Greetings

Here as some tips which I hope you will find helpful if you are considering purchasing a used RC gas or nitro powered boat at auction.They are written by this old master modeler with over 40 years of experience with RC boats.

1. How long has the seller been an E bay member ?

Caution is advised when dealing with neophytes.They are a novice,you need to take extra precaution. (see following tips)

Seller is a veteran with many transactions under their belt,the odds are they have been selling good quality merchandise.

2.View the sellers feedback closely

Do not just go by the feedback score listed on ad,actually read the feedback posted.Do they ship in a timely manner? etc..

Read the feedback the seller has left for other people,you do not want to do biz with someone who is a poor communicator.

3. Pictures are worth a "THOUSAND" words

Pay very close attention to the pics of the model. A person selling a quality product will place many good quality pictures in ad.Pics should be large enough to see every detail of the model.

Stay away from ads which the pics are too dark,blurry or poor quality.I puchased a model from a dark pic on ad and was amazed at the poor condition when I received it.

Pics should show top bottom and all sides of model.Request seller to send detail pictures of a model of interest.They decline,beware !

4. ABS hulls

DO NOT PURCHASE AN ABS PLATIC HULL MODEL !

These are the cheapest of the cheap in regard to quality.They will sream down a straight run due to being si lightweight but will hok and spinout in a turn in an instant !Have any incident or mishap,repair is nearly impossible.They are very light in construction and the hull is not straight and true.Very difficult to get the model to perform properly with a warped hull.Look for bodels which are FIBERGLASS HULL.Exampe: Prather products,these boats are ALL exposy fiberglass construction and are amoung the finest and most durable models found.Fiberglass is easily repaired no matter if you split the hull in half during an incident it can be repaired to look like new again.You have any questions on repair of a fierglass hull,just send me a message.

5. Paint

This is VERY important if the model is a glow engine nitro powered.The model has not been painted with a quality chemical resistant paint,the nitro engine fuel will quickly remove paint from boat surface.Nitromethane is deliterious to enamel paint.Ask seller about the paint on model.They do not reply use caution in purchase.

6. Engines

You are purchasing a weedeater gasoline powered model.Look for the ones with a ZENOAH engines.They have been making quality engines for decades and are designed specifically for models.Stay away from listings which indicate an air cooled adapted to fit,weedeater engine.The air colled engines will perform poorly due to inadequate cooling and constantly run to a lean fuel mixture as the engine heats up.Check to make sure the engine is water cooled.

7. Read ad closely

Listing should be inclusive of engine condition. (run time)

Ad should clearly state any defects with model.Always question seller about any defects which are seen in pics.

Do they offer refund if you are dissatisfied with purchase ?

Conclusion: Hope these tips are helpful in your purchase of a model boat. Please feel free to message me if you have any quaestions.Model boating is a great hobby,I have ejoyed it for over 40 years and enjoy assisting people in their quest for knowledge of the sport.

Have a great day and always "BOAT SAFE AND FAST !"