TFL Zonda Catamaran: Specs, Setup and Running a 1 m Brushless Cat
The TFL Zonda is a large twin-motor racing catamaran from TFL Hobby, measuring about 1,040 mm long with a 305 mm beam. Typical builds use two 3674-size brushless motors (around 2075 kV) with dual 120 A water-cooled ESCs and two 4S 4000 mAh 40C batteries, driving through 3/16-inch flex shafts. It’s sold as hull-and-hardware kits, ARTR versions with electronics, and a Zonda Pro set up for 2×6S. Fibreglass and carbon fibre editions exist. It’s a fast boat for experienced drivers.
By Kyle HilsonUpdated: October 20264 min read
Typical specifications
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Length / beam / height | 1,040 / 305 / 140 mm |
| Hull | Catamaran, fibreglass or carbon |
| Motors | Twin brushless (e.g. 3674 2075KV) |
| ESCs | Dual 120 A, water-cooled |
| Batteries | Two 4S 4000 mAh 40C+ (Zonda Pro: 2×6S) |
| Shafts | 4.76 mm (3/16 in) flex shafts |
From TFL dealer listings, checked October 2026. Versions and kits differ; hull-only kits need all electronics.
Versions
TFL offers the Zonda as a bare hull with hardware (you add motors, ESCs, radio and batteries), as ARTR versions with the power system installed, and as the Zonda Pro set up for higher voltage. Carbon editions are lighter and stiffer; fibreglass versions cost less. Choose the version based on how much setup you want to do and your experience.
Setup tips
- Check that both motors spin in the correct directions for their props (usually counter-rotating).
- Set strut height and angle the same on both sides as a starting point.
- Balance the boat with the batteries placed to the recommended CG.
- Confirm water flow through both cooling circuits.
- Seal the hatch and test for leaks in a tub.
- Start with conservative props; check temperatures after the first runs.
Running a big cat
Catamarans ride on a cushion of air between the hulls, which makes them very fast but vulnerable to wind getting underneath. Run in calm conditions, accelerate smoothly, and back off if the nose starts lifting. Turns are flat and grippy, but too much rudder at speed can trip a hull. Have a retrieval boat, since a 1 m boat stalled in the middle of a lake isn’t easy to fetch. Racing with cats is covered in RC boat racing.
Power and batteries
Two high-power brushless systems draw serious current, so batteries must have high discharge ratings and good connectors. Cooling is essential. Motor basics are explained in RC boat motors. Handle and charge LiPo packs carefully: in a fireproof container, never unattended.
Care
- Grease flex shafts after every session.
- Check props for nicks and balance.
- Dry the hull and electronics bay.
- Inspect strut and rudder mounts for cracks.
- Check cooling lines for kinks.
Props and tuning
Prop choice is the biggest tuning factor on a twin cat. Start with the props recommended for your motor and battery, check amp draw and temperatures, then try slightly larger or higher pitch props for more speed if temperatures allow. Both props must be matched pairs and balanced. Strut height affects how the boat rides: raising the props usually frees up speed but reduces grip in turns. Change one thing at a time and log results.
Building from a hull kit
Hull-and-hardware kits need careful installation of the motor mounts, cooling lines, ESCs and radio box. Seal all holes through the hull and check alignment of the motors and shafts before gluing anything permanently.
FAQ
How big is the TFL Zonda?
About 1,040 mm long and 305 mm wide.
What batteries does it use?
Commonly two 4S packs; the Zonda Pro uses 2×6S.
Is it good for beginners?
No, it’s a fast boat for experienced drivers.
Fibreglass or carbon?
Carbon is lighter and stiffer; fibreglass costs less.
More on this topic: the complete RC Cars guide covers the basics behind this article.
About 20 years in RC. Mostly boats in the NAVIGA Mini Eco Expert class, with many self-made parts; also a King Motor Baja 5B, a home-built electric plane, home-built nitro planes he has flown, and an RC helicopter. More about SwellRC
