Horizon Harbor Tug Boat 30-inch RTR BUYER BEWARE
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- Опубликовано: 28 окт 2021
- BUYER BEWARE: I ordered this Tug directly from the Horizon Hobby Website and it has multiple serious issues...
I have contacted Horizon Hobby and made them aware on 27 October 2021 and I am awaiting their evaluation of my assessment of this particular issue: That the onboard Receiver (HRZ00011) aboard the model I received does not resemble the receiver description in the enclosed instruction manual and failed after less than 4 total hours of run time.
I admit that this and the Water Pump needle may be issues with only the tug and pump I purchased and received, but after reading other reviews and comments on these products that I now should at least bring this is and other issues not only to Horizon Hobby, but also the Public, potential R/C boat Hobbyists, and especially ANYONE that may be considering purchasing this particular RC Model... especially as a gift for someone special.
Hopefully, these problem are unique to only my Tug and Pump...and Horizon will make it right... not just for me, but (most importantly) other potential and future R/C Boaters as well.
Bruno Biava ⚓
Did horizon help you with the problem ? I’m on the fence for this Model. Can it be fixed yes but at that price you shouldn’t have to. I have had issues with horizons customer service and on a few items I just had to eat the cost to repair my self. So I’m interested in hearing what horizon does to remedy you issues.
@Triple threat industries. RC
I contacted Horizon Hobby via email. In my email inbox the next day were TWO emails from the same address at Horizon Hobby.
I opened the Second email first...it was located near the top of my Inbox, and replied with the requested information... and that Email said that their System could only accept XX MB of information at a time, and that I could send multiple emails if needed to provide photos of my issues.
When I attempted to send the email, I received a failed notification, and it said my email exceeded capacity, and that I needed to either reduce the attachment files or send additional emails with the files to this thread... so, since I lacked the ability to condense the attachment files, I prepared to attach more files to additional emails... and then I sent the first one in reply to 'David W' as prompted.
Then... the thread, along with my record of receipt of '"David W's" email... VANISHED from my email inbox!!!
(...got to admit, THAT was a surprise... and pretty slick on 'David W's' part... He got Credit for both reading my email, getting my personal information, my telephone number, my mailing address, my shipping address... and the personal address of consignee I had chosen!)
I still have the First email Horizon Hobby sent... which I opened second because it was BURIED in my Inbox... and it said that should only reply to IT'S thread and refer to case number 01329244.
... wonderful. Just Wonderful 🙄.
I don't know if you saw the second video I made on the Tug... Here's the link:
ruclips.net/video/zruQwLc9fKs/видео.html
To cut to the chase, go to the 5:00 minute mark and take it from there.
Thanks again for watching, and your expressions of concern, and know that they are appreciated very much!
Bruno Biava ⚓
@@brunobiava4833 - FYI - it's a very simple process mate if you're trying to return the boat for a new one..
Bought my tug this past spring and it has been flawless so far...multiple recoveries and hard pushes with it. No problems so far.
Installing the pump today
Glad to hear it! Both of mine took a lot of work before I was confident in them. I want to think Horizon is paying better attention to Quality Control from the reports I am getting.
I will be installing a 'Sea Strainer" on the intake side of the Pump... will probably use a Nitro Fuel Filter.
Lakes around here are thick with Moss, Weeds, and Scum, I usually have to clear the Prop and Nozzle about once an hour just cruising around.
Thanks for letting me know that yours is working out well for you!
Bruno ⚓
Always go to RUclips and watch videos on products your interested in purchasing before you spend your money.
Thanks for posting. I’m planning on replacing the electronics with more reliable components. Maybe even adding the running hardware from a Dumas tug including 3:1 gear reduction and a larger propeller (as long as it doesn’t interfere with the Kort nozzle).
My Harbour tug is awesome. I would offer a couple of observations....
1) My waterpump inlet came apart as well. I put it back together and applied a generous layer of shoe goo to secure it in place ....problem solved.
2) Download a digital version of the instruction manual. This has been updated from the one that comes with the boat. There is a small Bind button on the side of the receiver/esc.
3) Some water came around the seam between the hull and deck. The bathtub test identified the area and a bit of shoe goo solved the problem. This waa not an issue as very little water came in, but I wanted to keep it dry.
Very minor issues, with easy solutions. All my RTR toys need a bit of checking before use, afterall they are mass produced.
Thanks for your Commitment and suggestions!
Fixed water pump and sealed hull/deck joints...used PC Marine Epoxy Putty applied to the inside of the hull.
Receiver/ESC will not link... Pressing button made no difference and I tried multiple times and tried various length of time and cycling the on/off switch in various ways.
I agree that an Experienced Hobbyist will know what to check, but I was very disappointed in how a Neophyte might be initiated by Experience if this was their first RC Boat.
It was promoted as Ready to Run which is arguable... Ready to Complete is more honest.
Either way, a basic guide with suggestions based on what challenges Experienced R/C Boaters encountered would have made the shock of any failures or weaknesses of the design and assembly of the Tug much easier to digest.⚓
Thanks for the heads up. I was interested in this boat. Hopefully they can upgrade to the smart system.
@oliverwhite30
It's a Great Little Tugboat if You are willing to put a whole lotta Love in 'er...
Steve Shenlonco ( @ShenRC ) helped me out with His recommendation for the Hobbywing ESC, and the Guys on CaptCB's Thread on RCGroups.com helped out by keeping me motivated and reporting the Issues that They Encountered.
Personally, I love mine... even with all the Issues, she's a Joy on the Water when it's Calm... I just was disappointed and alarmed and didn't want Folks to Sour on the Hobby if They were just getting into it or purchasing the Tug as a Gift.
Good Luck and Godspeed,
Bruno ⚓
Unclipped the reciver box 3 clips easy
Please read my description of my video, and understand that I said the Receiver on the tug was " HRZ0011" while I was recording...I meant to say HRZ00011 as it actually says onboard the tug I received from Horizon Hobby.
Thank you for your patience and understanding... this was a difficult video to make and post.
Bruno Biava
The horizon tug boat is an awesome boat I have one works great.
Thanks for your Comment, Rams and RZR!
I hope they have made improvements since this was uploaded... the Tugs they were shipping to Customers last fall seemed to be Lemons, but more recently the videos and reviews on RUclips seem to be more positive.
I'm just glad you got a good one!⚓
I have not had an issue with the reciever/Esc unit yet. I have with the pump. After 1 second of operation it binded. I opened it and found that there was no foreign partials in it. However the black pressed gear was crooked. When I tried to correct it it came off.
Thanks for your Comments, Gabriel... sorry to hear about the Issues with the Water Cannon Pump Gear.
I'm sorry that don't have a remedy to offer you. If I still worked in a Hobby Shop I might be able to get you a replacement or a new gear.
If your Local Hobby Shop can't help you, please be patient with them.
In my own Experience I can only say that I have been waiting for nearly 8 months for Horizon Hobby to reply to my correspondence. The only proof I have that they actually received it is a sheet of Promotional decals they sent in the mail...
Your Comments are important because even if you might be disappointed, at least you are able to Share it here with People that are unaware of potential Issues with the Products, and you are helping to inform them of potential Risks.
It's not much in the way of compensation, but it doesn't hurt your Karma in this World!
Bruno ⚓
Curious as to what your outcome was with Horizon? I've watched both videos you posted on this boat but don't see a follow up on what Horizon did or didn't do for you. Yes, we involved in the hobby can fix most anything as that is at least 50% of the hobby as you well know but when you buy RTR, you only expect to adjust and maybe replace a few bits for improvements. Not the major components. Thank you for posting.
19 May 2022... still no answer from Horizon.
If I spend this kind of money on a gift for my grandchildren I wouldn’t be happy. My son is super busy, so if I threw some money on something like a small (decent quality) toy that he wouldn’t have to spend the time messing around to get it running.
Ive been shopping for awhile and the Horizon was the selection. Sure glad I found this vid. And I will check to see if they resolved the problem before I put the cash down. PS in Canada, this run about 550+. This price does not include battery, or water pump, shipping etc. I might get some change from 800$ cad. To me that’s a lot of money for a children’s toy, I think I could by my granddaughters a nice bike for 800$. ( I’d rather buy a boat that they could enjoy sailing together).
Well Put!
Thank You for your Commitment!
Bruno Biava ⚓
I had an issue with my controller, requested help and horizon sent a new controller but because of the not being binded at the factory, makes it impossible so my quick fix getting a controller ended with new motor and ESC because I can’t use their system.
Chris, another Commenter on this Video named Ian Oliver has described what might be why we can't Bind. I have asked him to upload a video and provide a link to share illustrating the process he uses.
I will share it with you as soon as I see it.
Bruno ⚓
Chris? Ian Oliver has suggested a video that might help you Bind... Here's the link:
ruclips.net/video/2vbd5q45ee0/видео.html
Didn't work out for me... fairly certain my receiver is blown dead, but it might be worth a try...
Bruno ⚓
Als ich diesen Schlepper letztes Jahr gekauft habe und die Fernsteuerung (Transmitter?) gesehen sah, habe ich die erst gar nicht in Betrieb genommen sondern gleich einen 7 Kanal Radiolink Empfänger (Receiver?) eingebaut. Da ich auch andere Boote mit der Radiolink steuere brauchte ich also nur einen weiteren Empfänger. Auch die Wasserpumpe habe ich nicht von Horizon sondern der deutschen Firma Graupner. Es ist eine Zahnradpumpe mit viel Power. Ebenso habe ich den Motor gegen einen kugelgelagerten und mit einem Luftgebläse ausgestatteten 700er Motor gewechselt. Traurig das Horizon so einen billigen Mist in so ein schönes Boot baut!!
I purchased a used fireboat for $15 and intend to modify the receiver transmitter set up and whatever else needs improving like I did with a vintage fishing trawler called Monica. The electronicscin that were coated in bees wax as a water proofing but shorted out immediately upon getting wet. Most if not all were returned. I researched it and they ran $150 brand new and all of them failed. I got mine at Goodwill. It was like brand new in box but nothing worked. The electronics were a single board setup with oversized capacitors, and 1990's design. Terrible. I ripped it sell out and reworked everything to modern type electronics and water proofing methods.
I used to visit a Hobby Shop in Champaign, Illinois on a regular basis and about 1/3 of the store was filled nearly floor to ceiling with factory rejected RC products and returns they would buy in bulk from the Manufacturer/Distributor.
I won't name Names, but it remains a vivid image of the 'Dark Side' of the RC and Hobby Business.
I doubt they made a profit on the 'As is Alley', but Champaign is Home to the University of Illinois and whenever I was there there was usually a couple Students in there just looking for Cheap Motors, Servos and even non-functional Electronics so they could write a paper for Class to prove their Diagnostic and Engineering skills.
It was Interesting to say the least!⚓
Hey just seen this video. What was the outcome? Is there a part two?
@brendanb.8007
Horizon Hobby (the Owner of the Proboat Line) has never overtly contacted me about the Issues I encountered with my Two Tugs.
Other RUclips Creators have Posted Videos since I made this one... quite possibly using Horizon Harbor Tugboats that were Produced after the pair I had purchased... and from what I had seen as of 9 months ago, it seems as though Horizon may have tightened up the Standards on Quality Control.
Because I (like most Responsible Hobbyists) have a Budget and Other Priorities to Address when deciding how to spend "Disposable Income", I am unable to Personally Verify or Imply an Endorsement or Criticism regarding the Quality of the Horizon Harbor Tugboats Currently Available.
The Modifications I have made are described in some of the Videos I Posted and should be Visible in the Description Portion of the Videos...or in the Replies to Questions Posed by Viewers in the Comments.
As for there being a "Part II"... Given the amount of Time which has Passed without Horizon Hobby contacting me, and the Complexity of the Situation that Horizon Hobby as a Corporation has chosen to leave me in, (as described above) I can no longer afford to Produce a Follow-up Video on the Horizon Harbor 30 Inch Tugboat.
I want to be Fair to both any Ethical Employees of Horizon Hobby and the Hobbyists that might find themselves in Possession of a Proboat Horizon Harbor 30 Inch Tugboat... but, Until Horizon Hobby reaches out to me and takes Action to Correct the Issues I and many Others discovered and encountered with Their Products that We had Purchased in Good Faith, and Restores to Us the Losses We Incurred in Correcting the Deficiencies of their Products so that said Product would Function reliably and Safely as both Promoted and Advertised by Horizon Hobby, I shall not Endorse the Purchase of Any Horizon Hobby Products or Services.
All I can do is Pray that Others Fare better than I with Their Choices.
Good Luck and Godspeed,
Bruno Biava ⚓
Just press the button on the side of the ESC in to bind. It will blink green when its ready.
Also don't press your thumb on the sharp barb and you should be fine!😉
Thanks for the suggestion... tried it, but still giving same unknown Error Code. I am pretty sure it's just dead.
Posting a video of the Tug running with Upgrades soon, list of Modifications will be in the Description below the title.⚓
Bought one today, 0 problems, think this hobby may not be for you.
Glad you got a good one, Norm! ... and thanks for your Comment. The Tugs they were shipping a year ago had a lot of issues, but after the upgrades I've made I must admit that I am enjoying mine now. Have a lot of hours on the water now and the biggest thing I have to deal with is trying to find places to run them that aren't overrun with algae or weeds.
Here's a link to a video of one of my Tugs out running if you haven't seen it already:
ruclips.net/video/nauNULXSFSw/видео.html
Bruno ⚓
In the most respectful way possible, I think these "problems" are just coming from your inexperience with model boats. That's the receiver box you are holding up, not the receiver. Every boat and even most cars that are likely to encounter water put the receivers in a box to protect them from water ingress. The box clearly has 4 clips on it that if carefully pried and or wedged up would expose your receiver and esc (electronic speed controller). That blinking light means that the boat will not complete the startup sequence. In my experience 99.9% of the time when the transmitter is on first and that light blinks and you get no connection, it means that one of the trims moved too far from where it was calibrated initially. If the throttle trim was moved on the transmitter and the esc begins it's startup sequence, it expects to get a "zero" value. If it gets anything but that, because the trim was moved, it will not allow the vehicle to start to prevent a run away. As I said, this the by far the most common cause of blinking non starts. The chances a receiver dying are there, but infinitesimal compared to the chances that a knob got turned by accident. Lastly, every installation example of that pump that I have seen has the input being the latitudinal fitting and the output be the one pointing along the length of the boat. This would make sense as the output points the hose directly toward the tower where the water cannons are located. Why would you assume the opposite?
exactly what I was going to say this guy is a newb.
Thanks for your Commitment and Suggestions Ian!
Can you please upload a video to RUclips and give me an example and a link to share with the rest of us Neophytes?
By the way, I made some upgrades and uploaded a video with the Tug underway. Make sure you click on the Description and Scroll all the way down to view the List!
Here's the link:
ruclips.net/video/nauNULXSFSw/видео.html
Thanks again,
Bruno ⚓
My concern was that the plastic tip at the output fitting slides right off with no real effort. I see that as a potential water intrusion into the hull when the pump is running. I put a bit of waterproof locktite sealer around the base and reseated it hoping to never to have to remove it.
@@brunobiava4833 Glad you got the boat running! Do you mean a video regarding the blinking light? If so, here's a quick one: ruclips.net/video/2vbd5q45ee0/видео.html
@@nemocheerio Thanks Ian! That video helps and I will pass it along to other Commenters that have had binding issues...
Unfortunately, I didn't have any luck myself when I tried it, but it might still work for some other folks...
Bruno ⚓
Howdy your receiver is not wrong but only a other one this type can you bind by pressing whit a little tool the button in a little hol ad the bottom on the frond site
Not easy to see good luck
... been there, done That, got T-shirt...
Thanks for the Suggestion and Your Comments... others have made the same Recommendations (just in a different dialect). 👍
Good Luck and Godspeed,
Bruno ⚓
That tug is only £80 in the UK, if you paid 400 dollars you were well and truly over charged
To The Haunted Coachman:
To be honest, I am not a very good Model Boat Builder... and I had hoped to receive a Servicable product worthy of the price.
My only Consolation is that I might get others to Think Twice before they hand over their Money so quickly.
I'll never get my Money's worth out of it, but that doesn't excuse me from trying to Warn others to not be fooled as I was.⚓
If it‘s 80£ it‘s not that boat. Horizon puts their thumb on the pricing.
I just went to turn mine on for the second time and I'm getting nothing. No lights. No power. Nothing... I think I have a lemon. Only one of the water cannons worked out of the Box. The one broken cannon barely lets air pass through it...
This sucks because I'm handicapped and can't get in and out of boats or canoes or kayaks to rescue my UL-19. Now I'm back to zero way to rescue my boats.
@HaveaMagicalDay. Pardon the Pun, but We have a Lot in Common...I can't Kayak anymore, but I might still be able to Board a small Boat yet.
If You bought from a Hobby Shop, then You should stand a better than Fair Chance of getting Your Tug Operational...I seriously doubt you are going to find Replacement Water Cannons, though... try reaching out to the Horizon Harbor Tug threads on RC Groups.com, the Crews there might be able to Provide You with Resources better than I. One Host that you want to keep an eye out for is Capt CB, thread is long, but a lot of Veterans in the World of Scale RC Maritime.
At the Same Time, I recommend You send a Snail Mail Letter to Horizon Hobby in Champaign, IL and let them know your Situation. Just because they haven't replied to my Calls for Help doesn't mean that they will treat You the same way... so don't Give Up the Ship with Horizon just yet... They might just see things differently with You and I will Pray for That.
Godspeed and Good Luck,
Bruno ⚓
It's a brushed motor you do not use lipos with it
If you shouldn't use LiPos with brushed motors, you might wanna advise Horizon Hobby about that...
Horizon's Recommendations and Instructions specify the use of Spektrum Lipo Batteries.
Thanks for your suggestion!
Bruno ⚓
If your knowledge about rc boats or electronics is anything like your camera work you should give both up!
Why not just change to own tx/rx?
Welcome Aboard Cyberchronick... you have a GREAT point, but my Concern is for folks who actually expected what the Horizon Hobby promotional material had shown. Please use this Link to view my follow-up video:
ruclips.net/video/zruQwLc9fKs/видео.html
Honestly, if Horizon had made this Tug as a Ready-to-Finish/Plug-n-Play as opposed to Ready-to-Run, more than a few RC Modelers would have saved about $600.00 each in lost Tugs and Batteries... not to mention their frustration and embarrassment.
I would retain an Attorney and take on Horizon Hobby directly for Deception and Fraud, except for the fact that in general, items sold as 'Hobbies' or to 'Hobbyists' in the United States are not covered by the same Consumer Laws as 'Toys' or 'Durable Goods'. Horizon Hobby has exploited this loophole in Federal Law since 1985 and has made the pursuit of a Hobby more like gambling than a constructive and educational pastime.
@@brunobiava4833 I think I'm just getting use to fixing something on almost any hobby vehicle I get. Plus the range usually sucks too so I'm always changing them anyway. Man, goodluck with the tug. I'm glad I saw your video before I bought 1.ive fixed my blackjack 42 3 times now, I've had it 2 weeks. Lol
@@Cyberchronick ... sooner or later Stuff is gonna break down... these Tugs aren't anything like Horizon's Promotion Program promised.
I used to get some ...uh... feedback about Kyosho Blizzards, but most of the problem is that folks mistake a Snow Groomer for a Tank or a Caterpillar Bulldozer. I try to get them in to the right mindset so they can learn to drive a Blizzard first and then turn them loose after they gain a little Wisdom of their own.
The Horizon Harbor Tug has been a Heartbreaking thing because it LOOKS Great, but seems to be Diabolically Designed to Fail. No doubt for many Folks, it may be their first RC Boat... and what I fear is that the Children watch their Grown-ups struggling with this Tug will actually cause their young Eyes to be repulsed by the sight of ANY Radio Controlled Model.
@@Cyberchronick my Blackjack 29 , has been well reliable
My black 29 and 42 have been great as well. I still might get the tug. I like it. Lol
@Horzion Hobby comes Highly recommended from my personal experience, if your boat is within the warranty they will 100% help you. I had to send back two boats and they sent my two new boats back at no charge due to the boats being covered under the warranty!!.... There is a process but there should be or every tom dick and harry would try to be returning everything.
I tried to contact Horizon Hobby repeatedly and have waited over 8 months for assistance... I live just 2 1/2 hours from their Service Center in Champaign, but without being invited I am not going to go and confront them on this in person.
The only acknowledgement of any communication I have sent was a Set of Promotional decals advertising Horizon Hobby products I received in the mail a couple months ago.
Everything u show in this video are common issues in any rc and easy fix it seems you lack knowledge about rc boat water proof receiver box best advice take it to your local hobby shop
Horizontal
@No music RC
I'm not the Brightest Bulb in the Circuit (and most Day the Connection is Momentary at Best...) but, I finally figured out what You Meant...
(I tried for MONTHS to make a Video from Bed...
... but all I could record was the Ceiling)
Thanks for the Constructive Criticism 😉
Bruno ⚓
A litl
You are very dramatic Horizon always you guarantee and maybe you are not reading or making a research about the receiver and the pump installation knows that in this hobby, we have problems like this all days, it’s important your ugly to resolve them