| Cool! You just bought a new RC boat or maybe | | | | (especially smaller models) in a small backyard pool or |
| you're considering a purchase - but where can you | | | | at a local park pond. Electric boats are great because |
| use your new goodies? This depends both on the | | | | they are small enough to be used in tight spaces and |
| type of boat and also on local ordinances. I will break | | | | quiet enough to be used in almost any public place. |
| down for you the best areas to use your boat | | | | Nitro radio controlled boats and radio controlled gas |
| depending on whether it is an electric RC boat, nitro | | | | boats can pose a threat in public places. Not only |
| gas RC boat, or an RC sailboat. But first - no matter | | | | because they are faster than electric RC boats, but |
| what - please do not use your RC boat near | | | | also because they are much, much louder. If you are |
| swimmers or large power boats. Powerful radio | | | | wary of confrontation, contact your local authorities |
| controlled boats can cause severe damage to human | | | | before using this type of boat in a public place - you |
| beings or can be completely ruined by a motorboat or | | | | may be breaking local noise ordinances. For the most |
| jet ski. | | | | fun and enjoyment out of these boats, try to find a |
| Now, to determine where to use your boat you must | | | | larger area. Figure for an area of at least 30 meters |
| know your radio transmitter's range as well as your | | | | (100 feet). |
| RC boat's battery/fuel life. If you plan to use your boat | | | | Radio controlled sailboats are a breed of their own. |
| in a very large pool of water, be sure to have a | | | | They are quite finicky according to conditions above |
| retrieval system ready in case you lose your power or | | | | and below the water. Sailboats have an especially long |
| run out of range. Secondly, know the cleanliness of the | | | | keel, so be sure to avoid areas filled with seaweed. |
| water. No matter what type of boat you have, | | | | Always consider wind strength as strong and weak |
| seaweed can get caught on your propeller or your | | | | winds each pose their own difficulties. Considering that |
| keel, bogging it down and possibly sinking it. If you really | | | | conditions are right, these boats are great to use in |
| want to run it in murky water, go for it, but once again, | | | | public places as well as smaller backyard pools. A |
| be prepared with a retrieval system - or get ready to | | | | retrieval plan is especially important with these boats, |
| swim...ick. As a third point, water conditions make a big | | | | however, as your power source may go at any |
| difference in how much fun you'll be able to have with | | | | moment. |
| your RC boat. This is where hull design comes into | | | | To find out about local laws regarding public places |
| play. Mono-hull and V-hull boats can handle a lot more | | | | where you can use your boat, simply ask other RCers. |
| chop than the hydroplane or catamaran designs as | | | | If you don't know of any and you're very concerned |
| those boats are meant to skim across still waters. | | | | about it - check in with local officials at the Town |
| Finally, take notice of any other RCers around. Even | | | | Clerk's office, Village Clerk's office, or the Police |
| RC planes or cars can cause interference, taking | | | | Station. |
| away control of your boat or causing you to control | | | | So what are you waiting for! Start searching today for |
| theirs. | | | | local parks, pools, and ponds! |
| Electric radio controlled boats are perfect for use | | | | |