Includes: recoil-started AquaCraft .15 Marine w/tuned pipe, AquaCraft 2-channel Pistol Radio System, engine video and stand
Extract of Nitro Hammer Review
from RCU magazine
Here we were at the lake on a beautiful Sunday morning. There was very little chop on the water as it was still early for the boaters and jet skiers.
I sat the boat down on the ground and set the needle valve according to the instructions on the video. I fueled up the tank with 15% Wildcat racing fuel and I turned on the power to the receiver and transmitter. I primed the system by depressing the button on the top of the fuel tank until I just started to see fuel enter the carburetor. I connected my glow igniter and gave the pull starter a couple tugs and the engine fired to life. I let it run at idle for a minute or so and gave the throttle a few quick advances to full to make sure it would not quit on me. Other than running slightly on the rich side for break-in it sounded excellent.
I gave it it a gentle, level toss and as soon as the rear of the hull hit the water, the prop grabbed and she bolted out across the water. I took it easy on the engine for the first couple runs as it broke in. I expected to run 3-4 tanks before I could really start to lean it out. I had no real idea how long I would get on a tank so after 5 minutes I brought it in to refuel.
Each subsequent run I leaned out the needle valve a 1/8 turn until the 5th tank with it seemed to be running at optimum performance. On this run, as soon as it hit the water, I punched the throttle and the boat seemed to leap out of the water. The bow was running a bit low, so I brought it back to shore and made a minor adjustment to the trim tabs by simply bending them up a little. The next run the boat was up on plane very fast as it screamed across the glassy water kicking up a really cool rooster-tail.
With the trim tabs properly adjusted the boat responded much better in the turns as well as gaining a few MPH in the top end speed. Left and right turns were equally as sharp with no feeling that the boat is going to capsize. It screamed across the water as if it were on rails. I felt the rudder was very effective reacting instantly to my every input. That is until, I ran through some weeds that I was not expecting. As soon as the rudder hit the weeds it sheared right off the boat. Needless to say it was about 75 feet off shore and stuck! Luckily it was a nice day for a swim!
After recovering the boat, I noticed that it was a clean break right at the base of the rudder mount. Since I was able to recover the piece that broke off, and I did not want to end my fun for the day, I returned to my shop, to dry off, and repair the rudder.
I was able to drill a hole in the center of the post and rudder, fill the hole with 5 minute epoxy and thread a 1" 4-40 rod into the holes until the two pieces were tightly together. I tested it once it cured by flexing it with my hands and it showed no signs of stressing. So I reinstalled it back on the boat and headed back to the lake.
The next few runs were uneventful - Just a whole lot of fun!
I did order a couple spare rudders, just in case, but after about 15 more runs my repair was still holding up.
I had a great time, as well as a little exercise, with the Nitro Hammer. The engine was very powerful and trouble free - a perfect match for this mighty racer!
Summary
The AquaCraft Nitro Hammer is the perfect solution for someone who wants an entry level boat with better than entry level performance. Other than the decals and installing some batteries, it is a true ready-to-run boat. Once you are at the water, you will be pleased with how well the engine starts and performs knowing that you will be spending all of your time having fun on the water instead of being stuck on shore!
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Download Nitro Hammer Manual
AquaCraftTM
2-channel pistol grip radio made by Futaba®
