Specifications
❏ 5. Spread the sides of the canopy so that the holes at the
rear fit over the body posts and replace the body pins. You
are ready for action!
• Standing behind the boat with both the receiver and
transmitter powered up, rotate the wheel to the left. The back
of the engine should move towards the left. Move the wheel
to the right. The back of the engine should move towards the
right. If this is not the case, you will need to reverse the
direction of the servo. Check the instruction manual that
came with your radio system for the correct procedure.
• Squeeze the trigger on the transmitter; this should open
the throat of the carburetor. Conversely, moving the
trigger forward should close the throat completely. If this
is not the case, you will need to reverse the direction of
the servo. Check the instruction manual that came with
your radio system for the correct procedure.
BALANCING THE TOP SPEED 2
The Top Speed 2 has been tested and raced with both stock
and modified .21cu in [3.5cc] outboard engines with tuned
exhaust systems. Use stick-on weight to achieve the correct
balance point for your boat/engine combo.
Stock Engines: Place 1 to 1-1/2 oz. of weight* in the
forward section of the “weight slot” located on the cowling
chin to create a balance point for running the O.S. 21 XM or
the K&B 3.5SS/K&B 3.5 SX. This balance point is 9-1/2"
[241mm] from the back of the sponsons.
*The Thunder Tigre 3.5 Outboard weighs more than the
other engines and may require additional weight.
Modified Engines: Achieving the proper balance with a
modified engine required applying 3-5 ounces of weight.
Since the “weight slot” only holds 2.75 oz. of stick-on weight,
it will be necessary to temporarily apply the additional
weight to the sponson tips. Once a balance point has been
established, the stick-on weight can be removed from the
sponson tips and installed into the nose of the cowling.
Chop up the additional stick-on weights and mix them with
epoxy. Position the cowling with the nose pointed
downward, pour the mixture into the nose of the cowling,
and allow the epoxy to set-up completely.
BALANCING THE TOP SPEED 2 FOR ROUGH
WATER CONDITIONS
Rough or choppy water conditions caused by high winds
pose a challenge to operating a model tunnel boat.
Additional weight to stabilize the hull should be placed on
the balance point rather than the front of the boat. Placing
weight on the front will cause the bow to “pitch downward”
when bouncing off of waves and submerge the hull. Placing
4-5 ounces of weight over the balance point will decrease
the amount of bouncing action.
HELPFUL TIP: A simple method for adding and removing
weight from the balance point area is the use of hook & loop
material on weight strips and along the center-section of the
deck inside the cowling.
RECOVERY PADS
Two recovery pads (shown above) are included with the Top
Speed 2. While running a Top Speed 2 with a modified
engine and extended lower unit, the boat may hook in turns.
The addition of the recovery pads in the forward section of
the tunnel floor eliminates this handling problem. The
recovery pads assist in preventing the sponsons from
dropping too deep in a turn.
PLEASE NOTE: There is no need to install the recovery pads
unless
the Top Speed 2 exhibits hooking characteristics. Apply
thin double-sided tape to the bottom of the recovery pads to
provide a temporary installation method.
PERFORMANCE TIPS & RACING
BY JERRY DUNLAP
CHECK THE RADIO SYSTEM
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