Does racing a FE boat take less driving skill than racing a nitro/gas boat?

[Grimracer]

Terry,

In a way that is true.. I have won and lost races during the mill. Most of the time its lol more times then not because somebody muscled me around on the cource during the mill or I did not get the boat to crank normally and got off my rhythm. “I LOVE IT”.. and wish what was available in FE.. that’s all.

FE just does not have the drama involved in starting the boat (I have lost a few races that way) and the launch (And have lost races that way as well. National Championship one time)

But. Im not here making excuses. I take each type of contest, decide what fits me and what does not, what I like and don’t like and take it from there.

that goes for
Drag racing
Rockets
Scale Helis
Q500 Airplanes
RC cars
And so on

I was just pointing out a few of the differences that I HAVE experienced between FE and Nitro boating.

I bet you have done both.. what to you is different?

Grim

[sundog]

The sad part is the reluctance of nitro/gas oriented clubs to shun the electric racers. I have found resistance from the IC clubs to electrics to be a bit rediculous to say the least.

Jim, I think you meant "reluctance to accept" or "tendancy to shun" electric racers.

I stand by what I said earlier. I've seen a lot of things come and go. With the advent of the brushless neo motor and it's many virtues, the IC engine is doomed to go the way of the 5 gallon toilet and the incandescent light bulb. It's just a matter of time. And maybe it'll be a long time, maybe not. Better to make good with your fellow FE boat enthusiasts!

[Grimracer]

Da.... Dirty APES!...

Grim

[sailr]

OOPS You're right! Me bad! I'll edit that right now!

Jim, I think you meant "reluctance to accept" or "tendancy to shun" electric racers.

I stand by what I said earlier. I've seen a lot of things come and go. With the advent of the brushless neo motor and it's many virtues, the IC engine is doomed to go the way of the 5 gallon toilet and the incandescent light bulb. It's just a matter of time. And maybe it'll be a long time, maybe not. Better to make good with your fellow FE boat enthusiasts!

[sailr]

I don't see nitro/gas going away and wouldn't wish it to! If that's what they enjoy and they can retain a race site, more power to them. I would just like to see them be accepting of the new technology and allow us to join their clubs and run either with them or in our own classes. The more the merrier.

[Doug Smock]

Jim times are changing. Check out the District reports in the last several Roostertails.
There are some growing pains but growing is the key word.
NAMBA is making some great progress too.
Doug

[sailr]

Doug, I agree for some districts times are changing and that's great. Unfortunately, our district isn't one of the more progressive ones. NAMBA has some new rules changes pending that are very good. I do see FE growing, no doubt about it. You have been a great promoter and supporter of FE and we all appreciate what you do for the sport!

[Doug Smock]

That's all we can do Jim. It's a slow process, but we are moving forward.
Thank you sir!
Doug

[PaulKTM]

If your not moving forward fast enough you need bigger batteries! I do see the FE side a bit easy to do, or to put another way there are fewer "tuning" options to do vs the nitro path. The nitro guys see the school of hard knocks as the only way to go or get thier respect I think. I do both nitro and FE, they each have their ups and downs but I say as long as they are boat'n its all good!
Paul

[T.S.Davis]

I like to watch the nitro guys race believe it or not. I just don't want in. I think it's that hot pit/launch it drama at the start that actually turns me off. Too stressfull IMO. Then you get 30 feet from shore and the SOB stalls. ahhhhckk!

Disclaimer: Yes, I realize they don't all do that.

Of course nitro guys have probably never watched helplessly from the shore during a heat as their speedo burst through the deck like a caged animal. Dang it! Too much pitch. Still stress.....just different stress. So we all have to decide which bit of drama we are comfortable with individually.

On FE starts you can actually mess with a guys head by pulling away from shore early. He thinks he needs to be right there with you. You slow and go wide in lane 41. He's at the line super early and jumps while you hit the line wide open right on the button on the outside. Let him go. He's a lap down. So there is mill drama. Just different.

I go to local nitro races when ever I can. I like racing. I go to real boat races locally too. Now there's some guys with dedication. Family affairs. Takes a family to raise a village. er ah...... how's that go? haha

We have a guy in our club that says if it floats race it.

[Doug Smock]

That's right Paul and Terry, boats are boats. Start em up or tape em up and throw em in the pond!!

D.

[Flying Scotsman]

I love this thread, some of the big dogs have spoken their minds. I love nitro for the smell and the noise but it is getting difficult to find venues to run them in, that is why I am an FE fan.

Douggie

[longballlumber]

There is a lot of speculation in many of these posts. Unless you’ve had the opportunity to play in both sandboxes they are all opinions in my book. There are a few whom have posted on here that have raced both, and raced both on many occasions. In those posts all have mentioned the goods and the bads of each. Don’t knock it until you try, and that goes for everyone.

I have been racing FE for a few years now. Prior to that I was racing some Nitro stuff, to be honest I am super pumped to be getting back into the Nitro side of things again and can’t wait. They may all be boats, but it’s still different TO ME.

Both have their pluses and minuses.

[sailr]

I've been there, done that, on both sides of the house. I raced nitro back in the day with Herb Stewart and John Otto. Pretty salty dudes. After quite a few years I got out of it when our club lost their lake due to noise and too much frustration and aggravation! I got back into r/c boating when the brushless motors hit. I don't dislike nitro or gas. I just find FE to be far less hassle for me and I still have the thrill of racing with killer fast boats.

So I've been there, done that, on both sides of the house.

[Punisher 67]

I love watching the IC races especialy the drama , the tuning , and who out of 6 boats will finish but as a dedicated FE boater can never see myself doing it . Its great to enjoy both .

It is finally nice to get respect out of the IC guys around here , there was a time a FE boater was laughed at by the IC crowd as he ran his pride and joy all at an incredible 20mph....................