Traxxas villain ex or something else?...help please!

[Maxx Fast]

im getting into boating now and i was wondering what kind of boat to get..i know i want electric b/c of reliability..i like the fiberglass hulls but they only come in nitro rtr's..not electric..i can only run them if i convert it..but ne way...i was looking at them and i saw the traxxas villain..it runs on 14.4v..so does my e-maxx so i already have the supplies for itt...alos..i figured..i could shove in some revolver 650 x-long motors inthere to really kick up torque and speed..then put in some really strong intellect bats..not sure yet thou....any suggestions would really..really help!ty :confused:

also..i dont know how to size the props..wuts the scale for them and wut size makes the most torque..and wich one makes the most speed..?

ty!!

[Monsterbrad]

This is kinda funny that you mention this.
I have been thinking and looking into which rc boat that I should get.
My choices are currently down to the Villian Ex or the Black Jack Brushless boat.
So far I can say the villian seems a bit better cause it has tried and true components on it starting back with the original villian.
The villian will not handle the speeds that an all out race boat like the black jack will or the kyosho Super Vee.
All these boats are good boats just depends on what you are going to do with it. I am going to be running it now and then in a Marina.
As far as the props are concerned it depends on the pitch of the blades for speed and torque.
Good luck with your decision :D

[Apples]

G'day all,

I have a villain ex and am a little dissapointed, i have had it since july and since then have replaced both motors, both u joints, both drive gears however i have upgraded props, changed gearing, and am running 14 cells and can only just nudge 30mph....but overheating becomes a problem.

if you leave the thing stock i would be fine and last for years , but its hard to resist the temptation of speed.

just to through another boat in the mix the SV27 is in the same league and price bracket of $220 - $300.

Good luck

[CG Bob]

The AquaCraft Super Vee 27 Brushless is the best of the boats compared in this thread - the other ones being the Traxxas Villian EX, and the Proboat BlackJack 26.

AquaCraft Super Vee 27 Brushless
+ Fiberglass Hull
+ Water cooled ESC & Motor
+ Flex cable drive
+ ESC has Dean's Ultra Plugs installed
+ Futaba radio on 75 MHz AM
- Some minor water leaks on waterjckets for motor & esc (see other threads on SV27 BL)

Traxxas Villian EX
- Vac formed plastic hull
+ Water cooled esc & motor
- Steerable outdrive cause some power loss, outdrive made of plastic.
- Steerable outdrive has plastic u-joint.
- Older versions have Tamiya plugs installed, newer version have Traxxas Velineon connectos. Traxxas has Tamiya to Velineon adapters available.
- Traxxas radio is on 27 MHz AM band

ProBoat BlackJack 26
+ Fiberglass hull
+ Watercooled ESC and motor
+ Flex cable drive
- Steerable outdrive causes some power loss, outdrive made of plastic
+ Steerable outdrve has metal u-joint
+ ESC has Dean's Ultra plugs installed
- Proboat (JR) radio is on 27 MHZ AM

I've seen and worked on all three boats at the LHS where I work. I own an AquaCraft SV 27, and think it's the best value for the money. Out of the box the SV27 runs around 30 mph. The only "major" change I made wasswapping the stock prop for a metal 2 blade prop, and I'm running around 40 mph now.

[Apples]

Fair point....do you know of what speeds the BJ26 is running out of the box?

[Monsterbrad]

Don't forget about the steerable out drives
These boats turn better then boats with rudders.
So if you are going to be running in small spaces the BJ 26 or the villian are the 2 to choose from.
I am leaning towards the villian.

[Monsterbrad]

Well I got the villian for christmas and just finished the stickers
The new boat is pretty cool
Water cooled esc and the changed gear boxes from the original
Summer is comming but I am sure there will be a few winter time runs here if the weather stays in the 40's

[Apples]

Good to hear mate,

I got a BJ26 for Chrissy as well, already had 8 runs or so.

Happy Boating

[Monsterbrad]

What are you guys running for batteries?????
I need some for the villian and I don't wanna spend a million bucks:D

[Apples]

im probably the wrong person to speak to then, i seem the Waste alot on crap batteries,

stick with any known brand 3600mah or higher try OSE they seem to have a good range.

[Monsterbrad]

there are too many different versions and companies that make batteries.
Oh well I will just buy something I feel will work well
Have to get another charger so I can charge many batteries at one time
I like the villian so far
It's a solid boat