ORIGINAL: Boson the t-maxxer


firstly has anyone done a tripple before and if so what if any probs with it ??

As I'm only into FE, I have not tried tripples, as tripples would be too heavy to be a serious race boat.

You'll need to place the propshafts as close together as possible to avoid the outside ones drawing air in turns.
Also the V-angle of the hull may give you some headache as how to position the shafts, should the center one be set deeper, or at the same level?

Lightweight is the keyword, as with three motors, propshafts, two or more rudders, three batterypacks, etc., your tripple will be heavier than with only two or one motor. On top of that, small props are less efficient than bigger ones.
Take into account that the three (small) motors will be less powerfull than two or a single bigger one, you'll understand that I have my doubts that your boat will run at much more than scale speed, which is dissappointingly slow, I can tell you.

Graupner had a tripple in it's programm a while ago (the Fiat Uno) and it was amazingly slow with 25 Kmh, later versions all had a single or dual motor set-up, driving a single outdrive...

secondly does anyone know if i can get surface drives, not just normal doglegs ??

I build my own drivelines, so I can't help you there.

and lastly whats the best speed controler for 3 engines - do they exist.

Yes they exist, I guess you'll end up with three 600 motors, no gears, pulling about 20-25Amps each on a 37,5K prop and a 7cell pack, so If you get a ESC that can handle 100A, you'll be fine.
(Personally I'd go for two 700 motors in direct drive, on 12-16 cells each and have a blast...)

Tip: the Wotan ESC from CTI handles 30V/100A without cooling and is smaller than a stamp and costs about 42 Euros ex shipping.
[email protected]
You can mail Helmut Marshall at CTI for info, he ships to the UK.

Thanks to anyone who replies, any links welcomed.

Russ.