❏
5. Start and adjust the engine following the procedures
outlined in the instructions included with your particular engine.
❏
6. Place the boat in water that is at least 8 inches deep
and free of debris that may tangle or damage the prop.
❏
7. Advance the throttle and note if the boat has a
tendency to turn right or left. Adjust the steering trim tab on
your transmitter until the boat runs in a straight line when the
wheel/stick is neutralized.
❏
8. Try some turns to the right and left. First, make big
gentle turn and gradually make tighter turns to see how your
Top Speed handles. If your Top Speed “spins out” or is on
the verge of flipping over in tight turns, you can reduce the
steering movement by making adjustments on your
transmitter (if you have a transmitter that allows this type of
“endpoint adjustment”.) To prevent swamping, avoid making
tight turns in rough water.
❏
9. Total run time of the Top Speed is approximately 5-6
minutes on a full tank of fuel. It is suggested to use a timer
to time your Top Speed to prevent it from stopping while in
the middle of your pond or lake.
❏
10. After operating your Top Speed, place it on the stand.
Use paper towels to dry off the hull. Remove the upper
tunnel and check the radio box to see if any water has
entered. If so, remove the radio box cover and dry the inside
of the box. Check the propeller for weeds or other debris.
Remove any foreign material which may have become
entangled. WARNING: If, during operation, you notice the
boat suddenly slow down or loose power, it probably means
that weeds or other debris have tangled around the
propeller. This could cause excessive overheating of the
engine, therefore, you should immediately bring the boat to
shore, shut off the engine and inspect the engine and
propeller for any foreign matter and remove it.
❏
11. When you have finished for the day, dry the boat inside
and out and recharge the batteries. Place the boat on its
stand for storage. Periodically (and for long term storage) you
should also remove the radio box cover, wipe it off and clean
out the inside of the radio box. You should also read the
instructions included with your engine for any procedures to
prepare the engine for long term storage.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If, for whatever reason, your boat takes
on a large amount of water, swamps or sinks, causing the
radio equipment to get wet, you must do the following:
Immediately remove all batteries and radio equipment from
the boat. Open the receiver (if water has entered the plastic
bag) and servo cases (if not watertight servos) and dry all
components completely before reassembling. To dry
electrical components, use a paper towel to absorb the water
droplets. Then, use a hair dryer to make sure they are
completely dry. Dry the inside of the radio box and reinstall
the components and check for proper operation before
running the boat in water.
Because the outboard engine can be adjusted in both
vertical positioning and angle, the following trimming guide
will give you a rough overview on how to adjust your Top
Speed to pick up some additional speed:
ENGINE ANGLE
Changing the angle of the engine in relationship to the
transom will change the angle of the hull in relationship to
the water. By rotating the engine so the lower end is farther
away from the transom will lift the front (bow) of the boat out
of the water. By rotating the engine so the lower end is
closer to the transom will force the bow of the boat into the
water. The angle of the engine should be adjusted so the
sponson rides level when cornering.
CENTER OF GRAVITY
Changing the center of gravity will also alter the angle of the
hull in the water. Adding weight to the bow of the boat
(moving the CG forward) will push the bow into the water.
Adding weight to the transom of the boat (moving the CG
aft) will lift the bow of the boat out of the water. Adjust the
CG as necessary so the boat rides level in the water.
ENGINE HEIGHT
Moving the position of the engine vertically on the transom
will change the vertical positioning of the hull in relationship
to the water. By moving the engine downward on the
transom, the hull will ride higher in the water. Moving the
engine upward will cause the hull to ride lower, or more in
the water. Begin by positioning the engine so the mounting
screws are in the middle of the adjustment range of the
engine. On smooth water, run your Top Speed and observe
the positioning of the hull in relationship to the water. The
best positioning of the Top Speed is to have it “skim” slightly
out of the water.
In addition to the items listed under “Top Speed Operating
Procedures,” you should also check the following regularly:
❏
1. Periodically check to see if the engine is securely
attached to the transom. Because of the amount of force
applied to the hull during operation, it is possible these
screws may loosen.
❏
2. Periodically check the steering linkages for free
movement. In time, the engine may accumulate debris
between the mount plate and outboard unit. If this happens,
remove the outboard unit (following the manufacturers
instructions) and clean both the mount plate and outboard
unit. Reassemble and check for free movement.
❏
3. After running in salt water, clean the boat thoroughly
with fresh water. Follow the manufacturers instructions on
cleaning and maintenance for your particular engine.
Maintenance
Operational Trimming
14
