User guide

ManualsBrandsAquaCraft ManualsWater equipmentAir Force

Before Building

We want the assembly and operation of this airboat to be a success so BEFORE removing any parts from the parts bags,

please read this manual thoroughly to familiarize yourself with the model. If for any reason you think this model is not for

you, return it to your local dealer immediately. PLEASE NOTE: Your hobby dealer cannot accept a return on any model

after assembly has begun.

Warranty

AquaCraft

™

will warrant this kit for 90 days after the date of purchase from defects in materials or workmanship.

AquaCraft will either repair or replace, at no charge, the incorrectly made part.

Make sure you save the receipt or invoice you were given when you bought your model! It is your proof of purchase

and we must see it before we can honor the warranty.

To return your Air Force for repairs covered under warranty you should send your boat to:

Hobby Services

1610 Interstate Drive

Champaign, Illinois 61822

Attn: Service Department

Phone: (217) 398-0007 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Central Time M-F

E-mail: hobbyservices@hobbico.com

ASSEMBLY AND OPERATION MANUAL

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Summary of content (15 pages)

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ASSEMBLY AND OPERATION MANUAL ™ ™ Before Building We want the assembly and operation of this airboat to be a success so BEFORE removing any parts from the parts bags, please read this manual thoroughly to familiarize yourself with the model. If for any reason you think this model is not for you, return it to your local dealer immediately. PLEASE NOTE: Your hobby dealer cannot accept a return on any model after assembly has begun.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ..............................................................2 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS......................................................2 HELPFUL HINTS ................................................................2 REPAIR SERVICE ................................................................3 SPECIFICATION & DESCRIPTION CHANGES ..................3 SCREW INFORMATION ....................................................3 BOAT TERMINOLOGY .....................................
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REPAIR SERVICE BOAT TERMINOLOGY Repair service is available anytime. BOW: The front of the boat After the 90-day warranty, you can still have your Air Force repaired for a small charge by the experts at AquaCraft’s authorized repair facility, Hobby Services, at the address listed on the front page of this manual. STERN: The back of the boat PORT: This is the left side of the boat when aboard and facing the front (bow).
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FINISHING THE READY-TO-RUN AIR FORCE Note: If you have the prebuilt version, proceed to page 6. FINAL ASSEMBLY Engine and Propeller Installation ❏ 6. Place the spinner backplate onto the crankshaft so that it rests against the drive washer. ❏ 1. Looking down at the top (deck) of the hull, remove the four large mounting screws with washers located toward the rear of the hull (stern). ❏ 2.
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backplate. If you see a gap, check to make sure that the prop is installed correctly. Installation of Batteries ❏ 3. Install four new “AA” batteries into the battery box and re-install the battery box into the boat. There is hook and loop material provided with the model to make your battery box extra secure. Make sure to plug the battery box connector into the switch connector. ❏ 4. Replace the canopy and secure it with the five hatch screws. Transmitter Assembly ❏ 1.
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• Standing behind the boat with both the vessel and transmitter powered up, rotate the wheel to the left. The back of the rudder should move towards the left. Move the wheel to the right. The back of the rudder should move towards the right. If this is not the case, simply move the steering servo reverse switch to the other position. • Use the knob marked steering rate D/R to adjust the amount of rudder throw.
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❏ 7. Insert the four 3 x 27mm screws (with washers) and secure the assembly with 3mm locknuts. ❏ 4. Test fit the engine and engine mount to determine the proper width of the supports. Then tighten the 4 x 20mm screws. ❏ 8. Position the fuel tank directly behind the engine. Hold it in place with rubber bands. Leave enough space for the fuel tubing. ❏ 5. Cut out the engine mounting template (on page 15) and place it on the deck in front of the engine pod supports.
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INSTALL THE SERVOS ❏ 11. Screw the clevis onto the throttle pushrod and attach it to the inside hole of the throttle lever. ❏ 1. Cut two X-shaped servo arms as shown. This will cut down the chances of any radio wiring getting tangled in the radio compartment. ❏ 12. Finish the throttle cable installation by placing a couple of drops of thin CA where the cable goes through the engine mounting plate. ❏ 13.
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easiest way to accomplish this task is to snake a piece of thin wire through the hole first and then attach the antenna wire to the thin wire. Now gently pull it through. Route the antenna wire through the antenna tube. Insert the antenna tube into the grommet, securing it into place. INSTALL THE RADIO GEAR ❏ 3. See step 3, on page 5 and 6, of the “Transmitter Assembly” section for proper carb and rudder linkage settings.
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❏ 7. Prime the engine by rotating the propeller counterclockwise with the carburetor intake choked. CAUTION! Use a glove to protect your hand while rotating the propeller. Once you see fuel reach the carburetor (in the fuel line), rotate the engine 2-3 more times. It’s ready to start. IMPORTANT NOTE! This engine uses an ABC construction (Aluminum piston with a Chrome plated Brass cylinder liner) which provides outstanding performance and long life.
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❏ ❏ 10. Remove the glow starter after 10-15 seconds. 2. Start the engine. ❏ 3. Once the engine is started, open the high-speed needle IMPORTANT NOTE: Never place your finger over the carburetor intake when applying the starter. Such an action will cause an excess quantity of fuel to be forced into the cylinder and result in a hydraulic lock that may damage the engine. valve around 1/8 turn at a time, finding the setting where the engine just barely runs. This may take a few times adjusting the needle.
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Glow Plug The glow plug is an item that will wear out and need replacement from time to time. It is a good idea to remove the glow plug before your first run, heat it and see how well it glows. You should see a bright orange glow from the filament. If a coil or two will not glow or the plug will not glow at all, replace the plug.
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ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS To order replacement parts for the AquaCraft Air Force, use the order numbers in the Replacement Parts List that follows. Replacement parts are available only as listed and can be purchased from hobby shops or mail order/ Internet order firms. Hardware items (screws, nuts, bolts) are also available from these outlets. If you need assistance locating a dealer to purchase parts, visit www.hobbico.com and click on “Where to Buy.
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ENGINE TROUBLESHOOTING The engine starts It should be ready to go. Clear the engine YES of fuel. Is the high speed needle setting 2 to 3 turns out from closed (if the engine is broken-in?) YES Does it run continuously? NO YES Is fuel getting to the engine? YES NO Does the engine quit when the glow plug clip is removed? YES Replace the glow plug. NO NO Check for clogging in the carburetor or fuel line. Check for fuel spraying out of the fuel line. If so, replace the fuel line.
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ENGINE MOUNTING TEMPLATE 15