This is the submarine kit most frequently recommended for beginners.  This is my first submarine project so I should fit the targeted market to a T.   This sub is a dynamic diver which uses a water pump to fill and empty a ballast tank to partially submerge.  The kit is complete except for radio components, batteries and glues for assembly.

The kits comes well packed in a plain cardboard box.  I'm impressed with the quality of the components included.  Most of the running gear is brass, the hull is made of thick sturdy plastic.  A nice brass propeller is included.  You will notice that there are two construction sections on this web site.  The first one was based on the boat kit as delivered in September 1999.  The second construction section is based on the upgraded kit as delivered in August 2002.  A lot has been improved since I originally purchased the kit.

My biggest complaint about the 1999 kit's contents were  the instructions.  I found them to be confusing.  The kit components had been upgraded since the initial writing of the instructions.  A mention of the change is made in the instructions but the step by step instructions and the pictures refer to the old components.  I ended up building the ballast tank incorrectly due to my confusion.  The latest (Aug/2002) instructions are far clearer.  To see my original mistakes, take a look at the original construction section.

I've seen a few complaints about the dry hull leaking on the original design.  The new WTC bulkheads give a much more positive seal then the old ones.  This new design should put an end to leaking problems around the main gasket that some builders experienced with the old design.  I did encounter a leak at the ballast tank mount but was able to correct it with a bit of glue.  This is documented in the new construction section.

I received a call from the owner of SubTech, a Mr. Skip Asay.  He expressed his appreciation for this web site.  He said that he has hired a professional to do a rewrite of the instructions.  He also emphasized that if anyone has a question during construction of the boat, stop and give him a call at (732) 363-7426.  He likes to hear from and help out his customers.  Hey, if he took the time to call me about the construction of my boat, you know he's customer focused!

Another review of this boat is available at the SubCommittee site in the review section.

Conclusion

On August 2002, I re-rated this kit from 3 1/2 stars to 4.  SubTech as kind enough to send me updated parts that are now standard in their kit.  These parts include redesigned bulkheads and new instructions.  My biggest complaint  the  about this kit had been the instructions.  Well the new ones are far more clear then the old.  This alone was probably good enough for the half star but the redesigned bulkheads make it a sure thing.  They really help seal the WTC much better.

About the only thing I don't like about this kit is the recommended way that the ballast tank base is glued to the tank and the WTC.  The instructions call for PVC cement.  I tried this and though I thought I did a good job of it, it still ended up leaking between the bas he the ballast tank.  I would recommend using a different glue, something that has a gap filling property.  Maybe Stabilit Express or a good Epoxy would be a better choice.

Building does take some skill, and although I think it is a great kit for beginners at RC submarine, it would be tough as a first try at building any kind of boat.   Besides the basic skills for building, you will need to be able to solder (not hard).  If you are even the slightest bit interested in this kit, buy it.  I hope to meet you at the pond!

To see the original conclusions, click here.

Last Updated: 07/03/2008