Radio Controlled Boats |

I’ve gotten a lot of questions lately about the difference between nitromethane (Nitro) vs.regular 2 cycle engine gas used in rc gas boats.

First, let’s understand that nitro and gas are two completely different animals. You should never throw gas(2cycle) in a nitro( glow plug) and vise-

versa. It’s funny how so many think rc gas boats are the same as the nitro boats.

Nitro, while it does have oil, as one of it’s components, also contains nitromethane and methanol. The methanol supplies the

energy and is the main component, the oil aides in temperature control and the nitromethane provides oxygen to the glow engine creating more combustion,

therefore more power.

The hydrocarbon nature of gasoline just can’t match the nitro’s superior combustional properties. That’s why the top racers choose nitro engines over the

gassers. They are also smaller and lighter, so the increased power to weight ratio, really makes for a faster boat.

IN MY Opinion

If speed isn’t an issue, you should not bother with the nitro rc boats.

Just pay the extra up front cost for a good rc gas boat and save yourself from all the extra hassels nitro’s bring to the table.

Nitro’s Negatives:

1.Nitro requires one to handle it with great respect. It is highly flamable.

2.A proper container is a must. This stuff evaporates real fast and you don’t want to contaminate it with water, or anything else for that matter.

3.Nitro is harder to find (at least compared to regular gas) it’s only sold at hobby stores and online.

4.Because of the more combustional fuel, glow plug engines are harder to adjust and maintain.

5.Nitro is conciderably more expensive than gasoline. When all is said and done this makes the nitro rc boats, more expensive than the gassers.

Nitro’s Positives:

1.Speed 
                                                               
2.Speed

3.Speed