ThunderCat 31 Assembly Manual
.32 Size Nitro Powered Catamaran Boat
Specifications
Length ..................................................................................................31 in (775mm)
Beam .................................................................................................11.5 in (287mm)
Engine .................................DYN .32 Marine w/Tiger Drive and Tuned Exhaust
Radio System ..........................................................................Pro Boat AM 27MHz
Weight ...................................................................................................6.3 lb (2.8 kg)
Fuel Tank Capacity ........................................................................12 oz (0.35 liter)
Introduction
Congratulations on the purchase of your Pro Boat™ ThunderCat™ 31 Catamaran. You are just minutes
from one of the most thrilling experiences that the radio control hobby has to offer.
The Pro Boat ThunderCat 31 is a professionally built, ready-to-run Catamaran fiberglass composite model.
Powered by the potent Dynamite® .32 marine engine, you will be able to race across the water at scale
speeds in excess of 300mph!
Read this owner’s manual thoroughly. You also need to read the included Dynamite .32 engine manual, along
with the Pro Boat radio system manual.
It is very important that you operate this boat responsibly. With proper care and maintenance, you will be
able to enjoy your ThunderCat 31 for many years to come.
Carefully unpack ThunderCat 31 and examine the boat and its contents. The box should contain the
ThunderCat 31 RTR with radio installed, a boat stand, and the Pro Boat radio transmitter. If you are missing
any of these items or notice any damage, immediately contact the place of purchase.
Warning
This boat is not a toy! It is a high performance RC model boat. Do not take risks that could endanger you
or others.
Before operating your model, make sure your frequency is clear. If someone else is operating on the same
frequency, both models could go out of control, possibly causing damage to the models, as well as to others.
Be certain to check all of the hardware, exhaust system, and propeller, making sure that all are secure
before and after each run.
Always stay clear of the propeller when the engine is running!
When you first begin to run your ThunderCat 31, place it in the water with the engine running at
approximately 1⁄8 throttle. Slowly increase throttle until boat accelerates onto plane. Gradually increase
throttle to no more than 1⁄2 until you become more familiar with the boat.
When operating this model, stay clear of people, full-sized boats, stationary objects, and wildlife. Also,
watch out for fishing lines that could get tangled in the propeller. It is preferable to operate the Pro Boat
ThunderCat 31 in low wake, low wind conditions. We also suggest that you do not run the ThunderCat 31
in salt water. If at any time while operating your ThunderCat 31 you sense any abnormal function, end your
operation immediately. Do not operate your ThunderCat 31 again until you are certain the problem has
been corrected.
Service Center Information
If you have any questions regarding the Pro Boat ThunderCat 31, please contact the Horizon Service
Center:
Horizon Service Center
4105 Fieldstone Rd.
Champaign, IL 61822
(877) 504-0233
22
Table of Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................................
Warning ..........................................................................................................................................................................
Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................................................
Additional Required Items .........................................................................................................................................
Suggested Field Equipment and Supplies ................................................................................................................
Warranty Information .................................................................................................................................................
Contents ........................................................................................................................................................................ 4
Section 1: Building the Boat Stand ...........................................................................................................................
Section 2: Rudder Installation ...................................................................................................................................
Section 3: Installation of Receiver and Transmitter Batteries ............................................................................
Section 4: Range Checking the Pro Boat Radio System .....................................................................................
Section 5: Filling the Fuel Tank ..................................................................................................................................
Section 6: Hull Care ....................................................................................................................................................
Section 7: Propeller Balancing ................................................................................................................................... 8
Section 8: Handling Adjustments ..............................................................................................................................
Section 9: The Dynamite .32 Marine Engine ..........................................................................................................
Section 10: Starting the Engine ...............................................................................................................................
Section 11: Troubleshooting Guide ........................................................................................................................
Section 12: Maintenance ...........................................................................................................................................
Section 13: ThunderCat 31 Replacement Parts ..................................................................................................
Section 14:
Appendix ................................................................................................................................................. 15
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Additional Required Items
Although the ThunderCat 31 comes fully assembled and ready for action, you will need a few tools to get
you ready to run your boat. You will need the following:
Blue Thunder™ 20% Fuel (quart) (DYN2320)
500cc Fuel Bottle (DYN2003) or
Fast Tap™ Quart Bottle Spout (DYN2009)
Glow Plug Wrench (DYN2510)
Ni-Cd Glow Driver (DYN1925)
12 “AA” alkaline batteries (8 for the transmitter and
4 for the receiver)
7.2V Battery (DYN1000) for electric starter
Battery charger (DYN4051) for electric starter
Suggested Field Equipment and Supplies
In addition to the items needed to run the ThunderCat 31, we recommend that you carry the following in
your field box:
Engine Tuning Screwdriver (DYN2775)
Replacement Glow Plugs (DYN2508 or DYN2500)
Clean towels
“AA” alkaline batteries
Hex driver/Allen wrench (2.5 mm)
Cable grease to lubricate drive shaft
Adjustable wrench (small)
Extra Propellers (PRAB215)
3
Warranty Information
Pro Boat™ guarantees this kit to be free from defects in both material and workmanship at the date of
purchase. This warranty does not cover any parts damaged by use or modification. In no case shall Horizon
Hobby’s liability exceed the original cost of the purchased kit. Further, Horizon Hobby reserves the right to
change or modify this warranty without notice.
In that Horizon Hobby has no control over the final assembly, or material used for the final assembly, no
liability shall be assumed or accepted for any damage of the final user-assembled product. By the act of using
the product, the user accepts all resulting liability.
All warranty questions should be directed to Horizon Hobby, Inc. Please do not contact your local hobby
shop regarding warranty issues. This will enable Horizon to better answer your questions and provide
service if assistance is needed.
If 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.
If you have any questions regarding the use of this product, concerns regarding warranty, or non-warranty
service please contact our Product Support Team toll free at:
productsupport@horizonhobby.com
• Assembled ThunderCat 31 Nitro RTR
• Pro Boat radio transmitter
• Boat stand
• Electric Engine Starter
(877) 504-0233
or
Contents
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Section 1: Building the Boat Stand
1. There are 4 plywood pieces. The 2 short
plywood pieces are the ends of the boat stand.
2. Attach the 2 long plywood pieces of the
interlocking boat stand to one end of the short
plywood pieces. Repeat with the remaining short
plywood pieces.
3. Secure the interlocking boat stand with thick
CA or Epoxy.
Section 2: Rudder Installation
Parts Needed
Rudder and 2.5mm hex screw
1. Locate the stainless steel rudder and 2.5mm
hex screw.
3. Find the flat spot on the rudder. Using a
2.5mm hex wrench, tighten the hex screw on
the flat spot as shown.
2. Carefully insert the rudder as shown.
5