all 3 running forward and only the ctr capably of reverse

Argh, I misread you on that one. I was thinking of having it run in opposite rotation. Rich is right. Put some power behind it or leave it out. I have seen several 4' PT boats and you will need three modest sized motors or two very big, heavy, and amp-hungry motors. As for the ESC, don't skimp on price. Buy a good one and protect it. Fuses without a doubt. Cooling is good because heat is the main enemy of an ESC. I would like to hear more about LiPos. Sizes, prices, capacities, etc. Has anyone used them in a boat like this?