Model remote-controlled hydroplane boats put on a show Saturday morning at South County Park Wallace Pond in Toledo.
The event was hosted by ERCU (officially known as Electric Radio Controlled Unlimiteds).
“Get your boats and equipment ready for the season at this ERCU-sponsored Test, Tune and Inspect day at South County Park Wallace Pond, in Toledo,” organizers wrote online ahead of the event. “We’ll set a regular race course so that new drivers can practice and qualify and seasoned drivers can test their offseason changes and modifications, or simply practice as they get ready for the 2025 ERCU season. It’s also another opportunity to preview the newest race site on the ERCU schedule before we return on July 19 for the Bernie Little Memorial.”
Here's how ERCU describes itself online:
ERCU (officially known as Electric Radio Controlled Unlimiteds) celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2023. Founded in the Seattle area by a dedicated group of individuals who enjoy building and racing models of some of the most popular — and not-so-well-known — unlimited hydroplanes, the club is known as one of the premier fast electric scale unlimited clubs in the world.
Born as 1/10 scale replicas in vintage and modern classes, the club has grown to include 1/10 and 1/7 scale divisions with vintage, classic and modern classes. The replica hydroplanes are powered by electric motors and rechargeable lithium polymer batteries, similar to the electric vehicle technology of today. Boats in the 1/10 scale division are capable of speeds up to 50 m.p.h., while 1/7 scale division boats can hit speeds approaching 70 m.p.h. — with radio control and a driver who is land-based!
While the club was originally modeled after Radio Controlled Unlimiteds (RCU) in 2003 at its founding, the younger club has evolved and developed its own traditions and policies over the years. Even with that evolution, there are still strong similarities to RCU -- primarily driven by a passion for scale appearance and having a lot of fun racing our boats.
If you're not a member, we welcome you to come pay us a visit and see a race. You never know what might learn, and what fun you might have.
Learn more about ERCU and upcoming events online at https://www.ercu-hydros.com.
