Library › Boat design › Hull types ·
Strut drive (submerged prop)
How is a strut drive set up on an RC boat? · Standard part · basis: Design rules and figures from the cited sources; example geometry by Xem Studio
Also called: strut drive, rc boat strut, strut angle, prop strut, strut height rc boat, strut offset, rc boat drive setup, propshaft angle, strut shim
Exact dimensions. True size, with no printing tolerance added.
- sizes
- 5 in table
Notes
- A strut holds the propeller shaft behind the transom; its angle and depth set how the prop lifts or pushes down the stern. Manufacturers usually recommend 0 deg; 0.030 in of shim under a 1.75 in strut adds 1 deg (Model Gas Boats).
- Racers keep the shaft centreline 3/8-1/2 in above the keel with the strut flat or slightly negative, and offset the drive to starboard to counter torque roll (Model Gas Boats forum).
- The file is a reference example built by Xem Studio from the numbers above (44 mm RC prop (SV Design).). Sizes the sources do not fix are illustrative; scale the example to your own vehicle.
Strut drive size chart
| parameter | value or range | source |
|---|---|---|
| Default strut angle | 0 deg | Model Gas Boats |
| Shim per deg (1.75 in strut) | 0.030 in | Model Gas Boats |
| Shaft height | 3/8-1/2 in above keel | Model Gas Boats forum |
| Offset to starboard | 1/4-3/8 in (mono) | Model Gas Boats forum |
| Stock RC shaft angle | about -6 deg | SV Design (Stealthwake) |
Where the files are
Other publishers' files are linked, not hosted. "verify" = check the license at the link before commercial use.
| Model Gas Boats | Some tips on setting up a hydroplane hull | web | Publisher's page; dimensions are facts |
| Model Gas Boats forum | Stinger drive versus strut support set up | web | Publisher's page; dimensions are facts |
| Model Gas Boats forum | Need help setting up a mono for the first time | web | Publisher's page; dimensions are facts |
| SV Design | Pro Boat Stealthwake upgrades info (Feb 2022) | web | Publisher's page; dimensions are facts |
Free files
★ Free files 1 parts. Xem Studio design: free to use, print and sell things from; not to be republished as files. Xem Studio Design License. index.json
| strut-drive-propeller | 1.73×2.43 in propeller, 2 blades: each section set at the geometric pitch angle atan(P / 2πr); chord and section illustrative | STEP · STL |
https://xemstudio.com/mcp to Claude, ChatGPT, Cursor or any MCP client (free, no account, one minute) and it can look up exact sizes, mating fits and free STEP/STL from every chat.Plain text: sheet.txt · JSON: /api/geometry?object=strut-drive

Fits with
Questions
Why offset the strut?
To counter torque roll (Model Gas Boats forum).





