2021 NAMBA Nats Race Program

of the common man. During the past fifty years. many different manufacturers have stepped forward to supply our hobby. Many individuals saw a need and were willing to manufacture a product to meet that need. Some products proved very popular to the model boater and sold well. Some products didn't go over as well, and of course, many products failed. All the while we model boaters were demanding new, better, and competitive products at low prices, we were also soliciting these same manufacturers to donate raffle prizes, sponsor trophies, and advertise in our programs and newsletters. Many small businesses took the big step to invest in an idea that might find a market in model boating. We hope that you will take notice of the companies sponsoring trophies, advertising in our programs and newsletters, and donating raffle prizes. Some companies have been around and have supported NAMBA for many years. Other newer companies have chipped in to help NAMBA during the past few years. There are too many companies, both large and small, to mention here. Countless companies have helped NAMBA during the past fifty years, and we appreciate them all. The best way to thank these companies for their support is to remember their products when you make a purchase. Reprinted/revised from the 1996 Program. Fifty years ago it was not easy to be a successful model boat racer. You couldn't just go to a hobby shop or mail order catalog and buy all the items you needed to get your boat in the water. Successful model boaters frequently had to convert model airplane engines to marine use. The selection of marine hardware and accessories was very limited. Model boaters normally had to fabricate their own motor mounts, struts, rudders, and drivelines. Instead of finished fiberglass hulls and cowls, model boaters built from plans alone. In many cases, the most successful model boaters were designers as well as scratch-builders. Self- reliance among model boaters was the rule. Helping each other kept model boating alive. Interest in going faster led to innovation and cooperation. The modeler that made the best rudders or other items usually also made the parts for his friends. But for the R/C model boating hobby to grow, we needed someone to listen to our ideas, create and manufacture designs to satisfy the hobby, and provide the modelers a finished product which was competitive yet still priced within the reach R/C Model Boating Products - Yesterday and Today Octura and Dumus ads from 1972 Nationals Program, both still in business today. 2021 NAMBA Nationals Page 28