Rcshipyard, thanks for the input on the oilite bearings. Yes, I have posted about this project in RCU and other powerboat forums and was told gearboxes are not practical in a nitro boat...added weight, parasitic driveline drag, etc. It seems most of the nitro enthusiasts are only interested in racing or all out speed, which is not the intent of this project. I did find an interesting setup here http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXJJJ1&P=Z that might work, it has steel gears and bearings, but I'm not sure 10% overdrive is worth the effort. I realize I am going against the grain on this one, what can I say, I'm a glutton. Thanks again for the info.