All about the RC nitro boat hobby

Remote control nitro boats are available in numerous styles, so it’s easy to find one you like:

•Deep V’s

•Aqua Jet

•Speed boat

•Catamaran

•Air Boat

•High Performance Racers

You need plenty of space to run an RC nitro boat and you also need to keep in mind that the engine noise can thoroughly disrupt a quiet afternoon. Some waterways have restrictions on both noise and speed, so be sure to check on any regulations at your favourite boating spots.

These boats run with a marine engine and have all the maintenance needs of any fuel-driven engine. Filters, fuel and air, need to be kept clean. The carburetor, cooling head and tuned exhaust pipe all need to be operating correctly for your boat to perform properly.

A RTR RC nitro boat comes with the boat, engine and a radio control system, usually 2 channels, but some have 4 channels, and can be ready for the water in no time flat. Even with RTR models though, you will need supplies and tools to finish your setup and prep your boat for running. These items can include:•Fuel Bottle

•Glow Plug Wrench

•AA batteries for your transmitter and receiver

•Manual Fuel Pump

•Ni-Cd Glow Driver

•Nitro Glow Fuel

•Hobby knife & Phillips screwdriver

•Pull start stick

A few remote control nitro boats have electric starter systems, but you will find that most have pull start engines. Your run time will average around 20 minutes per tank of fuel. Keeping this in mind can be difficult when blasting your nitro boat across the water, so some models have a great feature called "Return-to-Shore" systems where an electric motor engages the main prop if you run out of fuel in the middle of the lake.

No matter what model RC nitro boat you choose to run, you will be working with a boat that is 2-3 feet long and capable of running at speeds of 20-65mph. Some enthusiasts recommend using RC airplane fuel because of the higher lubrication capabilities. Your controller may have the responsiveness of an electric, but it’s best to acclimate yourself to your boat’s handling before testing out top speeds.

Be sure to include a boat stand, which may need to be assembled, but will prove to be an invaluable tool. Your boat stand allows you to work on your boat safely and provides a stable storage spot between runs.

Every remote control nitro boats style looks different and runs different on the water, but experienced pilots usually point novices to the V’s and deep V’s, because of their ease and reliability of handling.

If you think cutting through the water at high speeds would make your heart beat just a little faster, then visit your hobby store, or stroll through one of the great online RC nitro boat sites.