New and Need Advice on Gasoline Power

[ab8dd]

Hello! I am interested in getting started in R/C Boating. I recently purchased an RV and the campground we like has two nice lakes and they have given permission to run model boats! I have been in R/C for many years but have no experience with boats. I have seen a couple nitro boats run and it appeared to me they were less dependable than I like, meaning the nitro engines frequently stopped and it was a hassle to retrieve the boat. I have been told gasoline power is more dependable. I like the look of the deep vee's such as the Proboat Shockwave 55 (Remember I am new so be nice!) but want to get some of your opinions before proceeeding. Is a clutch necessary for even more dependability? What should I be looking for? I will spend up to $900 or so.

Any help is appreciated!

[Doubledog]

GAS,

GAS,

GAS !

Did I say gas?

Its too simple. If you own a gas weedeater, then this is easier. Nothing like it. Don't get me wrong, I cut my teeth on nitro boats & planes for 15 years. Sold everything and then came back to the hobby with a gas boat. Right out of the box it started on the third pull and sat there and idled like a charm. Knock on wood, but very rarely am I out there chasing the boat down because of a needle setting wasn't just right because the humidity is high or the barametric pressure raised.

When I go to the water, I've got my boat & two tool boxes & a half gallon of gas (pre mix). One box for my radios, One with box has the spare parts, tape etc.. that you'll normall take along, but it doesn't have a glow wrench, starter, and the battery. Oh, fuel is cheap v/s $15 + a gallon for nitro and you get a good 30-40 minute run times per tank.

Too easy. Choke one pull, open the throttle to about 1/4 with choke released, then usually it fires up and runs. That simple.

Clutch ~~ no, you do not need it. As a non-racer I love mine and run two boats with them. It allows the boat to come to a stop with the engine running (just like the string trimmer). Makes for easy one person operation. I like to start my boats in the water, but a lot of guys will start them on the stand next to it and carry it over. My next boat might not have one just because...

Guys here know me and I'm not knocking nitro too hard, but I've gone gas and doubt it will ever have place in my shop unless on a plane.

[ab8dd]

Thanks for your input!

I am definatley sold on gas, but what boat? Is the Proboat Shockwave 55 any good?

What other choices exist? I looked at some of the Prather stuff but don't like the looks of their boats as well as the Shockwave. I do prefer a RTRun for my first boat.

[Doubledog]

Don't just look at the Shockwave and the Prather. I've owned two nitro pathers and they're good boats, just there's more out there.

Here's a few of my favorite links:

Ebay (I'd buy used in a nano second and save a lot of $'s)

http://www.redlinestands.com/images/index.htm ----- this guy sells a lot on ebay and has a good product. Some may argue its a copy, but lets not get into that.

http://www.whobbies.com/ --- I currently own two Super G' s
http://www.aeromarinerc.com/
http://www.bonzisports.com/
http://www.ballantinehobbies.com/
http://www.seaducerboats.com/home.htm
http://www.funrcboats.com/Store.htm#820
http://www.rocketcityracing.com/pilot.asp
http://www.insaneboats.com/

[ab8dd]

Thanks Again!
I will do some homework and be back with more questions... I am sure!

[ab8dd]

Okay... I found a good deal on a Proboat Shockwave, I ran it today and only have a couple issues. First, I have the throttle servo that appears to "glitch" while the engine is running. The rudder is okay, but the throttle is a little jumpy at 1/2 open?

The next issue is the cooling, It looked like it was indeed picking up and ejecting water through the outlet but I am interested in adding a water pump to ensure the engine is receiving adequeate cooling. What is everone using? Where do I get one? What voltage are they? Etc. Etc.

Oh, by-the-way the boat ran great!

Any help is appreciated

[Hydro Junkie]

On the radio glitching, I can think of two possible causes:
1. Receiver Batteries are weak/old
2. Receiver and/or antenna too close to engine

If the batteries are weak or old and not taking a full charge, you might not be getting enough juice to the receiver or servo

If the receiver or antenna are too close to the engine, you could be getting interference from the engine ignition system. If the radio in the boat is an AM type, the interference will be more obvious than with an FM or FM PCM type

[ab8dd]

Thanks Hydro-Junkie...

The radio is JR XR3i FM, Batteries are 1800 mah NiMH.

I run 6v in all my aircraft (Futaba) I have no experience with JR, could I try 6v with JR?

[Hydro Junkie]

I don't have any experience with the JR line either. I just remember several guys having nothing but trouble with their radios in Zenoah powered 1/6th scale hydroplanes. They found that most had to move the radio as far from the engine as possible to avoid engine interferance.

[ab8dd]

Since this is a RTR set-up I would think the distance from engine to radio would have been proven... I will call Horizon to see what they have to say, surly I am not the first with this issue!?

[ab8dd]

The rudder servo is defective... I switched out the JR Z270 with an older one I had laying around and it solved the problem!

Thanks for you help!