RC-Hydros UL1AB User manual

RC-Hydros.com –409 South Sixth Street –Phillipsburg, NJ 08865 –FAX [phone]
http://www.rc-hydros.com [e-mail]
UL1AB and UL1FG
(ABS and Fiberglass)
Assembly Instructions
UL-72 Pocket Mechanic
UL-10 Wiggins
UL-125 Wild Fire
Last revised: 1/27/01 AMK

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SAFETY NOTES
WARNING! Electric hydroplanes are NOT toys. Improper use may be hazardous to swimmers,
boaters, and other model boats, as well as to the operator!
This product is not recommended for use by minors without close adult supervision. It is
strongly recommended that the user be a member of one of the national model boating
organizations (listed below) and that he/she adhere to all safety rules of that organization.
This model is intended only for use by experienced boaters.
SAFETY IS JOB 1
NEVER USE ALCOHOL OR OTHER DRUGS WHICH MAY IMPAIR YOUR
REFLEXES. Over-the-counter medicines which warn of driving or operating machinery should
be avoided.
DO NOT operate your model boat without adult assistance. If anything should happen, you
want someone to help you out!
DO NOT operate your model boat while people are swimming or wading in the water. These
models travel at a high speed, and the impact of the boat or the spinning propeller may cause
irreparable damage to flesh!
DO NOT put your fingers near the propeller while the batteries are in the boat! Serious injury
may result.
DO NOT swim to retrieve a stalled boat. Numerous people have drowned trying it. Don't make
their mistake!
DO NOT operate your boat when it is dark. You should be able to see your boat clearly when it
is at least 200 feet away from you.
DO solicit advice from the owner of your local hobby shop. And buy from him to keep him in
business! He may know of a club or other boaters who would like to form a club.
DO subscribe to a model boating magazine. The local hobby shop and/or club members can
recommend some.
DOtake reasonable and proper precautions to protect spectators and other boaters. It is YOUR
responsibility to watch for THEM!
DO keep spectators at least 15 feet from any operable boat. NEVER allow a spectator in the
water while model boats are operating, and NEVER operate model boats when people are
swimming, boating, etc.
DOwear closed-toes shoes for protection when boating. Your pitman should wear closed-toe
shoes as well.

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DO use a frequency identifier flag with your transmitter. Frequency flags are usually supplied
with your radio, and are also available at good hobby shops.
DO perform a range check before running. Range check instructions should be supplied with
your radio system.
DO keep your running course at least 50 feet from shore. This will provide you with a safety
margin in case of problems.
DO have your name, address, and phone number externally on your transmitter. This will help
you make sure you use the correct radio when they are impounded, and will make it easy to
return should you forget it somewhere.
DO join a local club to benefit from the experience more mature modelers have.
DO join a national or international model boating organization. Check with your local club to
see what is recommended locally. If you cannot find a club which is active in your area, contact
each of the following organizations to ask about local members and clubs in North America:
NAMBA International IMPBA
1615 Halley Street 5855 S. State Road 9
San Diego, CA 92154 Fountaintown, IN 46130
619-424-6380
www.namba.com www.impba.com
In Europe contact Electra at either of the following addresses or on the Internet at
http://www.astec44.freeserve.co.uk/electra.htm
Electra Electra
%Allan Shillitto %Alan Egleton
6 Stickland 262 Cressex Road
Clevedon Booker
North Somerset High Wycombe
BS21 5EX Bucks HP12 4UF
[email protected] [email protected]
IF POSSIBLE, provide a fence around your pit area, as well as those places on the course which
are close to the water, especially where there is a gentle sloping beach which a fast-moving boat
can run onto.
If your boat runs aground, you should inspect it thoroughly and test it to verify that nothing was
damaged. Propellers, rudders, skid fins, and servo actuation are frequent failures.
DISCLAIMER
Due to the fact that these boats are intended for use ONLY by experienced modelers, and that
organized competition will frequently cause racers to push their equipment well beyond the
design limits, RC-Hydros.com is NOT liable for ANYmisuse of this product. Assembly or
operation of this product implies acceptance of this policy.

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SPECIFICATIONS
Length: 24.5” at deck (622mm)
Width: 11” (330mm)
Weight: 40 oz (Ready to run except cells) (2.2 kg) ABS hull with Cordite motor. The
ABS and fiberglass hulls weigh virtually the same and are equally strong. The
ABS is much easier to build and finish, but fiberglass has “snob appeal.”
Sport Recommendations:
Motor: Graupner 700BB (included in GR1157 Hardware Package)
Propeller: Stock Graupner plastic propeller
Batteries: (2) six-cell “stick” packs available from your local hobby shop, with a variety
of brand names. We recommend a minimum of 1500mAH packs for adequate
runtime. For longer runtime, we recommend you visit Hill’s RC
(http://sjshill.hypermart.net) and tell them we sent you.
Speed Control: Any 12-cell capable speed control capable of 60 Amps continuous (our SC-2
AsTec ESC, or Hughey mechanical, as well as others.
Hardware: GR1157 Hardware Package
Club Racing Recommendations:
Motor: Graupner 700BB, Graupner 770 (Cobalt), or Astro 25 (Cobalt)
Propeller: Octura X438-X450 (depends on motor) (requires adapter with GR1157)
Batteries: (2) six-cell “matched” packs available from your local hobby shop or various
online sources including Hill’s RC (http://sjshill.hypermart.net).
Speed Control: Any 12-cell capable speed control capable of 60 Amps continuous (our SC-2
AsTec ESC, or Hughey mechanical, as well as others.
Hardware: GR1157 Hardware Package or a Fullers, Octura, or BBY Racing 3/16” setup
Pro Racing Recommendations:
Motor: FDM Cordite, 4-Turn, or Aveox
Propeller: X642-X448 (depends on setup)
Batteries: (2) six-cell “Pro” matched packs available from your local hobby shop or
various online sources including Hill’s RC (http://sjshill.hypermart.net).
Speed Control: Any 12-cell capable speed control capable of 60 Amps continuous (our SC3,
AsTec ESC, or Hughey mechanical, as well as others.
Hardware: Fullers, Octura, BBY Racing, or your own custom setup.

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ASSEMBLY
General Instructions
This boat is intended for use by experienced modelers. It is assumed that, as an experienced
modeler, you know the correct handling procedures for the materials you will need.
An experienced modeler does not necessarily imply an experienced racer, nor does an
experienced racer imply and experienced modeler! The instructions are written to assemble
a sport or mildly hopped-up boat. It is our experience that racers don’t follow directions, so
not much time was spent trying to address their needs. If you are a racer and have questions,
e-mail us at [e-mail].
As a reminder, a few of the things you will need are:
Dust mask– fiberglass, wood, and plastic dusts are not good for your nose, lungs,
mouth, etc.
Eye protection– dust and metal or other particles come with the boat, and will be
generated by the modeler during construction. Your eyesight is worth the minor
discomfort!
Rubber gloves – keep the fine shards of fiberglass out of your skin by wearing rubber
gloves whenever you handle the model. For ABS, be aware that the cut edges of the
plastic can be quite sharp.
Ventilation– many glues, paints, etc. have harmful vapors. Make sure your building
area is properly ventilated. Cyanoacrylate and epoxy may both damage your noise,
throat, and lungs -this model isn't worth your future health! Work in a well-
ventilated area!
Most assembly is done using thin cyanoacrylate glue. This is referred to as "CA" in the
instructions below. Other times epoxy is used. Please follow the directions, using the
correct adhesive as noted. CA is also referred to in some locales as "super glue."
The UL1 is intended to be built using the Graupner “Taifun” drive assembly, available from
either RC-Hydros.com or from Hobby Lobby. The part number for both places is GR1157,
and must be ordered separately (it is available at a discount as part of UL1ABC package).
Additional upgrades are being made available all the time –visit the web site for availability.
Also available separately is a vinyl decal set for making your boat look like the real boat.
Order part number UL72VIN for the Pocket Mechanic, UL125VIN from RC-Hydros.com for
the Wild Fire, or UL10VIN for the Earl’s/Wiggins. (Note –please download the appropriate
vinyl manual before ordering).

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Step-by-step assembly
1) Wash the boat inside and out with mildly soapy water to remove any dust left from the
manufacturing process. It is recommended that you use rubber gloves to avoid getting
splinters into your hands.
After washing, start sanding the exterior. You want to make the hull as smooth as
possible for optimum performance and appearance. It is best to use a mildly soapy water
and a variety of grits of sandpaper (starting with about 220 grit). Some modelers prefer
to finish the boat to the primed stage prior to beginning internal construction, others wait
until all assembly is complete. The choice is yours, but it is really, really important that
you do at least some of the finishing now!
On ABS and fiberglass hulls, there are occasionally small voids or dimples. These can be
removed by sanding, using Squadron Putty (from the plastic section of the hobby shop)
or auto body filler (from the auto store) to fill the holes. Another method which is
sometimes used on the glass hulls is to mix epoxy with micro balloons, using this as a
filler.
Also, it is recommended that the join edges be sanded back to a smooth contour between
deck and hull, removing the excess flange from the deck portion. A smooth edge will not
only look better, but it will improve performance especially in windy conditions.
After you are done filling and sanding, you are ready to begin assembly.
2) Draw a centerline lengthwise down the tunnel of the boat.
a) Make a mark 3 3/4” from the inside of the right sponson tunnel at the transom.
b) Make another mark near the front of the center section, also 3 3/4” from the right
sponson.
c) Connect the two marks, to define the centerline of the hull. This is not necessarily the
exact centerline, but it will be referred to as such.
3) Make cross-marks on the centerline at the following distances from the transom: 2½”,
5½”, 10”, 13¾”. The 5½” point is very close to or on the back edge of the engine well.
See drawing on next page.

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4) Make lines 3/16” off the centerline on either side, from the 2½” to 5½” marks. This
defines a box which will later be cut out to allow the installation of the Graupner stuffing
box. We will call this “Area A.”
If you are setting up your boat for racing, it is wise to offset the prop shaft at an angle.
Our racing boats are set such that the prop is about ½” to the left of the boat from center.
This causes the hole to be offset slightly. NOTE: The Graupner hardware is not intended
for serious racing! Racers –send an e-mail for recommendations.
5) Make lines 5/8” off the centerline on either side, between the 10” and 13¾” marks. This
defines a box which will be the glue area for the Graupner motor mount. We will call
this “Area B.” Whether you are racing or not, Area B does not change. If you intend to
use an Astro Flight motor, you will need to devise your own motor mount, as the
Graupner mount does not accept the large brush hoods. We strongly recommend the use
of a Cordite motor for racing this boat.
For racers who chose to not purchase the Graupner hardware kit, we recommend using a
plywood motor mount which puts the motor very close to the bottom of the boat. The
“firewall” portion of this mount is available upon request. This motor mount will replace
step 6.
6) FIBERGLASS: Use coarse (80 grit) sandpaper to roughen the bottom of the motor
mount. Smear some well-mixed 30-minute epoxy on the bottom of the mount, and place
inside the boat using the lines for Area B as a guide. NOTE: it may be useful to use CA
glue to tack the mount into position so the epoxy can cure without the motor mount
moving.
5.5" 10" 13.75" 2.5"
3 3/4"

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ABS: Use coarse (80 grit) sandpaper to slightly roughen the bottom of the motor mount.
It is often wise to drive several 1/8” diameter holes in the bottom of the mount, as the
plastic for this does not always bond well to the glue. Slightly roughen the interior of the
hull with some 240 grit paper. Use either an epoxy such as JB Weld (preferred) or thick
CA to secure the motor mount into the hull, using the lines of Area B as a positioning
guide.
ALL: It is best that the motor mount be set to be parallel to the driveshaft. If you are
using an offset stuffing box, you should keep this in mind as the Area B lines are not
parallel to the driveshaft.
7) FIBERGLASS: While the epoxy cures (allow 1 hour for 30-minute epoxy, just to be
more sure), sand the wing and fin surfaces smooth with 220 grit or finer paper. It is
recommended that you work on the wing parts as you have time during the remainder of
the assembly. The recommended method for finishing the wood surfaces is to use a
good-quality sanding sealer and balsa filler such as those in the Aero Gloss brand line
from Pactra, lightly wet sanding with 400 grit paper between coats.
While the JB Weld cures (allow extra time, just to be more sure), sand the vertical fin
surfaces smooth with 220 grit or finer paper. It is recommended that you work on the
wing parts as you have time during the remainder of the assembly. The recommended
method for finishing the wood surfaces is to use a good-quality sanding sealer and balsa
filler such as those in the Aero Gloss brand line from Pactra, lightly wet sanding with 400
grit paper between coats.
8) FIBERGLASS: READ STEP 9 NOTE BEFORE CUTTING! After the glue from
Step 6 is cured, use a motor tool with a cutoff wheelto cut the Area A out of the hull.
You may wish to round the ends of the cut in order to allow them to more closely match
Area B
Area A
3/8" 1 1/4"

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the profile that the stuffing box will have. This will minimize the need to add filler
material later. If you are using an off-center driveshaft, be sure you cut appropriately.
ABS: READ STEP 9 NOTE BEFORE CUTTING! After the glue from Step 6 is
cured, use a sharp hobby knife to cut the Area A out of the hull. You may wish to round
the ends of the cut in order to allow them to more closely match the profile that the
stuffing box will have. This will minimize the need to add filler material later. If you are
using an off-center driveshaft, be sure you cut appropriately.
9) Assemble the drive train components: bushings, driveshaft, motor coupler, motor, and
motor mount (already installed in boat). Set your stuffing box in place so that the motor
end does not have any misalignment; the flexible coupler should naturally bend to accept
the motor driveshaft. Set the rear end of the stuffing box so it is about 5/16” below the
transom, and so that it extends about ½” past the transom. The actual position fore/aft
will be determined by the other drive components, and this is the reason for you to
assemble the system completely at this point.
NOTE: If you are using a high-power motor (other than the Graupner 700 BB which
comes with the GR1157), you should set the driveshaft at a lower angle. Our racing hulls
(using custom hardware) are set so the end of the driveshaft, the center of the driveshaft
is 1/16” below the lowest point of the sponsons at the transom. This also allows the use
of larger props on the 700BB motor, but it changes the position of the Area A cut-out.
10) With the drivetrain in place, tack it in position using some gap-filling CA and accelerator.
Be careful not to use too much CA –you want to use epoxy to make the joint strong. The
CA is just a tool to hold alignment.
If you are building this boat for racing or plan to use higher-power motors, you should at
this time add two lengths of fiberglass or graphite tubing to extend from the forward
cross-brace (in front of the motor area) to the balsa bulkhead or radio box. These will tie
the motor mount, stuffing box, and hull together in order to make the boat stiffer. We
recommend using fiberglass pushrods from Dave Brown Products for this purpose.
These are available at your local hobby shop. Use epoxy for fiberglass hulls, or JB Weld
or thick CA for ABS hulls.
11) FIBERGLASS: Use a thickened (with micro balloons) 5-minute epoxy to seal the
opening around the stuffing box. If you have some glass cloth, it may be used to further
strengthen the joint when applied inside the hull. BE SURE TO KEEP THE
DRIVETRAIN PROPERLY ALIGNED WHILE THE EPOXY CURES!

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ABS: Use a silicone-based sealant to fill the hole around the stuffing box. BE SURE TO
CHECK THAT THE SEALANT YOU SELECT IS COMPATIBLE WITH PLASTICS.
More than one person has found out the hard way that they picked the wrong one!
12) Epoxy or CA scrap 1/8” plywood to fill the areas between the hull and the stuffing box.
This will greatly strengthen the connection, and is very important for the hull to be
tunable for proper operation. It is also recommended that you use small pieces of
fiberglass cloth.
13) Mount the Graupner skid fin bracket on the right sponson as far outboard as possible,
angled so that the fin is about 5° from vertical. You will need to drill pilot holes for the
mounting screws (use #4 self-tapping or 4-40 machine screws after tapping). This is a
tight fit on the fiberglass boat, but on the ABS it is not a problem. You may want to
remove a small amount of the skid fin mounting bracket in order to be able to set the fin
higher on the sponson transom, in order to make the entire edge of the fin sharp where it
is in the water.
14) Locate the rudder bracket on the transom to the left of the propeller, situated such that the
mounting holes will be drilled about 9/16” from the outside edge of the transom (see
figure above). Take some forethought for how to route the pushrod from the servo. The
rudder mounting bracket will need to have new holes drilled into it to accept the smaller
transom of the UL1. The two new holes should be drilled so that they pass through the
cut-out section on the mounting side of the bracket.
The prototype fiberglass boats were modified by adding a fairing in front of the rudder
bracket to make the lines smoother. While this is not scale, it does enhance appearance.
If you are using an alternate rudder, this fairing becomes unnecessary.
15) NO RADIO BOX: Install your radio gear per your preferences. It is recommended that
the rudder servo be located in the rear compartment as close as practical to the transom,
and that a 1/8” ply doubler be added to the inside ofthe hull. This will help prevent
flexing of the pushrod and hull under high stress (see drawing below).
RADIO BOX: Install the radio gear in the radio box at the appropriate locations. The
actual position depends upon the type of radio equipment you use.
9/16"
5/16"