Best RC Boats for Lakes
Why an RC Boat for Lake is a Great Gift for Kids and Adults?
Even if you don’t have millions to spare money, you can afford sailing your own boat on sunny days. For prices starting at $50 you can buy an RC boat for lakes and ponds. Remote-controlled boats are a great toy not only for children. Adults also have fun with the technology and playing with it. If you like it lively and sporty, we recommend a remote-controlled sports boats. These models are speedy. Cruisers and battleships, on the other hand, are a little quieter.
We have been engaged in a series of tests of remote controlled boats and in our RC Boat Comparison we present different models with which you are well-prepared to have fun. We’ll also give you an insight into the technology of remote-controlled boats and explain what is important when buying. Find with us the best remote controlled boats for lakes on the market.
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What to Consider When Buying a Remote Controlled Boat?
Criteria for RC Boats
Remote controlled boats inspire children and adults. RC boats can be operated with a radio remote control, with which you can control speed and direction. Most models in tests of remote-controlled boats have a waterproof body made of light metal or plastic. Inside this is the electric motor, which is powered by batteries or accumulators. The electric motor in turn drives a propeller, which sits on the outside and propels the boat on the water.
On the underside of a remote-controlled boat there are usually sensors that detect whether the boat is in the water. The background of these sensors is safety aspects: Once the boat is out of the water, it cannot be operated. Since remote-controlled boats are often used as toys by children, such safety functions are very useful.
Two Main Types of RC Boats
RC boats can be divided into two types: RTR boats that are “ready-to-run” and boats sold as RC boat kits. The last ones must be assembled before use. RTR boats are especially suitable for young users and beginners.
Often these RTR model boats are also the entry into the world of model building. Many users of remote controlled boats start with quite simple models and later build up individualized boats. If you build a remote controlled model boat yourself, you have the advantage of being able to choose the design, engine and controls.
What Model of RC Boat to Choose?
Model Preference. There are models of remote controlled boats and ships that differ from each other in design and characteristics.
This is what you should look for when buying your boat. If you want to buy a remote controlled boat, you should first think about what model of boat you prefer. There is a large selection and it can quickly become confusing for beginners: There are, for example, remote-controlled motor boats in different versions, remote-controlled racing boats and remote-controlled yachts.
Are you looking for a mini-RC boat for yourself or a remote-controlled boat for your child? Are you a beginner? Then you could learn with a comparatively cheap remote-controlled boats. Speed boats are more suitable for advanced users. Children can quickly get overwhelmed by complex controls.
Age recommendation. Most manufacturers give an age recommendation for their electric boats, which you can use as a guide, especially for beginners. Not all remote controlled boats are suitable for children of all ages. Simpler models are recommended for children from 8 years, more complex boats are suitable for teenagers from 14 years.
Range. The range is an important specification. Decide on a range that corresponds to your desired area of application. The ranges of remote-controlled boats in tests vary. On average they are between 50 and 150 metres. Only very few models have a higher range – they manage up to 500 metres.
Keep this in mind when buying and especially when using a boat. RC boats with a short range can quickly get out of control on larger lakes. In such a case the only thing that helps is swimming.
Note: Use your remote-controlled boat only in fresh water, i.e. rivers and lakes, if possible. Salt water can damage the engine. Always clean the boat thoroughly after using in salt water.
Type of Water. You’ll get the best fun on calm waters, especially with cheap remote controlled boats.
Not every RC boat is equally suitable for every type of water. Some boats can only be operated on calm waters, others can tolerate small waves. Unfortunately it is not possible to say in general how long or how heavy waves a boat has to to withstand. Basically, lighter sport boats are more suitable for calm waters. Heavier models with a good depth and powerful engine can also be used in waters where waves are possible.
Equipment. Some RC boats have sound and light effects that add to the fun of the game. Special ships and boats such as warships or fire boats, on the other hand, can score points with features such as a shooting function or water splashing.
A special highlight is a remote-controlled boat with camera. It can take and store breathtaking pictures from the water. Remote-controlled submarines with camera can even record underwater pictures.
Summary
Buying RC boats online, you have the advantage of being able to easily exchange the product if you don’t like it. In addition, you have a much wider choice on the Internet and can shop without leaving your home, independent of shop opening hours and without long trips.
FAQ
How to build a remote controlled boat?
If you don't want to buy a ready remote controlled boat, but would rather build one yourself, you should have some modelling experience. You do not have to do all the planning: Many manufacturers of RC boats have special kits in their range. You have to assemble them according to instructions and paint them according to your own ideas. As far as the engine is concerned, you can often design these models according to your wishes. You can find suitable instructions in numerous RC forums on the Internet. Here you can also exchange information with other boat owners about technical and design issues.
What is battery life for RC Boats?
The question of battery life is of course also very important for toy boats with electric motors. How annoying it is when the battery gets dead just when the boat is in the middle of the lake. Most models of RC boats have rather short battery life: it is around 10 minutes. Only very few models reach a battery life of 20 minutes. RC boats with burners are independent of battery life, but are not suitable as toys for children. Note: Since many of the batteries supplied are of rather modest quality, we recommend that you buy a replacement battery immediately.
How fast are RC Boats?
The speed of RC boats depends on the engine power and the performance of the battery. It is also limited by the shape and length of the boat. Some RC speed boats reach speed up to 20 miles/h. The speed of normal RC boats is usually much lower.
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