Hi guys and gals,

I'm brand new to the R/C world, I was given a boat by my grandmother a few years back that was my late uncle's. My family wanted me to have it because they thought I would be the only one to take the time to learn how run it properly. However I have absouetly no idea how to even get started. As of right now I believe that the motor is a K&B 7.5cc outboard ( be warned I know this only because the pic on their website looks identical to this motor). However I have no Idea where to buy fuel and accesories around St. Louis, MO or who I could talk that would do more than just try to sell me a ton of stuff I dont need.
Like I said I am completly new to the world of R/C boats, but I have to try to learn what I can because I know my family would be thrilled if I could get her running again. So if anyone knows where I could go around STL to have some one help me get what I need, or if someone thinks they can walk me through it over this forum that would be great. I appreciate any help or advice because being this new any advice will probally be good advice.

I will try to get some pictures up soon, and hopefully that will help too.

Thanks
Kyle

couple of pics

Looks like you have a Prather Lapcat II with the K&B 7.5 like you said. A nice boat!

For fuel you need glow fuel made for boats. At least 18% probably not more than 20% oil and a nitro content of 20-65%. 25-40% would be good to start. You can buy this online at many places. Or at your local hobbie shop. Buying local you don't have to pay hazmat shipping but it will usually be more if they even stock it.

Does it have a radio? If not a simple AM radio will work such as [link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXASX2**&P=0]This one[/link], or you can always go nicer. If it has one, put some new batteries in it and see if it works. For servos a standard servo is fine for the throttle, but you will need two high torque of at least 100oz/in each for steering. Metal gears is recommended because of the strain on them from the engine. Also Two linked with a Y harness is also recommended over a single larger one for extra strength in the servo horn shaft. [link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXDWF8&P=0]Ones like this[/link] would work well.

For running the engine you need a good glow plug for the engine. A glow plug igniter, and an electric starter like the type used for airplanes. And a battery for the starter. Note: you will have to switch the starters + and - because the outboard engine turns the opposite way from and airplane engine.

A new friend that know's boats that could go to the lake with you would also be great.

Set the high speed needle (long needle located on the left side of carb in photo 3) around 4-5 turns out to start. Set the low speed needle (opposite side of HSN) so that the flat head screw is about flush with the carb. When the throttle barrel is completely open there should be a gap of a couple millimeters from the tip of the low speed needle to the spray bar.

Make certain you get a nice orange glow from the glow plug when you apply the glow igniter to it. Also make sure the carb is open only 2-3mm when the radio is at idle or neutral and can be closed completely shut when pushing the throttle lever. When applying full throttle the carb should be completely open.

To start the engine, fill up your tank with fuel. Turn on your radio equipment, transmitter first, receiver second. Prime the engine by placing your finger completely over the carb intake and turning over the engine using the electric starter. Make sure the starter spins in the proper direction for forward prop thrust before turning the engine over. Once the fuel reaches the the carb spin it over for a couple more seconds.

After priming the engine apply the glow igniter, recheck the throttle position and then turn it over to start it. Once it starts remove the igniter and toss the boat on to the water. Dropping the boat in the water or just placing it on the water will aerate the prop and the boat will not accelerate.

Here is an old video of mine taken last year. The video starts right as I’m applying the glow igniter after I primed the engine.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=9Y4eChRw2xo

Good Luck
Ryan

There should be an IMPBA club in St. Louis or nearby. A guy that used ot live here moved to Chesterfield to work at Pfizer and was into R/C boats. I sent him to Ken Hildreth to give him a hand.
Try www.impba.net to see what's in your area.

Hey just wanted to say thanks to you guys, I went out yesterday and was able to make a few runs. I still have plenty of tuning and learning to do, but you guys deffiently moved my learning curve up by a couple of months. I will have to keep on reading forums and hopefully find a boat club around here sometime soon so I can keep learing for all of you guys. Anyhow just wanted to take a minute to say thanks, I know I wouldn't have been able to do it without your help.

Much Thanks
Kyle