The other part of the video (from the new camera) Finally found an editing program for it (cost me $40 though!) - I need one for MOV, as for some stupid reason, the makers of the camera use Apple Quicktime MOV which is a pain. Should be set now for editing.

New coupling with the cable ties seemed to hold up well this time, although the throttle end point is set to 80%,- looks scale enough as it is though.(only a 2400mah 3s battery, so not a long run time if you are going flat out- can suck 35-40A!). Pity the launching vid was rubbish, but have the amphitruck sorted with a towbar now, so I'll give it another crack when there is a good day.

Second go at getting a decent launch vid, - tricky when backing in as you have to manage steering, fwd/rev and handbrake together, (plus having to use 2 TXs and 2 cameras. ). Getting slightly better at it. Next time will be launched by the amphitruck, as it's bigger, heavier and has better grip, (and 4x4 rear drive.) Ramp was a bit wet and slippery for the jeep, (would pull it up in the dry ok) I have a 4k vid of the boat from the new camera, but need a new editor for MOV vids.

Sun was out, wind was down, so took the boat for swimming lessons. Went very well, no problems other than the silicone couplings trying to screw themselves off as usual, (too much bite and torque) and bunching up to the motor causing friction), (have a possible fix I'm working on for that today) Heaps of power from the 2 - 540 HV brushed motors only running on 3s. Never went much more than a tad past 1/2 throttle which was spot on scale wise.

Very quiet as well, - mind you, couldn't hear much anyhow with a road milling machine working at the end of the pond about 150m away, at around 80db where I was!!😠😠😠😭 Of course it would have to be there today,! something like this always stuffs my plans up, cars, trucks, screeching seagulls, people talking to you while you are trying to make a nice quiet video etc etc. Can't seem to get away from noise. Added to that, the video's crap,- as soon as it uploads to YT it turns to rubbish,- was quite acceptable till then.

Must be the wide format they use, as it's fine in a small screen (ie YT preview) and my computer. Worst thing is, it took an hour to load this rubbish on a fibre connection!! Not loading any more till I get a better camera, "Santa, did you hear that ?"😁

I might de-power it a bit, as it has too much power really,- might put 2 540 45T motors in which will run on 2s nicely with 30mm props (has 35s at the moment) and not be as touchy on the throttle. You can steer this just using the throttles it's so bitey. Spins on the spot like a jet boat as well. Stereo worked well, but the IR remote doesn't like working too far away in bright sunlight, (have a separate vid, but YT would give a copyright warning, so I won't put that up) The vid is garbage, but you'll get the idea😁

Quick vid showing operation of steering and reversing bucket. Steering nozzle reduced in diam and made from a brass reducer, and reversing bucket moulded from f/glass with brass pivot and lever inserts.

Guess most of you have heard of the Khetanna, Jabba The Hut's sail barge from Star Wars. I looked around on the net and to my big surprise, the search engines did not spit out radio controlled versions of this model. Which made me think, and then decide to built my own.
It is scratch build, based on a "scudder" hull, a design by Glenn G. I printed a few pictures of Khetanna from the net and used those for guidance in the process.
The superstructure is a combination of balsa and ply wood. in the Star Wars tradition, the boat is propelled by a jet propelled engine. To finish it off, a Lego version of Jabba was added for extra detail.
It was a fun and fast project to built, maybe a dozen or so evenings.
(scratch) building is my passion and only sail the boats with my son about once a month. We've got a pond near Newcastle (AUS) harbour which is pretty good (providing there's no weed in it) but the disadvantage of this pond is salt water, meaning a proper rinse of the models is needed after each sailing session. Recently we have moved our sailing sessions as well to the liberty pond in town. The model captures the audience, the vast majority recognize the Khetanna immediately.
Happy sailing.

Jeroen

This is my 54" Vietnam River Raider plodding along on Needham lake in Suffolk . Was originally an I.C engine but converted to brushless . I would like to one day convert again to water jet drives , funds permitting as I have seen how well they perform . The real boats we're powered by water nozzle so would definately look the part .

here are my three boats, oakgarth 42" twin screw 4 blade props with kort nozzles she also has a working bow thruster.She running two speed controllers off a 12volt sla battery and has full working lights I would love to say I built her but I never, all I have done is added lights and give her a full makeover. Next is Doug the26" pusher tug twin screw 3 blade props full working lights and water jet single speed controller futaba radio set up I have just changed the crane on this again I have only done cosmetics to this tug and my last boat is a 20" seaport tug this is what my grandchildren sail and for 60 quid its great thay love it .the paddling pool was 15 quid for argos and perfect for testing well better than filling the bath .