Runabout or Hydro ?

[klord125]

I posted a thread looking for plans to build a runabout for my daughter. However the one question I should have asked all of you is what is the best boat to put her in first. Is it a runabout or a hydro? She is 9 but I don't know which would be best for her never have driven any myself. Is one easier to drive than the other or more forgiven? Any feedback would be great. Thanks Ken

[B Walker]

Hydros are easier to drive but a runabout will make her a better driver.

I always suggest a hydro as the first boat to get the concepts of making a good start (very important) and learning how to drive in traffic. Then picking up a runabout to refine the driving skills and get more rides per weekend.

Plus everyone knows hydros just plain look cooler.

Good quality used boats are very often available at the end of the racing season for little more than the cost of the hardware.

I have seen dozens of J/A hydros sell here on hydroracer for 500-700 dollars

BW

Of course some people say runabouts are so easy a monkey could do it. Rich "Worm" Runne 2004

[blueskyracer]

I would say go with the one that interests your daughter the most. If she loses interest because she did not want a runabout then you have wasted a lot of time and money. See what she thinks.

[Brian10s]

Another Opinion

Probably the biggest question to answer, what class is bigger in your area? If there are 11 J hydros at your local races and Zero J Runabout's, then your choice has been made.
You can't keep her interested from the beach.

[klord125]

Brian your absolutely right. One of the guys I talked to told me there were 3 j runabouts. I don't know how many hydros there are only because I was originally just thinking runabouts. We are going to a few more races next month.

[propnuts]

Hydro

All things being equal (GREAT point about whether there are boats for her to race with). We always start the kids in hydros out here, far easier to drive, therefore more fun and less scary for the noob kid. If the kid decides he/she likes racing, runabouts are where the real skill is.

[aojesus]

My daughter was 10 when she started running the hydro. She didn't want anything to do with a runabout. She ran the hydro a few times and we finally talked her into trying a runabout. She pulled in to the pits after the runabout ride and said give my hydro to my brother they are boring. She absolutely loves the runabout. I asked her why she liked the runabout better and she said "In the hydro you just sit around waiting for the corner to come, in the runabout you get to DRIVE the boat."
Now that she plays with KPro hydro she realizes that you don't just wait for the corner, but she still prefers the runabout.
We have one of each for each kid and the real benefit of having both hulls is seat time. There is no substitute for seat time as there confidence and skills develop quicker.
As Brad said, you can buy either one fairly cheap at the end of the season.
Are you near a racer that can get her a test ride? Boat racers are great at making sure a kid gets a chance to go for a ride and they usually hang around to help mentor father and child along the way.

[johnsonm50]

This is a good helpful thread, whichever you & her choose Good Luck. Id think either boat is good & safe for J class. Runabouts do seem to need taming the whole course whereas in a hydro you hunker down hold it straight to where you want to begin turning. Getting some seat time for yourself would be at least a shareable experience & certainly fun.

[klord125]

Everyone has been very helpful with there views and exsperience. I would love to race but I might be little to big? 6'3" 265lbs. I have raced a lot of different things when I was younger from motocross to snowmobile drags and drag cars. And I have my father to thank for that.

[dholt]

klord....where do you live?

[klord125]

About 20 miles north of Boston Ma.

[dholt]

Seems like J hydros are more prevalent in NE than runabouts.