good beginner boat?

[Chris LaPanse]

Hey. I'm looking for a good first big gas boat. I already have a (highly modified) caribbean cruiser, and I want something a little bigger and faster without the hassle of nitro. I'm looking at the Enforcer Manta Ray. Is this a good one to start with? I already have an Agressor CRX radio system, so control is not an issue. Also, I would be running this at some large reservoirs near my house that usually have 4"-6" chop. Could this boat handle that at full throttle, or would I have to run it more slowly? Finally, would I have to use 100+ octane racing gas, or would normal pump gas work (i know i need to add oil) Any help would be greatly appreciated :)

[Hydro Junkie]

As to the fuel, good old fashioned pump gas with two stroke oil is all you need :) I wouldn't look any smaller than the Manta Ray with that kind of chop. I might even look at the 57 Magnum since it is longer still. Are you looking at buying the RTR or assembling it your self? As for running at full throttle in the chop you described, I think it comes down to driver's skill and discression. As for being a good starter boat, the gas engines are easy to work with, there is room to get to everything, and being fiberglass it's low maintenance. Just keep the batteries charged and the flex shaft lubed and your good to go :D If you plan on assembling it your self, make sure you use a HIGH TORQUE RUDDER SERVO. Happy Boating :D

[Chris LaPanse]

Definitely the RTR -radio. As far a servos, i'm looking at this one for rudder:
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXWB64&P=0
that should be fine on 6v, right? :)

Also, would the 3" difference in length really noticeably affect the handling/rough water ability? Thanks for the help

[Hydro Junkie]

That servo would be good at 4.8 volts. As for 3 inches making a difference, it could, depending on boat speed, chop height and wave frequency. If the chop is close together, it won't make a difference. If the chop is further apart, the three inches could keep the boat on top of the waves rather than plowing through them :)

[Ron Olson]

HJ is right on the Gas. 87 octane pump gas is all that you need. Buy a quality oil though.
If you need a 1/4 scale servo to fit in the hole in the radio box, just use this one, it will do the job and is a lot cheaper:
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXN601&P=0

[Chris LaPanse]

The chop that I would be running in is usually close together. Also, with regards to the rudder servo, I like the fact that that other one is digital and comes with the aluminum servo arm. Besides, if I'm already getting a 1300 dollar boat, I dont think a 35 dollar difference in servo price will be that big of a deal. Also, would a high speed throttle servo make a difference in the throttle response time, or will any old servo work just as well?

[Ron Olson]

Any standard servo will work just fine.

[Chris LaPanse]

Good, i have a a bunch of those lying around. Also, does it come with foam flotation, because i will probably flip it once or twice, and I'd like it if flotation was already installed :D Also, are trim tabs installed in the boat?

(i've already had to rescue my other boat from the bottom of the pond before. Luckily, it sank in only 8 ft deep water ;) )

Thanks for all of the info, guys. It's really helpful.

[Hydro Junkie]

Went to the WHH site to check, didn't list any flotation. If not, you can always fill the bow with foam :) I've also seen (of all things) ping pong balls glued into the bow of a boat. As long as you keep whatever you use light, you shouldn't have a problem :D