RC boats have gained quite a following of remote control hobbyists over the years. RC boats can be found sailing and even racing in competitions across ponds, rivers, lakes and bays all over the country. It's not always about speed with RC boats. Some collectors enjoy the simple art of designing their own dream boat in miniature and taking it out for a day on the water.
RC Boat Engines and Hulls
RC boats operate off of radio frequencies much like RC cars and planes. They are customizable with different engines and fuels to choose from, and building from scratch or kit is still an option for hobbyists who prefer their own designs to those of the ready-to-run (RTR) boats off of the hobby store shelf.
For areas that may have noise ordinances in place, RC sailboats harness the wind as their power source, allowing the hobbyist to steer and maneuver it silently across the water. Of the RC engines available, nitro and gas engines are the loudest, followed by the quieter electric engines.
There are several different hull designs to consider. Deep V hull or mono hull are best for control in rough chop, and catamaran and hydroplane hulls work well in flat water. RC sailboats also offer their own unique set of challenges as hobbyists learn to maneuver using wind and sails.
Cost is another factor to consider when getting started in RC boats. Although generally faster, nitro engines will be more expensive and costly to maintain. They also have shorter run-times. Beginners would be best to start out with one of the electric RTR models before advancing on. Electric RC boats have the added benefit of being able to use a charger.
Find RC Boat Activities
There are a variety of RC competitions that hobbyists can take part in such as racing, building, and even mock wars. There are RC battle ships available that let RC enthusiasts wage war on their competitors in a scaled down version of “You sank my battleship!” The best way to locate these types of events will be to contact the local RC club, even if it's not a RC boat club. Chances are some members may also run RC boats.
Whether it's RC boats or RC cars, remote control models are great fun for the entire family. Check out the local hobby shop or search online to discover what RC boats are available and get started in RC this weekend.
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