Deciding between 3 Cats
03-29-2012, 05:36 PM
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Deciding between 3 Cats
I am looking for some assistance from those of you who may have some experience with one or more of these boats:
Mystic 29
Miss Geico
Motley Crew
I will be running mostly on ponds. I will be dealing with moderate waves at times. Any insight would be greatly appreciated as to the pros & cons.....and why one is better than the others. Prices are very similar, so it becomes a matter of going to school on what others may have already experienced.
Finally, recommendations as to batteries, prop, and any other enhancement.
Thanks,
Jim
Mystic 29
Miss Geico
Motley Crew
I will be running mostly on ponds. I will be dealing with moderate waves at times. Any insight would be greatly appreciated as to the pros & cons.....and why one is better than the others. Prices are very similar, so it becomes a matter of going to school on what others may have already experienced.
Finally, recommendations as to batteries, prop, and any other enhancement.
Thanks,
Jim
03-30-2012, 05:21 AM
#2
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RE: Deciding between 3 Cats
All are excellent choices and in the same class. You win with any choice!
Here's my opinons
Miss Geico: my video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsZmdN6FsIs
Plus:
- same quality hull as Mystic
- PB1500kv motor is a beast with loads of torque
- stock flexshaft is decent quality
- comes with spektrum marine rx
- nice tupperware lid design and magnetic top hatch (hatch still should be taped)
- quality inline hardware which allows better turning is both directions
- excellent customer service
- programmable esc
Minus:
- bad low end throttle response which is typical with PB esc's
- motor and esc have very weak 3.5mm bullets which need to be changed (5mm or higher)
- deans plugs
- bad bounce which requires lots of adjusting to settle down
- battery trays are shorter which makes adjusting the cg more of a pain
- color is difficult to match for touch up paint
- hatch is subjective to cracking in violent crashes
- curves of the hatch make pain to tape
- seperate purchase for esc program card
Props:
- x440 (less speed, more runtime very low temps)
- x440 (less top end, more runtime low temps)
- x442 (less top end speed, more run time, cooler temps)
- x642 (slighty more top end, decent runtime and good temps)
- grim 42x55 (good mix of speed, runtime and temps)
- m445 (high top end, less runtime, higher temps and amps. run responeable on stock 45amp esc)
- stock props sharpened and balanced (good balance)
- CF40
- CF42
- CF45
* you must change out the 3.5mm bullets for the metal props. Good to replace regardless
Mystic
Plus:
- same quality hull as MG
- PB1800kv motor which means in stock form will be slightly faster then a MG
- stock flexshaft is decent quality
- comes with spektrum marine rx
- nice tupperware lid design and magnetic top hatch (hatch still should be taped)
- quality offset hardware
- 60 amp esc
- plan white hull makes personalizing and touch-ups easier
- longer battery trays
- excellenct custmer service
- programmable esc
Minus:
- bad low end throttle response which is typical with PB esc's
- motor and esc have very weak 3.5mm bullets which need to be changed (5mm or higher)
- deans plugs
- bad bounce which requires lots of adjusting to settle down
- hatch is subjective to cracking in violent crashes
- curves of the hatch make pain to tape
- offset hardware means better turning to right (not a big deal for most as racing is right turns)
- not able to install break-away nylon bolt into rudder which helps prevent damage from rudder strikes due to water debris
- stock 1800kv motor seems to have less torque then most 1800kv motors
- deans plugs
- seperate program card for esc (same for 45 & 60amp esc's)
Props:
- x440 (good runtime, avg speed, good temps)
- x440/3 (better whole shot, avg speed, slighlty higher temps)
- x640 (more top end, less runtime, slightly higher temps)
- stock prop sharpened and balanced (good balance of all)
- x442 (good balance, sligtly moderate temps)
- CF40
- CF42
* must replace stock 3.5mm bullets for any metal prop other then stock. Good to replace regardless.
Motley Crew: my video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qr4FW...el_video_title
Plus:
- nice easy to work on hull
- 60amp stock esc is wonderful with smooth throttle response
- beastly 1800kv motor
- nice hardware
- good space inside to work
- very easy to tape
- 4mm bullets are better then the PB offerings
Minus:
- first batch of hulls had QC issues
- motor mount reversed from Prototype which limits size of hop-up motor lengths (can be reversed which is what I did, allows for larger motors and better shaft/stuffing tube alignment)
- factory flexcable sucks
- plastic stock prop easily breaks
- stuffing tube, motor alignment issues
- mg/mystic hull design seems to win more in racing (i don't race, just what I've heard)
Props:
- x440 (less speed, good temps and runtime)
- x442 (decent speed, good temps and runtime)
- grim 42x55 (good balance, one of my fav props)
- x642 (good top end, higher temps, less runtime)
- m445 (best top end speed for stock motor, higher temps, less runtime)
- CF40
- CF42
- CF45
* replace stock bullets for the x642 and m445. Good to replace with 5mm anyway
* deans plugs on all models should be removed!
Here's my opinons
Miss Geico: my video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsZmdN6FsIs
Plus:
- same quality hull as Mystic
- PB1500kv motor is a beast with loads of torque
- stock flexshaft is decent quality
- comes with spektrum marine rx
- nice tupperware lid design and magnetic top hatch (hatch still should be taped)
- quality inline hardware which allows better turning is both directions
- excellent customer service
- programmable esc
Minus:
- bad low end throttle response which is typical with PB esc's
- motor and esc have very weak 3.5mm bullets which need to be changed (5mm or higher)
- deans plugs
- bad bounce which requires lots of adjusting to settle down
- battery trays are shorter which makes adjusting the cg more of a pain
- color is difficult to match for touch up paint
- hatch is subjective to cracking in violent crashes
- curves of the hatch make pain to tape
- seperate purchase for esc program card
Props:
- x440 (less speed, more runtime very low temps)
- x440 (less top end, more runtime low temps)
- x442 (less top end speed, more run time, cooler temps)
- x642 (slighty more top end, decent runtime and good temps)
- grim 42x55 (good mix of speed, runtime and temps)
- m445 (high top end, less runtime, higher temps and amps. run responeable on stock 45amp esc)
- stock props sharpened and balanced (good balance)
- CF40
- CF42
- CF45
* you must change out the 3.5mm bullets for the metal props. Good to replace regardless
Mystic
Plus:
- same quality hull as MG
- PB1800kv motor which means in stock form will be slightly faster then a MG
- stock flexshaft is decent quality
- comes with spektrum marine rx
- nice tupperware lid design and magnetic top hatch (hatch still should be taped)
- quality offset hardware
- 60 amp esc
- plan white hull makes personalizing and touch-ups easier
- longer battery trays
- excellenct custmer service
- programmable esc
Minus:
- bad low end throttle response which is typical with PB esc's
- motor and esc have very weak 3.5mm bullets which need to be changed (5mm or higher)
- deans plugs
- bad bounce which requires lots of adjusting to settle down
- hatch is subjective to cracking in violent crashes
- curves of the hatch make pain to tape
- offset hardware means better turning to right (not a big deal for most as racing is right turns)
- not able to install break-away nylon bolt into rudder which helps prevent damage from rudder strikes due to water debris
- stock 1800kv motor seems to have less torque then most 1800kv motors
- deans plugs
- seperate program card for esc (same for 45 & 60amp esc's)
Props:
- x440 (good runtime, avg speed, good temps)
- x440/3 (better whole shot, avg speed, slighlty higher temps)
- x640 (more top end, less runtime, slightly higher temps)
- stock prop sharpened and balanced (good balance of all)
- x442 (good balance, sligtly moderate temps)
- CF40
- CF42
* must replace stock 3.5mm bullets for any metal prop other then stock. Good to replace regardless.
Motley Crew: my video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qr4FW...el_video_title
Plus:
- nice easy to work on hull
- 60amp stock esc is wonderful with smooth throttle response
- beastly 1800kv motor
- nice hardware
- good space inside to work
- very easy to tape
- 4mm bullets are better then the PB offerings
Minus:
- first batch of hulls had QC issues
- motor mount reversed from Prototype which limits size of hop-up motor lengths (can be reversed which is what I did, allows for larger motors and better shaft/stuffing tube alignment)
- factory flexcable sucks
- plastic stock prop easily breaks
- stuffing tube, motor alignment issues
- mg/mystic hull design seems to win more in racing (i don't race, just what I've heard)
Props:
- x440 (less speed, good temps and runtime)
- x442 (decent speed, good temps and runtime)
- grim 42x55 (good balance, one of my fav props)
- x642 (good top end, higher temps, less runtime)
- m445 (best top end speed for stock motor, higher temps, less runtime)
- CF40
- CF42
- CF45
* replace stock bullets for the x642 and m445. Good to replace with 5mm anyway
* deans plugs on all models should be removed!
03-30-2012, 07:30 AM
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RE: Deciding between 3 Cats
Thanks for all of the insight on the 3 boats I have under consideration. I started out wanting the Miss Geico, then I talked to someone who said the Mystic is an upgraded version of same boat, and then I saw the Motley Crew......and really got confused.
It appears each has their pros & cons. I will not be racing (competively), just looking to have fun. Were you to rank the three in oder of your preference, what would the order be?
Finally, what about batteries?? I was looking at the Hobby King Turnigy Nano-Tech 2S, 7.4v, 5000Mah, 40c...........comments??
Jim
It appears each has their pros & cons. I will not be racing (competively), just looking to have fun. Were you to rank the three in oder of your preference, what would the order be?
Finally, what about batteries?? I was looking at the Hobby King Turnigy Nano-Tech 2S, 7.4v, 5000Mah, 40c...........comments??
Jim
03-30-2012, 11:10 AM
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RE: Deciding between 3 Cats
Naw the nano-techs are not very good. They didn't do very well in my battery testing. Their is reg Turnigy 5000mah 40/50c packs for like $23 in the usa warehouse. Gens Ace packs are my 1st choice though.
ORIGINAL: jim1945
Thanks for all of the insight on the 3 boats I have under consideration. I started out wanting the Miss Geico, then I talked to someone who said the Mystic is an upgraded version of same boat, and then I saw the Motley Crew......and really got confused.
It appears each has their pros & cons. I will not be racing (competively), just looking to have fun. Were you to rank the three in oder of your preference, what would the order be?
Finally, what about batteries?? I was looking at the Hobby King Turnigy Nano-Tech 2S, 7.4v, 5000Mah, 40c...........comments??
Jim
Thanks for all of the insight on the 3 boats I have under consideration. I started out wanting the Miss Geico, then I talked to someone who said the Mystic is an upgraded version of same boat, and then I saw the Motley Crew......and really got confused.
It appears each has their pros & cons. I will not be racing (competively), just looking to have fun. Were you to rank the three in oder of your preference, what would the order be?
Finally, what about batteries?? I was looking at the Hobby King Turnigy Nano-Tech 2S, 7.4v, 5000Mah, 40c...........comments??
Jim
04-01-2012, 11:10 AM
#5
RE: Deciding between 3 Cats
ORIGINAL: Diesel6401
All are excellent choices and in the same class. You win with any choice!
Here's my opinons
Miss Geico: my video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsZmdN6FsIs
Plus:
- same quality hull as Mystic
- PB1500kv motor is a beast with loads of torque
- stock flexshaft is decent quality
- comes with spektrum marine rx
- nice tupperware lid design and magnetic top hatch (hatch still should be taped)
- quality inline hardware which allows better turning is both directions
- excellent customer service
- programmable esc
Minus:
- bad low end throttle response which is typical with PB esc's
- motor and esc have very weak 3.5mm bullets which need to be changed (5mm or higher)
- deans plugs
- bad bounce which requires lots of adjusting to settle down
- battery trays are shorter which makes adjusting the cg more of a pain
- color is difficult to match for touch up paint
- hatch is subjective to cracking in violent crashes
- curves of the hatch make pain to tape
- seperate purchase for esc program card
Props:
- x440 (less speed, more runtime very low temps)
- x440 (less top end, more runtime low temps)
- x442 (less top end speed, more run time, cooler temps)
- x642 (slighty more top end, decent runtime and good temps)
- grim 42x55 (good mix of speed, runtime and temps)
- m445 (high top end, less runtime, higher temps and amps. run responeable on stock 45amp esc)
- stock props sharpened and balanced (good balance)
- CF40
- CF42
- CF45
* you must change out the 3.5mm bullets for the metal props. Good to replace regardless
Mystic
Plus:
- same quality hull as MG
- PB1800kv motor which means in stock form will be slightly faster then a MG
- stock flexshaft is decent quality
- comes with spektrum marine rx
- nice tupperware lid design and magnetic top hatch (hatch still should be taped)
- quality offset hardware
- 60 amp esc
- plan white hull makes personalizing and touch-ups easier
- longer battery trays
- excellenct custmer service
- programmable esc
Minus:
- bad low end throttle response which is typical with PB esc's
- motor and esc have very weak 3.5mm bullets which need to be changed (5mm or higher)
- deans plugs
- bad bounce which requires lots of adjusting to settle down
- hatch is subjective to cracking in violent crashes
- curves of the hatch make pain to tape
- offset hardware means better turning to right (not a big deal for most as racing is right turns)
- not able to install break-away nylon bolt into rudder which helps prevent damage from rudder strikes due to water debris
- stock 1800kv motor seems to have less torque then most 1800kv motors
- deans plugs
- seperate program card for esc (same for 45 & 60amp esc's)
Props:
- x440 (good runtime, avg speed, good temps)
- x440/3 (better whole shot, avg speed, slighlty higher temps)
- x640 (more top end, less runtime, slightly higher temps)
- stock prop sharpened and balanced (good balance of all)
- x442 (good balance, sligtly moderate temps)
- CF40
- CF42
* must replace stock 3.5mm bullets for any metal prop other then stock. Good to replace regardless.
Motley Crew: my video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qr4FW...el_video_title
Plus:
- nice easy to work on hull
- 60amp stock esc is wonderful with smooth throttle response
- beastly 1800kv motor
- nice hardware
- good space inside to work
- very easy to tape
- 4mm bullets are better then the PB offerings
Minus:
- first batch of hulls had QC issues
- motor mount reversed from Prototype which limits size of hop-up motor lengths (can be reversed which is what I did, allows for larger motors and better shaft/stuffing tube alignment)
- factory flexcable sucks
- plastic stock prop easily breaks
- stuffing tube, motor alignment issues
- mg/mystic hull design seems to win more in racing (i don't race, just what I've heard)
Props:
- x440 (less speed, good temps and runtime)
- x442 (decent speed, good temps and runtime)
- grim 42x55 (good balance, one of my fav props)
- x642 (good top end, higher temps, less runtime)
- m445 (best top end speed for stock motor, higher temps, less runtime)
- CF40
- CF42
- CF45
* replace stock bullets for the x642 and m445. Good to replace with 5mm anyway
* deans plugs on all models should be removed!
All are excellent choices and in the same class. You win with any choice!
Here's my opinons
Miss Geico: my video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsZmdN6FsIs
Plus:
- same quality hull as Mystic
- PB1500kv motor is a beast with loads of torque
- stock flexshaft is decent quality
- comes with spektrum marine rx
- nice tupperware lid design and magnetic top hatch (hatch still should be taped)
- quality inline hardware which allows better turning is both directions
- excellent customer service
- programmable esc
Minus:
- bad low end throttle response which is typical with PB esc's
- motor and esc have very weak 3.5mm bullets which need to be changed (5mm or higher)
- deans plugs
- bad bounce which requires lots of adjusting to settle down
- battery trays are shorter which makes adjusting the cg more of a pain
- color is difficult to match for touch up paint
- hatch is subjective to cracking in violent crashes
- curves of the hatch make pain to tape
- seperate purchase for esc program card
Props:
- x440 (less speed, more runtime very low temps)
- x440 (less top end, more runtime low temps)
- x442 (less top end speed, more run time, cooler temps)
- x642 (slighty more top end, decent runtime and good temps)
- grim 42x55 (good mix of speed, runtime and temps)
- m445 (high top end, less runtime, higher temps and amps. run responeable on stock 45amp esc)
- stock props sharpened and balanced (good balance)
- CF40
- CF42
- CF45
* you must change out the 3.5mm bullets for the metal props. Good to replace regardless
Mystic
Plus:
- same quality hull as MG
- PB1800kv motor which means in stock form will be slightly faster then a MG
- stock flexshaft is decent quality
- comes with spektrum marine rx
- nice tupperware lid design and magnetic top hatch (hatch still should be taped)
- quality offset hardware
- 60 amp esc
- plan white hull makes personalizing and touch-ups easier
- longer battery trays
- excellenct custmer service
- programmable esc
Minus:
- bad low end throttle response which is typical with PB esc's
- motor and esc have very weak 3.5mm bullets which need to be changed (5mm or higher)
- deans plugs
- bad bounce which requires lots of adjusting to settle down
- hatch is subjective to cracking in violent crashes
- curves of the hatch make pain to tape
- offset hardware means better turning to right (not a big deal for most as racing is right turns)
- not able to install break-away nylon bolt into rudder which helps prevent damage from rudder strikes due to water debris
- stock 1800kv motor seems to have less torque then most 1800kv motors
- deans plugs
- seperate program card for esc (same for 45 & 60amp esc's)
Props:
- x440 (good runtime, avg speed, good temps)
- x440/3 (better whole shot, avg speed, slighlty higher temps)
- x640 (more top end, less runtime, slightly higher temps)
- stock prop sharpened and balanced (good balance of all)
- x442 (good balance, sligtly moderate temps)
- CF40
- CF42
* must replace stock 3.5mm bullets for any metal prop other then stock. Good to replace regardless.
Motley Crew: my video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qr4FW...el_video_title
Plus:
- nice easy to work on hull
- 60amp stock esc is wonderful with smooth throttle response
- beastly 1800kv motor
- nice hardware
- good space inside to work
- very easy to tape
- 4mm bullets are better then the PB offerings
Minus:
- first batch of hulls had QC issues
- motor mount reversed from Prototype which limits size of hop-up motor lengths (can be reversed which is what I did, allows for larger motors and better shaft/stuffing tube alignment)
- factory flexcable sucks
- plastic stock prop easily breaks
- stuffing tube, motor alignment issues
- mg/mystic hull design seems to win more in racing (i don't race, just what I've heard)
Props:
- x440 (less speed, good temps and runtime)
- x442 (decent speed, good temps and runtime)
- grim 42x55 (good balance, one of my fav props)
- x642 (good top end, higher temps, less runtime)
- m445 (best top end speed for stock motor, higher temps, less runtime)
- CF40
- CF42
- CF45
* replace stock bullets for the x642 and m445. Good to replace with 5mm anyway
* deans plugs on all models should be removed!
man diesel sometimes i think you care too much about other boaters, ha ha. I agree with diesell all the way, Not going to find a write up like that from anyone else.
04-01-2012, 02:08 PM
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RE: Deciding between 3 Cats
VERY good writeup mate, thanks 
the URL for the MC vid on YouTube had been corrupted, here it is again: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qr4FWPuS_Og
Cheers
Martin
04-05-2012, 12:41 PM
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RE: Deciding between 3 Cats
Hello jim
I have a mystic 29. This is the best boat out of the box i have seen. You can make this boat handle great by
moving batterys around move the strut up or down a little. My boat will turn on a dime. I run a octura x445 with no
heat problems. I do have a set of those 7.4 trungy batterys you asked about they work great. Good power. and run time
I have a mystic 29. This is the best boat out of the box i have seen. You can make this boat handle great by
moving batterys around move the strut up or down a little. My boat will turn on a dime. I run a octura x445 with no
heat problems. I do have a set of those 7.4 trungy batterys you asked about they work great. Good power. and run time
04-05-2012, 04:05 PM
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RE: Deciding between 3 Cats
ORIGINAL: Diesel6401
Naw the nano-techs are not very good. They didn't do very well in my battery testing. Their is reg Turnigy 5000mah 40/50c packs for like $23 in the usa warehouse. Gens Ace packs are my 1st choice though.
Naw the nano-techs are not very good. They didn't do very well in my battery testing. Their is reg Turnigy 5000mah 40/50c packs for like $23 in the usa warehouse. Gens Ace packs are my 1st choice though.
ORIGINAL: jim1945
Thanks for all of the insight on the 3 boats I have under consideration. I started out wanting the Miss Geico, then I talked to someone who said the Mystic is an upgraded version of same boat, and then I saw the Motley Crew......and really got confused.
It appears each has their pros & cons. I will not be racing (competively), just looking to have fun. Were you to rank the three in oder of your preference, what would the order be?
Finally, what about batteries?? I was looking at the Hobby King Turnigy Nano-Tech 2S, 7.4v, 5000Mah, 40c...........comments??
Jim
Thanks for all of the insight on the 3 boats I have under consideration. I started out wanting the Miss Geico, then I talked to someone who said the Mystic is an upgraded version of same boat, and then I saw the Motley Crew......and really got confused.
It appears each has their pros & cons. I will not be racing (competively), just looking to have fun. Were you to rank the three in oder of your preference, what would the order be?
Finally, what about batteries?? I was looking at the Hobby King Turnigy Nano-Tech 2S, 7.4v, 5000Mah, 40c...........comments??
Jim
04-07-2012, 04:22 AM
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RE: Deciding between 3 Cats
ORIGINAL: asupervee72
man diesel sometimes i think you care too much about other boaters, ha ha. I agree with diesell all the way, Not going to find a write up like that from anyone else.
man diesel sometimes i think you care too much about other boaters, ha ha. I agree with diesell all the way, Not going to find a write up like that from anyone else.
Thanks, I just would hate to see someone jump into boating buy a turd of a boat or lose a bunch of money and leave the hobby. I figured get the info here best instead of listening to the meetheads at the LHS who typically know nothing about boating.
04-07-2012, 04:24 AM
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RE: Deciding between 3 Cats
ORIGINAL: srt10
hey D, have you tested the Nano 65/130c packs?
hey D, have you tested the Nano 65/130c packs?
04-10-2012, 12:49 PM
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RE: Deciding between 3 Cats
I have 18 runs in the last two weeks on my Motley Crew. I've run in glass calm ponds, wind rippled harbors, and 1ft rollers in Lake St. Clair. It is amazing. Hands down the best RTR catamaran available.
I have blown it over in 20+ mph winds and rolled it in corners when slowing to idle and blasting the throttle. This is not the fault of the boat, as I was purposely pushing it to the extreme to learn how the hull handles and to find proper battery placement based on water conditions.
Based on reading forums and watching youtube videos, I changed the prop to the GrimRacer 42x55 before it saw water.
I'm running two: 2s 5100mAh 45c (Larry's Performance) and 2s 5000mAh 40c (GrimRacer)
The Good:
1 - It's a looker! - very well done in comparison with the real thing!
2 - Very stable at full speed.
3 - Corners like it's on rails. The sponsons are rounded near the stern and sharp near the bow allowing this boat to perform perfectly.
4 - Completely predictable on glass calm and 'rough' chop.
5 - Well balanced, weight distribution is perfect.
6 - Very fast bone stock.
7- The sound is amazing (Sounds like a turbine when running ar 1/2 -3/4 throttle.)
The Bad:
1 - Minor imperfections in paint/hull - Luckily my local hobby shop had many in stock. (I opened each one to find the best hull, top deck, and hatch.) The Aquacraft Motley Crew's silver paint shows blemishes and imperfections easily.
2 - Waterjacket leaked due to pinched O-ring on first run. Local hobby shop swapped part for new one (at Aquacraft's expense = Happy customer).
Other Important Notes:
There is a few inches of room around the battery allowing you to use them as ballast by moving them around based on water conditions. Putting the batteries all the way back in glass calm water will cause porposing at full speed. Move them up 3/4 of an inch for perfect hull attitude in glass calm ponds. In wind ripples or lots RC boat chop put them all the way back for optimal performance, however if windy outside be cautious of blowing over. In rough water, I found the best battery placement is 1 inch back from the motor mount support.
Some might dismiss this post as it sounds heavily in favor of the Aquacraft Motley Crew. I have not spoken down about the Proboat Miss Gieco or Venom King of Shaves on purpose because they are good boats however, the Motley Crew is superior.
Lastly, I want to mention that 'you get what you pay for' in batteries. I have recently purchased 4 GrimRacer 2s 5000mAh 40c batteries (Amazon $74, no tax, free shipping). They last longer and are faster than other similar batteries, including my 'larger' 5100mAh 45c batteries.
04-10-2012, 01:13 PM
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RE: Deciding between 3 Cats
Great to hear. Thanks for the insight. It was the catamaran I would have purchased. However, I decided on a Deep V vs a cat.......but who ever ends up with only 1 boat???
04-10-2012, 02:08 PM
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RE: Deciding between 3 Cats
Because I have a Traxxas Summit 4WD truck, that uses the same transmitter, and the same batteries, I decided on the Traxxas Spartan. I can bind both the truck and boat to both transmitters, and use either transmitter for both. Also, I now have 6 batteries that will work in my Summit or Spartan (2 batteries came with both the truck and the boat, and I bought 2 add'l). Both have the ability to take Lipo's, but I'll use what they came with for now.
There were some heat issues with the earlier models, but since then, Traxxas has made changes to alledgedly resolve those issues. They modified the water inlet on the rudder, and changed to Castle power. I like the 36" size (40" overall), and the graphics. There are a numer of othernice features.
I ran it for the first time today in a pond witha medium chop, anda strong wind. It ran very well, and was very stable. Of course one run does not tell a complete story. I'll know more over the next couple weeks.
There were some heat issues with the earlier models, but since then, Traxxas has made changes to alledgedly resolve those issues. They modified the water inlet on the rudder, and changed to Castle power. I like the 36" size (40" overall), and the graphics. There are a numer of othernice features.
04-10-2012, 03:03 PM
#16
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RE: Deciding between 3 Cats
Now it's your money. First thing boat txare for boats. Car escs are for cars. Now if youhave a pix that allows you to use both , your safe. Now if you don't have a Pix buy insurance as you will get sued . When you go to airfield, you put you # on the board. What i typed is true as planes cost more and the ownercan sue and win. This happened here and boater couldn't find a lawyer to help him out .Inqure on this before you go your route. I'm no smart alec, just don't want any damage a persons investment.
04-10-2012, 04:06 PM
#17
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RE: Deciding between 3 Cats
Thanks for the advice, and appreciate your concerns......but both transmitters are the same......identical. There is NO difference. Each can store up to 20 models, and they bind automatically to the receiver on the model.
04-10-2012, 05:08 PM
#18
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RE: Deciding between 3 Cats
ORIGINAL: D for Dummy
What V did you go with? I'm researching and interested...
What V did you go with? I'm researching and interested...
for the same price you can have a P-Mono racer from OSE
the Pursuit 32" Mono is a real catch!
http://forums.offshoreelectrics.com/...suit-Mono-kits.
and Nihm packs are not what you want to run in a High current FE boat now days..
04-11-2012, 10:52 AM
#20
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RE: Deciding between 3 Cats
An update on the Spartan. I have now run it several times over a couple days, and it has performed flawlessly. It is very stable, and ran very well on a pond in 15mph winds, and a medium chop.
With a 3000Mah 7 cell NiMH pack, the speed was good, and I got about 15 minutes of run time, running rather aggressively. I should get a few minutes more from my 4200Mah pack. When I recharged the 3000 Mah's, they took 3400 Mah.........and about 72 minutes of charge time, on a HiTec X4, AC plus charger. So I used most all of the power in the battery.
I will get a video to post, and see if I can get a speed number. Looks to me like perhaps 30+mph. I have a portable GPS, but it is very heavy, and would put a good deal of add'l. weight (6 oz.) in the boat. It is a garmin 665 ZUMO that I use on my Harley. I think my son has a small lite weight unit.
With a 3000Mah 7 cell NiMH pack, the speed was good, and I got about 15 minutes of run time, running rather aggressively. I should get a few minutes more from my 4200Mah pack. When I recharged the 3000 Mah's, they took 3400 Mah.........and about 72 minutes of charge time, on a HiTec X4, AC plus charger. So I used most all of the power in the battery.
I will get a video to post, and see if I can get a speed number. Looks to me like perhaps 30+mph. I have a portable GPS, but it is very heavy, and would put a good deal of add'l. weight (6 oz.) in the boat. It is a garmin 665 ZUMO that I use on my Harley. I think my son has a small lite weight unit.
04-11-2012, 01:37 PM
#21
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RE: Deciding between 3 Cats
ORIGINAL: silvermansteve
must get lipos. i do not have a spartan, but i'm sure this is true. lipos for sure. anyway, they're cheap now!
must get lipos. i do not have a spartan, but i'm sure this is true. lipos for sure. anyway, they're cheap now!
lipos are coming down in price all over the web
and stay away from the over priced sunk spartan, you will be glad
no many other options out there that are a much better Mono all the way around..
05-03-2012, 07:48 PM
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05-04-2012, 02:56 AM
#23
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RE: Deciding between 3 Cats
The title says " Deciding between 3 Cats", but then you bought a mono, lol. Sounds just like me, except I at first had my heart set on a Spartan, as I also have a Summit. Then I actualy posted that I was getting the Proboat Impulse 31.But after extensive reading I decided to go with the MC. I have ordered it from Kintec Racing. I just hope that by trying to support the "smaller" guy I didnt screw myself. I hope mine will be one of the "new" batch with better QC.
05-04-2012, 05:50 AM
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RE: Deciding between 3 Cats
Yea, crazy. I wanted a Cat, but after more posts, and talking with others, I decided on the best stability in rough water.......so the Traxxas. I love the Spartan. I know there are a number who hate it, but, it has gotton over the initial issues, and it runs well. I have just moved to 7600Mah 2s lipo's (4s). Great time in the water, and 36mph with the batteries all the way up front. Everthing is stock, and adjusted as recommended. I'll try moving them back, and see if I can't get a couple more miles out of it. I did not want to go to 3s, because I don't need 50/60mph. That places greater stress on the electronics. So, for longevity and saftey reasons, I decided on 4s. I may still get a Cat, and if so, it will be a Motley Crew.
Have fun!
Have fun!