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The term radio controlled boats have mysteriously become synonymous for “speed boats” here in the US. To curb any confusion I'll stick with the all-inclusive meaning of the word – as in all models of water vessels operated by radio control.
While we're at it, some people seem to confuse remote controlled with radio controlled boats. Technically, remote controlled is a broader term that includes infra red and tethered control systems, and many more. Radio Controlled is strictly just that – controlled by radio waves through a radio transmitter and receiver.
Building RC model boats is a little more involved than building static model boats. Not only do you need to worry about propulsion and steering, but also weight, internal access, water proofing and structural integrity.
RC sailboats
As with real sailboats, there is something extra cool about being powered solely by the wind. These model boats are equipped with one or more sail winch servos that control the sheets and one servo for steering. Many have drop-keels for added stability.
RC Scale Model Boat
RC scale model boats is probably the broadest radio controlled boats category. Popular subjects are tugboats, warships, pleasure crafts, fishing boats etc. Sometimes you’ll see novelties like jet skis, hydrofoils and row boats.
People have different standards when it comes to scale. Usually within the radio control boats community, you are your hardest judge. If that is not enough, you can enter your model in national and international meets and competitions.
RC Boat Plans
If you want to scratch build an RC boat, first thing to do is to get yourself a set of plans. With practice, you can draw them up yourself. That's what I've been doing for a while now. My latest project is a semi scale PT 109.
Most model boat plans available are not specifically for building RC boats. Some are, but even then expect to make changes as you go.
You'll find that it is sometimes difficult to source the exact same components as the designer used. Sometimes because the plan was originated someplace else or simply too long ago.
RC model warship combat
This is a form of war gaming where warship models are equipped with CO2 powered BB guns and shoot each other up. The hulls are skinned with a thin layer of balsa veneer to enable the BB’s to penetrate the hulls with less power for safety reasons.
The radio controlled boats are also equipped with bilge pumps. At some point, if your ship takes enough hits, the capacity of your pump will be insufficient to stay afloat. At this point expect cheers from the opposing team. Get your swim trunks out.
Sport Model Radio Controlled Boats
This is the most casual category and is all about having fun! Many toys, RTR (Ready To Run) and kits fit into this group. Most are electric motor driven power boats found at hobby retailers and online. They are inexpensive and almost exclusively made from plastic.
Model Steam Boats
Steam power has its own following and the most dedicated builders make their own steam plants. Steam engines are not cheap, but definitely have their charm. When shopping for steam engines suitable for radio controlled boats, be sure to get one that is reversible. Another feature that is nice to have is a self starting design. To be self starting it requires at least two cylinders driving up the price further.
RC Power Boats
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These suckers are fast. There are many kits available of Deep Vee, Hydroplanes, Tunnel hulls, Catamarans, Offshore racers, Water jet and stepped hulls.
If you are into radio controlled boat racing, there are numerous international classes based on hull form, size and engine.
Model Boat Engines
The most common IC model engines for fast radio controlled boats today are Nitro or Gas powered. Back in the days, and they seem to enjoy a little bit of a comeback are model diesel engines.
Nitro RC boats
Nitro RC boats are powered by a glow engine. The fuel is a mixture of methanol, nitro-methane and oil. Different mix ratios are promoted for different purposes. Traditionally, the oil is castor oil.
Gas (Gasoline) RC Boats
Gas RC boats are powered by a small two-stroke gasoline engine. The fuel is a mix of gasoline (or petrol for those not in the USA) and two-stroke oil.
Small is a relative term, today’s model gasoline engines for model boats are usually 26cc and up. In hobby terms, this is a big engine. Big engines need a big hull, so if your storage and transportation options are limited, you may need to consider Nitro or electric.
Electric RC Boats
The majority of model RC boats are electric powered, either with a permanent magnet motors or brushless electric motors.
It’s by far the most versatile, easy and cost effective propulsion system. Many places that would be suitable for model boat sailing don’t permit combustion engines because of the noise. Electric RC boats don’t have that problem. Another benefit is that reversing is never an issue. Speed boats may not need to go in reverse, but scale models do.
RC Submarines
RC submarines is a fast growing hobby, and the kit manufacturers are taking note. To build a radio controlled submarine from scratch is a tall order. Luckily there are many kits available these days.
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Before you spend any money, figure out where you will sail (or dive rather) the model. You need a body of water where visibility is really good down to 3m minimum. You also want the water to be flat since any ripples can make the sub impossible to see. A pool is ideal while ponds, lakes, rivers or the ocean are not so good.
It is important to understand the difference between static and dynamic dive. The less expensive model kits will be dynamic dive only. Dynamic dive means the submarine is trimmed (ballasted) to be buoyant when stationary. To dive you need to hit the throttle and use the dive planes and hull angle to force it to submerge.
Static dive is where trim tanks take on water as the dive command is received. This makes for a much more realistic looking dive procedure. It is also a lot more expensive.
Lately some kit and toy submarine manufacturers have come up with a compromise. The hull is equipped with a vertical tunnel through the hull. A motor and impeller inside the tunnel “pulls” the sub under as the dive command is given.
RC Boat Hulls
Buying a ready made RC boat hull and finish it yourself has some advantages. You’ll save time compared to building the radio controlled boat hull from scratch. At the same time it costs less than building a kit. You’ll also have the advantage of picking out all the components yourself.
Mini RC boats
Mini RC boats are small toy boats, sometimes as small as three inches (76mm). I wouldn’t advise anybody to try and build an RC boat this small. Even under 300mm (one foot) can be a challenge. Model boats this small have three major disadvantages:
- Their sea worthiness is horrible
- Challenging to build light enough
- Difficult to fit all necessary components
RC model boat kits
There are a large number of RC model boat kits available on the market today. Just about all types of radio controlled boats come as a kit from somewhere. Some of the more well known manufacturers include:
- Dumas
- Midwest
- Billing
- Calder Craft
- Dean’s Marine
- Kyosho
- Graupner
- Robbe
- Pro Boat
RC boat propellers
RC boat propellers come in many shapes for different purposes.
- Material – plastic, bronze or brass
- Mounting – threaded or with dog adapter
- Pitch – medium pitch for scale models or high pitch for speed
- Number of blades – two, three, four or more
- Direction – left or right
RC Equipment
When it comes to selecting an RC radio, there are a number of options including AM, FM, 2.4GHz, multifunction, pistol grip or stick etc.
One important note: don't ever use a radio frequency dedicated for airplanes for your radio controlled boat. It's against the law and you may be held liable for damages you cause from interference. It could be serious, life or death, so don't do it.
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