|
|
BASIC PROPELLER RECOMMENDATIONS One of the most common phone calls we get is for propeller recommendations. We realize two boats are rarely set up identically, be it propeller depth, fuel mixture, the altitude, weight of boat, etc. There are many factors to take into consideration.
Propellers are available in many different materials.
• Plastic – Suitable for small brushed electric boats and ROV’s
• Aluminum – Suitable for larger brushed motors and smaller brushless applications. Requires Balancing
• Silicon Bronze – Suitable for Any Brushless, Nitro or Gas – Can be cupped or shaped
• Beryllium Copper - Suitable for Any Brushless, Nitro or Gas - Can be cupped or shaped
• Stainless Steel - Suitable for Any Brushless, Nitro or Gas Application – Very rigid, cannot be cupped or shaped.
Polishing and Balancing
All metal propellers must be balanced and polished. When working with metal propellers you MUST do all of your filing, sanding and polishing using oil, or something to prevent making dust. A dust mask is not enough. The metal filings and sandings are toxic and will eventually KILL YOU if inhaled!
Aquacraft has a pretty good primer on polishing props Here. Remember we recommend using oil for all filing and sanding.
Of course, we also offer a sharpening and balancing service.
Things to know:
• Understand RPM relates directly to speed. However a prop that is too small, will merely cavitate (spin and push air not water) allowing motor to over rev and never achieve desired forward motion or speed.
• Determine if your boat is running a "surface" or "submerged" prop.
• Start by selecting the proper prop from the chart (or use the prop your boat came with) - this should be a good starting point.
• Carefully clean, deburr and sharpen the edges of the prop to be installed. Don't worry about polishing it at this time.
• Balance the prop. This will reduce vibration at high RPM.
• Test run the boat.
• Monitor motor load to determine if you are achieving maximum running RPM. This point is tied closely to the next point. If not reaching peak RPM, reduce prop diameter or pitch to gain more RPM.
• Closely monitor motor temperature during the testing of different props. High temperature indicates too much load. Reduce prop diameter or pitch.
• Experiment with shifting "dead" weight within the boat to get on plane faster.
Here are some recommendations for specific boats. These are not necessarily the best props for these boats, but they are a good guideline. A lot depends on your exact setup, water conditions, course length, trim, nitro content, etc. The only way to get the BEST prop for your application is to experiment.
Aeromarine Mean Machine - Y535
Aquacraft Miss Vegas Deuce - Y535
Aquacraft SuperVee 27 - X640 / X642 / P215
Aquacraft UL-1 Superior - X642 / P220
Enforcer Manta-Ray - P275 / X670
Proboat Apache - X435
Proboat Blackjack - Brushless - X642 / P215 W/SHIM
Proboat Blackjack - Nitro - Y535
Proboat Blackjack 55 - P275 / X670
Proboat Fastech - Brushless - X642 W/SHIM
Proboat Fastech - Nitro - Y535
Proboat Miss Geico - X642 / X445
Proboat Shockwave 26 - X435
Proboat Shockwave 36 - X445 / P225
Proboat Shockwave 55 - P275 / X670
Proboat Thundercat 31 - X445 / P225
Proboat Miss Elam Brushless - X642 W/SHIM
Proboat Widow Maker - Y535 / M435
Traxxas Blast - X430 Kit
Traxxas Nitro Villain - X440 Kit
Traxxas Spartan - X640 (4 Cell), X440 (6 Cell) - watch for overheat
Traxxas Villain EX - X447R & X447L Kit
|
|