Hi, we have approximately 20 sailors in our get together and 8-10 of these $40. ESC`s have been working just fine for us in our powerboats. One gentleman uses a 12v system with the 12.v gell cell, 2-3 guys use NIMH- NiCAD all the rest use Gell cells ranging from 4.5 amp - 12amps. If I need ballast I use the higher amperage battery. Iv`e had great luck in converting to single motor direct drive, others have two motors, and Iv`e tried the gell cell in thier boats, and it is way longer run times, and the difference is hardly noticable. Experiment, have fun, Skip