CMB or Novarossi or ?

[Steven Kinney]

I have built two scale hydroplanes so far this year. My 1/8 scale has a .67 Novarossi in it. I am building one more 1/8 scale boat but I am not sure I want run a Novarossi in it. What engines does everyone else prefer and why? Thanks!

 

[TomGracey]

CMB just as fast as the Rossi but more reliable

 

[Jake Ellwood]

When making a build now I account a CMB engine into the budget.

Not sure why. Never had a Nova Rossi, I am sure they're great. But my experiences with CMB have been superb.

 

[Mark Anderson]

Both have great support and will be competitive. Like most things you will find strong supporters of both brands, But in reality you could bolt either in and win.

 

[Mark Poole ModVP]

CMB is strong performer right out of the box. I have a CMB red head .21 outboard. It is strong and very consistent.

 

[Kris Flynn]

CMB just as fast as the Rossi but more reliable

oooohhhh someone will get blasted for saying that lol

 

[RonShaw]

Steven, both are great engines and well supported with parts. If you want to know about Novas and scales, those are the boaters to talk to, not outboarders. Reach out to Jerry Crowther. He undoubtedly has one of the fastest scales in the country and wins just about every scale race he enters, including IMPBA US1 last year (fastest oval time, fastest SAW time, and heat racing winner), and he runs a Novarossi 67 in his scale. You can also reach out to Bill at Rattlesnake RC on the West Coast. They have one of the largest scale series in the country and his son has won the series the last two years with the Nova 67. Stay safe!!

 

[timothy johnson]

Steven the good news is like the other's have said you have a choice of the 2 most competitive motors around. I have both motors and have raced them in the hydro classes at several events around the country. I have 3 CMB 67s including the latest Bluehead and 1 of the original NR67s . Both motors have race proven timing #s which means both are real power houses out of the box. There are a few difference's worth mention, the machining of the NR is superb while the CMB is good it does require some cleaning of the ports. The NR has a bushed aluminum rod while the CMB has a bullet proof steel rod with needles on the bottom. Also since the introduction of the CMB Greenhead CMB has continually improved the engine but not changed the basic case dimension's so all the new parts will fit the original Greenhead. Stu Barr and Ron Shaw are the sales people and both are active racer's and you can't go wrong with their information. Good luck with your projects. Tim

 

[Kris Flynn]

CMB just as fast as the Rossi but more reliable

Tom, on a more serious note, what do you mean by "more reliable"? What has been unreliable with the Novarossi? Consistency of the tune, breakages or ?

From what I have heard the current generation of nova 67 is a beast of a motor, so is the CMB of course. I have no data personally on either motor, but speak to a few people who are happy with either option/brand.

 

[Steven Kinney]

Thanks everyone for your input. Stu was nice enough to reach so ended up getting some information from him plus we talked on the phone. Bill at Rattle Snake RC is in my state so info is pretty easy with the Novarossis.

 

[Steven Kinney]

Does anyone have any experience with the CMB gas engine? I currently have a Zenoah in my 1/6 scale but with the side exhaust port it’s a pain to get to the exhaust under the deck If I needed to. A rear port exhaust would be the ticket but I have not seen one in action.

 

[Buckshot]

Does anyone have any experience with the CMB gas engine? I currently have a Zenoah in my 1/6 scale but with the side exhaust port it’s a pain to get to the exhaust under the deck If I needed to. A rear port exhaust would be the ticket but I have not seen one in action.

I do have experience with the CMB Alpha 27 gas engines. They are a powerhouse compared to the Zen, but they are considerably heavier so a movement in CG would need to be considered.

 

[Ray Sametz]

I do have experience with the CMB Alpha 27 gas engines. They are a powerhouse compared to the Zen, but they are considerably heavier so a movement in CG would need to be considered.

And a second job to pay for one.

 

[Buckshot]

And a second job to pay for one.

Just a good one.

 

[TomGracey]

Tom, on a more serious note, what do you mean by "more reliable"? What has been unreliable with the Novarossi? Consistency of the tune, breakages or ?

From what I have heard the current generation of nova 67 is a beast of a motor, so is the CMB of course. I have no data personally on either motor, but speak to a few people who are happy with either option/brand.

They had an issue with con rod breakage they have come out with 2 different replacement rods after the latest up date the problem was resolved