Getting Started with RC Boating and Navigation

Whether you crave action or relaxation, you'll enjoy radio-controlled boating. Getting started with RC boating is easier than ever and opens the door to a fun, versatile hobby that suits all personalities. There's nothing quite as soothing as gliding your scale R/C sailboat across a quiet pond, letting the wind carry your carefully tuned vessel while you enjoy the peaceful rhythm of the water. On the other hand, if you're after full-throttle excitement, getting started with RC boating can mean diving straight into high-speed races with nitro- or electric-powered deep-vees and hydros, delivering an adrenaline rush with every turn and splash.

Many of our most popular model RC boats already come prebuilt, making the first steps in the hobby simple and accessible—even for total beginners. When you're getting started with RC boating, all you need is a bit of open water, a charged battery or fuel, and you're ready to go. To start making waves, just add water and watch your new adventure unfold!

Almost-Ready-to-Run RC Boats

ARR (Almost-Ready-to-Run) models may be as much as 80% pre-built and include a motor or engine. Buying an ARR RC boat often costs less than buying an RC boat that comes with the electronics and radio, which saves you money if you already have these items. Plus, ARR RC boats reduce the risk of making mistakes during assembly of something like a kit, which can be costly—especially for newcomers to the RC boating hobby.

Ready-to-Run RC Boats

RTR (Ready-to-Run) boats add to ARR convenience by including a radio, radio gear, batteries and required items. Assembly can take as little as 5 minutes! These models are perfect for those just getting started with RC boating. You don’t need to worry about complex building steps or sourcing individual parts. It's a stress-free way to enter the hobby and focus on learning to drive and control your boat.

RC Boat Kits

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. 

Navigating an electric RC boat is a fun and rewarding experience, especially once you get the hang of the controls. If you’re just getting started in RC boating, navigation might feel a little intimidating, but it is very similar to steering an RC car. Most RC boat transmitters have two main functions:

• Throttle (usually on the trigger): Controls forward and reverse speed.
• Steering (usually on a wheel): Turns the boat left or right.

When navigating an RC boat for the first time, try using a throttle control to turn down the power. It’s a lot easier to navigate when you’re not going at top speed. Avoid sharp turns as you learn to navigate on the water. You don’t want to have to go into the water to recover your boat on the first day. But just in case, have a recovery plan for your boat before you head out for the first time. Some RC boats are self-righting but even with this feature, if you lose power out on the water, you’ll still need a recovery method.

Getting Started in RC Boat Racing

If you enjoy going at top speed but don't know how or where to start in RC boat racing, 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!