Hi,

Looking for my first gas powered boat. All my experience (10 yrs) is with a Dumas Hot Shot Sprint Tunnel Hull (36") powered by a K&B 11cc outboard.

I was looking at the reviews (article and video) of the new Aeromarine and Insane Hydro's and the XXX by Aeromarine.

Looking for any recommendations... cautions etc when considering my first gas boat.

Thanks for all insight you are willing to share!!

Regards,

Aaron

Well, they are all good boats really. The main decisive factor would be what you plan on using the boat for. If you're looking at playing at jumping waves, a hydro is obviously not a good choice as I'm sure you know. The xxx on the other hand would be a fun boat for that kind of stuff, plus it's a great racing mono too. For racing they are all good boats. The sport hydros will be faster than the mono if it's speed you're looking for.

I ran those tunnels for several years also before switching to gas. I ran 7.5cc K&Bs with the J tuned pipes. Had some HotShot Sprints, Prather 32" racing tunnel, and a few scratch builts, including an outboard rigger (that was interesting) and an outboard hydro built off of a design seen in Radio Control Boat Modeler a LONG time ago!!!

You will like the gas boats, I'm certain of it. If you have more questions, ask away and we will try our best to help you out.

Thanks for the reply!!

For general sport use, what motor/muffler and running hardware combination would you recommend for the Thunderblot?

I talked to Jeff at Insame and he claims the full-mod is the way to go not matter what.

Also, I've read mixed reports on the type of hull joint... shoe-box versus other and lift??.. I assume this is a not issue for the common guy...

Thanks again!!

Aaron W.

Man... do I need spell check! Thunderbolt...

Thanks!

I think that the kind of boat you get is a lot like the way people usually pick dogs that look like them or match their personalities. I myself, love race cars and was hooked the minute I saw a hydro run. I have a Thunderbolt and run it with a Zen 26/Walbro 257 flowing out a BH Hanson 2 inch band pipe with water cooling in the flange and header. It is a pretty common set up for the Bolt.

But keep in mind, and I know you know this from running tunnels, hydros like calm waters and low winds. I see guys running cats and monos and never find myself getting jealous. The Bolt is a solid hydro and good for a first timer to gas. It is forgiving and I think it is extremely strong (The new ones are taped at the seems and stringers). Jump in and get one, you'll love it. And when you are ready to race, it will work well for that too. Mark has a great review on the build of the Thunderbolt in the Review Section. Go through that build and read it 3 times. He is spot on in his measurements and descriptions. He should be paid for giving away all that good stuff.

if your looking for a play boat, might want to check out mono's or cats