Does anyone have a Pro Boat Apache 24 catamaran? I am thinking of getting one. Does anyone know if it can run on a 3s lipo 2200mah battery and if so is it fast?

I bought the boat for a rescue rig then could not help myself with the mods. I put a hot motor in it and a better prop. The first time out I fliped it with the throttle.
Fun lil boat !!! I cant wait to do a battery next.

Forgot the pics

What motor is that?


Would an Orion sv2 BB pro 15 turn do okay in a boat? or is 15 too low?

(i already have one, and i'm looking to get the apache 24, so i want to put it in there.)

I wouldnt, you would need a small prop if you did. The only way id use that motor is in a smaller boat

the apache 24 is pretty small, right?

What about a gear drive? I've heard that they are more efficient, but i'm not sure that one would fit in the apache.

I have two gp3300 6 cell sideXside packs that i would like to use in the boat to gain more speed, but i don't think they would fit.
Is there any way they could fit in the sponsons. Also, what esc should i use?

Your betteroff with a oval master(21in) or micro scat cat

don't have much money...

what about this...


http://www.offshoreelectrics.com/pro...rod=df-delta26

Has anyone upgraded or moded their apache i just bought one and i must say its not very fast (good for my 7 year old )but he is evan saying its to slow now any help would be appreciated

Well this is what we have done so far to our Apache24
Relocated the antenna to clear the hatch
Installed floatation foam on the hatch
removed the decals from the top of the Hull as they started to peel off after the first coulpe of runs
I have found that the speed control is rated for 12v and 50amps so we have been running a 11.1v lipo 2100mah
This realy wakes this boat up and makes it run how you would expect a cat to run
Stability is compromised so i think im going to install turn fins or it will flip in the turns

the added weight of "regular" packs keeps the boat on the water, making it more stable. I would have used 10 cells.




Whatever, i'm sure it works fine.

Now you just need to get a better motor and a new prop, then you'll be going fast.

Something like this:
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXLXT7&P=ML

and an octura 632-640 prop.

Unfortunatly the Apache has no room for a bigger battery in the compartment provided so im going to cut some openings to the inside of the hull for better battery placment and some floatation foam. As for props i havent been able to find anything. I would prefer a metal prop any idea who would stock the small props.
I have to slow to about half throttle as not to flip it we will see what 10 cells will do if i put 5 in each sponson.

http://www.offshoreelectrics.com/products.php?cat=45

Hey can you guys show pics and list out the mods you did on this little boat (maybe links to the products you bought)?

This was my first so I'd like to put some basic mods but I'm not sure what motor would fit in it (and would be better), what prop can I get on the stock drive shaft and what is the max lipo size that the esc can handle (would I need to reprogram it or could I just plug-n-play it?

Thanks for any responses

I run a 3cell 5000mah in my Shockwave 26, and it works great..

Well right on, but I’m trying to get a bit more info on the mods done to the Apache 24. Any feedback of what changes people did to the boat would help.

It has a 550 motor, but I haven’t been able to find 550 size, only 540’s so is this the same?

Also what prop would work on it? The default is 1.34x2.06 – but not sure what the heck that means or how to find a brass version that would work well on this boat and not break anything (burn the motor, esc, battery) out in the process.

a 550 is just a tab bigger than a 540.

Try this:
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXJ766&P=ML

Almost twice the power of the stock motor. It'll fit just fine.

What size prop shaft does the apache have?

You know I'm not sure. I've tried to call them and I'm waiting for a call back to give me more information. I think it might be 5mm, and although I can find the replacement part, no specs on it are listed.

http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products...ProdID=PRB3102

http://www.proboatmodels.com/ProdInf...nual_LoRes.pdf

Thanks for the info on the motor, I'll order that asap, now just need the prop and I'll be doing great. Do you know if the esc will handle a 3s lipo or would I need to get the esc reprogramed or something before hooking one up?

The esc can't be programmed.
You'll need this to run 3s:
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXRHU6&P=7

That's not the shaft i'm talking about. I'm talking about the PROPELLER shaft. The one that attaches the prop to the u-joint.

If you feel like doing a little work, then get these:
http://www.offshoreelectrics.com/pro...oct-oc130L-24c
Octura flex hex 1/8" to .130

Something like this:
http://www.offshoreelectrics.com/pro...od=grp-2317.40
Might be a bit big, though.

This would be better:
http://www.offshoreelectrics.com/pro...rod=octsb-x438

Brass tube for the flex cable:
http://www.offshoreelectrics.com/pro...dh-ks-brass-tb

get the 1/4". Or you could get some at your LHS.

You'll need to follow the guide on OSE on how to join the flex cable to the prop shaft and buy your own glue ($10) or pay them to do it ($10). If you might be doing more like this, just buy the glue. Basically, the flex cable install will be VERY straight forward. It will be stronger, smoother turning, and have less friction than the stock setup. It will also not leak water at all if you put fuel tubing over the brass tubing and have it hang onto the flex cable just in front of the motor.

One of these will also be necessary:
http://www.offshoreelectrics.com/pro...p?prod=boc-18T

Goes between the motor and flex hex coupler. It reduces the strain on the endbell of the motor GREATLY. Reducing friction, increasing rpm, more power, blah blah blah.

You don't NEED to do any of this, but it certainly wouldn't hurt.

While you're at it, this wouldn't hurt:
http://www.offshoreelectrics.com/pro...t-oc6str-130da

Glad to see this thread take off a bit. I am also working on speedin up an apache 24. So far I put in a Trinity 19 turn motor and built a 8 cell nicad pack for it and switched it to deans connectors. Total cost of upgrades is $35 for the motor, the battery's were a good freinds leftover loose cells. With the 8 cell pack the boat almost flips backwards when you hit the throttle from a stop. Lots of fun for my small pond, I don't think I need to go brushless but I will admit to having the itch. I just really need to know what prop to put in it, it is running way way too hot. Oh, to get the battery in with the two extra cells (twin turbo ;-) just cut the bottom layer of platic out of the hatch below the cockpit areas. See pics. Oh, and the battery is my first attempt but I had a great time doing it. I can't wait to build more.

Good stuff guys.. Has anyone put all these good parts on a Proboat? and how is it working out?

Hey Flyfloatr, what prop are you using? I have a SW 26 with a Team Orion Element 19t with 3cell lipo.. runs ok, gps only 19.7mph wanting more without going brushless.

Just the stock prop in the pic. I think the prop is my missing link, I just can't figure out what to get. I know it isn't a 3/16 drive but I am not sure if it is 1/8 or 3 or 4 mm???? I need to buy a decent caliper. I would like to go with a real polished prop but I don't want to waste the money going to small or large. Right now I am overheating but I don't want to waste $35 on a smaller prop just winging it and end up making foam.

What are your temps, and what are you overheating? this is good info, Thanks

Everything is getting too hot. I am not sure of the temps but it was enough to melt the wires off my motor. Anything more than a 60 second run just gets me way too hot.