Power Division

Members of the POWER Division prefer the thunder of a gas engine, the acceleration of an electric motor and the smell of nitro in the morning!

San Diego Pond has a long history with scale nitro boats which run on a mixture of methanol, castor oil and nitro-methane. However, most of today’s power boats use 2 stroke gas engines, very similar to the engine in your gas powered weed-wacker. Gas engines have become more popular because of their availability, low cost and because they burn regular pump gasoline. All of the boats are operated remotely using common RC transmitters/receivers and servos that control the rudder and engine throttle. The boats are made of various materials; typically, fiberglass or wood. Boat speeds can reach in excess of 60 mph, which is the scale equivalent of a full size boat traveling at over 400 mph! Various types of boat hulls and engine rules determine the racing classes.

Look for the 1/8 scale Unlimited Hydroplanes modeled after the big boats that race here every year in Mission Bay. The Bill Muncie Memorial Cup model boat race is held in September in conjunction with the Unlimiteds. Argonaut Club Races are held monthly on Sundays. Club members welcome everyone, and especially new boaters, to enjoy an afternoon of power boat action and family fun. Who knows, you may even get a turn at the throttle!

Model POWER boaters race just like the full size Unlimiteds across the street in Mission Bay. The only difference is that they turn left…

…and we turn right. Races are started using an audible starting clock countdown. Heat races consist of up to 6 boats racing 6 laps. Points are accumulated just like the Unlimiteds:

1st Place: 400 points
2nd Place: 300 points
3rd Place: 225 points
4th Place: 169 points
5th Place: 127 points
6th Place: 96 points

We typically run on Sundays, but check the POWER calendar for scheduled races and come join us for a fun day at the Pond!

Want to see some incredible racing? Check out the 2015 San Diego Cup July 31-August 2!