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™
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PARTS NEEDED TO COMPLETE
YOUR RIO EP
Necessary components for operating your Rio EP:
Four “AA” batteries (for transmitter)
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Onyx™ 100 AC/DC Peak Charger (DTXP4190)
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Onyx 7.2V 1800mAh NiCd stick pack (DTXC2010)
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GrimRacer™ Pro Radio Box Tape (AQUB9514)
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GrimRacer™ Speed Grease™ Drive Cable Lubricant
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(AQUB9500)
1.5mm Hex wrench
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Extra supplies you might want to have with you during
the operation of your Rio EP:
As with any hobby, it is a good idea to assemble a useful
collection of tools and accessories to bring along when you
head out to the pond. These are some items you will want to
keep handy.
7-cell, 8.4V 3000mAh hump pack (DTXC2057)
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Extra “AA” Batteries
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Threadlocking Compound (GPMR6060)
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Pliers (HCAR0625)
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Hobby Knife (HCAR0109)
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Metric Hex Wrench Set (HCAR0521)
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Waders or rubber boots
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Paper towels
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Spray-on cleaner
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Sunglasses
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Sun block
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Folding table
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Lawn chairs
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First-Aid kit
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Cooler with plenty of ice and soda
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Canopy or shelter
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Small personal retrieval system. This might be as simple
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as a tennis ball tied to the end of a fi shing reel, or better
yet, a small Jon boat and personal fl otation device so
you can row out and properly retrieve your boat.
MANUAL SPECIFICATION AND
DESCRIPTION CHANGES
All pictures, descriptions, and specifi cations found in this
instruction manual are subject to change without notice.
AquaCraft maintains no responsibility for inadvertent errors
in this manual.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Never ever attempt to swim after a stalled RC boat.
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Do not get in the water for any reason to retrieve your
boat. To aid you in retrieving a stalled RC boat, set up a
fi shing reel with a tennis ball tied to the end of the line.
Or better yet, get yourself a small Jon boat so you can
row out and pick up your boat. Remember to use a PFD
any time you enter your retrieval craft.
AquaCraft products are to be used by ages 14 and over.
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Do not touch the propeller anytime the motor is running.
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Pay equally close attention to items such as loose clothing,
shirtsleeves, ties, scarves, long hair or anything that may
become entangled in the spinning prop. If your fi ngers,
hands, etc. come in contact with the spinning propeller, you
may be severely injured.
The speed and mass of this boat can infl ict property
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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 produce heat. Do not touch any part of your
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motor until it has cooled.
This boat is controlled by radio signals, which are susceptible
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to possible interference from other R/C transmitters, paging
systems, or other electrical noise.
R/C models produce vibrations which will cause screws,
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nuts, bolts, etc. on your model to loosen over time. It is
important to make sure that all hardware is secure before
operating your model.
In the event that weeds become entangled in the propeller,
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stop the motor and disconnect the battery before attempting
to remove them.
If your Rio EP should happen to stall, water currents will
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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 Rio EP, keep variables in mind such as wind direction,
size of the lake, etc. It is not advisable to run R/C boats on
any free-fl owing bodies of water such as creeks or rivers.
SPECIFICATIONS
Rio EP Specifi cations:
Hull Length: 25.5" [647mm]
Overall Length: 28.25" [720mm]
Beam: 6.37" [160mm]
Overall Height: 5" [125mm]
Weight: 26.4 oz
Radio System:
Transmitter: Tactic™ TTX-240 2.4GHz with servo reversing
and steering rate funcitons
Receiver: Tactic 2.4GHz TR324
Servo: Mini steering servo
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WARRANTY
BOAT TERMINOLOGY
AquaCraft will warrant your Rio EP for 90 days after the purchase
from defects in materials or workmanship of original manufacture.
AquaCraft, at their option, will repair or replace at no charge, the
incorrectly made part. This warranty does not cover damage caused
by crash, abuse, misuse, alteration or accident. To return your
boat for repairs you need to provide proof of purchase. Your store
receipt or product invoice will suffi ce. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE
PURCHASER BE ENTITLED TO ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL,
INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER
RESULTING FROM THE USE, MISUSE OR INABILITY TO USE
THE PRODUCT OR FROM DEFECTS IN THE PRODUCT. This
warranty gives you specifi c legal rights and you may also have other
rights, which vary from state to state. (Outside USA and Canada,
contact local importer for warranty information.)
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
STANDARD REPAIR SERVICE
After the 90-day warranty has run out you can still have your Rio EP
repaired for a service fee by the experts at AquaCraft. To speed up
the repair process, please follow these four simple steps:
Important Note: For standard repair service you must specify
whether you wish the charges to be billed COD or if you wish to be
notifi ed of the charges so you can send a check.
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). An easy way to remember this is that
port and left both contain four letters.
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.
KEEL: The center of the bottom of the boat.
STRAKE: Lift rail(s) located on the bottom of the boat.
RUDDER: The hinged vertical plate mounted at the stern
that controls steering.
STRUT: The propeller support bracket mounted on the back
of the boat.
TRANSMITTER FEATURES
1. Please return the ENTIRE system, boat and radio.
2. Make sure batteries are removed from the transmitter.
3. Send written instructions which include a list of all items
returned and a THOROUGH explanation of the problem or
problems needing service. Be sure to include your return
address and daytime phone number. If you have access to
e-mail, please provide us with your e-mail address to help
speed communication.
4. Send to the Hobby Services address listed above.
1. Power light (LED)
2. On/Off switch
3. Steering trim
4. Throttle trim
5. Throttle reversing switch
6. Dual rate adjustment
7. Steering reversing switch
8. Steering wheel
9. Throttle trigger
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ASSEMBLY
INSTALL THE TRANSMITTER BATTERIES
1. Slide the battery door off the bottom of the transmitter.
Install four fresh “AA” batteries into the transmitter
in the confi guration molded into the battery holder.
Reinstall the battery door onto the bottom of
the transmitter.
2. Turn the transmitter “ON” using the power switch on
the transmitter's right side. The battery level indicator
light (LED) should glow red. If the light is fl ashing, the
batteries are low and need to be replaced. Raise the
transmitter antenna.
INSTALL THE BATTERY
1. Rotate the cowl lock off the top of the cowl. Lift the front
of the cowl to unhook the cowl pins from the deck.
2. Place a charged 7.2V or 8.4V pack (see your charger
manual for charging information) into the Rio EP hull,
and secure it with the hook and loop as shown.
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3. Connect the battery and ESC plugs as shown. You will
notice the plug can only be attached one way. Make sure
the wires are not touching any of the drive components.
4. Place the rear cowl pins into the hull. Rotate the cowl
lock to secure the cowl.
CHECK THE RADIO SYSTEM
1. Stand behind the boat with the radio system turned on.
Rotate the steering wheel to the left. The back of the
rudders should move to the left. (Move the steering wheel
to the right. The back of the rudders should move to the
right.) If not, simply move the steering reverse switch.
2. Squeeze the throttle trigger on the transmitter. This
should spin the propeller counterclockwise. If not,
change the throttle reverse switch to the other position.
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SEAL THE RADIO BOX
1. To help prevent water from coming into contact with the
electronics, the radio box needs to be sealed. Install the
radio box lid into the recessed area on top of the radio box.
2. Secure the lid using a quality radio box tape such as
(AQUB9514 GrimRacer Radio Box Tape). The tape
should cover the “seam” where the lid and box fit together,
overlapping onto both the lid and top of the radio box with
no wrinkles or high spots.
TIPS & HINTS FOR DRIVING YOUR RIO EP
The Steering Rate (ST RATE) knob increases or decreases
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the total rudder movement. Your Rio EP does not require a lot
of steering movement to allow the boat to turn. Keep this in
mind as you learn to drive your boat.
Your Rio EP is equipped with flotation foam. If your boat
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flips over, the foam will keep the boat from sinking.
Launch the boat in water that is at least 8" deep and free of
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obstacles. Be sure to stay clear of the spinning prop.
Slowly advance the throttle and note if the boat has a
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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.
Take caution not to overheat the motor. Keep an eye on the
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water outlet on the port side of the boat. You should see
water exiting the outlet when the boat is underway.
Be sure to keep your driveshaft well-lubricated. Failure to do
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so may cause the cable to break. Remove and relubricate
the driveshaft after each day of running.
Total run time of the Rio EP is approximately 6–8 minutes.
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Windy conditions cause rough water that will affect the
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performance of your Rio EP and increase the chances of
capsizing. Take it easy in rough water until you learn to
drive the boat.
If for any reason water enters the radio box, unplug the
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battery immediately. Remove the tape and radio box lid.
Drain the radio box and wipe it dry. Allow the electronics to
completely dry before running the boat again.
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MAINTENANCE
DRY THE BOAT
When you have finished running your RIO EP for the day
there are a few steps that need to be taken before it is put
away to keep your boat in top running condition.
1. Remove the drain plug and cowl to drain any water from
the hull. Wipe it dry inside and out.
2. Remove the radio box tape and lid and drain any water out
of the radio box. Do not reseal the radio box or reinstall the
cowl until it is time to run your Rio EP again. This will allow
time for trapped moisture to dry.
LUBRICATE THE DRIVE CABLE
1. It is important to remove and lubricate the drive cable after
a day of running. To lubricate the drive cable you will need
the following:
1.5mm Allen wrench
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GrimRacer Cable Grease (AQUB900)
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Paper towels.
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2. After checking to be sure the battery pack is unplugged,
use a 1.5mm Allen wrench to loosen the set screws that
secure the drive cable to the motor coupler. It is important
to note that there are two set screws holding the cable
in position.
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3. Slide the drive cable out the back of the stuffing tube. Wipe
off any old grease and water that may still be on the cable.
4. Apply a small amount of GrimRacer Speed Grease onto
the drive cable and slide it back into the stuffing tube.
5. Leave a 2mm gap [1/16"] between the front of the drive
dog and the end of the stuffing tube.
6. Tighten the set screws that hold the drive cable in place.
It is a good idea to tighten one screw lightly and then the
other. Go back and forth between the screws to keep even
tension on the drive cable.
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ADJUSTING THE TRIM PLATES
You can also adjust the trim plates to adjust the ride attitude
of the boat. Bending the plates down (negative) will help keep
the boat from porpoising (the front bouncing up and down).
Bending them up (positive) will make for a looser (faster)
ride but at the same time make the boat unstable. It is best
to make small adjustments one at a time.
RACING YOUR RIO EP
Although it is very enjoyable to run the Rio EP by yourself
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or with a buddy, the real fun and excitement of R/C boating
is experienced when you get involved in racing. Racing
against other boats is much different than running your
boat alone. The following suggestions will hopefully provide
helpful strategies when racing a model boat.
A good set-up for running alone may not be the best for
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racing. Race water conditions create challenges different
from running alone and water conditions constantly change
during a race. Five or six boats racing against one another
will create rough water on the race course. To compete
successfully, it may be necessary to “tighten” the ride
characteristics.
Wakes caused by other boats can upset the balance
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and ride characteristics of even a well-trimmed model
boat. When running down the straightaways, don’t follow
in another boat’s wake. Wakes generated by other boats
while entering and negotiating a corner are especially
dangerous. Cutting across a wake when entering a corner
can cause the boat to “hook” (spin out).
There are three national model boating organizations in the
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United States and Canada:
APBA or American Power Boat Association
(R/C Boat Category)
www.apba-rcboating.com
IMPBA or International Model Power Boat Association
www.impba.net
NAMBA or North American Model Boat Association
www.namba.com
Each of these organizations has its own rules governing
model boat racing, sanctioned events and recognized records.
Organized model boat racing is offered at both regional and
national levels. Location of clubs, race dates and locations,
membership applications, and other information can be
obtained through their respective web sites.
Here are some more good sources of information regarding
all aspects of model boat operation:
Racing other boats through a corner may be a competitor’s
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greatest challenge, especially the first corner after the start
of a race. The boat entering the corner first has the task
of holding its position (often called “holding your lane”)
through the corner. The following boats must then attempt
to hold their lanes, too.
International Waters
www.intlwaters.com
Jim’s RC Boat Dock
www.jrcbd.com
Of course, racing does not have to be an organized and
sanctioned competition to be fun. Small informal races can be
very exciting without the stress that comes with formal events.
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RULES FOR RACING YOUR RIO EP
To help you get involved in racing your Rio EP, we put together a simple set of
rules and race course guidelines.
RULE #1: SAFETY!
1. Never, ever swim for a stalled boat.
2. Never boat alone. Besides, it is more fun to have another person running with you!
3. If you must step in the water to retrieve your boat, make sure no other boats are operating on the pond.
4. Please be careful around slippery shore lines and sharp model boat parts.
5. It’s best to wear sneakers, wading or work boots when RC boating. Avoid water shoes and sandals.
RACE DIRECTION
START
FINISH
DRIVER’S AREA
10
20'
SHORELINE
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HULL AND POWER SYSTEM GUIDELINES:
GENERAL:
Only stock replacement parts are allowed.
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If any part falls off the boat from the time it’s launched, it draws an instant disqualifi cation (DQ) from that heat. If a part
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falls off during a race incident or crash, you will be allowed to fi nish the heat.
• The boat you qualify for the fi rst heat is the boat that must be raced for all remaining heats.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO MAKE YOUR BOAT FASTER:
1. Sharpening, scuffi ng and scraping the bottom of the hull is allowed.
2. Painting and detailing your boat is allowed and encouraged.
3. Sharpening, sanding, tweaking and tuning your propeller is allowed.
4. Shaping, shortening and sharpening the rudder blade is allowed.
RACING GUIDELINES:
GENERAL:
1. Call to water.
2. 15 second launch window (for safety reasons you might have to make this time longer).
3. 30 second mill time (or countdown to the “running” start).
4. 6 lap heats.
5. 5 rounds per event for a possible total of 2,000 pts (totaled from heat points). See scoring structure below.
SCORING STRUCTURE PER HEAT:
1st place 400pts
2nd place 300pts
3rd place 225pts
4th place 169 pts
5th place 125 pts
DNF (did not fi nish) 25 pts
DNS (did not start) 0 pts
To start the heat there will be a “call to water”. With the drivers ready and boats in hand, a 15 second launch window
is called out. In these 15 seconds the boats are set in the water and ready to go. After the launch window time, the 30
second mill time begins. You may go as many laps as you like before the end of the 30 second mill time, but you must
at least make one full lap around the course. Hint! Keep this in mind as to where you set your boat in the water. Course
cutting is not allowed. Your boat must remain “on plane” for the full 30 seconds. Stopping on the course before the start
will draw a DQ from the heat. The start of the race begins at the end of the 30 second mill time (countdown). Crossing the
start line before the end of the 30 seconds is called “jumping the start” and any boats that did not cross early are now the
front runners. Boats running must complete all 6 laps to qualify for position points. Fishtailing is not permitted at the start.
DRIVING AND COURSE INFRACTIONS:
• Cutting or striking a buoy at any time on the race course is a 50 point penalty per buoy. Cutting more than 3 buoys on
the course is a one lap penalty. Course cutting at the end of the heat is not permitted. After the race is over you may
ask permission from the race CD (contest director) to cut the course. If the CD fi nds it safe to pass a dead boat, he
might allow you to cut.
• Striking a dead boat on the race course draws an instant DQ from the heat.
• Passing can be done on the outside or inside but you must allow at least one rooster tail length to overtake another
boat. Intentionally taking out (crashing) a competitor’s boat will draw a DQ for that heat.
• Jumping the start means you haven‘t started until you come around again.
We hope you have fun racing your Rio EP!
Remember, the fastest boat does not always bring home the trophy.
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OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE FROM AQUACRAFT
To order replacement parts for the AquaCraft Rio EP use the order numbers in the replacement parts list that follows.
Replacement parts can be purchased from your local hobby shop or by mail order. If you need assistance locating a dealer
to purchase parts, visit aquacraftmodels.com and click on “Where to buy”. If you are missing parts, contact Hobbico
Product Support at:
Phone: 217.398.8970
Fax: 217.398.7721
E-mail: boatsupport@hobbico.com
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AQUB6214
AQUB7108
AQUB8612
AQUG1062
AQUM7050
Cowl
AQUB9266
Wire Drive
w/Prop Shaft
AQUB8741
Rudders
w/Rudder Bolts
Boat Stand
AQUB9038
Trim Plates
w/Mounting Screws
AQUB7797
42mm FRP
Propellers
Radio Box Lid
AQUB7897
Motor Mount
Cover w/Wire
Holders & Screws
AQUB7898
Motor Water
Cooling Coil
Electric Motor 550
AQUB9277
Transom Drain Plug
AQUM7037
ESC Fwd/Rev
Steering Servo Mini
TACJ0245
TTX240 2.4Ghz
2-Ch Tx & Rx
AQUB6402
Cowl Latch
AQUB9503
GrimRacer
™
Radio Box
Water Seal Boots
AQUB8743
Rudder Mount
Bracket w/Pivots
AQUB7901
Nylon Break-Away
Bolts & Nuts
AQUB8745
Rudder Pivot
Hinge Pins
w/Set Screws
AQUB7852
Drive Dog
w/Prop Nut
AQUB9045
Transom Water
Pick-Up
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AQUB7894
Motor Coupler
AQUB8740
Rudder Control
Arm Pivots
AQUB6305
Decal Sheet
AQUB8744
Rudder Linkage Set
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ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS
Take a romp through the swamp!
Length: 30 in (770 mm)
Beam: 11.25 in (285 mm)
Height: 14 in (355 mm)
Weight: 6 lb 5 oz (2.86 kg)
Includes: SuperTigre
2-channel 27MHz radio
Requires : 10-15% nitro aircraft glow fuel, glow igniter, fuel
bottle, electric starter, 12V battery, 12 “AA” batteries
When you see an airboat, isn’t your fi rst thought “Wow! Wouldn’t that be a blast to drive?” Well, now’s your (complete, readyto-run and easy to operate) chance to fi nd out. Living by a pond or lake isn’t required; you can run it on ice, snow or even
wet grass. Molded-in strakes on the painted fi berglass hull keep you in control, even at high speeds. Power comes from a
SuperTigre® G-34 airplane engine and an APC™ 9x6 pusher prop, which are safely enclosed in a realistic welded steel cage.
Huge fi berglass air rudders give you the power for both subtle course corrections and wide, sweeping skid turns. A 2-channel
Tactic™ radio for control rounds out a package that also includes a set up DVD, detailed driver and passenger seats and a
display/carrying stand. AQUB29**
®
G34 engine w/exhaust, Tactic™
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Extreme brushless speed and performance — right out of the box!
Length: 27 in
RTR Weight (w/o batteries): 4.5 lb
Requires: (8) “AA” batteries for the transmitter
Combining electric powered, ready-to-run simplicity with innovative GrimRacer parts, AquaCraft’s SuperVee 27 is two
offshore winners in one: Newcomers can be on the water in as little as ten minutes, and competitors can start racking up
victories in FE (Fast Electric) action just as quickly. Available in six colors, the painted, hand-laid fiberglass hull holds all the
ingredients for racing success. That includes a brushless B36-56 motor plus a perfectly matched 45 amp brushless 18V
ESC — which, like the motor, is water-cooled. The on-board servo and linkage of the included 2-channel radio are factoryinstalled. And AquaCraft adds many premier accessories from their GrimRacer line: a machined aluminum surface drive
strut assembly; adjustable anodized FE rudder; stainless steel FE trim plates; aluminum adjustable turn fin assembly; and
innovative cowl lock system, made of durable stainless and spring steel. AQUB17**
(2) 6-cell battery packs with Deans® Ultra™ Plug
Charger
GrimRacer™ Pro Radio Box Tape
Like champion racer Michael “Grimracer”
Zaborowski, use this 3/4" wide, clear
electrical 3M tape to seal your boat’s
radio box water-tight. AQUB9514
GrimRacer™ Speed Grease™ Cable Lube
This waterproof blue lubricant — with specially
formulated, “non sling” properties — reduces
friction and wear on the cable and direct drive
systems in electric and nitro boats. AQUB9500
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COPYRIGHT © 2009
COPYRIGHT © 2009
AQUB18**MNL v1.0
AQUB18**MNL v1.0
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