Electric remote control boats

Specialists in model building, Scientific-MHD is here to advise and help you choose your electric remote control boat and consider certain details and requirements. You are, of course, the best person to decide which boat is the most suitable for your needs.

As a modeling specialist, Scientific-MHD offers you some advice on choosing the right electric remote-controlled boat according to certain criteria that align with your needs. Because ultimately, only you know which boat best suits your requirements.

Electric Remote-Controlled Boat: Speed or Leisure?

There are as many types of electric remote-controlled boats as there are users.

So, it's up to you to decide whether you prefer the thrill of speed on rivers or the leisurely pace of lake cruises. The type of water environment you plan to explore is important in choosing the right model. For example, in the case of rivers, you’ll want a monohull boat. Its V-shaped hull is perfectly capable of navigating unfavorable conditions (rain, wind…) and staying afloat in strong currents.

Monohulls are agile, easy to handle, and less likely to flip. This family of boats will provide the speed and wave-making capability you seek. Entry-level monohulls have a top speed of around 30 km/h.

If that's not enough, to start having real fun, go for remote-controlled boats with brushless electric motors that can reach up to 50 km/h, which are quite common. Be aware, though, that going faster will require more skill and experience in piloting.

Hydroplanes, in contrast, are defined by their two sponsons, resembling mini hulls on either side of the main body. This design provides greater stability and increases speed by reducing water friction, as the boat’s body is elevated. Note, however, that hydroplanes are typically used in calm waters.

Similarly stable, thanks to its two hulls flanking the main body, the catamaran can handle rougher waters and strong winds, often appealing with its impressive sail setup.

Remote-controlled sailboats, meanwhile, are popular among those who enjoy shaping waves and are less focused on speed. Like full-sized sailboats, this type of boat relies on wind for propulsion. The remote control in this case mainly adjusts the sail and direction by setting the angle. This requires a good understanding of how sails work.

Furthermore, don't overlook the importance of the remote control. Pay attention to the signal range, bearing in mind that a pilot must always have the boat in sight. At Scientific-MHD, we recommend choosing remote controls with a minimum range of 250 meters. Some models even operate at 300 meters or more.

Battery Life of Electric Remote-Controlled Boats Is Essential Before making your choice, consider the battery life and the boat’s size.

Most popular models are around 17 inches (about 43 cm), making them easy to transport. Some can be as long as 36 inches (about 90 cm), suitable for larger bodies of water like lakes, with greater stability and battery life. This is one of the key factors to consider: battery autonomy.

How long can you glide across the water? Entry-level models offer around 10 to 15 minutes of playtime, while more expensive ones can reach up to 30 minutes on a single charge. If you want to prolong the fun, it’s advisable to select a remote-controlled boat with an interchangeable battery. Having multiple batteries also makes time less of a constraint, provided you have a good charger that can recharge on-site.

Some chargers lack this capability and can only be plugged into a wall outlet (at home). In that case, choose a boat with a charger that can connect to both a 220V outlet and 12V. If you upgrade to a more powerful charger than the one supplied with your boat, avoid models that only work on 12V, as they are less practical for home use and typically plug into a car cigarette lighter or car battery.

What Criteria Are Important for Choosing an Electric Remote-Controlled Boat?

The first criterion when choosing your RC electric boat is the type of activity you want to enjoy. You’ll select different models for tranquil outings or races, alone or with other boats.

Consider the boat’s motor type. Brushed motors are less powerful and slower than electric motors. Electric motors, especially with brushless technology, are increasingly popular for their performance and durability. They are also more eco-friendly, quieter, and require less maintenance.

Select the scale of your RC electric boat based on your needs and preferences: this affects the level of detail, weight, and the realism of the experience. There are also two types of finishes: pre-assembled and ready-to-use for immediate enjoyment, or build-it-yourself. The latter is often preferred by enthusiasts, with elegant, highly aesthetic models.

Also, monitor the frequency of your boat’s remote control, ideally at 2.4 GHz, which allows multiple devices to operate in the same area without interference. You may also want options like an anti-capsizing hull, a cooling system to prevent overheating, a 220V wall charger, or a stand to keep your boat out of the water.

How Fast Can an Electric Remote-Controlled Boat Go?

With a brushed motor, an electric remote-controlled boat can reach speeds of 25 to 40 km/h, which can be somewhat limited. This is why most current models are now electric. Brushless motors are the top choice for speed, reaching over 80 km/h. Combined with LiPo batteries, they gain even more power and range.

An RC electric boat’s speed depends on several factors, including weather conditions like wind and choppy waters. On calm water, a hydroplane performs well, but it becomes harder to control in other conditions. Sailboats also require skill with the sail system in windy conditions. Monohulls, on the other hand, adapt more easily to strong currents and rough weather while maintaining a good speed.

How to Operate an Electric Remote-Controlled Boat?

To operate an RC electric boat effectively, start by finding the best environment for sailing, matching the model you chose. Check whether you need permission to use your remote-controlled boat. Generally, most RC electric boats are for freshwater use. For saltwater, choose a model that can handle it.

Weather is a factor, as wind affects wave conditions and can present challenges in steering. For first outings, aim for calm weather and still waters.

Take time to practice and familiarize yourself with the basic radio controls. Beyond speed and direction, you may have additional model-specific controls like reverse. Reading the manual beforehand will help you understand all the features of your electric remote-controlled boat.