I icked up a mean machine 18 on E-bay awhile ago. I'm thinking of converting it to fast electric. This project is budgeted at aout $300. I would like to use the original running gear. Is this feasable? If so what size brushless motor and batteries would I need. It would have to be NIMH batteries because using Li-poly on a boat this size would go way over budget. would I need to do such a conversion?
Thanx

id say a feigao 540XL motor...

anywhere between the 8XL and up

this boat can be run from 12 cells up to 18. it will probably run on even more, but it would weigh it down....

running on a barracuda 80amp esc

i would say this is a feasable build. the mean machine is a good boat, its just a little underpowered with the .18

This is a rather heavy hull would Feigao make enough power?

yes...it would move it easily

I vote 12XL or 14XL on 18 cells with an X438.

Ryan

The hull is not heavy at all if you remove all the nitro motor "bs" fiberglass engine mounting "mountain" and the heavy fiberglass radio box. In fact, it will weigh in at 1 lb 12.9 ozs. once that is done and the paint is sanded off. I'm in the middle of a build myself using a Fieago 12XL from Offshore Electrics and 2 3s Lipos. I am using the oem Aeromarine nitro hardware for now becuase it is actualy very nice stuff.

Strip eveything out of the hull and p/u some 1/16 plywood from your local LHS and floor each of the sponsons for battery trays. Vac-U-Boat makes a real nice wood/aluminum 80 degree motor mount that will fit the bill perfectly, although I am making my own.

As for batteries, I would suggest 16-18 NiMh cells or 6s Lipo for voltage.

Thats one thing I noticed about these forums. It seems like when you get an idea on trying something. Somebody is already working on one. Orange how many turn Fieago are you using? Any reason on stripping the paint? The paint job is chipped on on the hull but painting is also not a strong point of mine. What kind of paint?.
As for the hardware I plan on keeping the nitro hardware due to cost measures. Also on the Barracuda Esc would I be able to use a cheaper esc as long as it can handle the Cell count and amperage?
Thanx

Orange how many turn Fieago are you using?

As noted aboe, I have selected a 12XL Fieago (12 turn brushless)

Any reason on stripping the paint? The paint job is chipped on on the hull but painting is also not a strong point of mine. What kind of paint?.

I'm painting mine because I did not like the original paint job and I like to be different. I'm using Auto Color paints, but I have also used Dupli-Color rattle cans with good results.

As for the hardware I plan on keeping the nitro hardware due to cost measures.

If your hardware is the matching Aeromarine, .150-3/16" flex drive setup, you shouldn't have any problem with using it provided it is in good condition.

Also on the Barracuda Esc would I be able to use a cheaper esc as long as it can handle the Cell count and amperage?

There ARE cheaper alternatives, but I think you'll be happy in the long run with a Fieago ""XL/80A Barracuda from OFE.

The Hardware is the original Areomarine But it has the platic prop which I know would have to be changed. This is my first boat project. But I have experience in Nitro cars, And electric planes. Sometimes I think it might be best to start with a RTR until I get the experience and knowlege on setting up a boat. I don't want to put up alot of $ and wind up with a dog. I guess for now I'll gut the thing then start gathering parts.
As for the being different I drive an orange mustang which I wiould call different, But that a topic for a different thread and a different message board.
Ray