Tunnel Hull

The tunnel, also called a pickle-fork hydro, becuase of its shape, uses the same design as a catamaran, there are two "sponsons" that run the length of the boat, which form a tunnel in the center. When the boat is moving, air rushes through this tunnel to lift the boat out of the water, and reduce drag, thereby increasing speed.

Most tunnel hulls are made from ABS, a thin plastic commonly used to make hulls. There are a few tunnel hulls that use the WOF (Wood Over Foam) building method, and others are made from all-wood. All tunnel hulls use a gas outboard engine, but some manufacturers have introduced electric outboards for tunnel hulls.

Tunnel hulls are fast boats that generally require the driver to have skill and experience with R/C boats. Although this boat would not be considered a good first r/c boat, there are more and more tunnels that are being designed for first timers.