ANTENNA:
Most 2.4 Gigahertz radios do not have a visible antenna, or have a very short one. If you are
using an AM or FM radio, take the end of the antenna and tape it on the upper inside of the pilot house for good
reception.
WATERPROOFING - FLOTATION:
Be sure to tape the clear plastic hatch window in place to prevent
leaks. There is plenty of room in the Bow for flotation. An inflated Ziplock
®
bag with the opening pressed and
taped closed, makes a nice form-fitting float.
REPAIR:
In swimming pools, long hair can wind up on the prop shaft between the Drive Dog and the Stern
Tube Bearing. If this happens, the shaft will bind and slow or stop turning. To repair, insert needle-nosed pliers
through the rear hatch opening and lightly grasp the Motor-Shaft Coupling End to block the shaft rotation. Use a
1/4 inch wrench to loosen the Prop Nut several turns. Unscrew the Prop & Drive Dog 3-4 turns by turning the
Prop. Remove the hair and re-tighten the Prop with Drive Dog & install the Prop Nut. Don’t store the boat in
direct sunlight. This will shorten the life of the plastic. Re-Tape the rear hatch opening afterwards.
MAINTENANCE:
Before running,
place a droplet of light oil between the Drive Dog and the Stern Tube
Bearing. Rotate the prop to distribute the oil & wipe off the excess.
After running,
tilt the boat toward the Bow
and blot out any water that was hiding under the floor. Even if you find no water, leave the Pilot House off for a
day to allow any moisture to dry. The synthetic grease in the stern tube will keep your boat water-tight for years.
It needs to be refilled only if you see water leaking into the boat through the inside of the stern tube. To access
and relube the Stern Tube, remove in this order: Rudder Arm, Skeg, Rudder, Servo Tray, Motor, Dogbone, Motor
-Shaft Coupling on the Prop Shaft. Slide out the Prop Shaft. Squirt new Stern Tube Grease into the Stern Tube
from the outside. Catch the overflow with a napkin on the inside. Push the Prop Shaft into the Stern Tube catching
the additional grease that will be pushed into the boat. Reassemble all parts. You will have to find the flat on the
Prop Shaft by “feel” when you reinstall and properly space the Prop Shaft’s Coupling. Hold the Dogbone in place
with a pair of needle nosed pliers through the rear hatch opening while installing the motor.
The set of decals will help trim out your Vac-U-Tug for a realistic look.
Now go find some water and have fun!
Copyright © 2001 - 2018 Philip Pace, d.b.a. Vac-U-Boat
Port Holes
Windows
Pilot Windshield
Left & Right
Doors
Ladders
Doors
Scuppers (deck
drains)
Wall Vents
Anchor
Stack Marking
