I run both fuel and electric. In my experience much more can go wrong with electric and these mistakes are costly! You can rebuild a nitro motor for a few bucks, burnt electronics go in the garbage! But they are faster! Your initial startup costs are lower with one of the name brand rtr nitro boats. A gallon of fuel and your pretty much good to go! No chargers, power supplies, multiple battery packs to buy or charge. And you will want multiple packs unless you enjoy watching your batteries charge at the lake! I find I can run a lot more in a day with my nitro boats as all I have to do is bring it in fill the tank and go again.
The main drawback is finding a place to run the noisy little buggers!
Really six of one half a dozen of the other, I like the smell of burning nitro, an engine sounds better than jebus when turning 25000 rpm! At the cottage I can run the electrics without bugging the neighbors too much!
I really enjoy both but honestly do think the new smaller ready to run nitro boats are the best bang for the buck! less field equipment required about the same upfront cost for the actual boat. The new nitro boats have either a pull starter or you can get an adapter that goes in a cordless drill for some makes.
So many companies have hopped on the electric rtr bandwagon that you have to know what your looking at or you get ripped off. Aquacraft and Proboat are the two biggies in the ready to run world and offer both nitro and electric versions, Hydros, cats and monohulls are available from both of them. I don't think you'd go wrong with either of these companies, replacement parts are easily available from almost any hobby shop. And you get peace of mind knowing the company will be there next week! Many people have products from these companies and all the tricks and tips are well known on these forums.
LOL I know that didn't help much maybe with the exception of the two manufacturers I mentioned!
To each his own, we all love this hobby and who really cares what makes your boat go as long as you're having fun and out there promoting it in a positive way!
Cheers and welcome to the hobby, before you know it you'll have been addicted for 25 years! Wait that means I'll have had this problem for 50 years then! Oh NO! Chances are I'll be dead from inhaling all the assorted chemicals in these things! LOL
Hmmm must go see if my JAE 12 hull is ready for a wet sanding, hope to be shooting colour later today, Pearl green and pearl purple over a white base! Pics will come soon as I get my camera back! it went on holiday without me!