The exciting AquaCraft Rio 51 is an “enormous” RC gas boat with an overall length of 57 inches. This RC model is a ready-to-run (RTR) and comes complete with 28 cc gas engine and a 2 channel FM radio. The design of the this boat includes many performance features with the included GrimRacer performance parts. Also, this model is available three color schemes - blue, yellow and red. Ready to make a big splash at the local pond, this boat has what it takes.
Highlights of the Aquacraft Rio 51
The Aquacraft Rio 51 R/C RTR Gas Vee Racing Boat is a larger size RC boat ready to demonstrate some exciting performance. The complete system includes the Rio 51 boat with all electronics including a high-torque rudder servo, a 28 cc Fuji-Imvac gas engine, and a 2 channel FM radio. The features of this boat include a GrimRacer Cu-Be-Ti metal propellor, CNC-machined aluminum turn fins, GrimRacer stainless steel trim plates, a black anodized CNC-machined aluminum surface drive system and a water pick-up tube for cooling the engine and exhaust header. The included marine gas engine uses regular gasoline and 2-cycle oil and includes a recoil starter so no special equipment is needed to operate. See the specifications below for some accessories needed for the model.
Model Specifications
- Hull Length: 51.5 in (130 cm)
- Overall Length: 57 in (145 cm)
- Width: 13.5 in (34 cm)
- Height (including rudder): 13 in (33 cm)
- Weight: 13.75 lb (6.4 kg)
- Fuel Capacity: 26 oz (768 cc)
- Run Time: Approx. 30 minutes per tank
- Engine: Fuji-Imvac 28 cc gas marine engine (included)
- Radio: Tactic 2-channel FM radio w/high-torque rudder servo (included)
- Requires: Standard gasoline, 2-cycle oil, AquaCraft cable oil (AQUB9550), 12 “AA” batteries
For more information, checkout the AquaCraft website.
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Comments
geremy
Mon, 02/16/2009 - 6:55pm
I won't deny that I have a great passion for boats, I am more found of the real thing, the real boat experience. As complex as these miniature boats are I doubt that they come with a Volvo penta engine.
smoothy
Mon, 04/13/2009 - 4:49am
Do not buy the Rio 51..... I have put three tanks of fuel into this boat and I will list the problems I have had......
1- very hard to start right out of the box took my two hours to get it to pop.
2- poor craftmanship.... i had too rtv the entire rear of the boat because of leaks in the transom.
3- on my third tank of fuel i fount the drive shaft sleeve completely seperated from the hull. Aquacraft used a small 2 inch piece of fiberglass lightly wraped around the sleeve to secure the shaft. Like I said three tanks of fuel.
4 while I had the engine out to fix the sleeve problem i found a long crack..... in the exhaust manifold which I had rewelded locally tig weld
5- after lightly sanding the exhaust man. i then found a crack in the block. Yes the motor block. starts at the manifold and runs right to the piston.
I have called Aquacraft on everything i have found there answer is to send the (INTIRE) boat, controlor, engine back to there company. To see if they can fix the problems. Theye will not replace the boat because it is no longer made. And yes I have to pay shipping both ways.
I will never buy another aquacraft rtr boat again. This is my fourth boat from this company and this is by far the worst of the four.
Disgruntled
Fri, 06/12/2009 - 5:38pm
I concur; DO NOT BUY THE RIO 51!!! DO NOT BUY ANY HOBBICO PRODUCT!!!!!!!!!!! EVER!!!!!
Just got off the phone with Hobbico, as I sent the the boat back for repair under what they for unknown reasons term a "warranty".
The strut snapped due to vibration from a barely operable motor - not a warranty repair apparently.
The cooling head on the engine leaks - again not a warranty issue apparently
The cooling jacket on the manifold leaks - again not a warranty issue they allege.
All these issues in 5 MINUTES RUNNING!!!! The strut snapped before I could even get it to the water (on 50th attempt to operate; 5 minutes total run time in 50 attempts).
All this after being about $100 out of pocket to send it to them. They will not reimburse the shipping despite the fact I have correspondence from the saying they will. Hobbico are liars peddling substandard products.
launchpad
Thu, 05/13/2010 - 12:04am
Hello there;
I read your comments and I am not surprised about the problems.As for your cost to ship along with the problems you have they should cover your cost.Now the items that you mentioned that they have told you it would be covered and now saying "no warranty"if you have anything in an email or letter stating it would be covered ,then you can go legal with it.I discussed this with my lawyer and he states that you do have a solid case against them.
Do not let these " Arse holes" get away with it.I know I wouldn't,because these boats are not cheap.After paying for mine and then do all the changes to have a more dependable boat I added up all what I installed and now I have over a grand invested.But I do have a great boat now.No problems what so ever.It is back on the bench again;not for repairs,I am doing a custom paint job on it.I am using all"Auto air colors" great paint, compatible with alot of other colors.I have stated with a white sealer 2 coats,light sanding,then 4 coats of metallic silver,wet sand it then 5-6 coats of Candy racing green with a light dusting of white pearl.I will be airbrushing "Betty Boop" on the top and on the sides it will say "Bad Girl".Hopefully I can finish it before the summers gone.
I hope you have luck with the repair cost and the shipping.It goes to show you what kind of company they have.
Take care and when it is done I will post some pics. AL
Newbie
Sun, 07/26/2009 - 4:13am
What is the best recommended gas powered boat in the 200-$300 range rtr? I need 40+ mph. I that possible that you know of? Don't want to build, plastic hull w/ radio installed and no/ low maintenance preferred.
pro
Wed, 12/30/2009 - 4:50am
I have the Rio51 and it was difficult to start the first time out. I had to turn the fuel screw for the low end 1\2 turn in to get it to even start. It was leaking fuel from the fuel tank because the plastic gas tank was not trimmed propery where the hose fits on. I fixed that and got it running about 40mph. Its been doing OK now and havent had anymore probs. Its a fun boat if you can get it started.
al
Fri, 02/19/2010 - 6:44pm
I also have a rio51 and from the beginning I had nothing but problems,exhaust flange cracked,flex shaft tube broke lose,hair line cracks in canopy.The motor they put in sucks.You can tell they cheaped out on the building of this boat.I like the hull but the things I mentioned above are the problems.Also they put those cheap trim tabs on it that you have to bend with pliers,"what kind of crap is that.For what you have to pay for this boat they could have done a better job.To get rid of the problems,I installed a Zenoah Go-ped engine it that was modified by Marine-Specialties,walbr big bore carb,Marine-Specialties clutch,a warehouse hobbies wet tuned pipe and wet tuned pipe.Changed the turn fins to ones that are longer.Installed dual rudders from Marine-Specialties and a different prop from grimracer.To repair the flex shaft tube I installed a "T-bar".After all this and a few hundred dollars later I got a boat that hits about 48 miles an hour and it is not totally dialed in yet.So my opinion of this boat stock........do not buy one.i can now see why they discontinued it.Yoy would think Aquacraft would fully test these boats before they sold them.I do have another boat from Aquacraft;it is a SV27 which I converted to be able to run lipo's.I have had no problems with this boat;except hitting a dock full out.They should not be allowed to wear those skimpy skirts near the operator.HA!HA! eyes in wrong place.
Well I hope this sheds a little more light on the subject.
Have a good one.
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