What exactly does "spec motor" mean?

[FE-Speedboats]

Hi All;
Sorry to be a noob but can anyone tell me what the term spec motor actually means? Example, I bought non-AQ/PB motors for my P-class builds and all I hear from event organizers is PB/AQ and spec motors allowed (some don't even allow non AQ/PB at all, which astounds me since there are hundreds to choose from and a lot cheaper than these two brands).
My motors are 3660 and <2200 KV so I figured I could run in P-classes with no problems.

Any clarification here would help me a lot.

Thanks!

Graham Humphrey

[Darin Jordan]

Graham,

There are two "Up to 14.8V" classes in NAMBA... P, and P-Limited.

There really isn't anything officially called "Spec" motors... When P-Limited was first being formed, many wanted to call it "P-Spec". That's where that originated from.

Basically, P is wide open... any motor(s) may be used.

P-Limited is limited to the approved list of motors, basically the RTR motors from the Aquacraft and Pro Boat 4S sized boats.

You can read more about it at www.namba.com, click on "Resources", then "Rulebook"...

Have fun.

[Fluid]

To elaborate on Darin's post, the few Limited motors allowed were chosen to help level the playing field in these classes. This is legacy from brushed motor days, there was even a "Limited Spec" class using specified brushed motors to offer a reduced-cost class where building and driving make the difference when racing, not how much money the racer spent on his motor. The AQ and PB motors were chosen in part because it was expected that they would remain in production for a number of years - which they have. The "hundreds" of other motors may not be there next year, let alone five years from now.

The "P" classes allow any motor or motors to be used. If these classes are offered in your area then your non-limited motor would be allowed to run.

.

[Chilli]

Your not a newbie Graham. You've attended a few SAW events.

As mentioned above, the term P-Spec and P-Limited can be used interchangeably. NAMBA has a national P-Limited class but the IMPBA does not. With IMPBA events, the rules are written by the host clubs or districts so they may vary. In addition to what Jay stated, the motors most have chosen for this class make good power, are reasonably priced and have been proven to be very reliable (as long as they are not pushed too hard). There have been many threads with huge arguments over what motors or esc's should be allowed and how to tech motors to prevent cheating. That is the main reason the IMPBA has not adopted a national class yet. The Limited classes are fun and competitive. So my suggestion would be to learn the rules where you want to run and if you can swing it, get your boat to comply. Then go out there and have some fun!!