Gas Powered RC Boats: Best Types, Engines and What to Buy
Gas-powered RC boats run on a small two-stroke petrol engine, most often a water-cooled 26 cc marine engine of the Zenoah G260PUM class, mixed with two-stroke oil. They are large (about 40–50 in), loud and run for a long time on a tank. Known examples include the Pro Boat Rockstar 48-inch catamaran (Dynamite 26 cc, over 40 mph) and the Zippkits 46 in Super Sport mono with a Zenoah G260PUM; gas outrigger and hydro kits are popular too. Here’s how gas boats work and what to buy.
By Kyle HilsonUpdated: October 20264 min read
Gas RC boat examples
| Boat | Type | Engine | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pro Boat Rockstar 48 | Catamaran, RTR | Water-cooled Dynamite 26 cc | Over 40 mph; check availability, older model |
| Zippkits 46 in Super Sport | Mono, RTR | Zenoah G260PUM | From a long-running US kit maker |
| Gas outriggers (Zippkits RG, ML Boatworks RSX) | Outrigger kits | 26 cc class and up | Fast on flat water; see outrigger kits |
| Gas hydros and tunnels (kits) | Hydroplane / tunnel | 26–30 cc and larger | Racing classes run through NAMBA/IMPBA |
From retailer and maker listings (AMain, Zippkits), checked October 2026.
How a marine gas engine works
RC marine gas engines are small two-stroke petrol engines, similar to those in garden tools but converted for boats: a water-cooled cylinder head (water is picked up behind the propeller and pumped through by boat speed), a flywheel with a clutch or direct drive to the flex cable, a carburettor tuned for the boat, and a tuned pipe on performance setups. The fuel is regular unleaded petrol mixed with two-stroke oil at the ratio the engine maker specifies.
Gas vs electric boats
| Gas | Electric (brushless) | |
|---|---|---|
| Run time | Long (refuel in seconds) | Short per pack |
| Speed | Fast | Often faster at the same size |
| Noise | Loud; some lakes ban it | Quiet |
| Maintenance | Engine tuning, fuel, flushing | Batteries, cooling, waterproofing |
| Cost per run | Low | Battery wear |
Which gas boat should you buy?
- First gas boat: an RTR mono or catamaran around 40–48 in; it handles chop and is easier to set up.
- Racing: a kit hull in your club’s class, often outrigger or hydro.
- Building: a gas kit from a specialist maker with a Zenoah-class engine.
- Check your local lake’s rules first; many ban combustion engines or have noise limits. Places to run: RC boat lakes near me.
Running and maintenance tips
- Mix fuel fresh and to the engine maker’s ratio; old fuel causes hard starting.
- Check the water pickup and cooling lines before each run; overheating kills engines.
- Tune the carburettor in small steps: slightly rich is safer than lean.
- Grease the flex cable after every session.
- After running, dry the hull, empty the fuel tank for storage and fog the engine for long breaks.
- Use a kill switch and a retrieval boat; a 26 cc boat is heavy and dangerous to swimmers.
Safety
A 26 cc gas boat weighs several kilograms and moves fast, so treat it like a small powered vessel: never run near swimmers, anglers or wildlife, keep the throttle at idle with the boat held when starting, and store fuel in an approved container away from heat. Clubs usually require insurance and a fail-safe that cuts the engine if the radio signal is lost.
FAQ
What engine do gas RC boats use?
Most use 26 cc two-stroke marine engines like the Zenoah G260PUM or similar, water-cooled.
How fast are gas RC boats?
RTR gas boats like the Pro Boat Rockstar reach over 40 mph; tuned racing hulls go much faster.
How do I build a gas powered RC boat?
Start with a gas kit hull, a marine 26 cc engine with water cooling, flex shaft, strut, rudder, strong servos and a sealed radio box.
Are gas RC boats allowed on all lakes?
No, many lakes ban combustion engines or limit noise; check before you go.
More on this topic: the complete RC Boats guide covers the basics behind this article.
About 20 years in RC. Mostly boats in the NAVIGA Mini Eco Expert class, with many self-made parts; also a King Motor Baja 5B, a home-built electric plane, home-built nitro planes he has flown, and an RC helicopter. More about SwellRC
