Whether you crave action or relaxation, you'll enjoy radio-controlled boating. There's nothing quite as soothing as gliding your scale R/C sailboat across a pond, or for full-throttle excitement, you can race a nitro- or electric-powered deep vee or hydro! Many of Tower Hobbies' most popular model boats already come prebuilt. To start making waves, just add water!
Kits, ARRs & RTRs
For the craftsman who wants building satisfaction, a wood Kit has no equal. Projects range from simple skiffs to richly detailed masterpieces.
Fiberglass and plastic, however, are excellent alternatives for those who value speed and ease more highly. There are fewer parts; hulls and decks are often pre-joined. ARR (Almost-Ready-to-Run) models may be as much as 80% pre-built and include a motor or engine. RTR (Ready-to-Run) boats add to ARR convenience by including a radio, radio gear, batteries and required items. Assembly can take as long as 1-2 hours – or as little as 5 minutes!
Boat Design Made Easy
Sailboats:
A sailboat gets its power from the force of the wind. Large sails catch the wind and move the boat in the same manner as a full-size sailboat. R/C sailboats range in size from less than twenty inches in length to the AquaCraft Vela One-Meter Sailboat 2.4GHz which is 40 inches long and has a mast that towers 79 inches (over 6 feet) above the water!
Scale Boats:
A scale boat refers to any Kit, ARR or RTR that reproduces virtually every detail of a full-size boat. While Kits are generally preferred by expert builders, there are also many ARR and RTR Scale Boats available for beginners to enjoy right out of the box. Designed primarily for looks instead of speed, common scale boat features usually include realistic "extras" like planked decks, chrome or brass deck fittings...even cloth flags and ladders!
Airboats
An airboat is powered by an airplane engine and a prop that's mounted high above the stern. Hull bottoms are flat (or nearly so); steering power may come from a water rudder, vanes on the fan, or both.
Racing Boats:
Racing boats are the most popular kind of R/C boat – who doesn’t want to slice through the surf at blazing-fast speeds? Thankfully, today’s R/C world offers many safe, exciting ways to get out on the water.
Electrics are perfect for beginners because they’re easy to control, easy to maintain and the most affordable. All are virtually ready-to-run (RTR), with a Brushed or a more powerful Brushless Motor, radio system, battery and more, so you can get out on the water almost as soon as you open the box. No matter what boat you choose, remember that’s it’s all about having fun!
 Glow, or Nitro-Powered, models are ideal for thrill-seekers looking for a fun way to “step up” their boating skills. Nitro boats can range from easy-to-enjoy RTRs to do-it-yourself kits. Due to their high-performance design, they are more difficult to control and more expensive to maintain than electrics. Yet, many boaters find that all the extra effort is worth it when they reach the finish line first!
 Gas-Powered models are the largest, most powerful of all racing boats. Even if you choose an RTR, their 2-stroke engines are more complicated than what you find on a nitro or an electric. However, they are actually less expensive to operate and maintain than a nitro boat. Note: before considering a gas boat, we suggest that you not only know how to keep it in control, but also know how to make any repairs or modifications.
If you enjoy boat racing but don’t know how or where to start, organizations such as the North American Model Boat Association and the International Model Power Boat Association offer plenty of helpful hints. Forums – like www.rcgroups.com and www.intlwaters.com – are another great way to get information and connect with other boaters. When you visit Web sites like these, always try to be on the lookout for exciting announcements, videos, membership info and more!
Pick Your Power
While wind power is the only choice for sailboats, powered boats may be run by an electric motor, a glow engine or a gas engine.
Clean and quiet, electric power is ideal for first-time modelers. A brushless electric motor and a rechargeable NiMH or LiPo battery can make a racing boat run for around 4-8 minutes and hit 10-20+ mph speeds. Boats with a single motor and battery – like the AquaCraft UL-1 Superior RTR – are the norm. However, twin-motored boats – such as the AquaCraft Mini Wildcat RTR – are also available.
More experienced boaters may prefer the added punch of glow (nitro) power, as found on the AquaCraft Miss Vegas Deuce RTR. Displacements may range from as little as .049 cubic inches, to as much as .90 cubic inches!
2-stroke gas engines are used to provide larger racing boats with the power they need to deliver thrilling, high-speed fun. Generally, they are around the size of a power plant that you’d find in a leaf blower or a weed trimmer. They’re also more complex and require more maintenance than an electric motor or a nitro engine. However, in the long run, they typically cost less to refuel and operate than a nitro engine.
Safety first: a friendly reminder for RC boaters
Never, ever attempt to swim after a stalled RC boat. DO NOT get in the water for any reason to retrieve your boat. RC boats are not designed to act as flotation devices. To retrieve a stalled RC boat, use a fishing reel with a tennis ball tied to the end of the line. Better yet, use a small Jon boat so you can row out and pick up your boat. Remember to use a PFD (Personal Flotation Device) any time you enter your retrieval craft.
Tower Hobbies is the Choice!
More modelers buy their boats and accessories from Tower Hobbies than any other supplier in the world. We have the best selection, the best service and super-low prices. When you do decide which boat is for you, order it from Tower Hobbies!
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