This is a beginner’s guide to buying your first radio controlled boat. WARNING: Do not buy your new RC boat before reading this guide.

Well, let’s start with 3 imperative things to consider before delving into the wonderful world of RC Boating.

Where are you going to run your boat?

Okay, the first thing to consider when buying a radio controlled boat is where you are going to run it. This is a very important consideration because it will help you determine what type of boat to buy.

RULE NUMBER 1 – Consider the surface area of ​​the water where your boat will run.

Large areas; Ocean, lakes or rivers

If you live near a lake, a large river, or even a quiet ocean bay, then you are really lucky. You can really choose what type of boat you want to start with.

Your only real concern is whether the wind is a factor in creating waves or chop for your electric or nitro RC boat or whether you will have enough wind power for your radio controlled sailing boat.

TIP: Before you buy your RC boat, make sure you have permission to run it. Talk to the necessary authorities and make sure there are no noise (or other) restrictions affecting you.

Small areas; Pools, ponds or small rivers

If you don’t have large bodies of water near you, don’t despair, you can still get into RC Boats. More than likely there will be a swimming pool, a smaller river, or even a small man-made lake where you can run your new boat.

In this case, you are probably restricted to radio controlled electric boats as they are a bit slower and therefore much more maneuverable.

TIP: It is much better to have a ton of fun driving an electric RC Boat in a small area than to be out of control and risk your expensive Nitro RC Boat.

Electric or nitro energy

Before determining what type of boat is best for you, consider your level of interest and your track record.

RULE NUMBER 2 – Buy a boat that suits your interest level.

How serious are you?

So before you start, ask yourself how serious you are. Is your garage or attic full of unused sports and hobby equipment? If so, it may be better to start with a fun electric boat and move on to a more serious radio controlled nitro boat when you get a little higher on it. That way, you will have a spare boat later if you decide to stick with the hobby and don’t risk having an expensive boat idle in your shed.

Radio controlled electric boats

Radio controlled electric boats are fast, quiet and a lot of fun. They work with powerful rechargeable batteries similar to those of a mobile phone. A typical battery charge (and therefore run time) lasts around 10-15 minutes, smaller toy boats can run for up to 45 minutes. Electric RC boats have out-of-the-box operating speeds of around 15-20 mph.

Advantage

• Cheap to buy (easy place to start to see if you like it)
• Easy to maintain (no problems with fuel and tuning)
• Low running costs (much cheaper in the long run)
• Quiet electric motor (can work where Nitro boats are not allowed)

Disadvantages

• Slower than radio controlled nitro ships
• Its operating time is limited to the capacity of the battery.

Radio Controlled Nitro Boats

Radio controlled nitro ships are fast, loaded, and exhilarating. They should come with a warning label stating that they are addictive, watch out, you have been warned! Nitro RC model boats run on a specially blended fuel mixture of nitro, methanol, and lubricating oil. They use real miniature engines that are capable of propelling them at speeds of around 25 to 35 mph right out of the box.

Advantage

• Nitro-powered RC boats can run longer (one quick refuel and you’re back on the water)
• Nitro RC boats are faster than electric RC boats (and therefore some would say More fun)

Disadvantages

• Can be expensive to set up
• Fuel is more expensive than regular fuel / oil mixture
• Motors require regular adjustment and maintenance
• Nitro ships are loud! It is likely restricted in some areas due to high noise levels.
• You need a wide and open water area due to the higher speed

Helmet design

There are basically two different hull designs on radio controlled ship models;

• Deep V (or monohull)
• Flat bottom hulls (also called a seaplane hull or sometimes a catamaran hull)

RULE NUMBER 3 – Choose a helmet design that complements your environment.

Generally, boats with deep V hulls are easier to control than boats with flat bottom hulls, however once you get used to racing your model boat, you may choose to buy a more powerful boat with a fast seaplane hull.

TIP: If you are a beginner or the area where you are going to race your RC Boat is rough or has strong winds, then consider a boat with a Deep V hull, it will be much easier to control.

General advice

Know your battery life

It’s really not very good to run out of juice in the middle of the lake or in a fast flowing river. Get used to the battery life while practicing near the shore. You will not regret.

Know the scope of your radio control system

Again, stay close to shore when testing the limit of your radio control system; don’t head out to sea to see how far your boat can go.

Return to the coast system

Some boats are equipped with a sophisticated return-to-shore system that allows you to bring the boat home if you run out of gas. You may want to consider one of these.

In conclusion, to make a wise and experienced decision on your first radio controlled boat, make sure you buy a boat that is tailored to the area where your boat will race and that suits your level of interest. Also make sure your helmet design matches your surroundings.

Follow these simple tips and you will certainly be hooked on your new boat model.

All the best in and out of the water.