Should I get rid of this boat?

[lferguson]

Boat: Traxxas Blast
Problem: Battery placement causes boat to be front heavy. I have 6cell 7.2v 4200mAh sub C’s

Question; Can anyone tell me how to get the battery out of the bow of the boat? I think an easy solution would be to replace the ESC to one of those really small ones. If did that I would be ready to upgrade the motor when the time comes. The problem in doing that is I have no idea what I am doing. I don’t know what ESC does except that I need one, it’s good, and I have to upgrade it before I upgrade anything else. I have heard about programming them, but I have no idea how or why. Should I just be content with what I have and realize that this is as good as electric boating gets? I don’t have a hobby shop around for 60 miles so I can’t go to one and burden them with my beginner question. All I want is more speed and more run time. I really enjoy doing the work myself, but I don’t think this boat has any room for upgrades. Am I wrong. Should I sell this boat and start over?

[Hydro Junkie]

I would ask Fluid about this, since he is an electric boat guru. If anybody knows, he will:)

[Rex R]

you could try lighter batt.s :) radio shack has/had some decent gp 3300 nimh packs for comparatively cheap. cheapbatterypacks has some 3600's in both loose cells and made to order (your choice of wire & connectors) note: smaller capacity/ shorter run times will reduce heat build up as well. your other alternative if you don't want to go to lighter batts, is to add weight to the stern...tire shops have been known to sell stick on wheel weights(1/2 oz per inch) if asked nicely. hth

[Doubledog]

Can anyone tell me how to get the battery out of the bow of the boat?

6 cell pack slides in & out. Take the small peice of foam and push between it and the bulkhead. Nothing hard about it.

[Fluid]

Should I just be content with what I have and realize that this is as good as electric boating gets?....All I want is more speed and more run time. I really enjoy doing the work myself, but I don’t think this boat has any room for upgrades. Am I wrong. Should I sell this boat and start over?That is a tough question and the answer depends on what you want and are willing to spend. I know the attraction of modifying a boat you already have, expecting to make it into a water rocket and impress your buddies. Unfortunately, speed is addictive and soon after you add 4 mph to the boat's top speed you will want more. The next 4 mph will be more difficult to achieve, and it continues. If you know your speed goal and your budget it is sometimes better to cut your losses, sell the current boat and buy one with more potential.

The Blast is a nice entry-level boat, but like all hulls it has a limit as to the power you can add and the speed it will tolerate. Its small size, steerable outdrive and cramped interior really limit what can be done to gain speed. Adding much more power than you have already done and it will begin to break parts, spin out, overheat....you get the idea. But that hardly means that it is "as good as electric boating gets". :cool:

Speed costs money and effort - how much of both are you willing to sacrifice? A boat like the Aquacraft Hammer (24") or the CEN Aquajet (29")can be easily upgraded to far higher speeds than the Blast can safely attain and the larger Aquajet can handle rougher water. The Blast can be made faster than stock, but it will take a lot of time and effort to replace the driveline, buy an ESC, etc. OTOH I've seen the Hammer sold on eBay for $130 or less with radio. You may decide to sell the Blast and upgrade to a hull with more potential.

[lferguson]

Thanks. The more I read, the more you are right. I am thinking of selling the Blast and getting a Aquacraft SuperVee 27. Thanks.

[Fluid]

You are most welcome. From what I have read the boat you are interested in is an awesome RTR and I am sure you will be happy with it!