You ask about running time, I get to run full throttle, better than off an on the throttle, on all my boats for about six to eight min's. I don't count on the cut off, I have just run clock times and check the batteries for their voltage against the time. Suckie thing about electric, run time compared to nitro is terrible. I can say the best battery on the market is a Giant Power from Mojo Racing, know the guy and have proved out his product. The deal with the better heaver connectors is to keep from having a d-soilder issue with the tremendous heat on the wires. If you do have to get a new ESC, Aquacraft's are good, myself I like the Sea Kings (FalconSekido.com) and there program cards for the price. Don't buy them from China, if you have issues, you will have an issue! The card is simple and it has a default. One other thing Brian didn't mention was your timing setting. I like to run 11.5 degrees, lower and I have a wire heating issue on my setups. If you plan on more boats or more batteries, get you a Hitec x4 charger and a high voltage AC-DC inverter, good place for that is Slot Wing Hobbies. Lets you charge four batteries at a time and different styles at a time, plus the inverter will let you charge at home and use power at the lake if is available. Store your batteries at about 35 to 40 percent charge, never run them below 20 percent and if it is cold outside, always warm them up in the car before using them. This electric thing is expensive up front, but it's a lot easier if you have never been into nitro. Oh, get you a good metal balanced prop, Chris's Hobbies is a good avenue for them at dasboata.com. One last thing, put you some cable ties on your water lines, I have seen them blow off and they cooked the boat. Hope these things have helped and if you have more questions, just ask. Good boating!