Marine ESC Guide

With major innovations like brushless motors, LiPo batteries and superlight hulls, RC Boats are going faster and faster every year. We’ve put together a small group of marine ESC’s that are sure to fit into any category of watercraft you choose, including competition-level racers. To make compatibility even easier, we’ve chosen ESC’s that run on both NiMh or LiPo batteries, are water-cooled (well, all of them except one) and require minimal space to mount. We hope this list will help guide you to making an informed purchase when it’s time to upgrade your ESC.

Novak Pulse
www.teamnovak.com
Motor Limit: Sensored brushless motor
Type: Brushless ESC
Input: 4-6 cell NiMH or 1-2S LiPo
Water-Cooled Pipe Dimension: NA
Dimensions: 29.5×37.3×24.6mm)
Weight: 36.6g
Features:This sensor-based pro racing brushless ESC is designed for use with all heavy duty 2S LiPo racing applications. In boats, it’s mainly used in the Stock and Super Stock classes (17.5 and 13.5) but serves well used with 550-size sensor based motors. Featuring X-Drive, Dynamic Timing Advance and Novak’s all new Super-Tuner Interface, this ESC is extremely versatile in boat racing applications. The Pulse is not completely waterproof but rather splash-proof using internal rubber case gaskets. This controller has five customizable programs.

ProBoat/Dynamite 60A Marine ESC
www.proboatmodels.com
Motor Limit: 1800Kv
Type: Brushless ESC
Input: 7.4-14.8V NiCad or LiPo
Current: 60A continuous 80A burst
Water-Cooled Pipe Dimension: 5mm
Dimensions: 92×47×19mm
Weight: 168g
Features: This 60A Marine ESC is designed specifically for high-performance marine applications. Featured as an OEM ESC in most ProBoat models, it comes wired in a dual-battery configuration with a built-in switch allowing for easy change of battery chemistry types. A water-cooling system flows through the sealed aluminum case. You can also access additional programming features via the ProBoat Marine Programming Module, giving you access to throttle settings, low-voltage cutoff and drive modes.

Hobbywing Seaking 180A
www.hobbywing.com
Motor Limit: Sensorless brushless motor
Type: Brushless only
Input: 6-18 cells NiMH/NiCad or 2-6S LiPo
Current: 180A continuous 360A burst
Water-Cooled Pipe
Dimension: 5mm
Dimensions: 72x68x34mm
Weight: 91g
Features: The Hobbywing Seaking uses high-quality electronic components to make this ESC last. This boat-specific ESC has great acceleration and a superb linear feel. While it does use a watercooled heatsink, this ESC is not 100 percent waterproof (only splashproof). It features forward and reverse running modes, multiple protection features (Low Voltage Cutoff, Thermal Protection and Fail Safe) and is user programmable by either the transmitter sticks or a separate LED Program Card.

Atomik Pro Brushless Marine 120
www.atomikrc.com
Motor Limit: Sensorless brushless motor
Type: Brushless only
Input: 6-18 cells NiMH/NiCad or 2-6S LiPo
Current: 120A continuous 240A burst
Water-Cooled Pipe Dimension: 5mm
Dimensions: 94x33x18mm
Weight: 91g
Features: The Pro Brushless Marine 120 is a perfect brushless ESC for larger boats, including the 58 in. ARC RTR Electric Boat. Atomik has loaded the Marine with high quality components, an effective water-cooling system and wrapped it in a space-saving shrink-tube cover. The Pro Brushless Marine 120 features LiPo low-voltage cutoff, thermal protection and throttle loss protection. It is waterproof and compatible with many different kinds of sensorless motors.

Aquacraft 60A Marine Brushless ESC
www.aquacraftmodels.com
Motor Limit: Sensorless brushless motor
Type: Brushless ESC
Input: 12-14 NiMH 4-cell LiPo
Current: 60A continuous 72A burst
Water-Cooled Pipe Dimension: 5mm
Dimensions: 83×38×17mm
Weight: 109g
Features: This ESC is popular with drivers racing in the PLTD spec classes as well as sport boaters who want an inexpensive, reliable ESC to power their boat. With three programming modes, this ESC will suit many boating applications. Its full epoxy-encased, completely waterproof construction adds to the reliability and desirability of this controller.

ETTI Marine 90
www.etti.com
Motor Limit: Sensorless brushless motor
Type: Brushless ESC
Input: 6-20 NiMH/NiCad 2-7S LiPo
Current: 90A continuous
Water-Cooled Pipe Dimension: 5mm
Dimensions: 70x45x10mm
Weight: 82g
Features: The ETTI Marine 90 features high-performance MOSFETs, a failsafe system should you lose signal, autostart restriction and a low-voltage cutoff to help protect your LiPo packs. Multi-functional motor programming allows you to tune throttle characteristics, rotor rotation, timing options and PWM frequency (8K, 16K or 32K). Compatible with most brushless motors, but does have a restriction of 32,000 rpm for 14-pole outrunners.

Swordfish Pro 300
www.hifei.com
Motor Limit: Sensorless brushless motor
Type: Brushless only
Input: 12-48 cell NiMH or 4-15S LiPo
Current: 300A continuous 380A burst
Water-Cooled Pipe Dimension: 5mm
Dimensions: 120x73x25mm
Weight: 490g
Features: Designed specifically for high-power boat racing, the Swordfish Pro 300 utilizes aluminum PCB technology, advanced, high-power MOSFETs and a watercooled heatsink to keep the ESC worry-free during your entire race. Thermal protection, safe “power-on” arming and a programmable timing, startup and low voltage cutoff are just a few of its standard features. The Swordfish Pro 300 is a forward only ESC and is programmable via USB computer link or LCD programming box.

Turnigy Marine 80A-HV Brushless
www.hobbyking.com
Motor Limit: Sensorless brushless motor
Type: Brushless only
Input: 15-36 cells NiMH/NiCad or 5-12S LiPo
Current: 80A continuous 160A burst
Water-Cooled Pipe Dimension: 5mm
Dimensions: 94x33x18mm
Weight: 81g
Features: Because of their high-amp draw and enclosed state, boat ESCs have different requirements that car ESCs. The Marine 80A-HVe is built with USA IR MOSFETs, perfect for long runtimes while producing less heat. The MCU is coded for speed and efficiency and the 6-layer PCB handles high-amperage with burnout. Wrapped in a snug shrinkwrap coating, the Marine features an extremely effective water-cooled heatsink.