Nitro RC boats - if speed is your game!
Nitro rc boats provide much excitement and exhilaration on a pond because of their speed, and a fast-moving nitro boat throwing up a huge rooster tail is a great sight!
Whereas electric rc boats are easier to run and cheaper to buy, a nitro model will, without doubt, give you a bigger thrill on the water. A typical (unmodified) medium sized nitro rc boat can achieve speeds of around 30mph, which is pretty quick on a stretch of water. More powerful models can get up to 50mph, and fully race-tuned boats even faster.
For a first time nitro rc boat though, don't rush out and buy the fastest or largest thing you can lay your hands on - a model with a length of around 24-30 inches and with a medium sized motor, say around the .12 - .16 mark, will be plenty fast enough for you to have heaps of fun with. These are commonly known as 'sport' boats.
The Formula Fastech from Pro Boat, shown below, is an example of such a boat:
This kind of sport rc boat is designed for ease of use over anything else and is the best kind of rc boat to get you started quickly in the hobby.
See the Pro Boat Formula Fastech in more detail.
Of course, if you do want to go for something a bit sexier there are always options. RC air boats and unlimited hydroplane racing boats are available in nitro versions. It may be that you like the idea of running a scale boat anyway ie one that has been modeled from a real-life boat, such as the U-1 Miss Elam, shown below...
Nitro rc boats like this look fantastic on the water, but be warned that they aren't as stable as V-hull (sport) shape boats and are better left until you've gained a bit of nitro boating experience!
See the U-1 Miss Elam RTR Hydro in more detail.
RTR nitro rc boats
A nitro boat which comes RTR, or Ready To Run, such as the two shown above is the best option if you're not bothered about building a model boat from a kit, as these will get you onto the water as quickly as possible.
An RTR model, as the name suggests, comes with nitro motor and radio control gear fully installed and the boat body is pre-finished, other than maybe leaving you to add the decals supplied. The only thing you will need to buy are the essential field equipment items to start and run the engine, and batteries for the radio gear.
RTR nitro rc boats can be made from fiberglass or tough ABS plastic (more commonly). Either material is very tough but lightweight - less weight obviously greatly decreases drag on the water, which translates into more speed!
Whichever kind of nitro rc boat you settle for, you can be assured of some fun-filled and exhilarating days at the pond!
Browse some nitro rc boats here.
Related pages
Nitro boat motors - explanations of different design motors.
Boat hull design - see the various shapes and the best to go for.
Gas rc boats - if your wallet needs emptying right now.
Electric rc boats - if you prefer less noise and speed.
