Are you an RC hobbyist who finds nothing more exciting than maneuvering airplanes, cars, trucks, and helicopters? Operating a remote-controlled vehicle and watching it negotiate curves, overcome obstacles, or run at incredible road speeds is a sight.
But have you ever tried operating a remote control boat? Or, if you have done so, was it an electric one?
There are two types of remote-controlled boats: fuel and electric. Although fuel ones are popular amongst hobbyists, electric boats have some unique advantages, including faster speeds and higher flexibility.
The best part is that they come in various models, shapes, and hull types. Watching your vehicle cut across the waters at high speeds is a sheer delight. With its powerful engine, you could enter a competition and leave others behind.
What are the various remote-controlled boats you should know about, and what things to consider when buying one of these? Find those and other important details below.
What are electric RC boats?
These are faster, cleaner, easier to maintain, and quieter than fuel-powered boats. Even though they have a limited run time, they achieve an incredibly high speed and are more affordable.
These vehicles run on two types of electric motors: brushed and brushless. While gas-powered is suitable for advanced and expert hobbyists, electric ones are suitable for all sailors, especially beginners.
But the speed puts these radio-controlled vehicles in a league of their own. They start from around 20 miles per hour (MPH) and above, while ready-to-run ones can quickly achieve speeds of 40 MPH.
Electrically powered boats have a run time of between 10 to 15 minutes before requiring a recharge.
The Types
Monohull
Monohull boats, also known as V-Hulls, are ideal for beginners. Besides attaining high speeds, they offer good stability, making them suitable for amateur hobbyists. It gets its name from a single hull on its body, unlike multihulls with several hulls on their bodies.
Catamaran
If extra stability is what you are after, your best bet would be to buy a catamaran. It is a multi-hulled boat containing two parallel hulls on its body, and it should be your first choice for RC racing tournaments. Although designed to work perfectly on smooth waters, these multi-hulled vehicles can also handle a bit of rough water.
Self-righting
Boats, including radio-controlled ones, are prone to flipping in the water. However, these, with their self-righting feature, provide maximum stability. Even if your vehicle goes belly up in the water, you can easily set it back to its original position by pushing the throttle on the controller backward and forward while performing the same movement on the wheel simultaneously.
How much do these cost?
You will find these vehicles in the price range of 100 USD to over 500 USD, depending on factors like the model, color, motor type, scale, and speed.
Should you choose a brushed or brushless motor?
Going with brushless motors is a good idea, as they can handle high voltages, enabling you to attain top speeds without difficulty. They require little maintenance while offering more torque and power.
It is also more cost-effective because you won’t have to worry about replacing the motor frequently. You could also choose brushed motors, which have a lower initial cost than brushless ones.
A remote control boat comes in various models and shapes, giving amateurs and advanced hobbyists plenty of options. However, electric ones should be your first choice because of their numerous advantages. You can enjoy driving them by yourself or competing against others in an RC competition.
