Novice class ?

[Bob]

This might be a dumb question but im new to the competition side of rc boats.What kind of boats are run in the novice class?Do adults run in this class or is it mainly for the younger drivers?Thanks

 

[bzubee]

As for IMPBA races that is left to the clubs, since it would be a shame to turn a newcomer away if he did not have a particular class boat. Popularity of hulls and engines sizes vary from area to area so that is the main reason we leave that class up to the local clubs to define. If you are shopping for a particular boat to start with I would suggest a 21 size mono depending on your budget there are a few types of engines that will work fine with that class and also hulls. The engines are a little exspensive compared to the RTR packages offered at the local Hobby Shops but you also get plenty of speed and compettion at the lakes for the 21 mono class. I would suggest looking up the national organizations web sites and find an event close by you to visit and see what is popular and what you think you would like to try out. Then talk to the racers to see the prices and dificulty of that particular class before you purchase your equipment. Remember there are 3 divisions of power model boats Fast Electric, Gasoline powered, and Nitro, all 3 can be loads of fun but all 3 invlolve work to be succesfull at the races. The International Model Power Boat Association IMPBA web site is : www.impba.net

Bill Zuber

IMPBA President

This might be a dumb question but im new to the competition side of rc boats.What kind of boats are run in the novice class?Do adults run in this class or is it mainly for the younger drivers?Thanks

 

[vegaskiller73]

As for IMPBA races that is left to the clubs, since it would be a shame to turn a newcomer away if he did not have a particular class boat. Popularity of hulls and engines sizes vary from area to area so that is the main reason we leave that class up to the local clubs to define. If you are shopping for a particular boat to start with I would suggest a 21 size mono depending on your budget there are a few types of engines that will work fine with that class and also hulls. The engines are a little exspensive compared to the RTR packages offered at the local Hobby Shops but you also get plenty of speed and compettion at the lakes for the 21 mono class. I would suggest looking up the national organizations web sites and find an event close by you to visit and see what is popular and what you think you would like to try out. Then talk to the racers to see the prices and dificulty of that particular class before you purchase your equipment. Remember there are 3 divisions of power model boats Fast Electric, Gasoline powered, and Nitro, all 3 can be loads of fun but all 3 invlolve work to be succesfull at the races. The International Model Power Boat Association IMPBA web site is : www.impba.net
Bill Zuber

IMPBA President

This might be a dumb question but im new to the competition side of rc boats.What kind of boats are run in the novice class?Do adults run in this class or is it mainly for the younger drivers?Thanks

First off bob, no questions are dumb. Everyone has to start somewhere. As bill has stated that are plenty of options out there. However there is 1 thing bill left out. There is no such thing as a novice class. If you are new or been into racing for several years, it doesn't matter. Classes are based on hull types and engine sizes. Just this past year IMPBA and NAMBA have allowed RTR hydros to race. These are the Bud repplica boats or the Aqu Miss Vegas hydros. They are easy to obtain and fairly simple to work on. Prices new are just under $300. They aren't as fast as say a $1500 gas boat but, IMO newcomers to the hobby shouldn't start with a 60+MPH boat. The RTRs are fast enough for you to learn and test your skills. They will do between 30-40mph. And are a blast to race.

In short, go to your local club pond and see what is there, what you like and especially what you can afford.

Welcome to the fun sport of RC Boating.

Later,

Chad

 

[Eric Bourlet]

NAMBA District 8 runs a novice class.

• No entry fee
  
• run what they bring
  
• no place awards only participation dash plaque
  
• no district points scored
  

This has worked well for us. Usually it is a monos or tunnel boats. We let them all run together. If anyone showed up in Novice with an X hydro we would most likely let them run with the clock by themselves or better yet loan them a boat to make sure they can get around the course.

 

[Bob]

Thanks guys,I will get in touch with my district president.Thanks again

 

[vegaskiller73]

NAMBA District 8 runs a novice class.

• No entry fee
  
• run what they bring
  
• no place awards only participation dash plaque
  
• no district points scored
  

This has worked well for us. Usually it is a monos or tunnel boats. We let them all run together. If anyone showed up in Novice with an X hydro we would most likely let them run with the clock by themselves or better yet loan them a boat to make sure they can get around the course.

I stand corrected. Thanks for pointing that out. Seems as if D8 is trying to appeal to newcomers. Glad to see that happening. Every district is a little different.

 

[sport hydro]

In D4, we do run the novice class. It is for anyone that has not raced a full season or won in any of the regular classes. There is no age limit as there are many adults trying to get started in RC boats. The only limitation is that you can only run up to 21 size engines with a mono, tunnel(stock), or RTR hull. We do not allow riggers or sport 20's to enter. We feel that if you can handle the speed of these hulls, you can run in the regular class.

We charge half price for the novice with plaques or trophies depending on number of entries.