I actually read through the entire thread and a couple of things jumped out.

SubC 6 cell NiMh generate a lot of heat but mostly when they lose power at the end of the run. Given this what recommendations are made for time/mAh rating and running to shore (fast of slow)?

The SV27 ESC is rated for 45 Amps and one post showed 65 Amps on his wattmeter using Elite4500 cells. The excess will blow a couple of FETS, fry the ESC, thermal shutdown, or worse the "China Syndrome". What is recommended to keep the amp draw to what is rated for the ESC? Oh really? Going slower is NOT an option?

I guess based on my cheapo batteries frying, I will be going back to stock recommendation of DTXC2162 3800mAh 7.2 volt flat pack with Deans Ultra plug until I sort this out.

I'm not a nubee having uesd these 6 cell packs on the cheap EP racing boats with dual 380 sized brushed motors. The batteries get hot also but the motors go bad before the batteries do. I have the Astroflight 110D, MRC superbrain 959, Orbit Microlader. Triton, and two FMA Cellpros 4S. All are excellent chargers. I can charge any chemistry. I have a lot of LiPos but mostly parkflyer types 2000mAh 3S size and smaller. If you have a good charger and are careful you won't have any trouble with LiPo charging. That said, I would not trust the MRC Superbrain for LiPo charging. Too much bad stuff reported on that other site we are not allowed to talk about.

A123 or M1 LiOn chemistry is probably the way to go for boats. For your money you get a lot more amps, duration, longivity, fast charge, etc. Now if we can get a switchable voltage regulater for less than the $70.00 delta on the A123 racing site. I have read on that "other" site about tubes with tabs you can insert the cells into to configure what you want.

Enough for now, good thread. Now I'm not one of those three letter acronyms you all are throwing around, but having retired from a lifetime of mainframe computers see if you can guess what my favorite programming command is telling the computer: "DWIT"?

My grandson's latest joke: How do you keep a turkey in suspense?

I have attached a pic of my battery bunker. Yes it is an Army tank piston. Boy does that bring back memories. I can't believe my wife let me put it on the coffee table when we both smoked many years ago.