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 ..........................................................................
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.
Table of Contents Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................. 2 Warning .......................................................................................................................................................................... 2 Table of Contents .....................................................................................................................
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.
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.
Section 3: Installation of Receiver and Transmitter Batteries Receiver Batteries 3. Remove the dry cell battery holder from the radio box and unwrap the foam from around the dry cell battery holder. Install 4 “AA” alkaline batteries as shown. Note the proper polarity. Wrap the battery box in foam. 1. Remove the knurled aluminum nut securing the cockpit. Pull the cockpit off the boat. 4. Re-install the battery holder into the radio box and and secure the radio box lid with the hex screws.
Section 3: Receiver and Transmitter Batteries (continued) Transmitter Batteries 1. Remove the transmitter from the box. 3. Secure the batteries using the battery cover. 4. Turn on the radio and confirm that all LEDs illuminate, indicating proper installation of fully charged batteries. 5. Turn the radio off. 2. Remove the battery cover on the bottom of the transmitter. 3. Note the proper polarity and insert 8 “AA” batteries into the transmitter.
Section 4: Range Checking the Pro Boat Radio System Before the first run of the ThunderCat 31, you should check the radio for proper operation and to ensure proper control movement of the rudder and throttle. Also ensure that the antenna on the boat is extended properly and that all batteries are in working condition. 3. If everything appears to be operating correctly, raise the antenna and start the engine (refer to Section 6 of this manual and to the separate DYN .32 engine manual).
Section 8: Handling Adjustments Opertate your ThunderCat 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. Section 9: The Dynamite .32 Marine Engine Water-Cooled Engine Because the Dynamite® .32 engine is water-cooled and not air-cooled, make sure that you do not run the engine for an extended amount of time outside of the water.
Section 10: Starting the Engine Hand-Held Starter Operation 1. Fully charge a 7.2V sub-C battery pack and install it in the starter as shown. Fill the fuel tank with 20% glow fuel and attach a fully charge glow driver to the glow plug. Turn on the radio system and insert the starting wand into the Tiger Drive and actuate the starting switch until the engine begins to run.
Section 10: Starting the Engine (continued) Breaking in Your Engine The first start-up of the engine is the most critical moment of the engine’s life, dictating how the engine will perform from that time forward. Turn on your radio system and attach a fully charged glow igniter (DYN1925) to the glow plug. Start the engine with the electric starter as described in Section 8. Needle Settings When adjusting the settings, always adjust the needles in small increments, about 1⁄16 of a full turn at a time.
Section 11: Troubleshooting Guide Problem Solution Engine will not start Engine is not primed: Put a few drops of fuel into the carburetor venturi and restart Out of fuel: fill fuel tank Improper fuel: use 20% Blue Thunder™ Improper glow plug: install proper glow plug Glow igniter not charged: charge igniter Dead glow plug: replace Flooded engine: remove glow plug, invert boat and engage the Tiger Drive to remove raw fuel from the engine Engine starts, then dies Pressure line blocked or unhooked: conne
Section 12: Maintenance (continued) Lubrication It is important to lubricate the flex shaft of the ThunderCat 31 with silicone cable grease after every two hours of operation. You can purchase this silicone grease at your local hobby store. To lubricate the drive shaft, follow these simple instructions. Loosen (do not remove) the retaining nut by holding the collet with a 17mm wrench and unscrew the retaining nut with another 17mm wrench or crescent wrench. Carefully remove the drive shaft.
Section 13: ThunderCat 31 Replacement Parts In the event that you need to purchase replacement parts for your engine or the ThunderCat 31, please see your local hobby store. You can also purchase them from Horizon Hobby by calling 1-800-338-4639 or shop online @ www.horizonhobby.com Stock # . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Description PRB2052 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Flex Cable: TC31 PRB2053 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Section 14: Appendix Engine compartment and components. Transom and components. Engine water cooling lines.
© 2006, Horizon Hobby, Inc. 4105 Fieldstone Road Champaign, Illinois 61822 (877) 504-0233 www.horizonhobby.
