Introduction to RC Boats

Getting started with rc boats can be cheap and easy. Here is a concise modeler’s online guide to help you choose, build and buy an r/c boat for fun, racing, or simple recreation.

Accessory

Whether nitro powered or electric rc boats, you will need at least a 2-channel radio control system. Basic r/c systems sell for around $50 USD.

	This transmitter is the stick type, where the left (up/down) lever controls the speed and the right (left/right) lever controls the rc boat’s direction.
	Some radio control systems are the pistol type, where the throttle is controlled by the gun type trigger, and the boat’s direction controlled by the wheel.

Tip: Most ready to run (RTR) rc boats come complete with a 2-channel radio control system.

Speed

Excitement comes from controlling a very fast speed boat. The best choice would be the fast nitro rc boats. Out of the box speed are 25 - 35 mph!

Electric r/c boats are also fast, but without the noise. This means you can play in areas where, because of noise ordinance, nitro boats are not allowed. Out of the box speeds are 15 - 20+ mph.

And if relaxation is what you want, then nothing beats the calm of recreational rc sailboats. It’s just you and wind power.

Duration

RC boats that are nitro powered can run for long periods of time. A quick refuel and you are back on the waters.

RC boats that are electric powered will usually run for 10 - 15 minutes, depending on the battery pack and the boat size. Smaller “toy” boats will usually run for 30 - 45 minutes per battery pack.

Sailboats are only dependent on the batteries for the radio control system, which usually lasts for 30 - 60 minutes per battery charge.

Water Area

Keep in mind where you are going to play. Will you be running in a big lake or river? Or will it be a small area such as a local pond or swimming pool?

If you are fortunate enough to live near a big lake, river, beach, or ocean, then you can choose the nitro and gasoline powered boats. Just make sure that the place allows these models to be run.

But if you are going to run in small spaces, such as a small pond or backyard swimming pool, then it is better to buy electric rc boats.

Tip: It is better and more fun to play with slower boats if the area is small. The fast nitro and gasoline boats can only be enjoyed in places that are at least 100 feet big.

Hull Design

Deep V or mono hull rc boats are best for choppy water conditions and are easy to control. The catamaran and hydroplane hull design are best for intermediate and advanced modelers. These are designed for speed and should be run in calm water conditions.

Brand and Models

There are several companies that produce high quality rc boats. These are CEN, Megatech, Nikko, and Traxxas Corporation. Most of the models are similar in price and quality, so the choice of what brand or model to buy would probably depend on the “look” that you prefer.

This concludes the introduction to the hobby. Below are a few more links to help you make a buying decision.

Hull Types

RC boats are designed with different types of hulls. Most popular are the Deep V (beginners), Catamaran (intermediate) and Hydroplanes (advanced modelers).Â

When buying rc boats, consider the hull type. Deep Vs are best for beginners, while catamarans and hydroplanes are best for intermediate to advanced boat modelers.

Deep V (or Deep Vee, Mono Hulls)

Good design for beginners. RC boats with the Deep Vee hull type are easier to control and are more stable in rough or choppy water conditions. However this design also produces a lot of drag resulting in slower speeds.

Deep V Hull - @Traxxas Villian EX Electric RC Boat

A good example of an RC boat with a deep v hull is the Traxxas Villian EX. It can handle rough waters and with its dual electric motors it is also fast. This is a good RC boat for beginners who want a fast yet easy to control remote controlled boat.

Catamarans

Good design for intermediated modelers. RC boats with the catamaran hull type have less drag that the Deep Vees (mono hulls) and can go faster. However it is less stable and required better r/c boating skills.

Catamaran hulls have less surface area that is submerged in water, thus have less drag and more speed. Pictured above is the 30+mph nitro rc boat called the 1/10 CEN Nitro Aqua Jet. It is powered by a .16ci engine.

Hydroplanes (Tunnel Hulls)

Designed for advance modelers. RC boats with hydroplane hulls have minimal drag and are designed for top speed. However they are tricky to handle and are best for experienced boat modelers.

By keeping these guidelines in mind you can have a lot of fun with rc sailboats.

RC Sailing Tips

Here is a short guide to r/c sailing. It is about controlling your remote control sailboat or model yacht by harnessing the power of wind and using the rudder and sails to steer and move forward.

Sail Zone

It is important to note the direction of the wind. Keep in mind that your rc sail boat cannot sail directly into the wind. There is also such a thing called a no-sail zone. This is area directly into the wind and the 45 degree angle to the left and right. You cannot move into the wind within the no-sail zone.

Model Sail Boat Control

The movement of your rc sail boat is largely influenced by the wind direction. Note that the wind direction will usually change at any given moment. But if you keep in mind the current wind direction, you can use the rudder and sail to control where your model sail boat will go.

When your sail boat is going towards the wind with the rudder in a straight position, the term is called “Weather Helm.” When going in the opposite direction, the term is “Lee Helm” or “Leeward.” And when you are just going in a straight direction, the term is “Just Helm.”

You can control the helm condition by controlling the mast inclination. If you want weather helm, move the mast inclination back towards the rudder. Moving the mast forward will give you lee helm.

Sail Tension

If the wind is strong, increase the sail tension (i.e. shorten boom bang rod). And if the wind is weak, lessen the tension on the sails (i.e. extend boom bang rod).

Safety Precautions

Take care when playing with your rc sailboat. Even if it does not have a motor, it can still cause personal injury or property damage. Here are some guidelines:

Avoid sailing where there are people in the water (e.g. swimming pools).
Avoid sailing near full sized boats or harbors.
Weak wind conditions may make your sail boat uncontrollable and crash.
Your sail boat has a long keel. Avoid shallow waters or places with underwater plants, rocks or fish nets that can entangle the keel.
Avoid sailing in strong wind conditions and heavy waves or current.
Water can easily corrode your radio control equipment. Dry them thoroughly should they accidentally get wet.

electric RC Boats

Shoppers guide to buying electric rc boats from online rc hobby shops. Here you will find articles, tips, and side-by-side comparisons of various types of electric rc boats. Also links to recommended online hobby stores where you can get excellent deals because of discount coupons and clearance sales.

Introduction to Electric RC Boats

The hobby of rc boats has four main categories: nitro, gas, sail, and electric. The advantage of electric is the ease of maintenance, the relatively cheap price, and the quite electric motor which allows you to play without disturbing other people.

Also if you already have an electric rc car, you can use the motor, battery pack, and battery charger for an electric boat.

Speed - How Fast Are Electric RC Boats

How fast does it go? The basic entry level, ready to run boat kits can go 15 - 20 mph. This is already very fast, especially if this is your first time with the hobby.

And as you skill level progresses, you can upgrade to fast motors and higher voltage batteries to increase speed and excitement.

But definitely, a 15 mph r/c boat inside a swimming pool will feel as if it is traveling 40 mph.

Companies

The well known manufacturer’s of electric r/c boats are CEN, Nikko, Megatech, and Traxxas. If you are looking for “toy” boats, then go for a Nikko. If you are looking for a cheap and fast boat, then go for the CEN. And if you love the true hobby quality boats, then go for a Traxxas.

Side By Side Comparison of Electric RC Boats

Below is a table comparing the popular electric rc boat models of each manufacturer. Hopefully you will get a clear picture of what you would like to buy.

First is a side by side comparison of popular CEN, Nikko, and Megatech rc boats.

Â	CEN Grey Thunder 775	Nikko Ripper	Megatech H20 Speedboat
Ready to Run	Yes	Yes	Yes
Radio Control	Mirage III Pistol	27, 49MHz	Â
Length	32.28″	10.5″	9″
Speed	20 mph	-	15 mph
Street Price	$195	$59	$99
Required Accessories (not included in kit)	7.2 volt battery pack (2 units)Battery charger	4 AA for boat9volt for transmitter	Â

Here the recommended electric rc boat is the Megatech H20 Speedboat. It is only 9″ long but can reach speeds up to 15 mph! And with a street price below $100, this boat is hard to beat.

Next is a side by side comparison of popular Traxxas rc boats. Here is a short review of each model.

Â	Traxxas Blast	Traxxas Villain IV	Traxxas Villain EX
Ready to Run	Yes	Yes	Yes
Radio Control	27 MHz “stick”	27 MHz “stick”	TQâ„¢ Radio System “Pistol”
Motor	Stinger 20 turn	Twin Stinger 20 turn	Twin Titanâ„¢ 550 Marine Fan-Cooled Motors
Length	23.75″	31″	31″
Speed	-	-	-
Street Price	$159	-	$339
Required Accessories (not included in kit)	7.2 volt battery packBattery charger8 AA size batteries for transmitter	Two 7.2 volt battery packsBattery charger8 AA size batteries for transmitter	Two 7.2 volt battery packsBattery charger8 AA size batteries for transmitter

Traxxas ready to run rc boats are really high quality. The Traxxas Blast is a singe motor, while the larger Traxxas Villain IV and Traxxas Villain EX are both dual motor. And in terms of pure performance, the Villain EX is best among all the Traxxas electric rc boats.

The RC Blog

RC Boats