Hey guys, its been a long time since Ive thought about rc boats but this weekend we got out an old prather fun cruiser and it sparked my interest again,

I have a 90% complete Dumas Miller American 1/8 scale hydro sitting here. Its ready for paint, but I dont have hardware or a powerplant yet. This boat would strictly be for fun, and im really not worried about it getting a ton of speed (although beating my dads fun cruiser would be nice). My question is, whats the best (**Cheapest) way of getting this thing in the water? I know speedmaster still makes hardware, and I looked at the acutech stuff.

I would absolutely love to go with a gas motor, but i dont think a g26 or even g23 will fit between the rails in this boat (5.5"), if I have to go nitro...whats the best bet nowadays? I had an ops .67 that I sold a while back but im not sure if theyre considered good motors anymore. Unfortunately my nitro marine days involve a traxxas nitro vee and horror stories.

I appreciate anyones input, id love to get it in the water once before the end of this summer.