Marker Boat

Marker Boat

Balancing RC Boat Propellers

For most models, propellers of radio controlled boats spin with the same revolutions per minute (RPM) as that of a gas or electric motor. Almost always, you will notice the propeller vibrating if it is not properly balanced with the horizontal shaft taken into consideration. The propeller shaft momentarily handles the stress with every spin of the propeller in the direction of the propeller's heavy side. With each repeated back and forth revolution of the propeller, the stress is responsible for the reduction of the propeller's speed and the destruction of the fragile electronic parts. To prevent this incident from happening, you can balance your propeller by following the quick and easy steps below.

• Before you attempt to balance your boat's propellers, you need to prepare a clean dry rag, paper clip, dry eraser marker, small hand file, 220 grit dry or wet sandpaper, eye protection and RC boat propeller.

 

• Take the propeller out and clean thoroughly until there are no more noticeable contaminants. You have to clean the propeller hole as well.

 

• Take a paper clip and straighten the outermost loop making sure that it will stick out at a 90 degrees angle with respect to the other loops.

 

• Use one hand to hold the paper clip and place the horizontal portion to the center of the propeller with the hole.

 

• Wear eye protection and gently spin the propeller making sure that it will not be dislodged from the paper clip. By the time the propeller stops spinning, use a dry erase marker to mark the lowest part of the propeller blade to the soil or floor.

 

• Do the same process of spinning and marking for a number of times. You will notice a part of the propeller with more marker dots compared to the others. The markings indicate the heavier side of the propeller. Smooth the contours by using the hand file but be sure not to change the shape of the design.

 

• Wipe off all markings and repeat the spin and mark sequence. When using the file, just do a few strokes every time. Repeat the process until the propeller is relatively balanced. You will know it when there are no more apparent dry erase dots.

 

• Use the sandpaper to sharpen the blade edges lightly. By doing it uniformly, the balance of the propeller will be maintained.

About the Author

Scott Thomas has quite a collection of RC helicopters. With over 15 different models to boast of, his hobby for radio control toys is growing with his favorite being RC helicopters. He loves meeting people who also share the same passion for RC cars, trucks and toys like himself.

Washable blue crayola marker stained white fiberglass! What can we do?

We have a boat with a white fiberglass console in it. There was a paper with blue crayola (washable) marker on it, and it rained. Now there is a big blue stain in the fiberglass and we are wondering if there is anything that can take the stain out! We aren't sure how far the stain goes, so we are afraid to try sanding it. We have tried rubbing alcohol and 409 so far. Any input is greatly appreciated!

Be careful using some of the over-the-counter products, they have some toxins in them. I gave you a link to search that out.

Also, Scour Off by Shaklee works great for cleaning grout stains, etc, and I bet it would work. If it didn't though, the products are 100% money back guaranteed. Gave you a link to my website to check that out, also.

BOAT: (I'll Beat My Chest Like) King Kong [Magic Marker]