RE: Nitro engine size
I have seen 51" and bigger boats running with methanol burners, CMB91 being the weapon of choice. Plenty other good motors in that size range about, but they use lots of fuel, for playing around with, a petrol engine might be better.
There is a vast difference between a strimmer (weed eater) engine and a good 90 race engine. (About 5 HP in fact)
Glenn