HYDRA COBRA 5 HV, 12S, 50.4V ESC

Name: HYDRA COBRA 5 HV, 12S, 50.4V ESC
Brand: Hydra
SKU: 010-0183-00
Price: 389.95 USD
Availability: InStock

Product #: 010-0183-00

HYDRA COBRA 5 HV - MARINE-GRADE, 12S HIGH-VOLTAGE ESC

Push your boat to its limits. The Castle Hydra Cobra 5 HV is a next-generation marine ESC designed for RC hobby boats up to 50 inches. Built on the same proven technology as the Cobra 5 HV surface ESC and re-engineered for water, it delivers uncompromising 12S / 50.4 V power, data-rich performance monitoring, and bulletproof protection.

KEY FEATURES:

32-Bit processing power for smoother motor control and improved response time.
Enhanced Data Logging includes:
Double the maximum sample frequency of older generations.
8x increased logging time of older generations.
ESC electrical motor timing data.
Acceleration data via onboard accelerometer.
Looping feature prevents interruptions in data log recording.
Additional tuning features include:
Limp Mode makes return to shore easier when low voltage cutoff is activated.
Highly adjustable internal BEC (5.0V - 8.5V adjustable in 0.1V increments)
Access to tuning options and firmware updates for free with Castle Link V4 USB programmer included with purchase or the Castle Link 2 App and a B-Link 2 Bluetooth Interface.
Upgraded current-sensing and thermal protection system actively mitigates the risk of failure in aggressive or high-load setups.

PURCHASE INCLUDES:

Hydra Cobra 5 HV ESC
Cobra decals
Castle Link V4 USB Adapter
Cobra Quick Start Guide

Resources
Hydra Cobra 5 HV Quick Start	Product Use Statements	Cobra 5 HV Mounting Template
ESC Calibration	Audible Alert Reference Chart

PRODUCT IS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN SHIPPING ON OCTOBER 15, 2025

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USD $389.95 /EA
List Price: USD $477.15 /EA

Waterproof : Yes
Telemetry Capable : No
Data Logging : Yes
Auxiliary Wire : Yes
Minimum Input Voltage : 6S
Maximum Input Voltage : 12S
Sensored Capable : Yes
Recon G6 Certified ESC : No
ROAR Certified ESC : No
CRYO-DRIVE : Yes
B-Link Compatible : Yes

Availability: Temporarily out of stock.

Technical Specs
Application Guidelines:	RC Hobby boats up to 50"
Input Voltage Range:	MIN: 6S LiPo, MAX: 12S LiPo 33.6V
Running Modes:	Sensorless, Brushed and SmartSense™ when paired with a Castle 4-Pole Sensored Motor.
Brake:	Available, but disabled by default.
Reversible:	Available, but disabled by default.
On/Off Switch:	Yes, waterproof
Water cooling fittings	Two .17" fittings included. Uses 10-32 UNF threads.
Size (L x W x H):	4.72" x 1.46" x 2.64" (120mm x 37.2mm x 67mm)
Weight (with wires):	18.1oz (513g)
Continuous current rating*: (SEE NOTE BELOW)	180A
Burst current rating*: (SEE NOTE BELOW)	350A
Motor Connectors:	8mm female bullets on circuit board, matching 8mm male bullets for motor required (not included)
Items Needed for Operation:	The Hydra Cobra 5 HV requires the use of connectors designed for 150+ amps continuous, such as Castle 6.5mm polarized or CC BULLET 8.0MM, QS8 8mm Anti Spark or QS10 10mm Anti Spark. You will also need 8mm male bullets for the motor connections.
Operating environment:	Waterproof design for all weather conditions
Programmability:	Access to tuning options and firmware updates for free with Castle Link V4 USB adapter included with purchase. Now with USB-C connector! (Requires Windows 10 or higher) or the Castle Link 2 App and a B-Link2 Bluetooth Interface.
Tech Tips:	The Hydra Cobra HV has mounting holes located on the bottom of aluminum case for installation into vehicle, download template here. If replacing the water-cooling fittings, it is recommended to use Loctite® 545 (or similar) on the threads. This will ensure a watertight, 25+ PSI strong seal.

For support, frequently asked questions, technical documents, and more, visit our support site.

Castle Creations warrants this product to be free from manufacturing defects for a period of one year from date of purchase.

This is a high-power product with the potential to be very dangerous. Please read the safety information before use. This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and or birth defects or other reproductive harm.

*RC HOBBY CURRENT RATING: Castle does not generally publish amperage ratings for surface ESCs. There is no standardized industry method for testing and rating ESC current capabilities. Castle's testing methods tend to result in much lower numbers than our competitors; we feel our numbers better represent the products actual capabilities. But due to the difference in testing and rating methods, our ESCs can look weaker in comparison to our competition. Please keep that in mind.

The continuous current rating is for 5 minutes with proper cooling, adequate connectors, and batteries. Using improperly sized components can lead to ESC stress and failure that is not covered by the warranty. Controller temperature must never exceed 100° C (212° F). Exceeding current or temperature ratings may damage components and may shorten the life of the ESC. Always verify system current draw at full throttle. Decrease load to decrease the ESC's operating temperature. Many users have pushed MUCH higher numbers, but Castle makes no guarantees on the long-term reliability of the product or on the warranty.

The burst rating is for short, momentary periods lasting no more than 2 seconds. The time between bursts, how long the burst lasts, and water temperature will affect temperatures. Make sure all components in the system (battery, connectors, motor) are capable of handling said current. Closely monitor ESC, motor and battery temperatures and review ESC's data logs.

U.S. Patent # 7400103, 7492122, 7579796, 7740516, 8287328, 8678875, and 8905814 B2 - Other patents pending.

Controller designed and circuit boards manufactured, in Olathe, Kansas USA.
Controller assembled in Olathe, Kansas USA.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES:

CRYO-DRIVE™ Technology minimizes the amount of time the ESC’s electrical components spend generating heat, resulting in improved thermal performance during partial throttle operation where most driving occurs
Wirelessly optimize your setup with the convenience of the new B-Link2™ Bluetooth™ Interface and Castle Link 2 app for Android or iOS.
ESC is housed in a rugged CNC aluminum case and potted in waterproof epoxy to protect the electronics and promote efficient heat transfer.
Machined water-cooled heatsink with 0.17" water fittings.
Auxiliary wire functionality for "on-the-fly" adjustments using your transmitter
Audible alerts for easy diagnosis of common issues such as motor-over-temperature and low-voltage cutoff
Convenient transmitter programming for six common adjustable settings including cutoff voltage and drag brake

Product Use Statements
Calibration:	Individual transmitter signals for neutral, full throttle, and full brake vary. You must calibrate your Castle ESC so that it will operate effectively with your transmitter. Anytime the ESC is powered up with a new transmitter or with different throttle channel settings, it will need to be calibrated to the transmitter’s throttle settings. The ESC may also need to be calibrated after updating to new software via Castle Link.
Input Voltage:	Min: 6S LiPo, Max: 12S LiPo, 50.4V
Battery Capacity Minimum:	The Hydra Cobra 5 HV is a high-performance controller; you must use high-discharge cells in your high-performance application to ensure vehicle performance. MINIMUM battery capacity is 5000mAh and MINIMUM of 50C continuous discharge for general use For extreme setups we recommend a MINIMUM of 70C continuous discharge LiPo batteries. If the batteries you are using contain input bullets you might consider upgrading to a direct wired pack as the bullets may not be able to handle the currents that the Hydra Cobra 5 HV can push out. If you must disable low voltage cutoff to prevent the ESC from shutting down, then your batteries are insufficient for your application. 3.2v/cell is the lowest a LiPo battery should ever be discharged under load. Utilize the data logging capability of the ESC to verify your batteries are not sagging to the cutoff voltage. Exceeding a LiPo batteries capabilities can lead to a catastrophic failure of the battery and/or ESC.
Wiring and Soldering:	High strand count silicone coated copper wire is essential with higher power electric power systems. Castle Creations' wire is lower resistance than the same diameter of solid copper, meaning more power gets from the batteries to the motor with less wasted as heat. The ultra-high strand count and silicone coating means the wire is very flexible which prevents work hardening and breakage with use. Use a high-quality soldering station. Soldering stations usually have a variable temperature control which lets you set the right amount of heat to be used. Too little heat will result in a cold solder joint; too much heat can seriously damage a component. The key factors in quality soldering are time and temperature. Our recommendation for the Hydra Cobra 5 HV is a temperature setting of 400° C (745° F). You want it hot and as short a time as possible. We use 250W soldering irons. Use a high-quality rosin core solder. The rosin core solder is infused with flux which helps clean the surfaces you are soldering for better adhesion. Do not exceed more than 18 inches of total wire between the battery and ESC (this includes the wire already on the ESC and battery). Do not solder wires directly to the circuit board. Doing so will damage the ESC and void the warranty. Our wire is available for purchase and this link provides the appropriate wire gauge for your Castle ESC. http://www.castlecreations.com/wire-application-chart
Connector Ratings Minimum:	The Hydra Cobra 5 HV requires the use of connectors designed for 150+ amps continuous. We have tested and recommend Castle 6.5mm Polarized, Castle 8mm Bullet, QS8 Anti Spark and QS10 Anti Spark Do not use Deans, Traxxas, EC3/XT60, EC5/IC5, XT90/XT90s, or EC5/IC5, connectors in a Hydra Cobra 5 HV setup
Motors:	The Hydra Cobra 5 HV is capable of handling incredible amounts of power, your motor must also be up for the task. Always run your motor within the manufacturer’s specs. Monitor motor, battery, and controller temps carefully and never let the motor get above 200° F. Excessive heat in the motor can damage the motor, the Hydra Cobra 5 HV, and your batteries. The default “Smart Sense™” modes uses the sensors (if applicable motor is used) to start the motor smoothly. Once the motor is running the ESC stops using the sensors and reverts to sensorless operation. If a sensored motor is not used, the ESC reverts to full sensorless operation.
Prop size:	When you are tuning a boat, expect some modifications in prop size to get it exactly where you want it. The goal here is to not overheat the motor, ESC, and/or batteries. Check your motor temps – never let the motor get above 200° F - invest in an infrared thermometer so you can monitor temps easily. You can also adjust MOTOR TEMPERATURE CUTOFF (with Sensored Motors Only) in Castle Link. When this setting is enabled, the controller will shut off if the motor reaches the specified temperature as indicated by its internal temperature sensor. We always recommend making small changes when propping up.
Castle Link Settings:	During the optimization of your setup, it is critical to check motor and ESC temperatures after making adjustment. The heat limit threshold for Hydra Cobra 5 HV ESC is 200° F and Castle motors is 200° F. We recommend the use of the data log as you progress with the feel and power of the vehicle. You will be able to record real-time data such as motor RPM, battery current and voltage, ESC and motor temperature, throttle input, and more. Download and analyze the collected data via Castle Link and make adjustments to maximize both performance and battery life.
AUX Wire:	The AUX wire allows you to adjust a setting “on-the-fly” using an auxiliary channel on your receiver. The AUX wire function is disabled by default and is programmable via Castle Link. Plug this wire into the auxiliary (#3/#4) channel on your receiver. You MUST connect the AUX wire to an open channel on your receiver even if you are not using the Auxiliary function. You MUST disconnect the AUX wire from your radio before connecting to Castle Link. Failure to do so may result in damage to your Castle Link and/or computer.
Operating Environment Considerations:	Although Hydra Cobra 5 HV is waterproof, it is not intended for operation while completely submerged in liquid. Always rinse the ESC and motor with clean water after exposure to corrosives or dirt. The receiver harness and sensor harness connections at the board can be affected by water. While most boat hulls are watertight, water can find its way in. Applying dielectric grease to these connections can prevent corrosion and signal interruption if these connections are exposed to water.

Optional Accessories
011-0181-00	B-Link 2 Bluetooth Interface supports iOS and Android App
010-0079-00	Castle Link Quick Connect (or Quick Connect Duo)
011-0053-00	6.5mm Polarized Connectors-Male/Female Single Pk
011-0068-00	6.5mm Polarized Connectors-Male Multi-Pack
011-0069-00	Polarized Castle Connectors - 6.5mm Female Multi-Pack
CC BULLET 6.5MM	6.5mm Male/Female Connector Set (3ea)
CC BULLET 8.0MM	8.0mm Male/Female Connector Set (3ea)
011-0148-00	Castle Capacitor Pack, 8S MAX (35V)