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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

parametervalue or rangesource
Default strut angle0 degModel Gas Boats
Shim per deg (1.75 in strut)0.030 inModel Gas Boats
Shaft height3/8-1/2 in above keelModel Gas Boats forum
Offset to starboard1/4-3/8 in (mono)Model Gas Boats forum
Stock RC shaft angleabout -6 degSV 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 BoatsSome tips on setting up a hydroplane hullwebPublisher's page; dimensions are facts
Model Gas Boats forumStinger drive versus strut support set upwebPublisher's page; dimensions are facts
Model Gas Boats forumNeed help setting up a mono for the first timewebPublisher's page; dimensions are facts
SV DesignPro Boat Stealthwake upgrades info (Feb 2022)webPublisher'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-propeller1.73×2.43 in propeller, 2 blades: each section set at the geometric pitch angle atan(P / 2πr); chord and section illustrativeSTEP · STL
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Plain text: sheet.txt · JSON: /api/geometry?object=strut-drive

Strut drive (submerged prop), isometric render of a generated part
Render of strut-drive-propeller from the free STEP; not to scale.

Fits with

Questions

Why offset the strut?

To counter torque roll (Model Gas Boats forum).