Hobbies on The Water: RC Boating

Remotely controlling models can be exciting. Some people are satisfied just controlling cars, planes, or boats remotely, while others get a thrill out of racing models competitively. If you would like to take to the water with a remote-controlled boat, dive into this hobby to learn all you can. You might purchase a ready-made model, or you could also choose to build your own model boat, either based on something current or a replica of a historic yacht or ship. This marine hobby is ideal for people of all ages, including kids.

Many types of boats are popular for modeling. Some choose to use scale replicas of boats, ships, and yachts. If you have a favorite ship, yacht, battleship, destroyer, or ocean liner, you can likely find a model RC boat that is similar, which you can power through the water. Some people like to use sailboat models for RC boating. Boat models can be powered by gas or steam engines, electric motors, glow engines, or wind. Boats may be made out of molded plastic, fiberglass, or wood. If you make your own model out of wood, assembling the hull of the boat will be the most complicated part of the process, as the various pieces need to fit together perfectly. The hull must be watertight for the boat to float, and you’ll need to apply a barrier over the wood to help keep water out.

Racing model boats is becoming increasingly popular. Race boats may be tunnel hulls, deep V’s, or hydroplanes. These boats fall into different classifications depending on the shape of the hull. Some hulls are flat on the bottom, taking up a smaller surface area in the water. Hydroplane boats sit on two sponsons and the center of the hull. Tunnel hulls sit on two longer sponsons without resting on a center point of the hull. Deep V’s have hulls that are V-shaped, enabling them to cut through the water even in choppy conditions. Some prefer to focus on sailing and racing sailboats, which are wind-powered just as their full-size counterparts are. The radio controls of sailboats adjust the sails and the rudder to steer the boat.

Anyone wishing to explore RC boating might begin with the purchase of an inexpensive remote-controlled boat that is ready for the water instead of purchasing a kit to make your own boat. By starting with a ready-made boat, you can determine whether you enjoy the hobby before you spend much time building. Try to purchase your first boat from a local retailer, which will enable you to get support and help with additional parts and components you may need if necessary. Once you have success with your first outings with the ready-made model, you may be ready to proceed with building your own boat. If possible, purchase a kit instead of assembling the components from scratch. For a beginner, the best source of power for an RC boat would be either electric or wind power for a sailboat. Electric-powered boats are usually just plug-and-play with little tuning or adjustments necessary. These boats tend to be reliable and relatively low in price. Remote-controlled sailboats are very simple, easy to maintain, and quite reliable.

Joining an RC club or group can be advantageous for anyone engaging in the hobby, particularly beginners. Clubs can help novices learn more about the hobby, offering support and mentoring as you choose a first ready-made model. Clubs can also assist members when it’s time to purchase a kit to build a model boat. Clubs also provide information about where to find local bodies of water for boating and racing.

Visit these resources to learn more about remote-control model boating:

• Best Remote-Control Boats for Beginners
• A Basic Guide to Wind-Powered Boating
• Six of the Best Remote-Controlled Boats
• Remote-Controlled Boats: Things You Should Know as a Beginner
• 16 Most Popular Remote-Control Boats
• RC Model Boats: An Introduction to Building Your Own
• Make Your Own Wake: The Best RC Boats
• RC Boats
• How to Get Started With RC Sailboats
• Things to Know About Your RC Boat (PDF)
• Radio Control Primer (PDF)
• Radio-Controlled Electric Racing Boat Manual (PDF)
• Introduction to RC Scale Model Boating (PDF)
• Great Hobbies Beginner Guide: Radio-Control Boats
• Five Best Remote-Control Boats for Kids
• Basic Guide to RC Boats
• Boat Basics
• International Model Power Boat Association: A History (PDF)
• Basic Guide to Radio-Controlled Boat Modeling
• RC Boat Tips and Tricks
• RC Boats
• North American Model Boat Association (PDF)
• Safely Using Your RC Boat in Salt Water
• RC Boating a Flourishing Hobby
• Getting Started in RC Boating