Choosing between Gas, Electric and Nitro Powered Radio Controlled Boats

In: Recreation & Sports

14 Jun 2009

When it comes to radio controlled boat racing, there are three main sources of power that you can choose from. Electric powered radio controlled boats are the most basic models available, and can be some of the cheapest to buy and fuel as while you may have to change or charge the batteries, you do not have to constantly be buying new fuel for them. Gas powered radio controlled boats are fueled using a mixture of standard automobile gasoline and oil, and are also on the cheaper end to fuel than their higher end counterparts, and considered a good middle of the road reliable radio controlled boat.

On the other hand, you have nitro powered radio controlled boats, which run on a nitro methane mixture. They run for longer periods of time than radio controlled boats powered from electricity and though the fuel does tend to be more expensive than that used by the gasoline powered radio controlled boats and though it does tend to go bad faster, you’ll find that it can also be adapted for more compact, smaller radio controlled boats. No matter what your needs are, make sure that you find a power source that really suits you.

If you are just getting started with the hobby, many people will point you towards the electric powered radio controlled boats. They are easy to afford, easy to fuel and they do not have extensive maintenance requirements. You will also be able to customize the radio controlled boats to your specifications. There are many options open to you with this type of radio controlled boat, and you can choose between something that is ready to run right out of the box and something that you will put together yourself. They usually range between 30 and 200 dollars and you’ll be able to see a wide variety of different options in front of you.

Electric radio controlled boats are highly reliable and easy to work with on a technical level, as well as being very easy to operate. They generally run on the same type of batteries commonly found on radio controlled cars, which are usually 6 to 12 cell rechargeable NiCad battery packs. They are also usually much quieter to run than gas or nitro powered units, making them perfect for use in urban environments or other places where noise levels are an issue.

When you are looking at an electric powered radio controlled boat, you will find that you can get some respectable speeds, usually between 15 and 25 miles per hour. Also keep in mind, however, that as the battery drains, they will get slower and lose power. Make sure that you keep replacement batteries on hand when you want to race.

When you want an option that is a bit more middle of the road, look at gas powered radio controlled boats. Depending on your radio controlled boat, you may end up using different mixes of gasoline to oil. Gas radio controlled boats tend to be larger and they have ?weed whacker? engines, meaning that while they do tend towards the longer run times, they can b a bit on the loud side. They can also achieve speeds that are upwards of 40 to 65 miles, though and they can run for more than half an hour on a single tank. When you are looking at racing, these are the radio controlled boats that you will tend to see. If you stay in the radio controlled boat hobby, you will probably try a gas powered radio controlled boat at some point or another.

Finally, let’s take a look at nitro radio controlled boats As we mentioned above, you’ll find that nitro radio controlled boats use a nitro-methane fuel. They can reach speeds between 30 to an impressive hundred miles an hour, but they are largely restricted to short run times because of their rapid fuel consumption. They have set the majority of speed records in the radio controlled boating world and they tend to be smaller radio controlled boats that focus on high performance. They are certainly smaller than the gas powered radio controlled boats. Do keep in mind that one gallon of fuel for this type of radio controlled boat comes in around fifteen dollars. Also remember that these radio controlled boats tend to be much more expensive when you first by them.

As to which model is best for you, that depends on what you are looking for in your radio controlled boat. For the casual weekend user, an electric radio controlled boat is probably the way to go. You do not have to buy and store volatile fuel and you can just put it in a box and out of mind when you are not using it. When you want to take your radio controlled boat out for a spin, just unpack, put it on the water, and go.

If you want to get involve with racing radio controlled boats, you’ll discover that the gas powered radio controlled boat is a good choice. They are great for high speeds and long runs, and they are also easy to customize with speed and performance in mind. They are also perfect if you have some cash to spend but don’t like the routine purchase of pricey fuel.

When you are into really gorgeous radio controlled boats that give you ultra high performance, you’ll discover that nitro radio controlled boats are what you want. The engines are perhaps more pricey, but if you want serious speed, this is the way to go.

If you are looking to get involved in radio controlled boating, the best thing you can do is get online or go to a hobby shop and do some research of your own. Before you buy, talk to people who have the type of radio controlled boats you are interested in, and maybe even see if they will let you give one of their radio controlled boats a spin.

There are many radio controlled boating organizations and clubs all around the country who are always happy to welcome interested people and answer their questions, and through these groups, you can even find races and competitions where you can meet up with others who find radio controlled boating just as thrilling as you do.

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