Hydroplaning discussion

[Rudukai13]

So I've done some searching and I haven't found a significant discussion on this yet, so I figured I'd start one. Those of you who have successfully hydroplaned your rig, what was your setup? What are some general guidelines for making a rig that will have decent performance on the water surface? Which paddles have the best bite? I'd like to eventually build a rig specifically for the purpose of hydroplaning, but I'd like to have a better understanding of the requirements before I start spending money. So...Thoughts?

[billet works]

Formula Offroad Plus Water Crossing! BWD AX-10 Conversion - YouTube

Formula Offroad R/C Driving on Water - by BWD - YouTube

12.5" wheelbase Whiplash. Panther paddles, VXL on 3s with 50/20 gearing, Losi 4" shocks internally limited to 3.7" with 30 weight oil and gold springs, neutral suspension/link settings. I've since switched to Castle 1406 4 pole/mamba max pro with the 50/20 gearing on 3s...and it's even better. A nice flat skid, smooth (but not sloppy/loose) suspension, low slung/low COG, and descent throttle control is all it takes.

[Rudukai13]

Your videos are actually what inspired me to look into starting my own project, thanks for posting the info! Let's hear from a few other people.

BWD, which (if any) diffs do you have locked on your rig? Does a hydroplaning truck need locked diffs?

[stelerzman]

Originally Posted by billet works

Formula Offroad Plus Water Crossing! BWD AX-10 Conversion - YouTube

Formula Offroad R/C Driving on Water - by BWD - YouTube

12.5" wheelbase Whiplash. Panther paddles, VXL on 3s with 50/20 gearing, Losi 4" shocks internally limited to 3.7" with 30 weight oil and gold springs, neutral suspension/link settings. I've since switched to Castle 1406 4 pole/mamba max pro with the 50/20 gearing on 3s...and it's even better. A nice flat skid, smooth (but not sloppy/loose) suspension, low slung/low COG, and descent throttle control is all it takes.

Amazing rig and video. Question, which 50 spur are you using? 48p or 32p. I just started looking so i am wondering if i'm looking in the right direction.
Thanks

[billet works]

Originally Posted by Rudukai13

Your videos are actually what inspired me to look into starting my own project, thanks for posting the info! Let's hear from a few other people.

BWD, which (if any) diffs do you have locked on your rig? Does a hydroplaning truck need locked diffs?

Just thought shock, tire, power, cog, and skid info may help your build. I haven't seen many vids doing what mine does...and mine has done a lot more off camera

All locked is how mine is. I'm pretty sure I'd lose my ability to steer on the water and would be less "in control" with diffs.

[billet works]

Originally Posted by stelerzman

Amazing rig and video. Question, which 50 spur are you using? 48p or 32p. I just started looking so i am wondering if i'm looking in the right direction.
Thanks

These are the spur gears you guys want. Spur Gears: 32P :: 32P Spur Gears Only - Kimbrough Racing Products - RC Spur Gears, Pinion Gears, Servo Savers

The Traxxas 32P-1/8 shaft pinions are just fine. I normally order them from Amain if the LHS doesn't have the size I need.

I keep every size in my box. My main beater that I take to comps with me has 50/20. My super fast whip runs 44/22.

[Rudukai13]

Originally Posted by billet works

Just thought shock, tire, power, cog, and skid info may help your build. I haven't seen many vids doing what mine does...and mine has done a lot more off camera

All locked is how mine is. I'm pretty sure I'd lose my ability to steer on the water and would be less "in control" with diffs.

No sorry I very much appreciate you getting the conversation started! I just meant to keep the info coming

[M1tch]

my attempt

Foff goes mud bogging.wmv - YouTube

i didnt plan on trying it, and the puddle was too narrow, but that was a 5.5t 6000kv motor on 3s. 54/16 32p gearing. panther paddles. the skid plate is quite short, but a bit longer than an AX10 skid, and higher than the axles by 25mm or so.

good speed before hitting the water is important i reckon, but i was bit slow due to the muddy run up. also i assume full scoop tires like the panthers would be better than staggered tires like a sand paw.

might give it a try again sometime as i have a velineon motor. just need to find a place to try. my new foff rig might be better as it has a larger skid, but the skid is lower than the old foffer

[majatra]

Originally Posted by billet works

Formula Offroad Plus Water Crossing! BWD AX-10 Conversion - YouTube

Formula Offroad R/C Driving on Water - by BWD - YouTube

12.5" wheelbase Whiplash. Panther paddles, VXL on 3s with 50/20 gearing, Losi 4" shocks internally limited to 3.7" with 30 weight oil and gold springs, neutral suspension/link settings. I've since switched to Castle 1406 4 pole/mamba max pro with the 50/20 gearing on 3s...and it's even better. A nice flat skid, smooth (but not sloppy/loose) suspension, low slung/low COG, and descent throttle control is all it takes.

Sorry to go off topic, but are you still running the VXL-3s with the new Castle motor?
If so what is the kv?
Are you having any issues with it "governing out" at high rpm?
I ask because I've had issues with my VXL-3s not being able to rev out a 7800kv 2-pole inrunner and a 3800 kv outrunner, but it did fine on a 7100kv 2-pole motor.
I've since found out it has a limited rpm range, so I'm curious to know how well your 4 pole Castle does.

[billet works]

Originally Posted by majatra

Sorry to go off topic, but are you still running the VXL-3s with the new Castle motor?
If so what is the kv?
Are you having any issues with it "governing out" at high rpm?
I ask because I've had issues with my VXL-3s not being able to rev out a 7800kv 2-pole inrunner and a 3800 kv outrunner, but it did fine on a 7100kv 2-pole motor.
I've since found out it has a limited rpm range, so I'm curious to know how well your 4 pole Castle does.

I ditched the vxl system all together. I'm running a mamba max pro now with my 4600 kv 1406 4 pole. Issue free.

[Rudukai13]

BWD, in your opinion, which is more important for sustained hydroplaning - torque or wheel speed?

Also, is there any trick to accomplishing directional control like you have in your video?

[steveo 561]

in order to maintain the wheel speed u need enough torque, its not either or. i bigger motor will heip with the torque and not work so hard to do so

[billet works]

Originally Posted by Rudukai13

BWD, in your opinion, which is more important for sustained hydroplaning - torque or wheel speed?

Also, is there any trick to accomplishing directional control like you have in your video?

You will need to gear middle of the road. The motor works extra hard on the water. Torque/speed is crucial, and while the vxl was sufficient for descent water time, the new castle system had enough grunt for pretty much unlimited water time. The castle system makes it so I can slow down and speed back up on the water.

As for directional control, I designed the geometry around control on extreme loose surfaces, and got lucky. It works so well now you can make a course and include a water feature to go around and actually pull it off.

Now that summer is nearing I plan some more video time, perhaps at the lake if I take my boat out.

[Rudukai13]

Do you think an independent suspensioned vehicle would have a better chance of being stable enough for directional control? Or perhaps a rig using Wraith axles, that has a wider stance?

[Rudukai13]

If we could get enough people interested, I would love to see a hydroplane racing competition pop up. Maybe call it "WaterCross" or something. Have half the course on the shore of a lake and the other half on the surface of the water...

[jettrooper02]

Full size Formula offroad has both sand and water crossings, so if there was a water crossing it would be more scale to.


Formula off road in Iceland 14 July - YouTube

[Rudukai13]

I'm talking about creating a competition seperate from Formula Offroad, where the hydroplaning is the central focus of the race.

[robvbro81]

BWD.... How did you water proof your Castle electronics?

[rockhugger]

Originally Posted by Rudukai13

I'm talking about creating a competition seperate from Formula Offroad, where the hydroplaning is the central focus of the race.

that would be awesome

[Rudukai13]

Construction of the vehicles would be relatively similar to a FOFF rig - low slung, agile, fast, big scoop tires, etc.

Would be a bit more important to make sure the rigs were waterproof though