Nitro Fuels - Commonly referred to as "Nitro" or "Gas" is short for Nitro methane and the most common fuel used in R/C boats. Nitro methane fuel should be handled with the greatest care and kept out of the direct sun. It is also very toxic and very flammable. Nitro fuel is used because it burns cool (cooler that gasoline). Thus allowing the modeler to lean out the motor mixture and produce lots of POWER.  

Most nitro fuels today have 18% oil and 10% to 60% nitro mixed in. Nitro fuel is available in any hobby shop under many different brand names. We recommend O'Donnell fuel. This brand has been the best for us over the years. Nitro % test results coming soon.

                         
                   Great Nitro Fuel by the Gallon or Quart                                  Fuel Filter is also a good idea

                                                                 
                                                                     6/12V Electric Fuel Pump is a nice gadget  

Glow Plugs
Nitro fuel uses a glow plug. Glow plugs look a lot like a spark plug but operate differently. A glow starter is used to get the tiny coil inside the plug to "glow" once the engine is running the glow is maintained from the ignition of the fuel.

                           
"Ni" Glow starter and Charger                                                                            Standard Glow Plug

Paints
The paint for R/C model boats is a special epoxy paint made specifically to resist the chemicals associated with Nitro fuels and R/C boats in general. We recommend that all R/C model boat hulls be painted prior to use regardless if they are ABS plastic or Fiberglass. If your boat uses nitro fuel you MUST properly "seal" the hull from the fuels tough property's. Sand the hull lightly with 320G sand paper, wipe clean with rubbing alcohol and primer the hull inside and out.  Then spray on the color of your choice, add any graphics or stickers and spray the clear coat! Be sure to do all painting outdoors, this stuff is pretty toxic until it dries. We suggest the spray type paint from Top Flight. Use the Nitro "fuel proof" primer, paint and clear for best results. It is available in a wide variety of colors and is VERY tough!

       
Top Flight Paint is great!            This is what happens if you do NOT seal the ABS plastic!

For Electrics, just seal the ABS with a clear coat to protect your boats hull. This will keep the hull from being stained from anything floating in your local pond.