Pro Boat Blackjack 26 User manual

Specifications
Total length.........................................................................................26 in (660mm)
Beam .................................................................................................11.5 in (287mm)
Engine.................................DYN .15 Marine w/Tiger Drive and Tuned Exhaust
Radio System...........................................................................Pro Boat AM 27MHz
Weight ...................................................................................................6.3 lb (2.8 kg)
Fuel Tank Capacity ........................................................................12 oz (0.35 liter)
www.ProBoatModels.com
BlackJack 26 Assembly Manual
.15-Size Nitro-Powered Catamaran Boat

22
Congratulations on the purchase of your Pro Boat™ BlackJack 26 Catamaran. You are just minutes from
one of the most thrilling experiences that the radio control hobby has to offer.
The Pro Boat BlackJack 26 is a professionally built, ready-to-run Catamaran fiberglass composite model.
Powered by the potent Dynamite® .15 marine engine, you will be able to race across the water at speeds
in excess of 30 mph!
Read this owner’s manual thoroughly. You also need to read the included Dynamite .15 engine manual, along
with the Pro Boat radio system manual.
It is very important that you operate this boat responsibly. With proper care and maintenance, you will be
able to enjoy your BlackJack 26 for many years to come.
Carefully unpack your BlackJack 26 and examine the boat and its contents. The box should contain the
BlackJack 26 RTR with radio installed, a boat stand, and the Pro Boat radio transmitter. If you are missing
any of these items or notice any damage, immediately contact the place of purchase.
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................. 2
Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................................................ 2
General Guidelines...................................................................................................................................................... 3
Limited Warranty Period............................................................................................................................................ 3
Limited Warranty and Limits of Liability ................................................................................................................ 4
Additional Required Items......................................................................................................................................... 6
Suggested Field Equipment and Supplies................................................................................................................ 6
Contents ........................................................................................................................................................................ 6
Section 1: Building the Boat Stand........................................................................................................................... 7
Section 2: Installation of Receiver and Transmitter Batteries............................................................................ 7
Section 3: Range Checking the Pro Boat Radio System..................................................................................... 9
Section 4: Filling the Fuel Tank .................................................................................................................................. 9
Section 5: Hull Care ..................................................................................................................................................10
Section 6: Propeller Balancing.................................................................................................................................10
Section 7: Handling Adjustments ............................................................................................................................10
Section 8:The Dynamite .15 Marine Engine........................................................................................................11
Section 9: Starting the Engine .................................................................................................................................12
Section 10:Troubleshooting Guide........................................................................................................................14
Section 11: Maintenance...........................................................................................................................................15
Section 12: BlackJack 26 Replacement Parts.......................................................................................................17
Section 13: Operating Notes ..................................................................................................................................18
Section 14:Appendix.................................................................................................................................................19
Table of Contents
Introduction

3
Horizon Hobby, Inc. guarantees Pro Boat™
products to be free from defects in both material
and workmanship at the date of purchase.
It is important that you read and follow this
instruction manual, along with the radio system
manual and the engine manual, before you run this
exciting boat. Failure to read and understand the
manual could result is personal injury, property
damage or permanent damage to your boat. It is
also important to run your boat responsibly. With
proper care and maintenance, you will be able to
proudly enjoy your BlackJack 26 for many years
to come.
This boat has been designed to race in an oval path,
just like its full-scale counterpart. At high speeds
do not attempt turns to the left, as the boat may
become unstable. If you have to turn left, do so in a
large diameter turn and at slow speeds.
When operating the boat, stay clear of people,
full-scale boats, stationary objects and wildlife. It is
preferable to operate the BlackJack 26 in low wake,
low wind conditions and in areas free of people,
wildlife and objects.
Before you operate your model, make sure that
your frequency is clear. If someone is operating on
the same frequency, both models could go out of
control, possibly causing damage to the models or
to others. Check all of the hardware, manifold, pipe
and propeller for security before and after each run.
If at any time while operating your model you
sense any abnormal function, end your operation
immediately. Do not operate your boat again until
you are certain the problem has been corrected.
Always stay clear of the propeller.
Limited Warranty Period
General Guidelines

4
Pursuant to this Limited Warranty, Horizon Hobby,
Inc. will, at its option, (i) repair or (ii) replace, any
product determined by Horizon Hobby, Inc. to be
defective. In the event of a defect, these are
your exclusive remedies.
This warranty does not cover cosmetic damage or
damage due to acts of God, accident, misuse, abuse,
negligence, commercial use, or modification of or
to any part of the product. This warranty does
not cover damage due to improper installation,
operation, maintenance, or attempted repair by
anyone other than an authorized Horizon Hobby,
Inc. service center. This warranty is limited to the
original purchaser and is not transferable. In no case
shall Horizon Hobby’s liability exceed the original
cost of the purchased product and will not cover
consequential, incidental or collateral damage.
Horizon Hobby, Inc. reserves the right to inspect
any and all equipment involved in a warranty claim.
Repair or replacement decisions are at the sole
discretion of Horizon Hobby, Inc. Further, Horizon
Hobby reserves the right to change or modify this
warranty without notice.
REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT AS PROVIDED
UNDER THIS WARRANTY IS THE EXCLUSIVE
REMEDY OF THE CONSUMER. HORIZON
HOBBY, INC. SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
As Horizon Hobby, Inc. has no control over
use, setup, final assembly, modification or
misuse, no liability shall be assumed nor
accepted for any resulting damage or injury.
By the act of use, setup or assembly, the user
accepts all resulting liability.
If you as the purchaser or user are not
prepared to accept the liability associated
with the use of this product, you are
advised to return this product immediately in
new and unused condition to the place
of purchase.
Safety Precautions
This is a sophisticated hobby product and not a
toy. It must be operated with caution and common
sense and requires some basic mechanical ability.
Failure to operate this product in a safe and
responsible manner could result in injury or damage
to the product or other property. This product
is not intended for use by children without
direct adult supervision.
The product manual contains instructions
for safety, operation and maintenance.
It is essential to read and follow all the
instructions and warnings in the manual,
prior to assembly, setup or use, in order to
operate correctly and avoid damage or injury.
Questions,Assistance, and Repairs
Your local hobby store and/or place of purchase
cannot provide warranty support or repair. Once
assembly, setup or use of the product has been
started, you must contact Horizon Hobby, Inc.
directly. This will enable Horizon to better answer
your questions and service you in the event that
you may need any assistance.
Limited Warranty and Limits of Liability

5
Questions or Assistance
For questions or assistance, please direct your
email to [email protected],
or call 877.504.0233 toll free to speak to a
service technician.
Inspection or Repairs
If your product needs to be inspected or repaired,
please call for a Return Merchandise Authorization
(RMA). Pack the product securely using a shipping
carton. Please note that original boxes may be
included, but are not designed to withstand the
rigors of shipping without additional protection. Ship
via a carrier that provides tracking and insurance for
lost or damaged parcels, as Horizon Hobby, Inc. is
not responsible for merchandise until it arrives and
is accepted at our facility. Include your complete
name, address, phone number where you can be
reached during business days, RMA number, and a
brief summary of the problem. Be sure your name,
address, and RMA number are clearly written on
the shipping carton.
Warranty Inspection and Repairs
To receive warranty service, you must include your
original sales receipt verifying the proof-of-purchase
date. Providing warranty conditions have been met,
your product will be repaired or replaced free of
charge. Repair or replacement decisions are at the
sole discretion of Horizon Hobby.
Non-Warranty Repairs
Should your repair not be covered by warranty and
the expense exceeds 50% of the retail purchase
cost, you will be provided with an estimate advising
you of your options. You will be billed for any
return freight for non-warranty repairs. Please
advise us of your preferred method of payment.
Horizon Hobby accepts money orders and cashiers
checks, as well as Visa, MasterCard, American
Express, and Discover cards. If you choose to pay
by credit card, please include your credit card
number and expiration date. Any repair left unpaid
or unclaimed after 90 days will be considered
abandoned and will be disposed of accordingly.
Electronics and engines requiring inspection
or repair should be shipped to the following
address (freight prepaid):
Horizon Service Center
4105 Fieldstone Road
Champaign, Illinois 61822
All other products requiring inspection or
repair should be shipped to the following
address (freight prepaid):
Horizon Product Support
4105 Fieldstone Road
Champaign, Illinois 61822
Limited Warranty and Limits of Liability (continued)

66
• Assembled BlackJack 26 Nitro RTR
• Pro Boat™ radio transmitter
• Boat stand
• Electric engine starter
In addition to the items needed to run the BlackJack 26, we recommend that you carry the following in your
field box:
Engine Tuning Screwdriver (DYN2775)
Replacement Glow Plugs (DYN2508 or DYN2500)
Hex driver/Allen wrench (2.5 mm)
Cable grease to lubricate drive shaft
Clean towels
“AA” alkaline batteries
Adjustable wrench (small)
Extra propellers
Although the BlackJack 26 comes fully assembled and ready for action, you will need a few tools to get your
boat ready to run. You will need the following:
Blue Thunder™ 20% Fuel (quart) (DYN2320)
500cc Fuel Bottle (DYN2003) or
Fast Tap™ Quart Bottle Spout (DYN2009)
Glow Plug Wrench (DYN2510)
Ni-Cd Glow Driver (DYN1925)
12 “AA” alkaline batteries (8 for the transmitter and
4 for the receiver)
7.2V Battery (DYN1000) for electric starter
Battery Charger (DYN4051) for electric starter
Contents
Additional Required Items
Suggested Field Equipment and Supplies

7
1. There are 4 plywood pieces. The 2 short
plywood pieces are the ends of the boat stand.
2. Attach the 2 long plywood pieces of the
interlocking boat stand to the end of one of the
short plywood pieces. Repeat with the remaining
short plywood piece.
3. Secure the interlocking boat stand with thick
CA or epoxy.
1. Remove the knurled aluminum nut securing
the cockpit. Pull the cockpit off the boat.
Receiver Batteries
Section 1: Building the Boat Stand
Section 2: Installation of Receiver and Transmitter Batteries

8
2. Remove the hex screws that secure the clear
lid on the radio box.
3. Remove the dry cell battery holder from the
radio box and unwrap the foam from around the
dry cell battery holder. Install 4 “AA” alkaline
batteries as shown. Note the proper polarity.
Wrap the battery box in foam.
4. Re-install the battery holder into the radio
box and and secure the radio box lid with
the hex screws. Be sure that the gasket is
not pinched. Failure to properly seal the radio
box could result in damage to your radio
equipment. Insert the receiver antenna tube
into the clear lid.
Transmitter Batteries
1. Remove the transmitter from the box.
2. Remove the battery cover on the bottom
of the transmitter.
3. Note the proper polarity and insert 8 “AA”
batteries into the transmitter.
3. Secure the batteries using the battery cover.
4. Turn on the radio and confirm that all LEDs
illuminate, indicating proper installation of fully
charged batteries.
5. Turn the radio off.
Section 2: Receiver and Transmitter Batteries (continued)

9
Before the first run of the BlackJack 26, you should
check the radio for proper operation and to ensure
proper control movement of the rudder and
throttle. Also ensure that the antenna on the boat
is extended properly and that all batteries are in
working condition.
1. With the radio system turned on (transmitter
and receiver) and the transmitter antenna down
(engine off), walk off 40 to 50 paces from the
BlackJack 26.
2. Have an assistant remain with the boat to
check for proper control movement of the
rudder from your transmitter input.
3. If everything appears to be operating
correctly, raise the antenna and start the engine
(refer to Section 6 of this manual and to the
separate Dynamite .15 engine manual). Place
the boat in the water and run it (at about 1⁄3
throttle) close to the shoreline. If the radio
system is operating properly, you can begin to
run the boat faster and further away from the
shoreline.
Note: It is a good idea to range
check prior to operating your boat
after any repair, installation of new
batteries, or at the beginning of
each boating season.
to the quart of fuel or the DYN2003 Fuel Bottle
to fill the fuel tank with your selection of Blue
Thunder fuel. After you have filled the fuel tank and
re-installed the lid, wipe away any excess fuel that
may have spilled inside the hull or elsewhere on the
boat. Immediately seal the fuel container by putting
the lid back on after refueling in order to protect
the fuel from moisture.
We recommend that you use Blue Thunder™ 20%
fuel. For maximum performance, we recommend
Blue Thunder Race Formula. Blue Thunder fuels
are specifically formulated for excellent power and
engine protection.
Locate the fuel tank inside the cockpit area and
unscrew the lid. Use either the DYN2009 Fast
Tap™ quart bottle spout that has been attached
Section 3: Range Checking the Pro Boat Radio System
Section 4: Filling the Fuel Tank

10
The hull of the BlackJack 26 is finished using the
highest quality paints and the most advanced
painting methods available. The base coat/clear
cote technique delivers an amazing shine that is as
durable as it is beautiful. To keep your
BlackJack 26 looking new, you should apply a wax
coating to the top of the hull as used on automotive
finishes to prevent oxidation and to further protect
against damage caused by fuel and other harmful
chemicals.
For optimum performance, propeller balancing can
add several mph and lower vibration. There are
several different propeller balancing tools available.
Read the instructions that accompany the propeller
balancing tool as removing material from the
correct part of the propeller is crucial. Contact a
local hobby retail store for assistance.
Opertate your BlackJack 26 in low to medium wake
conditions to avoid having problems with the boat
overturning. If the conditions are questionable,
adjust the prop strut down a bit to reduce the
likelihood of having the boat overturn.
Section 5: Hull Care
Section 6: Propeller Balancing
Section 7: Handling Adjustments

11
Water-Cooled Engine
Because the Dynamite®.15 engine is water-cooled
and not air-cooled, make sure that you do not run
the engine for an extended amount of time outside
of the water. Continuously monitor the water
outlet when the boat is running to make sure that
water is flowing through the engine head. If the
water does not reach the head to cool it, the engine
will overheat and fail. This will cause permanent
damage to the engine.
Carburetor
High-Speed
Needle Valve
Faster Idle (Clockwise)
Slower Idle (Counterclockwise)
Leaner Fuel Inlet
(Adjustable)
Low-Speed
Needle Valve
Leaner
Idle Stop
Screw
The Dynamite carburetor is adjusted at the factory.
This setting should be approximately 13⁄4–21⁄2turns
open for the high-speed and 21⁄2turns open for the
low-speed needle. This should give you a slightly
“rich” mixture of fuel to the engine. This setting is
the safest way to break in your engine. For further
details regarding the carburetor, see the Dynamite
.15 instruction manual.
Section 8: The Dynamite .15 Marine Engine

12
Hand-Held Starter
1. Fully charge a 7.2V sub-C battery pack and
install it in the starter as shown.
2. Slide the starting wand (which is stored inside
the battery cover) into the end of the starter,
then replace the battery cover.
Operation
Fill the fuel tank with 20% glow fuel and attach a
fully charged glow driver to the glow plug.
Turn on the radio system and insert the starting
wand into the Tiger Drive; actuate the starting
switch until the engine begins to run.
Note: Stop operation immediately
if the engine enters a hydro-locked
condition as serious engine damage
may occur if operation is continued.
Remove the glow plug, invert the
boat and operate the starter to
remove raw fuel before resuming
normal operation.
You may have to “blip” the throttle on the
transmitter (applying throttle on/off) while trying to
start the engine. New engines are harder to start
because of the tight piston/sleeve fit. Never start
an engine at 1⁄2 to full throttle, as this will cause
over-revving which may cause premature wear and
breakage.
During the first tank of fuel, advance the idle via the
idle adjustment screw more than normal to prevent
stalling at idle due to the rich fuel mixture for
break-in. Pinch the fuel line nearest the carburetor
to stop the engine.
Section 9: Starting the Engine

13
Breaking inYour Engine
The first start-up of the engine is the most critical
moment of the engine’s life, dictating how the
engine will perform from that time forward. Turn
on your radio system and attach a fully charged
glow igniter (DYN1925) to the glow plug. Start
the engine with the electric starter as described in
Section 8.
During break-in, the low-speed needle should be
slightly rich and the high-speed needle should be
very rich. After a few tanks of fuel, begin to lean the
engine out. It generally takes about five to six tanks
of fuel before you want to lean out the engine until
it supplies good power. Do not skip this process
of break-in. Failure to follow this procedure could
damage your new engine. For further details on
breaking in your engine, please see the separate
Dynamite®.15 instruction manual.
Note: It is common for an ABC
engine to require a replacement
glow plug or two during break-in.
Needle Settings
When adjusting the settings, always adjust the
needles in small increments, about 1⁄16 of a full
turn at a time. Do not set the engine too lean, as it
shortens the reliability of the engine.
After you have attained the correct needle settings,
the engine will have a strong sounding, high-pitched
whine at full speed, and a thin trail of blue/white
smoke will come from the exhaust.
Idle Adjustment
The last item to adjust is the idle screw. To obtain a
higher idle, turn the idle screw clockwise; for lower
idle, turn the idle screw counterclockwise.
Replacement Parts
In the event that you need to replace an engine
part, there is a complete parts listing in the
Dynamite .15 instruction manual. Exploded views
will help you to select the correct parts and make
minor repairs.
Head Shims
Several head shims are added at the factory to make
the engine easier to start when new. After break-
in, you may remove all but one of theses shims to
increase compression and power.
Maintenance
Lube the gears inside the Tiger Drive with
waterproof grease every 30 hours of use. Check all
screws for tightness after each run.
Section 9: Starting the Engine (continued)

14
Problem Solution
Engine will not start Engine is not primed: Put a few drops of fuel into
the carburetor venturi and restart
Out of fuel: fill fuel tank
Improper fuel: use 20% Blue Thunder™
Improper glow plug: install proper glow plug
Glow igniter not charged: charge igniter
Dead glow plug: replace
Flooded engine: remove glow plug, invert boat and
engage the Tiger Drive to remove raw fuel from the
engine
Engine starts, then dies Pressure line blocked or unhooked: connect or
replace fuel line
Reset needles to baseline setting: see Section 9
Engine starts and runs for several minutes, then dies Bad glow plug: replace
Idle speed set too low: see Section 9
Improper needle settings: see Section 9
Glow plug failed due to lean engine setting: richen
carburetor settings and replace glow plug
Section 10: Troubleshooting Guide

15
The Pro Boat™ BlackJack 26 should provide many
hours of exciting high-speed racing fun with just
minor maintenance. Preventative maintenance is
very important. Taking the time to ensure that
all the setscrews and bolts are tight before each
operation of the boat will prevent many problems.
Before operating BlackJack 26
Check that all screws and hardware are securely in
place. This is very important, as the manifold screws
will occasionally vibrate loose during the first initial
runs.
Check the propeller for damage in the form of
chipping or cracking. If you find any damage,
replace the propeller, as the damage will effect
the performance of the boat and could also cause
safety concerns.
When refueling, always wipe away any excess fuel
that may have spilled into or on the boat.
After operating the BlackJack 26
Wipe off any exhaust residue from the boat. If
you operate the BlackJack 26 in salt water, it is
suggested that you thoroughly rinse the deck, hull,
and all the metal hardware with fresh water, then
dry them with a clean towel. After cleaning, coat all
metal parts with a silicone spray lubricant. This will
help to prevent corrosion.
Ensure that the radio box and equipment
inside is dry.
Lubrication
It is important to lubricate the
flex shaft of the BlackJack 26 with
waterproof cable grease after every
two hours of operation.
You can purchase this waterproof grease at your
local hobby or automotive parts store. To lubricate
the drive shaft, follow these simple instructions.
Section 11: Maintenance

16
Loosen (do not remove) the retaining nut by
holding the collet with a 10mm wrench and unscrew
the retaining nut with another 10mm wrench or
crescent wrench.
Carefully note how the drive shaft and prop are
factory installed. This is important so that when
you have finished lubricating the drive shaft, you can
correctly re-install the drive shaft.
Remove the setscrew holding the drive in position.
Remove the propeller and shaft..
Remove the drive shaft by sliding it out of the
stuffing box.
Liberally lubricate the entire length of the drive shaft
with silicone cable grease as shown.
Carefully re-install the drive shaft, making certain
that you insert the flex shaft 7⁄16” to 1⁄2” into the
collet and secure.
Section 11: Maintenance (continued)

17
In the event that you need to purchase replacement parts for your engine or the BlackJack 26, please see
your local hobby store.
You can also purchase them from Horizon Hobby by calling 1-800-338-4639 or shop online @
www.horizonhobby.com
Part#.....................................Description
PRB2064.......................................TurnFin(2)
PRB2068.......................................WaterOutlet
PRB2207.......................................FuelTank
PRB2209.......................................TunedPipe
PRB2210.......................................ManifoldPressureFitting
PRB2211.......................................CouplerTubing
PRB2213.......................................Propeller(2)
PRB2215.......................................Flywheel
PRB2218.......................................PropNut
PRB2219.......................................NylonWasher
PRB2223.......................................PushRodConnector
PRB2224.......................................SiliconeTubing
PRB2225.......................................BatteryBox/Switch
PRB2226.......................................AntennaTube
PRB2228.......................................RubberBoot
PRB2229.......................................CockpitSecuringNuts
PRB2509.......................................CableCollet
PRB2511.......................................SwitchMount
PRB2512.......................................MotorMountswithHardware
PRB2758.......................................ExhaustPort
PRB2801.......................................Hullonly
PRB2802.......................................Hatch
PRB2803.......................................RadioBox
PRB2804.......................................RadioBoxCover
PRB2805.......................................Manifold
PRB2806.......................................FuelTankStrap
PRB2807.......................................ThrottlePushrod
PRB2808.......................................RudderPushrod
PRB2809.......................................ServoTray
PRB2810.......................................StuffingBox
PRB2811.......................................StuffingBoxLiner
PRB2812.......................................Flexshaftw/U-Joint
PRB2813.......................................PropllerShaft
PRB2814.......................................HatchScrewSet
PRB2815.......................................SteerableDriveSystem
PRB2816.......................................InstructionManual
PRB2817.......................................Decals
PRB2818.......................................BoatStand
PRB8100. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marine Starting System .12–.15
SUL689........................................TigerDrive.12–.15
Section 12: BlackJack 26 Replacement Parts

18
Section 13: Operating Notes

19
Engine compartment
and components.
Transom and components.
Engine water cooling lines.
Section 14: Appendix

9307
© 2006, Horizon Hobby, Inc.
4105 Fieldstone Road
Champaign, Illinois 61822
[phone]
www.horizonhobby.com
Printed in China