Gas Powered RC Boats Are Fast Becoming a Popular Hobby
Gas powered rc boats are fast becoming a popular hobby for remote control enthusiasts, and rightly so! Not only do gas powered rc boats go faster, enabling you to enjoy the thrill of high speed racing, but unlike the unrealistic sound of an electric powered engine, gas powered rc boats sound so real!
On the downside, however, because of their realistic (read loud) sound, gas powered rc boats are not allowed in many residential areas and parks due to the fact that they can exceed the sound restriction levels.
However, before you go out and purchase gas powered remote control boats, there are several things to consider. Gas powered RC boats come in a wide variety of styles and combinations. Sizes usually range from 20” to 60” and speeds can be anywhere from 20mph to 100mph depending on the style and engine you choose. You can purchase gas powered radio control boats either ready-to-run (RTR), or as a kit that you need to put together. But regardless of which you choose there are still two specific things to keep in mind; what sort of engine should you choose – and what sort of hull is the best for your intended purposes?
Distinct Gas Powered RC Boats Engines
There are two distinct types of engines that run on gas; the nitro (or glow engine) or the pure gas-run engine. Most gas powered rc boats hobbyists use a two or four stroke glow engine that has been tailored to fit that specific boat model and run on a specifically blended fuel with a methanol base and certain oils added for lubrication. “Nitro fuel” as it is called, is only available through hobby shops and is quite a bit more expensive than regular gasoline. Glow engines come as either two-stroke, or four-stroke models.
Gas Powered RC Boats – The Two-Stroke Engine For Beginners
A two-stroke engine is an engine where the engine fires on every revolution of the piston. Two-stroke engines are usually what is recommended to beginning rc boats enthusiast as they are easier to operate and do not tend to break down as easily as the more powerful models.
Four-Stroke Engines For The Advanced Boater
A four-stroke engine fires once every two revolutions. The sound of the engine is far more realistic and provides more power, but they tend to break down easier, need considerably more maintenance, and cost a good bit more than the two-stroke models. Gas powered boats are a lot of fun and you should not be discouraged because of these drawbacks.
Various Model Hulls To Choose From
Gas powered boats come in a number of hull styles, and each hull-style has its good points and its drawbacks.
Deep Vee
The Deep Vee (or Mono Hull) is probably the best choice for a beginning remote control, gas powered rc boats enthusiast. Deep Vee’s are widely available with either an inboard or outboard motor. They have the most drag of any of the styles available, can navigate rough water and have excellent maneuverability.
Hydroplane
Hydroplanes (or Tunnel Hulls) are the fastest model of any gas powered rc boats available, but they have one major drawback; they will flip with almost no provocation, meaning that the water conditions have to be pretty close to perfect in order to use them. If you have been to a gas powered rc boats race you will get the racing bug.
Catamaran
Catamaran’s are a blend between Hydroplanes and Deep Vee’s and are also made as inboard and outboard gas powered rc boats. They can handle rough water, but have more drag than a Hydroplane, meaning that they are steadier, but can go faster than the Deep Vee. The hull style and engine that you chose will depend on your budget, but also on your skill level, but regardless of what hull style or which engine you chose, using gas powered rc boats is an excellent hobby for any remote control enthusiast to take up.
Are you ready to take up the plunge into the gas powered rc boats hobby? Leave a comment below to let us know which model you have chosen as your preferred gas powered rc boats…
