Quick nitro boat question.

[Maltrio]

I have always wondered why nitro boats don't have air filters? It probably sounds like a stupid question to all of you seasoned vets, but I'm curious. Thanks

[Ron Olson]

Quick Nitro Boat Answer.
We do see this question more often than you'd think. I'll bet that I see it at least once every 2 months. No dust on the water! OK, that and most air filters would clog up with water making them useless within minutes. Under normal running, your motor doesn't ingest enough water to do any harm whether inboard or outboard. This does not include flipping the boat.
Signed, an OLD seasoned vet. :D

[hydroracer]

same reason that airplanes don't use them. the motors aren't running close to dirt and gravel. air filters aren't necessary under normal conditions. a fuel filter is a good idea though. :cool:

[Maltrio]

Thanks guys. So what if you have an inboard and you flip and you suck in water through the carb?

[Ron Olson]

The same as an outboard. They will inhale some water and flood the motor shutting it down. If you're lucky, you don't break a conrod which is most of the time. An air filter would get knocked off in a flip anyway so it still doesn't do any good.

[BoatDoc]

well, at that point the motor dies and the boat sits dead. you get it back to shore, drain the water from the hull, make sure you get any water out of the motor, gas it and go! i've flipped many times with outboards and inboards and had no engine problems. personally, i've only heard one guy complain of sucking water and damaging his engine.