Motors and Speed Control

 

Motors

There are two broad types of electric motor available.  These are 'brushed' and 'brushless'.  The technology used in each is different with 'brushless' being the more modern and apparently more efficient.  There are plenty of online resources that explain the differences so please feel free to do your own research on the subject.  I decided to go for the 'brushed' system as I'm not using the boat on a daily or even weekly basis (I doubt the brushes will need replacing any time soon).  Also, the brushless system seemed to be quite complicated and produces alot of heat that can require water cooling.  I went for the 'marine' brushed motor (left) and I presume that it's somehwhat resistant to water.  Brushed motors are very cheap (use 5 pole instead of 3 pole as they are smoother).  My one is rated as a 500 which has something to do with the power output...it works for me.

 

Speed Control

Whatever type of motor(s) you choose you will need a speed controller (ESC) to go with it.  ESC's allow the movement of the control stick on the transmitter to work like an accelerator pedal in a car.  The further you push the stick forward, the faster the motor will run.  Without an ESC the motor will run either at full power or not at all.  Note: You need to run a brushed motor with a brushed ESC and likewise with brushless...they are not interchangable

 

Pic above shows the ESC's I have.  I was worried about water so went for the marine version (waterproof).  These were quite an expensive items (around £14) but I bought them for my initial wooden boat and they work very well.  You can pick up 'brushed' esc's on Ebay for less than £10 delivered.