Pro Boat PRB3900 User Manual

®

WidowMaker 22 Brushless Electric Powered Deep-V

Owners Manual

Specifications

Hull Length .................................................................................... 22 in (558mm)

Beam ........................................................................................... 6.5 in (165mm)

Motor ............................................................. Water-cooled Hi-performance 2900Kv

Radio System............................................................Pro Boat AM 27MHz Pistol-grip

Drive System .......................................... Direct Drive with Adjustable Propeller Strut

Steering System .......................................... Offset Rudder with Built-in Water Pickup

Speed Control ............................... Water-cooled 30-Amp Brushless ESC with Reverse

www.ProBoatModels.com

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the Pro Boat®
WidowMaker 22 Brushless EP Ready-To-Run
boat. Please read these instructions carefully
before attempting to operate your boat.

The WidowMaker 22 Brushless EP comes
Ready-To-Run with the Pro Boat 27MHz AM
radio system and electronic speed controller
already installed. All assembly and building is
done at the factory, allowing you to quickly
get your boat running.

Table of Contents

Introduction ......................................................................................................... 2

Table of Contents .................................................................................................2

Inspection ...........................................................................................................2

General Guidelines ............................................................................................... 3

Additional Required Items ..................................................................................... 3

Contents .............................................................................................................4

Section 1: Assembling the Boat Stand .................................................................... 4

Section 2: Installing the Transmitter Batteries .......................................................... 4

Section 3: Installing the Battery Pack .....................................................................5

Section 4: Adjusting the Transmitter ....................................................................... 6

Section 5: Checking the Radio System ................................................................ 6–7

Section 6: Testing Your Boat in the Water ................................................................ 8

Section 7: Handling Adjustment .............................................................................8

Section 8: Maintenance ......................................................................................... 9

Section 9: Speed Control Programming ................................................................... 9

Section 10: Lubricating the Drive Shaft ..............................................................9–10

Section 11: Warranty Information.................................................................... 11–13

Section 12: Replacement Parts ............................................................................. 14

Operating Notes ................................................................................................. 15

Inspection

Carefully remove the boat and radio
transmitter from the box. Inspect the boat
to make sure no damage is present. If you
notice damage is present, please contact the
hobby shop where you purchased it.

22

General Guidelines

It is important that you read and follow this
instruction manual, along with the radio
system manual before you run this exciting
boat. Failure to read and understand the
manual could result in 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 WidowMaker 22 Brushless Deep-V
for many years to come.

When operating the boat, stay clear of
people, full-scale boats, stationary objects
and wildlife. It is preferable to operate the
WidowMaker 22 Brushless Deep-V in low
wake, low wind conditions and in areas free
of people, wildlife and objects.

Before you operate your model, make sure
that your frequency is clear. If someone
is operating on the same frequency, both
models could go out of control, possibly
causing damage to the models or to others.
Check all of the hardware, and the propeller
for damage and loose screws before and after
each run.

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.

Additional Required Items

You will need to purchase the following to get your boat on the water:

• 8 AA alkaline batteries for the radio transmitter

• 1-7.2V Ni-MH Battery Pack with Deans Connector (PRB3313 or PRB3314) or 1-7.4V Li-Po 25C

Battery (DYN5360D)

• Prophet Plus AC/DC Charger (DYN4036) or for Li-Po batteries, the AC/DC LiPo Charger

(DYN4060)

• Tamiya/Deans adapter (PRB3312)

PRB3313

3600mAh

PRB3314

4200mAh

3

Contents

Section 1: Assembling the Boat Stand

Attach the side stand pieces by interlocking
them into the end pieces as shown. Secure
the interlocking pieces with medium CA or
epoxy. Make certain you allow the adhesive
to fully cure before placing your boat on
the stand.

• Assembled WidowMaker 22
Brushless EP RTR

• Pro Boat radio transmitter

• Boat stand

Section 2: Installing the Transmitter Batteries

Install 8 AA alkaline batteries into the
transmitter, following the instructions
provided for your radio system.

44

Section 3: Installing the Battery Pack

Carefully remove the hatch from the hull.

Follow the instructions included with your fast
charger to ensure a safe charge.

Attach the hook and loop material to the
batteries and the battery boxes.

The Pro Boat water-cooled ESC comes
pre-wired with a Deans connector. Use
a 6-cell battery pack listed below for
optimum performance.

• PRB3313 7.2V 3600mAh
w/Deans Connector

• PRB3314 7.2V 4200mAh
w/Deans Connectors

• DYN5360D 7.4V 5300mAh 25C Li-Po

w/Deans connector

Due to the high current demands of
a brushless powered boat, Pro Boat
recommends only the batteries listed
above or equivalent.

Pro Boat offers a charge adapter (PRB3312)
to allow you to charge the PRB3313 and
PRB3314 batteries with Deans connectors
with conventional chargers that use Tamiya­style connectors.

Install a fully charged battery pack into
the hull.

5

Section 4: Adjusting the Transmitter

Note: Refer to the radio instructions for
specific information on transmitter setup.

Adjust both the Throttle and Steering trims to
the center position.

Turn on the transmitter, then connect the
battery to the ESC. It may be necessary
to adjust the throttle trim knob to stop the
propeller from turning while the throttle
trigger is in the neutral position.

Throttle

Trim

Adjust the rudder trim knob so that the
rudder is centered prior to operation. You
may adjust this control to make the boat run
straight during operation.

Steering

Trim

Section 5: Checking the Radio System

Ensure the antenna is properly placed through
the antenna tube. It may be necessary to
slightly pull the antenna tube out to make
certain the radio range is sufficient.

6

Section 5: Checking the Radio System

The control arm should move toward the
back of the boat when right input is given.
Conversely, when left input is given, the
control arm should move toward the front of
the boat.

Right Turn

The ESC will beep until you give full throttle
input. The auto sensing circuitry will
select full throttle position when you hold
full throttle during initial setup. Release
the throttle trigger. With the propeller
free from any objects, give some throttle
input to ensure that the motor is working.
If everything appears to be functioning
correctly, you are ready to run your boat.

Note: The auto sensing voltage cutoff will
also cut off power to the motor when the
ESC senses that the batteries are nearing
full discharge. To reset, return the throttle
trigger to neutral.

Note: If you are transporting your boat,
make sure you disconnect the battery
from the speed controller and then turn
your radio off until you are ready to run
the boat. Once ready, simply turn the radio
on and plug the battery into the speed
controller, again making sure that the boat
is in neutral.

Right Turn

7

Section 6: Testing Your Boat in the Water

Make sure the radio is "ON" and the
batteries are plugged into the speed
controller. Test the radio system for proper
operation and then carefully place the boat
in the water. Pilot the boat at slow speeds,
staying close to the shoreline to ensure
you have good control and that the boat is
functioning correctly. Be certain to avoid all
objects in the water at all times.

Section 7: Handling Adjustment

Operate your WidowMaker 22 Brushless EP
in low to medium wake conditions to avoid
having problems with the boat overturning.
If the conditions are questionable, adjust the
prop strut down a bit to reduce the likelihood
of having the boat overturn. The motor
mount is slotted to allow you to move the
motor slightly when adjusting the propeller
strut. Loosen the motor mounting screws
when adjusting the propeller strut angle and
retighten after adjustment is complete.

Once you feel comfortable with the control of
your boat, it is safe to go further away from
the shoreline and at faster speeds. When you
notice the boat beginning to lose speed, bring
the boat back to shore. It will be necessary to
allow the electronic components to cool down
and to replace or recharge the battery before
heading out again.

You may also turn the dual rate dial
down to reduce rudder travel in rough
water conditions.

Loosen to

Adjust

Propeller Strut

Steering Dual

Rate

8

Section 8: Maintenance

Before and at the end of each run, make sure
all screws are tight and the propeller is free
from any entanglement.

Section 9: Speed Control Programming

The electronic speed control (esc) features a

Ni-MH/Li-Po switch to easily change the cutoff

voltage for each battery type.

Caution: It is imperative that you do
not attempt to use Li-Po batteries in the
WidowMaker 22 Brushless unless the cutoff
switch is in the Li-Po position or serious
damage to the batteries and electronics
may occur.

Section 10: Lubricating the Drive Shaft

Note: Do not turn off the transmitter first
or the receiver may pick up stray signals
and run out of control.

Lubricating the flex shaft is vital to the life
of the drivetrain. The lubricant also acts as a
water seal, keeping water from entering the
hull through the stuffing box.

Lubricate the flex shaft, propeller shaft
and all moving parts after every 2–3 hours
of operation.

 1. Use either two crescent wrenches, two

10mm wrenches, or a combination of
either to loosen the collet nut.

9

Section 10: Lubricating the Drive Shaft

 2. Remove the 3mm propeller strut screw

and remove the drive system by sliding
the flex shaft out of the stuffing box.

3mm propeller

strut screw

Leave a 1mm–2mm

gap here to allow

for flex shaft

shrinkage under

load.

 3. Clean any debris and dirt from the flex

shaft with a degreasing cleaner. Lubricate
the drive shaft with PRB0100 Waterproof
Marine Grease (see your local hobby
shop). Reinstall the drive shaft in reverse
order. Be sure to reinstall the nylon
washer between the universal and the
stuffing box.

Note: Running the WidowMaker 22
Brushless EP RTR in salt water could cause
some parts to corrode. If you run the boat
in salt water, rinse it thoroughly in fresh
water after each use and lubricate the drive
system.

Because of its corrosive effects, running
RC boats in saltwater is at the discretion
of the modeler.

10

Section 11: Warranty Information

Age Recommendation

Age Recommendation: 14 years or over. This is
not a toy. This product is not intended for use by
children without direct adult supervision.

Warranty Period

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

(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

modication 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.

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, nal assembly,
modication 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 conict 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 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 [e-mail], or
call 888.899.LOSI (5674) toll free to speak to a
service technician.

11

Section 11: Warranty Information

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.

Non-Warranty Repairs

Should your repair not be covered by
warranty the repair will be completed and

payment will be required without notication

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

notication. 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.

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

All other Products requiring warranty inspection or
repair should be shipped to the following address:

Horizon Product Support

4105 Fieldstone Road

Champaign, Illinois 61822

Please call 877-504-0233 or e-mail us at
[e-mail] 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 [phone] or e-mail us at
[e-mail] with any questions or
concerns regarding this product or warranty.

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 [phone] or e-mail us at
[e-mail] with any questions or
concerns regarding this product or warranty.

12

Section 11: Warranty Information

FCC Information

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC
rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and
(2) This device must accept any interference

received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.

Caution: Changes or modications not expressly

approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.

CE Compliance Information for the
European Union

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 ofce, your household waste disposal service

or where you purchased the product.

Declaration of Conformity

(in accordance with ISO/IEC 17050-1)

No. HH20090606

Product(s): Widowmaker 22 BL RTR
Item Number(s): PRB3900

Equipment class: 1

The object of declaration described above is
in conformity with the requirements of the

specications listed below, following the provisions
of the European R&TTE directive 1999/5/EC:

EN 300-220 Technical requirements

for Radio equipment.

EN 301 489-1, 301 489-3 General EMC

requirements for Radio
equipment

EN 60950 Safety

Signed for and on behalf of:
Horizon Hobby, Inc.
Champaign, IL USA
June 06, 2009

Steven A. Hall

Vice President
International Operations and Risk Management
Horizon Hobby, Inc.

13

Section 12: Replacement Parts

If you have any questions concerning the setup or running of your WidowMaker 22 Brushless
EP boat, please call the Horizon Service Center toll-free at [phone].

PRB0150 1.34" x 2.06" Composite Propeller
PRB2068 Water Outlet
PRB2218 Prop Nut
PRB2219 Nylon Washer
PRB2223 Pushrod Connector
PRB2224 Silicone Tubing
PRB2226 Antenna Tube
PRB2228 Rubber Boot
PRB2811 Stuffing Box Liner
PRB2813 Propeller Shaft
PRB3307 Motor Mount
PRB3308 Cable Collet

PRB3312 Tamiya/Deans Charge Adapter
PRB3313 7.2V 3600mAh Battery w/Deans
PRB3314 7.2V 4200mAh Battery w/Deans

PRB3901 Hull and Hatch

PRB3902 Hatch
PRB3903 Radio Box Cover
PRB3904 Stand
PRB3905 Propeller Strut Set
PRB3906 Rudder Set
PRB3907 Turn Fin
PRB3908 Stuffing Box
PRB3909 Flex Shaft
PRB3910 Rudder Pushrod Set
PRB3911 2900Kv Brushless motor
PRB3912 30-Amp 5.6-12.5V Brushless ESC

w/Reverse

PRB3913 Radio Box

PRB0100 Grease Gun w/Marine Grease, 5 oz

PRB0101 Marine Grease, 5 oz

14

Operating Notes

15

© 2009, Horizon Hobby, Inc.

®

4105 Fieldstone Road

Champaign, Illinois 61822

[phone]

www.horizonhobby.com

Printed 05/2009 15243