Servos ................................................................................Z-270 and Z-590 Servos
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3
Introduction
Warnings & Guidelines
Congratulations on the purchase of your
Pro Boat® Formula Hydro. This is a 1/8-scale replica
of the world famous full-scale hydro. You are just
minutes from one of the most thrilling experiences
the radio control hobby has to offer.
Carefully unpack your Formula Hydro and examine
the boat and its contents. The box should contain
the Formula Hydro BND with Spektrum marine
receiver and servos installed and a boat stand. If you
are missing any of these items or notice any damage,
immediately contact the place of purchase.
The Pro Boat Formula Hydro is a professionally
built, 1/8-scale fiberglass model of one of the
most competitive race boats on the Unlimited
Hydroplane tour. Powered by the potent Zenoah
G26M engine, you will be able to race across the
water at speeds in excess of 35 mph.
™
Read this owner’s manual thoroughly. You also need
to read the included Zenoah G26M engine manual,
along with the receiver manual. Also read the
manual that comes with the Spektrum
™
transmitter
you purchase separately. You must bind the receiver
to the transmitter prior to use, set up the failsafe
It is very important that you operate this boat
responsibly. With proper care and maintenance,
and adjust the rudder and throttle travel and
reversing functions.
you will be able to enjoy your Formula Hydro for
many years to come.
Suggested Field Equipment and Supplies ................................................................................................................ 4
Section 1: Building the Boat Stand ........................................................................................................................... 5
Section 2: Attaching the Turn Fin .............................................................................................................................. 5
Section 3: Removing the Canopy ............................................................................................................................. 6
Section 4: Installing the Radio System Batteries ................................................................................................... 6
Section 5: Installing the Rudder ................................................................................................................................ 7
Section 7: Filling the Fuel Tank .................................................................................................................................. 8
Section 15: Hull Care ................................................................................................................................................12
Section 18: Replacement Parts ...............................................................................................................................14
Warranty Information ............................................................................................................................................... 16
Compliance Information for the European Union .............................................................................................19
Safety, Precautions, and Warnings
Age Recommendation: 14 years or over.
Not a toy. Not intended for use by children
without direct adult supervision.
As the user of this product, you are solely
responsible for operating it in a manner that
does not endanger yourself and others or result
in damage to the product or the property
of others.
Carefully follow the directions and warnings for
this and any optional support equipment (chargers,
rechargeable battery packs, etc.) that you use.
This model is controlled by a radio signal that
is subject to interference from many sources
outside your control. This interference can cause
momentary loss of control so it is necessary to
always keep a safe distance in all directions around
your model, as this margin will help to avoid
collisions or injury.
• Always operate your model in an open area away
from cars, traffic, or people.
• Avoid operating your model in the street where
injury or damage can occur.
• Never operate the model out into the street or
populated areas for any reason.
• Never operate your model with low transmitter
batteries.
• Carefully follow the directions and warnings for
this and any optional support equipment (chargers,
rechargeable battery packs, etc.) that you use.
• Keep all chemicals, small parts and anything
electrical out of the reach of children.
• Moisture causes damage to electronics. Avoid
water exposure to all equipment not specifically
designed and protected for this purpose.
General Guidelines
It is important that you read and follow this
instruction manual, along with the Zenoah G26
engine manual, before you run this exciting boat.
Failure to read and understand the manual could
result is personal injury, property damage or
permanent damage to your boat! It is also important
to run your boat responsibly. With proper care and
maintenance, you will be able to proudly enjoy your
Formula Hydro for many years to come.
This boat has been designed to race in an oval path,
just like its full scale counterpart. At high speeds
do not attempt turns to the left, as the boat may
become unstable. If you have to turn left, do so in a
large diameter turn and at slow speeds.
When operating the boat, stay clear of people,
full-scale boats, stationary objects and wildlife. It is
preferable to operate the Formula Hydro in low
wake, low wind conditions and in areas free of
people, wildlife and objects.
If at any time while operating your model you
sense any abnormal function, end your operation
immediately. Do not operate your boat again until
you are certain the problem has been corrected.
Always stay clear of the propeller.
32
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5
Additional Required Items
Section 1: Building the Boat Stand
Although the Formula Hydro comes fully assembled and ready for action, you will need a few additional
items in order to run your boat. You will need the following:
Evolution 2-Cycle Oil (EVOX1001Q)
CA or epoxy glue (DYN5400)
Fuel container
Threadlock
Fuel Pump (HAN155)
8 AA alkaline batteries (4 for the transmitter and
4 for the receiver)
Gasoline (87 or higher Octane), ethanol-free
Spektrum marine compatible transmitter
Suggested Field Equipment and Supplies
In addition to the items needed to run the Formula Hydro, we recommend that you carry the following in
your field box:
medium thick CA or epoxy. Make certain you
allow the CA or epoxy to fully cure before
placing the boat on the stand.
Contents
• Assembled 1/8 scale Formula Hydro RTR
• Boat stand
• Rudder
Section 2: Attaching the Turn Fin
Parts Required
Turn Fin
3mm hex screws (2)
Tools and Adhesives Needed
3mm hex driver
Blue threadlock
q 1. Locate the included turn fin. This will be
attached to the right sponson. Any attempt to
turn the boat left may cause the boat to flip,
especially if this is done in a tight diameter and
at high speeds.
q 2. Place the Formula Hydro on the completed
boat stand once the glue has fully cured.
q 3. Locate the turn fin and the included 3mm
hex screws (2) to secure the turn fin.
q 4. Carefully place a few drops of blue threadlock
on the threads of both hex screws. This will help
to keep the screws secured to the blind nuts
within the sponson.
q 5. Carefully attach the turn fin onto the right
sponson as shown and tighten the hex screws
with a 3mm hex driver.
6
7
Section 3: Removing the Canopy
Section 5: Installing the Rudder
Unscrew the 2 knurled hatch-mounting screws from
the rear of the hatch. Lift the hatch from the boat.
Section 4: Installing the Radio System Batteries
Tools and Accessories Required
8 AA batteries
2.5mm hex wrench
Parts Required
Rudder
2.5mm hex screw
Tools and Adhesives Required
2.5mm hex driver
q 1. Locate the stainless steel rudder and
2.5mm hex screw.
q 3. Find the flat spot on the rudder. Put screw
locking compound on the 2.5mm hex screw
threads and tighten the screw on the flat spot
as shown.
Receiver Batteries
q 1. Remove the 2.5mm hex head screws that
secure the clear Lexan radio box cover.
q 2. Remove the receiver battery holder and install
4 AA alkaline batteries in the battery holder.
Note proper polarity.
q 3. Plug the switch harness into both the receiver
and the battery box following the instructions
provided with the radio. Secure the radio box
cover with the hex head screws.
Transmitter Batteries
Please see your radio manual for battery installation.
q 2. Carefully insert the rudder as shown.
Section 6: Propeller Balancing
For optimum performance, propeller balancing can
add several mph to top speed and reduce vibration.
There are several different propeller balancing tools
available. Read the instructions that accompany
the propeller balancing tool regarding removing
material from the propeller. Removing material from
the correct part of the propeller is crucial to the
performance of the propeller. Contact a local hobby
retail store for assistance.
8
9
Section 7: Filling the Fuel Tank
Section 10: Starting the Engine
Use only Evolution 2-cycle synthetic oil and gasoline
mixed 32:1 to power the Formula Hydro.
Keep the fuel in a moisture-free environment,
as stale fuel will cause the Zenoah G26M engine
to lose performance.
q 2. Remove the fuel tank cap and fill the fuel tank
with the gasoline and oil mixture. Use a funnel
to prevent spills. If you do spill, be certain to
immediately wipe it up with a clean towel.
Note: The Zenoah G26M
carburetor is factory adjusted to
deliver optimum performance. See
the Zenoah Engine manual for
fine-tuning adjustments and other
helpful information to make your
RC boating experience trouble-free.
Priming the Engine
Press the priming bulb several times until it becomes
filled with fuel. This is not necessary if the engine
has recently been run.
Choking the Engine
Pull-starting the Engine
With an assistant holding the boat to the boat
stand and bracing the engine with one hand, pull
the starting cord briskly several times. Once the
engine fires (begins to start), open the choke.
Prolonged choking will flood the engine with fuel.
See Section 15: Troubleshooting Guide to correct
the flooding condition.
Note: The engine is water-cooled.
Refrain from running the engine
without proper cooling water or
engine damage will result. Carefully
place the boat in the water as soon
as possible after the engine has
been started.
Important
Range check your radio system before the first
run of the Formula Hydro to make certain it is
functioning correctly. Make sure the receiver
antenna is extended properly.
q 1. With the boat in its stand, the radio
system turned on and the transmitter antenna
down, walk 30 paces (90 feet) from the
Pro Boat Formula Hydro.
q 2. Have an assistant remain with the boat
to check for proper control movement
from your transmitter input. When you are
satisfied the radio is functioning properly, you
can continue.
Note: Always perform a range
check prior to operating your boat
after any major repair, installation of
new batteries or at the beginning of
each boating session.
q 3. With your assistant again 90 feet away,
re-start the engine. Quickly repeat the same
range check as above, carefully making sure you
observe proper control movement from your
transmitter input. Make certain you complete
this within 60 seconds to prevent the engine
from overheating. Push the kill switch to stop
the engine. Once you are satisfied your radio
system has passed the range check, you are
ready to start the engine and launch your boat.
Close the choke by rotating the small yellow
tubing extension. This is not necessary if the
engine is warm.
10
11
Section 11: Initial Launch of the Formula Hydro
Zenoah G26M Engine
Carburetor
Insulator Plate
Water-Cooled
Cylinder Head
Tuned Pipe
Manifold Cooling Plate
Water Pump
Rudder
Pick-Up
T
ube
Rudder
Pick-Up
T
ube
Water
Outlet
Water
Outlet
Section 13: Cooling System
Maneuver the Formula Hydro in an oval, turning
only to the right at slow to medium speeds. Make
certain the boat and radio system are functioning
correctly.
As you are running the Formula Hydro in an oval,
watch for water being discharged from the water
outlets on the left side of the hull. Water flowing
from the water outlet indicates the engine is being
properly cooled. If you do not notice any water
coming from the water outlet, bring the boat in and
make sure that the water cooling line or the water
pickup located near the rudder is not clogged.
Section 12: Stopping the Engine
If at anytime you notice the boat and/or radio
system are not functioning correctly, end the
operation of the boat immediately and do not run
the boat again until you are confident the problems
have been corrected.
Water Pump
The water pump is operated from crankcase
pressure. Be sure that water is exiting the 2 water
jackets mounted on the left side of the boat when
the engine is running and the boat is in the water. If
water does not stream out of either the exhaust or
cylinder head cooling ports, immediately stop engine
operation and remove obstructions in the lines or
replace broken cooling lines.
Hint: To test each cooling line
for obstructions or a leak in the
cooling system, place a piece of
tubing over the water inlet tubes
in front of the rudder and blow
into the tube. When testing for
obstructions in the cooling system,
be sure to isolate each system by
pinching the appropriate water lines.
Water-Cooled Cylinder Head and Exhaust
Manifold Cooling Jacket
The exhaust system is cooled independently from
the cylinder head. See line drawings for proper
cooling line routing. Do not alter the cooling line
routing method.
Idle the boat near shore and press the kill switch
located on top of the cockpit as shown.
12
13
Section 14: Clutch
Section 16: Maintenance
The centrifugal clutch automatically engages when
the engine rpm is increased. Be sure the idle speed
adjustment is set low enough so that the propeller
does not rotate at idle.
Section 15: Hull Care
Periodically disassemble the clutch and clean debris
from the clutch shoes and the inner clutch bell with
®
DYN5505 Dynamite
Nitro Force.
The Pro Boat Formula Hydro should provide many
hours of exciting high-speed racing fun with just
minor maintenance. Preventative maintenance is
very important. Taking the time to make sure all
of the screws and bolts are properly secured before
each run and after each operation, and regularly
lubricating the flex cable will prevent
many problems.
Replacement parts are available from Pro Boat. See
the back of this manual for specific descriptions and
item numbers.
It is vitally important to properly lubricate the flex
drive shaft and the propeller shaft with heavy cable
grease every 5–10 hours of operation. You will
also find that it will eventually become necessary to
®
replace the Teflon
liner sleeve of the drive shaft.
At some point, it may also become necessary to
replace the drive shaft (flex cable) as well.
Simply follow the instructions below to properly
lubricate your drive shaft.
q 1. Carefully note how the entire drive shaft is
installed. This is pivotal in order to properly
reassemble the drive shaft after you have
finished lubricating it.
q 2. Loosen and remove the two 2.0mm set
screws that secure the propeller shaft to the
brass ferrule. Remove the prop drive dog and
nylon washer.
q 3. Remove the drive shaft flex cable. Replace the
Teflon liner as needed.
q 4. Lubricate the entire flex cable with waterproof
grease (PRB0100) as shown and then reinstall
the flex cable back through the liner and stuffing
box and into the clutch.
The hull of the Formula Hydro is finished using the highest quality paints and the most advanced
painting methods available. The base coat/clear cote technique delivers an amazing shine that is as durable
as it is beautiful. To keep your Formula Hydro looking new, you should apply a wax coating to the top of
the hull as used on automotive finishes to prevent oxidation and to further protect against damage caused
by fuel and other harmful chemicals. Also, keep boat out of direct sunlight for extended periods of time
to prevent fading.
q 5. Reassemble in reverse order. Make sure the
setscrews are tightened down on the flat spots
of the prop shaft. Also be certain to place a
drop of threadlock on each setscrew before
retightening them.
14
15
Section 17: Troubleshooting Guide
Appendix
Problem Possible Solution
Engine will not start Improper needle setting: see Zenoah engine manual
Out of fuel: fill fuel tank
Improper fuel: use fresh gasoline & Evolution 2-cycle oil (mixed 32 parts gas to 1 part oil)
Bad spark plug: replace spark plug
Flooded engine: remove spark plug, invert boat and operate the pull-starter to
remove fuel
Engine starts, then dies Fuel line blocked or broken: connect or replace fuel line
Reset needles to baseline setting: see Zenoah instructions
Baseline settings for low-speed and high-speed needle valves is 1–11/4 turns out
Engine starts and runs for Bad fuel: replace
several minutes, then dies Improper needle settings: see Zenoah engine manual
Overheated engine: check for clogged or damaged cooling system
Debris in carburetor: remove, clean and replace
PRB2556
PRB2563
PRB2556
Spark Plug
Primer Button
Pull Start
Spark Plug
PRB2264
Carburetor
Pull Start
PRB2273
PRB2275
Section 18: Replacement Parts
Your local hobby store should carry a good supply
of Formula Hydro replacement parts. You can also
purchase these parts from Horizon Hobby at
www.horizonhobby.com or call toll-free
1-800-338-4639.
Exclusive Warranty- Horizon Hobby, Inc., (Horizon) warranties that the Products purchased (the “Product”)
will be free from defects in materials and workmanship at the date of purchase by the Purchaser.
Limited Warranty
Horizon reserves the right to change or modify this warranty without notice and disclaims all
other warranties, express or implied.
(a) This warranty is limited to the original Purchaser (“Purchaser”) and is not transferable. REPAIR OR
REPLACEMENT AS PROVIDED UNDER THIS WARRANTY IS THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY OF THE
PURCHASER. This warranty covers only those Products purchased from an authorized Horizon dealer.
Third party transactions are not covered by this warranty. Proof of purchase is required for warranty claims.
Further, Horizon reserves the right to change or modify this warranty without notice and disclaims all other
warranties, express or implied.
(b) Limitations- HORIZON MAKES NO WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
ABOUT NON-INFRINGEMENT, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OF
THE PRODUCT. THE PURCHASER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THEY ALONE HAVE DETERMINED THAT
THE PRODUCT WILL SUITABLY MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE PURCHASER’S INTENDED USE.
(c) Purchaser Remedy- Horizon’s sole obligation hereunder shall be that Horizon will, at its option, (i) repair
or (ii) replace, any Product determined by Horizon to be defective. In the event of a defect, these are the
Purchaser’s exclusive remedies. Horizon reserves the right to inspect any and all equipment involved in a
warranty claim. Repair or replacement decisions are at the sole discretion of Horizon. This warranty does
not cover cosmetic damage or damage due to acts of God, accident, misuse, abuse, negligence, commercial
use, or modification of or to any part of the Product. This warranty does not cover damage due to improper
installation, operation, maintenance, or attempted repair by anyone other than Horizon. Return of any goods
by Purchaser must be approved in writing by Horizon before shipment.
children without direct adult supervision. The Product manual contains instructions for safety, operation
and maintenance. It is essential to read and follow all the instructions and warnings in the manual, prior to
assembly, setup or use, in order to operate correctly and avoid damage or injury.
Questions, Assistance, and Repairs
Your local hobby store and/or place of purchase cannot provide warranty support or repair. Once assembly,
setup or use of the Product has been started, you must contact Horizon directly. This will enable Horizon to
better answer your questions and service you in the event that you may need any assistance. For questions
or assistance, please direct your email to productsupport@horizonhobby.com, or call 877.504.0233 toll free
to speak to a Product Support representative.
Inspection or Repairs
If this Product needs to be inspected or repaired, please call for a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA).
Pack the Product securely using a shipping carton. Please note that original boxes may be included, but
are not designed to withstand the rigors of shipping without additional protection. Ship via a carrier that
provides tracking and insurance for lost or damaged parcels, as Horizon is not responsible for merchandise
until it arrives and is accepted at our facility. A Service Repair Request is available at www.horizonhobby.com
on the “Support” tab. If you do not have internet access, please include a letter with your complete name,
street address, email address and phone number where you can be reached during business days, your RMA
number, a list of the included items, method of payment for any non-warranty expenses and a brief summary
of the problem. Your original sales receipt must also be included for warranty consideration. Be sure your
name, address, and RMA number are clearly written on the outside of the shipping carton.
Warranty Inspection and Repairs
To receive warranty service, you must include your original sales receipt verifying the proof-of-purchase
date. Provided warranty conditions have been met, your Product will be repaired or replaced free of charge.
Repair or replacement decisions are at the sole discretion of Horizon Hobby.
Damage Limits
HORIZON SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOSS
OF PROFITS OR PRODUCTION OR COMMERCIAL LOSS IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH THE
PRODUCT, WHETHER SUCH CLAIM IS BASED IN CONTRACT, WARRANTY, NEGLIGENCE, OR
STRICT LIABILITY. Further, in no event shall the liability of Horizon exceed the individual price of the
Product on which liability is asserted. As Horizon has no control over use, setup, final assembly, modification
or misuse, no liability shall be assumed nor accepted for any resulting damage or injury. By the act of use,
setup or assembly, the user accepts all resulting liability.
If you as the Purchaser or user are not prepared to accept the liability associated with the use of this
Product, you are advised to return this Product immediately in new and unused condition to the place of
purchase.
Law: These Terms are governed by Illinois law (without regard to conflict of law principals).
Safety Precautions
This is a sophisticated hobby Product and not a toy. It must be operated with caution and common sense
and requires some basic mechanical ability. Failure to operate this Product in a safe and responsible manner
could result in injury or damage to the Product or other property. This Product is not intended for use by
Non-Warranty Repairs
Should your repair not be covered by warranty the repair will be completed and payment will be required
without notification or estimate of the expense unless the expense exceeds 50% of the retail purchase cost.
By submitting the item for repair you are agreeing to payment of the repair without notification. Repair
estimates are available upon request. You must include this request with your repair. Non-warranty repair
estimates will be billed a minimum of ½ hour of labor. In addition you will be billed for return freight. Please
advise us of your preferred method of payment. Horizon accepts money orders and cashiers checks, as
well as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover cards. If you choose to pay by credit card, please
include your credit card number and expiration date. Any repair left unpaid or unclaimed after 90 days
will be considered abandoned and will be disposed of accordingly. Please note: non-warranty repair is only
available on electronics and model engines.
18
19
Warranty Information (cont)
Compliance Information for the European Union
United States
Electronics and engines requiring inspection or repair should be shipped to the following address:
Horizon Service Center
4105 Fieldstone Road
Champaign, Illinois 61822
USA
All other Products requiring warranty inspection or repair should be shipped to the following address:
Horizon Product Support
4105 Fieldstone Road
Champaign, Illinois 61822
USA
Please call 877-504-0233 or e-mail us at
productsupport@horizonhobby.com with any questions or concerns regarding this product or warranty.
United Kingdom
Electronics and engines requiring inspection or repair should be shipped to the following address:
Horizon Hobby UK
Units 1-4 Ployters Rd
Staple Tye
Harlow, Essex
CM18 7NS
United Kingdom
Please call +44 (0) 1279 641 097 or e-mail us at
sales@horizonhobby.co.uk with any questions or concerns regarding this product or warranty.
Instructions for Disposal of WEEE by Users in the European Union
This product must not be disposed of with other waste. Instead, it is the user’s responsibility
to dispose of their waste equipment by handing it over to a designated collection point for the
recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment. The separate collection and recycling
of your waste equipment at the time of disposal will help to conserve natural resources and
ensure that it is recycled in a manner that protects human health and the environment. For more
information about where you can drop off your waste equipment for recycling, please contact
your local city office, your household waste disposal service or where you purchased the product.
Declaration of Conformity
(in accordance with ISO/IEC 17050-1)
The object of declaration described above is in conformity with the requirements of the specifications listed
below, following the provisions of the European R&TTE directive 1999/5/EC:
EN 301 489-1, 301 489-17 General EMC requirements
Signed for and on behalf of:
Horizon Hobby, Inc.
Champaign, IL USA
January 10, 2010
Germany
Electronics and engines requiring inspection or repair should be shipped to the following address:
Horizon Technischer Service
Hamburger Strasse 10
25335 Elmshorn
Germany
Please call +49 4121 46199 66 or e-mail us at service@horizonhobby.de with any questions or concerns
regarding this product or warranty.
Steven A. Hall
Vice President
International Operations and Risk Management
Horizon Hobby, Inc.
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