| Radio Controlled Boats come in all shapes and | | | | availability, the higher performing models really are |
| sizes. But the top-of-the-line performers in terms | | | | limited to a few manufacturers. They are |
| of speed and performance are the gas boats. | | | | Megatech, Traxxas and Venom. There are |
| These boats come with full engines that can really | | | | certainly others, but these three deliver the |
| crank out speed. Since the engines are larger to | | | | broadest product offerings. |
| accommodate the gas/oil mixture tanks, the | | | | Maintenance. The gas boats, like the nitro |
| boats themselves are larger, sometimes up to 5 | | | | counterparts, must be maintained. Their engine |
| feet long. There are pros cons to owning these | | | | parts must be tended to and replaced when |
| boats so let's review a few of them. | | | | necessary. Also, depending on where you operate |
| Price. Gas boats tend to be more expensive than | | | | your gas boats, they may need to be tuned |
| either their electric or nitro brethren, often times | | | | accordingly. Operating on lake surfaces at altitude |
| topping $1,000. However, the devil is in the details. | | | | will require special tuning for peak efficiency, just |
| The gas is cheaper to purchase than the | | | | like a full sized speed boat. |
| nitro-methane mixture required in nitro boats. | | | | Noise. This is an unfortunate by product of the |
| Also, the gas boats will run longer on a tank of | | | | gas boats. They are loud, which is why often |
| gas. So over the long term, the boats may | | | | times a larger body of water will help dissipate the |
| actually turn out to be a less expensive | | | | noise. They need to be operated within allowable |
| alternative than the nitro models. | | | | noise ordinances and with a view towards polite |
| Performance. These boats are heavier and have | | | | sharing of outdoor water bodies. |
| design efficiencies built into them to be able to | | | | Skill. Gas boats require a level of skill to handle |
| handle rougher water surfaces. Where lighter nitro | | | | them. The combination of size and speed can be |
| boats may not be able to handle wakes without | | | | potent in the wrong hands. Certainly some |
| flipping, gas boats will often times slice right | | | | experience with hobby grade electric models is |
| through them with ease. Hull designs and stabilizing | | | | warranted before stepping at the controls of one |
| features make this a boat built for continuous | | | | of these finely tuned boats. However, once |
| performance at high speeds. | | | | mastered, the experience is unmatched. |
| Water Space Requirements. Make no mistake. | | | | A lot of serious rc boat enthusiasts prefer the |
| You must have a larger body of surface water | | | | gas boats to either nitro or electric due to the |
| to be able to operate these models efficiently. | | | | performance that can be squeezed out of these |
| Ponds, pools and really small water bodies won't | | | | boats. The fuel is easy to get your hands on and |
| cut it. They simply move too fast! Lakes and in | | | | over the long haul will be cheaper to operate. |
| some cases ocean racing are ideal. This rule is | | | | Price is a valid concern and these boats should be |
| particularly true for competitive racing. | | | | considered investments and not one time shots |
| Product Availability. Whereas the lower tier toy | | | | at having fun only to be shelved and never use |
| grade and electric rc boat models have a lot of | | | | again. |
| manufacturers offering plenty of product | | | | |