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Warranty
• AquaCraft™will warrant this kit for 90 days after the purchase from defects in materials or workmanship. AquaCraft will
either repair or replace, at no charge, the incorrectly made part.
• Make sure you save the receipt or invoice you were given when you bought your model! It is your proof of purchase
and we must see it before we can honor the warranty.
• To return your Reef Racer™for repairs covered under warranty, you should send your boat to:
Hobby Services
3002 N. Apollo Drive, Suite 1
Champaign, Illinois 61822
Attn: Service Department
Phone: (217) 398-0007 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Central Time M-F
E-mail: hobbyservices@hobbico.com
HCAZ3021 for HCAB12**Entire Contents © Copyright 2003
ASSEMBLY AND OPERATION MANUAL
™
™
Before Building:
Thank you for purchasing the Reef Racer! This manual contains the instructions you need to safely operate and maintain
your boat. We want the operation of this boat to be a success so BEFORE preparing the Reef Racer for action please read
this manual thoroughly. If for any reason you think that this model is not for you, return it to your local dealer immediately.
PLEASE NOTE: Your hobby dealer cannot accept a return on any model after the final assembly sequence has begun.
by
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INTRODUCTION ..............................................................2
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS......................................................2
REPAIR SERVICE ................................................................2
SPECIFICATION & DESCRIPTION CHANGES ..................2
USEFUL TOOLBOX ITEMS ................................................2
FINAL ASSEMBLY ..............................................................3
Transmitter Assembly ....................................................3
Battery Pack Charging....................................................3
Install the Battery ..........................................................4
Check the Radio System ................................................4
RUNNING THE REEF RACER ............................................5
MAINTENANCE ................................................................5
ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS....................................6
BOAT TERMINOLOGY ......................................................6
RACING ............................................................................6
Thank you for purchasing the AquaCraft Reef Racer! This
manual contains the instructions you need to safely build,
operate and maintain your R/C boat. Read over this manual
thoroughly before operating the Reef Racer.
• Do not attempt to charge battery packs in the immediate
vicinity of swimming pools, lakes, rivers, oceans, inland
seas, etc. Above all, NEVER ATTEMPT TO PLUG IN THE
WALL CHARGER IF YOU, THE CHARGER, OR THE
BATTERY PACK ARE WET.
• This boat is controlled by radio signals, which are
susceptible to possible interference from other R/C
transmitters, paging systems, or other electrical noise.
Before turning your radio on, make sure no one else in the
area is operating a radio on the same frequency (channel).
• Do not touch the propeller anytime the electronics are
turned "ON". Pay close attention to items such as loose
clothing, shirtsleeves, ties, scarves, long hair or any loose
objects that may come in contact with the spinning
propeller. If your fingers, hands, etc. come in contact
with the spinning propeller, you may be severely injured.
• The speed and mass of this boat can inflict property
damage and severe personal injury if a collision occurs.
Never run this boat in the presence of swimmers or where
the possibility of collision with people or property exists.
• Electric motors can generate considerable heat. Do not
touch any part of your motor until it has cooled.
If the buyer is not prepared to accept the liability associated
with the use of this product, the buyer is advised to return
this kit immediately in new and unused condition to the
place of purchase.
Repair service is available anytime.
After the 90-day warranty, you can still have your Reef Racer
repaired for a small charge by the experts at AquaCraft's
authorized repair facility, Hobby Services, at the address
listed on the front page of this manual.
To speed up the repair process,
please follow the instructions below.
1. Under all circumstances return the ENTIRE system:
battery pack, charger, boat and radio.
2. Make sure the electronics are turned off and all batteries
are removed.
3. Send written instructions which include a list of all items
returned, a THOROUGH explanation of the problem, the
service needed and your phone number during the day.
If you expect the repair to be covered under warranty, be
sure to include a proof-of-purchase date (your store
receipt or purchase invoice).
4. Also be sure to send your full return address.
All pictures, descriptions, and specifications found in this
instruction manual are subject to change without notice.
AquaCraft maintains no responsibility for inadvertent errors in
this manual.
As with any hobby, it is a good idea to assemble a useful
collection of tools to bring along anytime you head out to the
pond. Here are some items you may wish to keep handy.
❏ Phillips Screwdriver (HCAR1024)
❏ 1.5mm Hex Driver (HCAR1150)
❏ 5.5mm Socket or Wrench
❏ Thread Locking Compound (GPMR6060)
❏ Paper Towels
USEFUL TOOLBOX ITEMS
SPECIFICATION & DESCRIPTION CHANGES
REPAIR SERVICE
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
INTRODUCTION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2
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Decals have been provided for your Reef Racer. Simply cut
them out, peel, and stick! See the box for recommended
decal placement.
TRANSMITTER ASSEMBLY
Important Note: The transmitter is not water resistant and
should be kept dry at all times.
❏ 1. Remove the transmitter antenna from the parts bag and
screw it into the top of the transmitter. To ensure that the
antenna is attached, lightly pull on the base of the antenna. If
it slides out, it is not installed properly.
❏ 2. Slide off the battery door on the bottom of the transmitter.
Install 8 fresh "AA" batteries into the bottom of the transmitter
in the configuration molded into the battery holder. Re-install
the battery door onto the bottom of the transmitter.
❏ 3. Turn the transmitter on using the switch on the front. The
red LED light next to the on/off switch should light up. If the
LED does not light up, turn the transmitter off and check to
make sure that the batteries are installed properly. If you see a
flashing LED, the batteries are low and need to be replaced.
BATTERY PACK CHARGING
• The wall charger included with the Reef Racer is a 2-hour
quick charger. Never leave the charger and battery
plugged in overnight!
• Never leave a charger and battery pack unattended
while charging!
• After running the boat, the battery will be hot. Always
allow the battery to cool completely before recharging.
❏ 1. Join the charger and battery connectors as shown. Do
not force them together; they are designed to fit together only
one way.
❏ 2. Plug the charger into a 110V AC outlet. The battery
indicator LED should be lit. If not, check your charger/battery
connection. Note: The only function of the LED is to let you
know that the battery is connected; it will not tell you when
charging is completed.
❏ 3. Check the battery pack every 15 minutes, when the
battery pack begins to warm up noticeably, charging is
complete. Typically, it will only take 2 hours to charge a dead
battery. Note: If the battery is not completely dead when you
start charging, it will warm up faster.
Important! Never allow the battery pack to get hot
while charging! This indicates that the pack is
overcharged and will decrease its useful life.
4. Disconnect the battery pack by pushing the small tab while
gently pulling the connectors apart. Unplug the charger unit
from the wall.
FINAL ASSEMBLY
3
ANTENNA
ADJUSTABLE
STEERING
RATE
STEERING
SERVO
REVERSE
ON / OFF
POWER
LIGHT
Install (8) new "AA" batteries
STEERING
TRIM
THROTTLE SERVO
THROTTLE
TRIM
REVERSE
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INSTALL THE BATTERY
❏ 1. The hatch of the Reef Runner is secured by the rubber
grommet and ball stud assembly located at the front of the boat.
Open the hatch of the Reef Racer by gently lifting as shown.
❏ 2. Secure the battery pack to the battery tray with the
provided hook & loop material as shown and plug the battery
pack into the boat’s battery connector. Do not force them
together; they are designed to fit together only one way.
CHECK THE RADIO SYSTEM
❏ 1. Turn the power “ON” to the transmitter and the boat (in
that order). Close the hatch by pushing the deck and hull
halves together and making sure that the grommet fits over
the ball stud securely.
❏ 2. Standing behind the Reef Racer, rotate the wheel to the
left. The back of the rudder should move towards the left.
Move the wheel to the right. The back of the rudder should
move towards the right. If this is not the case, simply move the
steering servo reverse switch to the other position.
❏ 8. Using care to avoid the propeller, slowly squeeze the
throttle trigger of the transmitter. This will start the propeller
moving in a counter-clockwise direction. If this is not the
case, try moving the throttle servo reversing switch to the
other position.
❏ 9. The D/R knob located on top of the transmitter is the
steering rate adjustment. Turning the knob to the right
increases the movement of the rudder while turning it to the
left decreases the rudder movement.
❏ 10. Turn the power "OFF" to your boat and then
your transmitter, in that order.
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• Before running your Reef Racer, it is a good idea to check
over all screws to make sure they are securely fastened.
• Place the boat in water that is at least 8" deep and free of
obstacles (weeds, rocks, sticks, ducks, muskrats, etc.).
• Slowly advance the throttle to full speed and note if the
boat has a tendency to turn right or left. Adjust the
steering trim knob on your transmitter until the boat runs
in a straight line when the steering wheel is at neutral.
• CAUTION: Running in windy conditions will increase
the chances of water entering the vessel.
• Total run time of the Reef Racer is approximately 10
minutes (assuming you begin with a fully charged battery
pack). When you notice a decrease in power, it means
the battery pack is nearly drained and it's time to head for
shore. As soon as the boat reaches shore, turn off the
power to the boat and transmitter (in that order).
• CAUTION: The motor and battery may be hot! Allow it to
cool for a few minutes before attempting to remove the
battery pack.
• Your Reef Racer may take on small amounts of water
when running in rough water. Keep a roll of paper towels
handy and dry out the hull interior after every run.
• Always store your Reef Racer with the canopy/hatch
cover opened to allow the interior to dry out completely.
If you neglect to do this, it may result in corrosion of the
electronic components.
• IMPORTANT: 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 the battery pack and radio
equipment from the boat. Allow the components to air
dry completely before reassembling. Reinstall the
components and check for proper operation before
running the boat in water.
The Waiting Game
If your Reef Racer boat should happen to stall, water currents
will slowly carry it to shore. The bad news is that the boat
could be carried to the opposite shore. When surveying areas
to run your Reef Racer, keep variables in mind such as wind
direction, size of the lake, strength of river currents, etc.
HELPFUL TIP:
Use a fishing rod with at least 12lb. line and a tennis ball tied
to the end to retrieve a stalled boat.
GOOD LUCK AND GREAT BOATING!
It is important to periodically (every 10-15 battery packs)
remove the drive shaft and re-lube with a thin coat of
petroleum jelly or light grease. This procedure will require a
1.5mm hex driver. Make sure that power to the boat is "OFF"
during this procedure.
❏ 1. Open the battery compartment and locate the rudder arm.
❏ 2. Loosen the 3mm rudder arm set screw using a 1.5mm
hex driver and pull the rudder away from the hull.
❏ 3. Loosen the 1.5mm set screw located on the drive
coupler assembly, and pull the shaft out as shown.
MAINTENANCERUNNING THE REEF RACER
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❏ 4. After applying lubricant to the shaft, re-insert the shaft
into the drive tube and rotate it while slowly pushing it back
into place.
❏ 5. Re-tighten the 1.5mm set screw on the coupler assembly,
making sure that the set screw rests on the flat spot of the drive
shaft. Use thread lock compound on the set screw.
❏ 6. Re-insert the rudder and put the rudder arm back in
place. Re-tighten the 1.5mm rudder arm set screw.
• BOW: The front of the boat
• STERN: The back of the boat
• PORT: This is the left side of the boat when aboard and
facing the front (bow).
• STARBOARD: This is the right side of the boat when
aboard and facing the front (bow).
• HULL: The body of the boat.
• DECK: The top of the boat.
Although it is very enjoyable to go out and run the Reef Racer
by yourself, we think the real fun and excitement is
experienced when you get involved in RACING!
Racing does not have to be an organized and sanctioned
competition to be fun. In fact, small informal races can be
very exciting without the stress that comes with formal events.
Here are some suggestions for setting up a simple racecourse
for boats:
• Make 2 to 4 simple and inexpensive “marker buoys” with
empty milk jugs, string and heavy objects for anchors, similar
to the above sketch.
• For “drag racing” place the buoys similar to the above sketch.
•For “oval racing” place the buoys similar to the above
sketch. NOTE: The above patterns are not based on any sort
of official standards; therefore, you may set up racecourses
any way you desire, using your imagination to make the races
more interesting. Usually the smaller courses will provide
more action and excitement.
The length of the races can be determined by a set number of
laps around the buoys (for example, the first boat to complete
5 laps is the winner); or by time (for example, whoever is
leading at the end of two minutes is the winner).
To order replacement parts for the AquaCraft Reef Racer,
use the order numbers in the Replacement Parts List that follows.
Replacement parts are available only as listed and can be
purchased from hobby shops or mail order/ Internet order firms.
Hardware items (screws, nuts, bolts) are also available from these
outlets. If you need assistance locating a dealer to purchase parts,
visit www.hobbico.com and click on "Where to Buy". If this kit
is missing parts, contact Hobbico Product Support.
REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST
Order # Item
HCAB6307 DECAL SET
HCAB7001 GROMMET/BALL STUD (6)
HCAB7755 PROP SET (2)
HCAB7855 SHAFT SET
HCAB8702 RUDDER SET
HCAB9020 SPEED CONTROL
HCAG3477 MOTOR WITH WIRES
HCAM7033 NIMH BATTERY 7.2V
HCAP0127 BATTERY CHARGER
ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS
RACING
BOAT TERMINOLOGY
6
GALLON-SIZE
PLASTIC MILK JUG
NYLON STRING
(ENOUGH TO REACH BOTTOM)
BOLT, ROCK OR HEAVY
OBJECT FOR ANCHOR
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7
CHECK OUT THESE OTHER SENSATIONAL AQUACRAFT PRODUCTS!
AquaCraft™by Hobbico®Nitro Hammer™GP RTR (HCAB26**)
• Fully assembled - with fiberglass deck and hull!
• FREE engine video with tips for tuning and maintenance!
Includes: recoil-started AquaCraft .15 Marine w/tuned pipe, AquaCraft 2-channel Pistol Radio System, engine break-in video
and stand. Requires: 20% glow fuel, glow starter & 12 "AA" batteries
Strike fast, with the Nitro Hammer's ready-to-run ease and
nitro power! Factory-built, it features first-class materials
throughout - from the durable fiberglass hull (available
factory-finished in six custom colors) to the stainless steel
hardware that resists rust and corrosion. The long rudder
cuts deep for razor-sharp turns. Trim tab/turn fins on either
side adjust to ensure smooth, straight running. The
AquaCraft 2-channel pistol radio's steering dual rates and
fine steering/throttle trims add more precision to your
control. In addition to fast, easy recoil starting, the .15
Marine ABC engine includes a water-cooled head, rotary
carburetor with adjustable high and low needles, dual ball
bearings and glow plug. You'll waste no time (or fuel!)
during fill-ups, thanks to the tank's flip-top cap and
efficient primer button. And like the engine and fuel tank,
the Nitro Hammer's radio gear and electronics arrive
already installed, in a protective hatch you can quickly
access just by removing one pin. Simplicity, speed,
style...the Nitro Hammer wins every way!
AquaCraft™by Hobbico®Air Force™Air Boats
• The new "force" in R/C boating!
• Features a FIBERGLASS hull and deck!
It's powered by air...and fueled by fun! The
AquaCraft Air Force gets high marks for
quality, convenience and performance, and
it's ready for action in just minutes. Its
construction advantage? A fiberglass hull that's
durable, lightweight – and resistant to the
effects of fuel residue that can ruin ABS and
plastic hulls. The pre-joined deck and hull
reduce final assembly, and stainless steel
hardware is also supplied. There's even a
display stand that doubles as a handy carrying
tote. The RTR comes in one of six brilliant, gelcoated colors, along with an AquaCraft Pro 46
engine, 2-channel AquaCraft radio made by
Futaba
®
, and prop. The white gel-coated ARR
version requires engine, radio and prop. Both
require glow starter, engine starter, fuel, 12
"AA" batteries.
Air Force Ready-to-Run: HCAB27**
RTR Version Includes: AquaCraft Pro 46 engine, AquaCraft
2-channel radio w/2 standard servos, propeller, engine video
Air Force Almost Ready-to-Run: HCAB5027
ARR Version Requires: .40- to .46-size engine, 2-channel
radio, propeller
Overall Length: 36 in
Hull Length: 30.5 in
Beam: 13.5 in
Length: 24 in
Beam: 8.75 in
Page 8
NOTES
Date
Date
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