Gas vs Nitro vs Electric RC Boats

Electric RC boats are generally the easiest place to start, while nitro and gas boats trade more upkeep for longer runs and engine sound. Electric boats run on rechargeable battery packs, so they're quieter, need less maintenance and suit small ponds. Brushless RC boats pair a brushless motor with LiPo batteries for more speed than brushed setups, and run time depends on battery capacity and throttle use.

Nitro RC boats run a blend of methanol, nitromethane and oil, and you'll need a start kit to fire the engine. They also need constant movement on the water, because the engine relies on that flow for cooling. Gas remote control boats burn gasoline mixed with 2-cycle oil, often through a two-stroke engine around 25cc.

Gas boats are larger and louder, and they need a larger body of water. The payoff is run time, since a tank can typically last 40 minutes to an hour and you can refuel on the spot. Still deciding? Compare boats with RC cars or browse all RC vehicles in one place.

How Fast Gas Remote Control Boats Go

Gas remote control boats can reach high speeds, but top speed varies significantly by engine and hull. Check each boat's listed specs before you buy. Gas boats are also a smaller, higher-maintenance niche than electric boats, so weigh upkeep alongside speed.

Hull design shapes how that power reaches the water. A catamaran's twin sponsons add high-speed stability over a monohull and can add speed on smooth water. A deep-V hull slices through choppy water, so it holds up better when conditions get rough.

Higher speeds need more open water, more reaction time and calmer conditions, especially with a hydroplane hull. Start slower, learn how the boat handles in turns, then work up to full throttle as your control improves.

Between sessions, racing simulators and accessories give you another way to sharpen throttle control at home.

Choosing an RC Boat Hull Type

The right hull depends on where you'll run and how fast you want to go. Hobby shoppers commonly sort performance RC boats into these hull types:

• Deep-V hulls slice through choppy water at speed, so they suit lakes and windy days.
• Catamaran hulls ride on two sponsons, which gives them more high-speed stability than a monohull.
• Hydroplane and tunnel hulls are generally associated with flat-water speed, so they need calm water.
• Monohulls use a single hull, and the deep-V is one common monohull shape.

If raw speed on smooth water is your goal, a catamaran or hydroplane is typically the better fit. If your pond gets choppy or crowded, a deep-V will usually give you more control. Match the hull to your water first, then pick a power type that fits your run-time needs.

A folding chair, cooler and shade from our outdoor recreation gear help round out a full day at the lake.

RC Helicopters for Beginners and Experienced Pilots

Coaxial RC helicopters are generally the most beginner-friendly, fixed-pitch models are a common next step and collective-pitch models suit experienced pilots. Coaxial helicopters use counter-rotating blades, so they fly without a tail rotor. Blade markets its coaxial mCX as a stable way to learn orientation and hovering.

Fixed-pitch helicopters can't sustain inverted flight. Collective-pitch models can, because their blades can go to negative pitch, but they take more practice to learn.

Before each flight, check your battery level and confirm the transmitter is bound. The Academy of Model Aeronautics safety code asks members to avoid flying over unprotected people and keep powered models at least 25 feet from bystanders. It also says to fly as far as practical from power lines and never retrieve a model from them.

Start with short hover sessions, then progress to forward flight and turns. RC helicopters sit alongside other hobby picks in our lifestyle and specialty products, so you can shop the whole weekend in one order.

Batteries, Fuel and Accessories to Keep RC Boats Running

Keeping RC boats running comes down to the right power supply, basic tools and a simple after-run routine. For electric boats, a spare battery pack or two stretches a session without long breaks. Pair LiPo packs with a compatible charger, and store them at a safe charge level when you're done.

You'll find packs and chargers for many setups in our RC batteries and chargers. Nitro boats need fuel, a glow igniter and a start kit. Gas boats need fresh gasoline mixed with 2-cycle oil at the engine maker's ratio. Keep fuel in approved containers and store it away from heat.

After each run, dry the hull, drain any water inside and check the propeller, rudder and drive line for damage or debris. A little marine grease on the flex shaft helps prevent wear. Keep spare propellers, O-rings and a small tool kit in your field box, so a minor issue won't end your day early.