More importantly however, is how the water releases or sheds off the bottom of the hull as it rides across the water. A monoplane also compresses air as it runs, but spills it off the sides as it builds speed. Monoplanes are boats that have a single planing surface and are sometimes called “V” hulls or deep-V. They also only turn well in one direction. Keep in mind as you decide what type of hull you want that although outrigger hydroplanes are the fastest boats in the RC boating hobby, they do not tolerate rough water well and can be finicky to tune. An outrigger hydroplane is the pure bred of RC boat racing. Some are capable of speeds well over 100mph, and in a heat racing situation turn like a slot car. Outrigger hydroplanes are purpose-built for RC racing and the fastest boats in the RC boat hobby. This hull type packs less air, allowing greater speeds with less chance of a blow over. Outriggers have an open distance between the center body and the sponson.
If you like the look of a scale hydroplane and enjoy that “on-the-edge feeling” a full body hydroplane just might be for you. Sport and scale hydroplanes look great as they dance across the water. One very important fact is that hydroplanes only turn well in one direction, typically clockwise in our RC hobby. The faster the boat goes, the easier the boat can blow over. As a full body hydroplane builds speed it also packs more air under the hull. One of the challenges with a full body hydro is keeping it from blowing over or crashing. This type of boat rides on a cushion of air as well as compressing the water with its sponsons. Racers call these sport or scale hydroplanes and just as the name implies, they are full bodied like full-size unlimited or limited hydroplanes. Here we will touch on the major differences between them. Hydroplanes come in both full body hulls as well as outrigger hulls. Right: Diving into a turn, this glow-powered monoplane blasts past the camera. Center: This outrigger hydroplane is at full flight. Left: A monoplane is at full speed and the large rooster tail is a telltale sign that this boat is surface driven. For this article, we will identify a few hull types. RC boats come in a variety of sizes, power systems and hull styles. It is extremely important that when running your boat, swimmers and full-scale boats are not in the immediate running area. The ideal body of water is one that is protected from winds as well as having a good area from which to launch and retrieve your boat safely. Large bodies of water can build large swells and upset the fun you could be having with your boat.
Most racers like myself tend to stay away from free flowing or very large bodies of water, but with the proper hull, speed and power system one can run their boat quite confidently on large bodies of water. Let us start with the body of water you will be running on. All of these factors should be considered when looking into the type of RC boat you might want. Additionally, what if any local or regional RC boating activity might be in your area. It’s also important to understand what body of water you might be running or racing on. *Easy Pay financing option is available at Horizon’s sole discretion and terms are subject to change.Whether you’re a new racer or a seasoned veteran, selecting the right hull for your driving style is important. *View and manage your Easy Pay payment methods, schedule and view available credit limit within the “Easy Pay” section of My Account.