Remote Control Boats

Toys, there is no question, have become more and more sophisticated over the years. Just think of how a toy boat was once but a couple of boards nailed together with a length of string stapled to the bow of the boat. Now you may purchase rc boats made out of durable plastics, sophisticated alloys and exotic woods. Yes, a homemade wooden boat is still loads of fun, but it is difficult not to notice the wonderful innovations that remote controlled speedboats, airplanes, helicopters and boats have undergone. Not only has the thrill and enjoyment of playing with these toys increased, but a sub-culture with rc boating clubs, collectors and hobbyists has grown throughout the world. There are even conventions and well-attended organized races held.

Some facts to consider when purchasing rc boats and other remote control watercraft:

1. RC boat types:

The primary types of radio controlled boats are the sailing boat and the power boat. We’ve broken down the powerboat category into two categories as well as having added hovercrafts and submarines to the rc boating family.

A. Remote control sailboats

Of all of the remote controlled boats, rc sailboats are, on average, the longest (with the exception of some of the long remote control speedboats) of all of the rc watercraft sold. Battery powered, these sailing craft usually start out at around 15 inches with some of the larger sailboats exceeding 3 feet in length. Sailboats such as the Sea Dolphin 770, a pre-built wooden replica of the Sailing Yacht America’s Cup Racer have a massive height due to the sail sizes, with total heights of over 53 inches.

B. Speedboats

Reaching speeds of over 40 m.p.h., rc speedboats are fast and sleek. Don’t forget to purchase a couple of extra propellers as this boat part is the part most likely to be damaged at high speeds over the water if hitting small objects afloat. You’ll find these fast boats with lengths exceeding four feet. Although the majority of these craft are battery powered, you will find some of the high-end rc fast boats to be gas powered.

Racing speed boats are priced at between $30 and $400, although much more expensive radio controlled model boats are available as well.

C. RC ships

Slow and steady toy boats? These water vehicles are often anything but. Some of these boats are but a short hop away from being a racing boat. We’re a bit flexible in our definition of rc ships, allowing it to encompass all rc boats not covered in the other categories, including military boats such as remote control battle ships, pirate ships and tugs. Size and price can be anything to fit in your swimming pool to large open water rc vehicles ready to go the distance. With lengths from 6 inches to three feet, these remote control boats are usually in a price range of between $20 and $150.

D. Hovercraft

Fun with lots of maneuverability over water, snow, ice and land. Remote control hovercraft are, for the most part, all battery powered and within the $25 to $50 price range. You won’t achieve the high speeds of an rc speedboat but you’ll have amazing thrills with your rc hovercraft.

E. Submarines

RC submarines are, as with the rc hovercraft, all battery operated and the majority of the remote control subs are priced at between $60 and $150. Ranging in length from 6 inches to the massive 33 inch Akula Class Russian Submarine some of the submersibles will read depths of up to 10 feet.  Many of the larger power sub models require assembly.

2. Remote control boat types based on power source:

A. Electric battery

Remote controlled boat models that run on such power sources are actually small enough that it makes it possible for them to be used indoors because of their small size. And since they run on batteries, they also lack the fumes that are likely to be found from gas powered ones which would be a welcome especially for those in residential areas.

Cruise or sailing times for these type of rc boats varies widely and has now been extended to even over one hour on a single battery charge due to advancement in battery technology. However, the said cruise time still depends on the size of the boat, cruising speed used, and the type of battery used. Radio controlled sailing boats will have significantly longer sailing times than say, for example, a battery operated speed boat which normally have operating time of between 20 and 35 minutes.

Nowadays, the lithium polymer battery is considered to be the best option in electric battery powered rc boats. This is because, compared to the other battery types, such as nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cad) and nickel-metal hydrite (NiMH), like they are lighter while at the same time provide more power. However, as every battery type has its own pros and cons, it is best to get information on each to know the best one to use.

B. Gas Powered

It should be noted that there are different gas powered rc boats depending on the fuel used. Gas rc boats have a 2 cycle gasoline similar to those found in garden tools such as leaf blowers and run on gasoline from the gas station mixed with 2-stroke oil while the nitro gas powered models run on special fuel composed of methanol, nitro methane, and oil.

Although the majority of all rc boats are electric powered, some of the high speed rc racing boats are gas powered, proving them with the extra oomph needed to achieve speeds of over 40 m.p.h.

3. Price

Remote controlled boat sale prices range from $10 up to around $350 and even up to $1,500 in retail price. The price naturally depends on the make, size, and fuel and engine type of the models. Although usually the more expensive the products are, one can expect the quality to be exceptional. However, consideration still needs to be taken regarding the level of the person operating the rc boat, if there is a provision for upgrades on the models in the future should it be necessary and how much one can afford to purchase it, among others.

As the rc boats are sailed or operated, you will encounter crashes and possible damages and the power sources being depleted, so there will definitely be continued costs poured into maintaining the toys – which also leads to another question of how much one is willing to invest in it.

4. Size

Rc boats have various sizes. How big or small it is is relative to the engines and mainly depends on the power source. Gas powered models generally are larger, with the primary exceptions being some of the large battery powered remote control sailboats. The best way to determine rc boat sizes is by measuring from the tip of the bow to the boat’s stern. Rc sailboats are also measured by their height to include the keel depth and their mast height.

Some argue that using a large rc boat is a good way to start to learn how to sail or operate a boat because a large watercraft is more stable and easier to control. However, the general consensus is otherwise as a smaller one like the 18” rc mini tracer boat will do especially with concerns like complexity and price since larger remote controlled boats do have a higher price tag.

5. Material

The majority of rc boats are made of durable plastic or, in the case of the some the high performance speed boats in need of strength, advanced alloys. The primary exceptions are some of the high-end cruise, or pleasure boats as well as some of the more expensive rc sailboats which are hand-crafted and made out of exotic woods.

With these things in mind, here are the suggestions:

For novices or beginners, although most of the are gas powered models are deemed captain or navigator friendly in the sense it’s the electric powered would be a better alternative as it’s not only less expensive than the gas powered type but also much easier to captain as the latter requires much greater level of concentration when navigating it. For the expert hobbyists, the complexity of the components of the gas powered type will provide additional enjoyment and challenge as it also requires a higher level of skill to navigate it.

Another thing to consider in choosing the type of rc boat to get is the location at which one will most likely be using or operating the remote controlled toy as this will again be affected with the type of power source. If it’s to be navigated within a residential area, definitely, the electric battery powered one should be used as it will have less noise, mess and no fumes emitting from it. The distance or area also has to be taken note of as this also has bearing on the remote range one would need on the rc boat. Should the rc boat cruise out of the range and crashes into debris or hit a rock, it could result in disaster and more expense for repairs. Worse, if it ends up being beyond repair, it would mean all the amount invested is lost.

Whether one is a beginner or an expert and whatever type is being considered, there will definitely be fun and enjoyment as the rc boat takes its maiden voyage into the waters.