brushless Motor: The Taidda 3650 5900Kv 4 Poles Brushless Motor is a durable option suitable for 1/10, 1/16, and 1/18 RC cars and boats. It offers high power and speed, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts.
• VGEBY RC Boat Brushless Motor: The VGEBY brushless motor features water cooling and a low-noise accurate rotor. It is designed for the SL2862 1500KV brushless motor boat model and is known for its quiet and efficient performance.

Remember to carefully read the specifications and reviews of each brushless RC boat motor before making a purchase to ensure it aligns with your specific needs and preferences.

Nitro RC boat motors

For instance, a hull length of 20-27" would require a nitro engine with a displacement of 0.15-0.18 cubic inches or 2.5-3.0cc. As the hull length increases, so does the required engine displacement. A 40"+ hull length demands an engine with a displacement of 0.90+ cubic inches or 13.0+cc.

It is worth noting that higher-quality or more expensive nitro engines tend to offer greater power. When comparing engine horsepower values, it is advisable to exercise caution as these values can vary across different manufacturers.

In terms of performance, a more powerful nitro engine will spin a larger propeller, resulting in increased speed and propeller thrust.

Some popular options for nitro RC boat motors include:

• 12M ASP-2CC 2-Stroke Glow Engine with Muffler for Nitro RC Boats 72P-12M
• 15M ASP-2.5CC 2-Stroke Glow Engine with Muffler for Nitro RC Boats 72P-15M
• 21M ASP-3.5CC 2-Stroke Glow Engine with Muffler for Nitro RC Boats 72P-21M
• S46M ASP-7.5CC 2-Stroke Glow Engine with Muffler for Nitro RC Boats 72P-S46M

RC boat motor sizing

Sizing a model boat motor is often a challenging step in the building process. It typically requires a trial-and-error approach, with a complete guess as the starting point. However, there is a more efficient method that involves determining the power needs of the full-size vessel and then recalculating the power for the reduced scale model.

Power Requirements for Full-Size Vessels

When designing full-sized ships, scale models are initially created and tested in a tank. By assessing the drag experienced by the model at various speeds and considering the scale, a relationship between power and speed can be established. This relationship indicates that the power requirement for a scaled-down model is the scale factor cubed.

Example Calculation: PT-109 at 1:32 Scale

For a PT boat at 1:32 scale, we can consider the mid-war version with three Packard V-12 engines, each delivering 1,500HP, for a total of 4,500HP. Cubing the scale factor (1:32,768), we can calculate the required power: 4,500HP / 32,768 = 0.137HP. Converting to watts, this equates to approximately 102W.

Efficiency Considerations

It's important to account for efficiency differences between the full-size and model power trains. The specified power for the full-size engines is typically higher than what you'll achieve with your model. Therefore, treat the calculated power as a minimum, and consider adding a safety factor of 25-50% to ensure adequate performance.

Selecting Motors

The next step is deciding on the number of motors you'll use and dividing the total power accordingly:

• Single motor: 100-150W
• Two motors: 50-75W each
• Three motors: 33-50W each

Hull Size and Cell Count

The size of the hull plays a crucial role in determining the required motor size. Hulls ranging from 20" to 34" typically use a 540-size motor with a 36mm diameter and a length of 50-75mm. For larger hulls, from 34" to over 40", opt for a motor with a diameter of around or over 42mm and a length exceeding 65mm.

The number of cells planned for use also influences the choice of motor. The cell count determines the wind (Kv) of the motor needed. A mono hull tends to operate at the lower end of the Kv range and uses a larger prop, while an outrigger hull runs at the higher end with a smaller prop.

To ensure the hull can get on plane, it's crucial to balance RPM and prop size. Excessive RPM with a large prop can lead to insufficient thrust, while a high RPM setup with an oversized prop may result in excessive heat.

In summary, RC boat motor sizing is a critical aspect of performance and requires careful consideration of factors such as hull size, power requirements, and efficiency. By following the outlined steps and calculations, you can make informed decisions about motor selection and configuration to achieve optimal results for your RC boat.

RC boat motor power

The power of an RC boat's motor is one of the most important factors in determining its performance. When it comes to choosing the right motor for your RC boat, there are several factors to consider, including the type of motor, power requirements, and available options in the market.

Types of RC Boat Motors

RC boat motors can be broadly categorized into two types: brushed and brushless motors. Brushed motors are more common and affordable, but they tend to have lower efficiency and require regular maintenance due to the wear and tear of the brushes. On the other hand, brushless motors are more efficient, powerful, and require less maintenance, making them a popular choice for high-performance RC boats.

Sizing and Power Requirements

Sizing an RC boat motor is a critical step in building or upgrading your boat. The power requirements depend on the scale and design of the boat. A common approach is to calculate the power needs based on the full-size vessel's power rating and then recalculate it for the reduced scale. This ensures that the RC boat can create the same wave pattern as the original vessel, giving it the appearance of moving at a similar speed.

For example, let's consider a 1:32 scale model of the famous PT 109 boat. If the full-size boat had Three Packard V-12s at 1,500HP each, the power needed for the model would be calculated as 4,500HP / 32,768 = 0.137HP, or approximately 102W. It's important to note that the efficiency of the RC boat's power train may be lower than that of the full-size vessel, so it's advisable to add a safety factor of about 25-50%.

RC Boat Motor Options

There is a wide range of RC boat motors available in the market, offering different power outputs and features. For example, the LMT 30100 (40kW) motor is a high-performance option, delivering unmatched acceleration and top-end speed. It is designed to transform your RC experience into an adrenaline-fueled adventure.

Another option is to consider a motor and electronic speed controller (ESC) combo, such as the MGM X3-SERIES ESC + MOTOR combo, which offers unlimited power and performance. This combo includes a cutting-edge ESC that can handle a continuous current of 1000A at 63V, paired with a purpose-built motor that delivers a staggering 40kW output.

Additionally, there are several other RC boat motors available on Amazon, offering different power outputs, cooling systems, and compatibility with specific RC boat models. It's important to carefully consider your RC boat's requirements and choose a motor that matches your needs in terms of power, efficiency, and performance.

RC boat motor efficiency

RC boat motors are an essential component that directly affects the performance of the boat. The efficiency of the motor is key to the overall efficiency of the RC boat.

There are two main classes of DC motors: brushed DC motors and brushless DC (BLDC) motors. Brushed motors are made up of a stator, rotor, commutator, and brushes. The rotor produces a magnetic field that attracts the opposite pole of the magnetic field in the stator, causing the rotor to run. Brushed motors are low-cost, and the speed is easily controlled by altering the applied voltage. However, they are prone to wear and tear over time due to the friction of the brushes, and they may need to be replaced. Additionally, heat generation and electromagnetic interference may impact their performance.

On the other hand, BLDC motors are synchronous motors, meaning the magnetic fields generated by the stator and rotor rotate at the same frequency. These motors do not have brushes or commutators, resulting in increased efficiency and reduced internal friction, allowing for higher speeds and lower electrical noise. However, they require complex and expensive electronic speed controllers.

When it comes to RC boats, motor efficiency is crucial to achieving optimal performance. The efficiency of the motor will impact the speed, torque, and overall power of the boat. A more efficient motor will enable the boat to reach higher speeds and have better handling capabilities.

To maximize the efficiency of an RC boat motor, it is important to consider the power system as a whole. This includes the hull, cell count, motor, ESC (Electronic Speed Control), propeller, and hardware. Ensuring that these components are properly matched and work harmoniously will result in a more efficient power system.

Additionally, maintaining optimal operating temperatures is vital. Excessive heat is detrimental to electrical components. It is recommended to keep the motor and ESC temperatures below 140°F or 60°C to prevent component failure.

By selecting the right type of motor, maintaining ideal operating temperatures, and ensuring a well-suited power system, RC boat enthusiasts can maximize the efficiency of their boats and enjoy faster, better-performing vessels.

Frequently asked questions