| RC Boating is a fun and highly addictive hobby! To the | | | | mind when ordering. |
| novice, however, it can seem very overwhelming. The | | | | Nitro radio controlled boats are most often considered |
| key to getting started in this exhilarating sport is | | | | to be a mid-range item. These boats run on mini-tanks |
| discovering what kind of radio controlled boat is right | | | | of Nitro-Methane fuel. These can run at full power for |
| for you. It is my goal to walk you through a few basic | | | | 20-30 minutes per tank of Nitro. These boats, though |
| types of radio controlled boats and to highlight a few | | | | more expensive, can be a real thrill. They are much |
| of the best features of each. | | | | louder and faster than eletric boats. An unmodified nitro |
| To begin, radio controlled boats (or remote controlled | | | | RC boat runs up to 30 mph - more expensive models |
| boats) can be broken down based upon size and | | | | can even take you up to 50 mph! These boats can |
| structure of the craft and also by how the boat is | | | | run endlessly depending on the number of fuel tanks |
| powered. Some of the many categories for size and | | | | you have, another huge advantage. These speedy |
| structure of the boats include: RC model boats, RC tug | | | | boats are meant to be used in larger areas - you'll get |
| boats, RC speed boats, RC submarines, etc. You can | | | | the most enjoyment out of them in an area of at least |
| puRChase scale models of nearly any kind of | | | | 30 meters. These boats will typically require the |
| life-sized boat - including pirate ships and navy rigs. | | | | additional puRChase of fuel tanks and a starter pack |
| These models range anywhere in size from 5 inches | | | | with glow plugs. |
| to 4 feet! Choosing a structure depends entirely on | | | | Radio controlled gas boats use regular auto fuel to |
| your personal aesthetic preferences - except in one | | | | power for up to 45 minutes per tank. These boats are |
| aspect - hull design. If you are going to be using this | | | | known to be the fastest and largest. They are typically |
| boat in choppy, unruly conditions go for Deep-V or | | | | for the more advanced RC boaters. Radio controlled |
| Mono Hull designs. Boaters that are at the intermediate | | | | gas boats are very similar to nitro RC boats in terms |
| or above levels can use hydroplane and catamaran | | | | of ideal water conditions and space needed. Once |
| hulls in smooth waters. | | | | again, these boats usually will need an additional |
| You can power nearly any type of RC boat you want | | | | puRChase of a starter pack with glow plugs. |
| in any of these four ways: electric, nitro, gas, and sail. | | | | The final type is radio controlled sailboats. These |
| So, which type of power is best for your personal | | | | relaxing boats are powered solely by the wind, with |
| interest? | | | | the exception of the batteries in the radio control |
| Electric radio controlled boats are battery powered | | | | system. These boats can last as long as your radio |
| and seem to be the easiest for beginners to work | | | | transmitter's battery pack lasts - usually 30 minutes to |
| with. They are also typically more economical. These | | | | an hour. In an RC sailboat you control the rudder and |
| boats are intended for short periods of usage as they | | | | the tension of the sail. This is a great tool to help learn |
| slow when battery power decreases. Typical battery | | | | practical sailing and can be the perfect gift for |
| lifespan depends on the size of the boat and battery | | | | someone who dreams of sailing away. RC sailboats |
| pack. Smaller boats can run for up to 45 minutes, while | | | | are best for use in deeper waters as they have longer |
| some only last 10-15. Electric RC boats are great for | | | | keels - though equally important is wind strength. |
| use in areas with noise ordinances. These boats | | | | Weaker winds actually make your boat more difficult |
| usually have a max speed of around 15-20 mph. In | | | | to work with and can cause crashes - winds too |
| most cases, electric RC boats are sold without battery | | | | strong can make the water very choppy and cause |
| packs or chargers included, so be sure to keep this in | | | | your boat to flip. |