AquaCraft V24 One-Design - Manual (Page 13)

The optional third channel will allow you to adjust the strut
and prop angle while the boat is in motion. This option is
used mainly by serious racers who need to fine-tune their
struts during a race. Once the proper thrust angle is
achieved manually by the average modeler, it is unlikely that
it would be used very often. In other words, a 3-channel
radio is not essential to have fun with this boat!
The procedure requires a 3-channel radio system (of
course!), an additional servo (preferably high torque), and
removing the two 3x10mm hex head screws that keep the
strut stationery (See photo below).
Once the two 3x10mm hex head screws have been removed,
the strut assembly linkage is able to move freely. Simply
attach the strut linkage to the arm of your third servo and you
are ready for some serious racing!
IMPORTANT SAFETY TIPS: It is recommended that you use
a 5-cell rechargeable receiver battery pack if you decide to
use the third channel option. However, since gasoline fumes
can build up inside the hull, you should NEVER attempt to
charge a battery pack while it is in the boat.
To avoid damage to the engine and flexible driveshaft,
balancing metal propellers is highly recommended. Balancing
a propeller requires the use of a balancing device such as the
Top Flite
® Power Point ® balancer (TOPQ5700), metal files, and
400 grit wet/dry sandpaper. The front, rounded side of the
propeller is the surface from which material is removed. Follow
the curvature of the propeller surface. Continue checking the
propeller on the balancer until the propeller is balanced. 400
grit wet/dry sandpaper will provide a smooth finish.
NOTE: While polishing a propeller improves its appearance,
it does not improve performance.
Although it is very enjoyable to run the V24 by yourself, the
real fun and excitement of R/C boating is experienced when
you get involved in racing. Racing against other boats is
much different than running your boat alone. The following
suggestions will hopefully provide helpful strategies when
racing a model boat.
A good set-up for running alone may not be the best for
racing. Race water conditions create challenges different
from running alone and water conditions constantly change
during a race. Five or six boats racing against one another
will create rough water on the race course. To compete
successfully, it may be necessary to “tighten” the ride
characteristics. This can be accomplished by lowering the
depth of the propeller or adding additional weight to the front
of the boat.
Wakes caused by other boats can upset the balance and
ride characteristics of even a well trimmed model boat.
When running down the straight-aways, don’t follow in
another boat’s wake. Wakes generated by other boats while
entering and negotiating a corner are especially dangerous.
Cutting across a wake when entering a corner can cause
the boat to “hook” (spin to the inside) and stall.
Racing other boats through a corner may be a competitor’s
greatest challenge, especially the first corner after the start
of a race. The boat entering the corner first has the task of
holding its position (often called “holding your lane”) through
the corner. The following boats must then attempt to hold
their lanes, too. Changing lanes and crossing a wake to gain
a position in a turn can result in “hooking” and elimination
from that race. Executing a good start in the inside lane is
one key to successful racing.
Avoid beating yourself. In any type of racing, there are some
situations you can control and other situations that you
cannot control. The ability to set the needle-valve on the
engine so it runs the entire race without stopping, checking
the linkages, fasteners, fuel tubing, amount of fuel, glow
plug, and radio system are conditions/situations that can be
dealt with prior to the start of a race. During the race, making
a good start and driving defensively are controllable actions.
By focusing on tasks and actions that can be controlled,
successful racing outcomes can be achieved.
RACING
BALANCE THE PROPELLER
3-CHANNEL OPERATION
13