Engine Power

Electric motor
 
This is an example of an electric motor setup and a close-up of an electric motor.  This is a single motor setup and is capable of powering the boat up to 25 kph. A boat can have one or more  motors for increased power or speed.  The motors can also be cooled by water that is pumped around a cooling coil that the motor is wrapped in.

 

Alcohol/Nitro Engines
 
These motors are a simple 2 stroke engine, but can produce up to 3 hp and turn over 22000 rpm.  With the addition of a special tuned exhaust pipe the motor can produce even more.  All of the alcohol engines must be started with the help of an electric starter and battery glow plug warmer.  These engines do not have spark plugs, only glow plugs, and the plug must be heated during starting.  When the engine is running the heat from the burning fuel keeps the plug hot.

Here is a picture of a typical starter.  It is powered by a 12 volt battery that is carried in the drivers starting box.

 

Alcohol/Nitro Inboard Engine
 
An inboard engine delivers its power to the prop by either a flexible or solid shaft.  The setup below uses a solid shaft.  These engines must be started by a starter belt connected to an electric starter.  Notice the water cooled head with the water inlet line connected to it.  The water is collected by the rudder and forced under pressure around the head and then overboard.  These engines range from 1.6 cc in to 15 cc.


 

Alcohol/Nitro Outboard Engine
 
An outboard engine uses the same type of motor as an inboard only it is mounted to a lower unit which serves as the rudder and propeller in one unit.  This engine is started by pressing a rubber fitting from the electric starter onto the cone on the top of the engine.  The propeller on this type of unit is driven by a flexible shaft and the motor is cooled by water forced up the tube behind the propeller.  The motor shown is a 3.5cc but may be as large as 11 cc.

This is a 3.5 cc with a tuned pipe.


Gasoline engine
 
These 2 stroke engines are specially manufactured  for radio controlled marine craft.  They are similar to a weed wacker motor, but that's as far as the likeness goes.  These motors can produce up to 5 hp, turn 14000 rpm and weigh less than 2 kilograms.  They are water cooled and designed to use a tuned pipe for additional power.  This engine is started with a recoil pull starter and only requires a jerry can of fuel to keep it going.