What Is Radio Controlled Model Boat Racing?
Model boat racing is the competitive sport of racing miniature boats around a course marked by buoys on a small lake or pond. The boats skim across the water powered by small internal combustion engines and controlled by the means of a hand held transmitter and an onboard receiver that sends signals to servos that actuate the throttle and steering. Men, women and boys and girls of all ages participate in racing events across the country. Most grew up attending one or more of the many forms of real boat racing as spectators. Others, however, just got hooked by witnessing a model boat race. Some even transitioned from flying model airplanes or racing model cars or trucks. Regardless of what sparked our interest, all of us share the common goal of competing against our peers with boats and engines meticulously prepared to be fast and consistent and to win races.
The following are just a few basics about various aspects of model boat racing. Please keep in mind that this is just a general guide and that you should consult the I.M.P.B.A. rule book or contact a member of your local boat club for details.
Engines
There are two basic types of engines used in model race boats. The most common are the "nitro" motors that use fuel consisting of a blend of methanol, nitro-methane and oil. These are very similar to model airplane engines, but are specifically designed for marine applications and are built to provide maximum performance. The other motors are the "gas" motors that resemble those found in weed trimmers and run on gasoline blended with two-stroke oil. The gas engines are larger in displacement and typically are categorized in their own classes. However, some may be used in the F class with the nitro motors. Gas motors require less maintenance than nitro motors and are therefore gaining in popularity.
The nitro engines are placed in classes based on displacement as follows:
A - Up to .12 c.i. (2.0cc)
B - .12 to .21 c.i. (3.5cc)
D - .30 to .45 c.i. (7.5cc)
E - .46 to .67 c.i. (11cc)
F - .67 to 1.8 c.i.(30cc)
The gas engines are classified as follows:
LS27 - Up to 27.0cc
LS36 - 27.0 to 36.0cc
Hulls
Most boats are constructed from wood or fiberglass. Fiberglass boats require much less effort to prepare for racing than one made from wood. Most simply require installation of the engine, hardware and radio equipment before painting. Some even come with a gel coat finish and can be run without painting. The materials used in fiberglass hulls may vary. The standard fiberglass lay up uses woven glass clothe bonded by polyester resin. However, some builders are now using epoxy resins. Most model boat builders now offer the same products made from carbon fiber for the ultimate in strength..
Wood boats can be built from kits or from a set of plans. Kits come supplied with all of the basic materials and instructions required to assemble the hull. The instructions will let you know what tools, adhesives and other materials you will need to get started and then lead you step by step through the building process. Most kits do not include the hardware, but will recommend what products work best for the particular design. Constructing a boat from a set of plans gets a little more involved and requires a higher level of skill, but can be much more rewarding once completed. A set of plans, such as those for 1/8 Scale hydroplanes from Newton Marine, simply provide details of the individual frames and assembly views showing all of the parts in the proper places. The frame details are transferred to plywood which is then cut out using a scroll or band saw. From there, the construction process and hardware configuration is left to the builder.
Hull Types:
Tunnel Hulls
Tunnel hulls are a type of hydroplane that have two sponsons that run the entire length of the hull. Tunnel boats are powered by an outboard engine which bolt onto the transom. Both fiberglass and wood kits are readily available by several manufacturers. They are quite easy to build and handle very well in smooth water which make them very popular with beginners.
Monos
As their name implies, mono hulls have a single ride surface and may have either a flat or the preferred vee bottom. The majority of the Monos raced today are of fiberglass construction.
Hydroplanes
Hydroplanes have multiple wetted surfaces. The most common are the 4-point outrigger style hydroplanes that have two primary sponsons in the front attached to the tub by boom tubes and a second set of smaller sponsons in the rear.
Sport Hydroplanes
Sport hydroplanes are three point suspension hulls that have two primary sponsons in the front that are integral to the hull. Rear sponsons are not permitted. They closely resemble the 1/8 Scale Hydroplanes but are not required to be detailed to represent a full-sized counterpart and are therefore a popular alternative.
Catamarans
Catamarans are similar to tunnel hulls but are much deeper and resemble the off shore style race boats. The catamarans are capable of handling rough water and are popular with gas motor enthusiasts.
1/8 Scale Unlimited Hydroplanes
1/8 Scale Unlimited Hydroplanes are replicas of the unlimited class hydros of the American Power Boat Association. Various hulls types are permitted as long as they represent an actual boat that has raced in the past or is currently racing. In this class, the hulls must bear paint schemes and details that make the boats look as realistic as possible on the water. Due to the amount of preparation that goes into these boats, the 1/8 Scale class has earned the reputation of being the most prestigious class in radio controlled model boat racing.
Heats
Organized races are won by accumulating points in a series of heats. Heats consist of six laps around a course marked by buoys. A typical course has 330 foot straightaways with 35 foot radius turns. Each heat is equivalent to one mile. The winner of the heat is the first boat to complete all six laps after making a legal start. The starts are marked by the expiration of a 2 1/2 minute clock. The clock is a very important part of the race. The first 2 minute period is called pit time. This is the period of time that the racers start their engines and get their boats launched with the aid of a pit man. The last 30 seconds is mill time and is wisely spent trying to establish a lane and get synchronized with the clock. Once the clock runs out, the first boat to cross the starting line is the legal leader. Those that cross the line prior the start must make their way around the course and cross the line again to make a legal start. Points are scored by order of finish. Those that make a legal start, but don't finish, earn 25 points. Penalties can lead to point deductions when a buoy is cut. The score is then reduced 50 points for each occurrence.
Points are won as follows:
1st Place - 400 points
2nd Place - 300 points
3rd Place - 225 points
4th Place - 169 points
5th Place - 127 points
6th Place - 96 points
7th Place - 72 points
8th Place - 54 points
Traffic gets congested as the clock winds down.
Getting "on the clock" can make or break a start.
Noise
Noise is commonly associated with nearly all forms of motor sports. Unlimited hydroplanes were nicknamed "Thunderboats" due to the loud, deep, heart-pounding roar of the V-12 Allison and Rolls Royce Merlin engines that were surplussed from World War II fighter aircraft. Today, NASCAR and NHRA events generate the same awe-inspiring roar that we relate to horsepower. Unfortunately, many of our neighbors do not share our appreciation for this otherwise attractive trait of a finely tuned powerplant. In many parts of the country, model boat clubs are loosing their privileges to ponds because lake owners do not want to risk any negative impact that may arise from public complaints.
In recent years, the I.M.P.B.A. has required mufflers on all boats to help reduce noise at sanctioned events. Further, for 2005, the I.M.P.B.A. has approved a rule that limits the decibel level to a maximum of 92 db.
Whether you compete in racing events or just run for fun on the local pond, you are highly encouraged to comply with the noise rule so that we may preserve a place in our community for model boat racing in the future.
Safety
If you plan to attend a race as either a participant or a spectator, please be aware that there are dangers to be concerned with. The propellers are very sharp and can cause a severe injury. The rudders and turn fins can be sharp as well and may inflict a nasty cut. Also, the tuned pipes can be very hot and will leave a bad burn. For these reasons, access to the hot pit area, where boats are started and launched, is limited to racing participants and their crew. This area will be restricted at racing events. However, this area may not be clearly marked when model boaters are at the pond just for practice and testing.
On rare occasions it is possible for radio equipment to fail. Such mishaps are never planned and the outcome can never be anticipated. Therefore it is required that spectators remain a safe distance from the water's edge. These areas are marked and restricted as well at racing events and should not be accessed by non-racers.
Swimming is strictly prohibited in any body of water where model boats are being operated.
Getting Started
Before you even consider buying your first boat, you should plan on attending a model boat race or visit the local pond on the weekends to meet the model boaters in your area. Find out what classes are popular in your area. Once you find a class that interests you, note who races in those classes and start asking questions. Keep in mind that most model boaters do not race all types of hulls. Someone who has only raced monos may not be the best source for information on how to set up an outboard tunnel hull.
If there are no clubs or model boaters in your area, try the internet forum such as the International Waters Forum. It offer an enormous amount of information for all model boaters regardless of what class or level of experience. International Waters requires you to register before you can view any posts. Please take the time to do a search for your topic before posting any questions. Many questions on most topics have been previously addressed and can be researched without unnecessarily starting new threads.
Model boat racing can be expensive and some of the hobby shop prices may seem overwhelming for a beginner. However, there are inexpensive alternatives. Boaters of all levels of experience are continuously building new boats and therefore may offer their older boats for sale. Used boats purchased from local club members offer the benefit of having technical support from someone that knows your particular boat first hand. If you can't find a boat locally, try the internet. International Waters has categories specifically for buying and selling model boats, parts and equipment. Good deals can also be had on internet auction sites such as eBay. But before you bid on that killer deal, make sure you are dealing with a known model boater. Many boats built by individuals who have no experience with models make it into these auctions and you may end up spending more money trying to make a boat race-worthy than if you had bought it new from the local hobby shop. Many such boats are offered by individuals that did not build the boats and can not offer any assistance with them. Avoid boats that are being "sold for a friend" and those with outrageous claims such as "can go 80 mph". Just remember that you want to get your hands on something that will allow you get in the water inexpensively. Ultimately, you will want to buy new, top of the line boats and motors.
If there are no doubts that you want to get into the sport and have the budget, there is certainly nothing wrong with starting off with new equipment. New equipment will last a long time and eliminates any risks of buying items that have not been properly cared for.
Radio controlled model boat racing is not for everyone. It requires a lot of patience and attention to detail. Motor settings can be contrary and set ups can be very finicky. Both can change from race to race as the conditions change. Experienced racers know what to change and when to change it in order to be competitive. As a beginner, you should focus your attention on learning about how to make your boats run, how to drive them and how to maintain them. You first goal should be to finish every heat. Once you get comfortable on the race course with other racers, start working on improving your set up and increasing speeds to the levels needed to put you out in front.