Never say never (nitro)

[kevin28]

I said i would never go back to nitro, but i have an itch.

All my boats are over 4' long and i want to try something a little different. After seeing all these new little .12 and .15 pullstart models I want to build something smaller.

I would like to make a little hydro like the old tether boats with the .049 cox engines except use the new smaller rc equiptment and a flex drive.
(something other than dumas' deep vee 10)

this is not for performance, just a cheap way to get through the winter.

is anyone currently producing anything like this?

a little 12"-15" round nose hydro.

if anyone has an old boat like this or the old hardware i would be interested in purchasing it.
thanks
Kevin

[Ron Olson]

Check out Climate Boatworks. Peter has some boats that could be easily adapted to nitro power. http://www.climateboatworks.bizland.com/ . If you'd like to scratch build, try www.microhydros.com for plans.
Finding something that small is going to be a challenge otherwise plus you'd have to run it in almost dead calm water.
to use an engine that small, you might want to use a Norvel motor, they have them with large heat-sink heads that would get you around having to run a water cooling system.

[kevin28]

Its getting together.
That micro hydro site is nice. I am 80% done building a hydro (hydromite), just under 14".
I have an OK Cub .049 with pullstarter, (I have a cooling clamp, but it is heavier than the engine) I'm making the hardware. I also got a nice little hitec micro servo. I'll try to get some pictures soon.

This boat fits inside my gas boats
-Kevin

[kevin28]

Does anyone know the average CG on a hydro?
Thanks

[Hydro Junkie]

On a 1/8th scale boat, the CG is normally between 1" and 2" behing the sponson transom. Figuring the average length at 43", you're probably looking at 1/4 to 1/2 inch behind the sponson. Also, try to keep the prop weight at 1/2 pound or slightly less.

[kevin28]

I took a pic of the hydro, and the large big block engine.
So far this little adventure has cost me $12.

[kevin28]

Engine

[Baja-Destroyer]

lol i have one of those lil cox engines for a plane thats controlled with a string never got it running cuz the design of the plane made it hard to turn the prop with a stick

[kevin28]

This is sitting on my crackerbox

[kevin28]

Another view, fresh paint

[kevin28]

The electris are a tight fit.
batteries will be on either side of the engine, to adjust CG.

[Chilly]

Man, that´s small!