Types of RC Electric Boats

Racing Boats

Probably the most common sort of RC boat you'll see on RC hobby store shelves is the racing boat; these come in a load of different types. There are the hydroplanes, the catamarans and the deep-vees, each offering slightly different experiences. Most of these have lightweight hulls made from fiberglass or carbon fiber and use brushless motors to reach high speeds wherever you're sailing them.

Scale Models

Of course, while racing boats are awesome, they're not the only sort on offer. There are also scale-model RC electric boats, which are realistic and detailed replicas of real-life vessels. These can be anything from historical boats to modern-day yachts. Because the focus with these isn't speed, the detailing on these models can be astonishing. We're talking working lights, realistic paint schemes, and intricate little details that will pass you by unless you know what you're looking for. 

Airboats

Airboats are a unique and exciting type of RC boat that uses an above-water propeller for propulsion, similar to the fan boats used in the Florida Everglades. RC airboats are typically designed to run in shallow water or even on land. This versatility allows them to explore tight spaces and move over obstacles that traditional boats can't handle.

Choosing an Electric RC Boat

Now that you have learned more about the different kinds of electric RC boats, you must be wondering how you can choose the right one for you. There are some key factors to consider in deciding. Let's break them down:

Skill Level

If you've never used an RC boat before, you'll probably want to go with something easy to operate and hopefully put up with your mistakes. Any RTR—Ready to Run—model is suitable for beginners; most of them already come assembled and ready to go straight out of their box.

If you're a more experienced RC sailor, you'll want a boat that offers more customization options and higher performance. If that sounds like you, then you're looking for kit boats. These allow you to tweak and upgrade various components to your liking. They often come with more advanced features and can be more challenging to operate, but they also offer greater rewards in terms of speed and maneuverability.

Intended Use

Are you interested in racing competitively, or do you just want something to play around with on the weekends? It's important to ask yourself what exactly you want the boat for before you start looking at RC stores.

If you're looking for a boat to wow with speed, then a racing boat or hydroplane might be the way to go. These are crafted for high velocity and provide an exciting option for those who love competitive racing (If that's the main goal, consider ones with an upgraded motor). Alternatively, if you want some relaxed cruising or intricate scale modeling, a catamaran or scale model boat could be the perfect choice.

Budget

There is no simple one-size-fits-all price for a good RC boat. You can get a decent model for under $50 if you know where to look. But you can also set yourself back a few thousand dollars if you're looking for one of the top-of-the-line models with higher speeds or expert-level detailing. By and large, the more you spend, the better the RC boat is, but that doesn't mean this is a hobby only for millionaires. There are plenty of amazing boats in the double digits which offer great value for money. 

However, with that said, remember that buying the vessel is not the only expense. There's also a variety of additional accessories you'll need to buy every now and then, like batteries, chargers and spare parts, which are important to maintaining your boat's quality. Other things you might want to check out (which might stretch your budget) are:

• HQ Kites

• Upgraded Batteries

• Upgraded Motor

• Stout Platform

Size and Portability

Even if you fall in love with a boat at first sight, it’s important to be pragmatic. If you live in the middle of a city without any large body of water nearby and have little storage space at home, you’re best avoiding the bigger boats, as they can be a hassle to travel with if you’re taking them far and can clutter your home unless you have a dedicated space for them. In this case, you’re better off purchasing a smaller model, which might not be as powerful or high-performance but will be more practical. 

Of course, the inverse is true: if you live near a good body of water, have plenty of storage at home, and have the cash to splash, then a bigger boat might be the better choice, as you won’t have to lug it too far and this will translate to better performance on the water. Regardless of your personal situation, both large and compact boats are fun to use.

The Best RC Boats - Electric

Now that you know more about electric RC boats, why not dive in and see some of those exciting models? At our RC hobby store, we offer a wide selection of top-quality boats from trusted brands like Traxxas and Pro Boat.

For the true adrenaline junkie looking to tear up the track, no other boat should be looked at other than the Traxxas Spartan High Performance Race Boat RTR. This lean, mean machine comes race-ready right out of the box and rips across the water at speeds of over 30 mph. Another great model is the Traxxas Spartan SR 36" Brushless Boat; it is a bit larger and more advanced, offering even greater speed and performance.

If you like the specific adrenaline rush of a jet boat, then consider the Pro Boat 1/6 24" Jetstream Brushless Jet Boat RTR. The model is installed with a realistic water jet drive system, allowing it to run at speeds up to 25 mph, which makes this little boat truly fun to pilot in the water.

These are just a few of the wide variety of exciting electric RC boats available in store. Whether racing, scale modeling or just plain fun on the water, we have got you covered. Explore our store or website today to view them all! With the right electric RC boat, you will be making waves in no time!

Bit at Top of Store Page

From sleek racing boats designed for speed to detailed scale models that prioritize realism, our collection features top-quality options from renowned brands like Traxxas and Pro Boat. Choose from ready-to-run (RTR) models that come fully assembled, or take your hobby to the next level with kit boats that allow for customization and upgrades. With powerful motors, durable hulls, and advanced features, these electric RC boats offer an unparalleled experience on the water.