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So you are looking at radio controlled boats as a hobby? Here is a look at some of the things you should know beforehand when researching. You have a large selection of types and models from which to choose! If you like to work with your hands, then you might want to consider an unassembled RC boat kit. You take the time putting it together, and when you’re done it’s ready to go. You can also choose from radio controlled sail boats, scale boats, and even rc submarines.

Don’t just run out and buy the first RC boat you come across, be sure that you check other options. Many are very expensive but you can pick up a good electric RC boat for around $100. If you are a beginner, you might want to consider something in this price range, so if something happens, you don’t loose a big investment. A lower end boat will let you hone your technique without the danger of hurting a valuable boat.

Plan ahead and read about RC Boats. This can really improve your knowledge, and make you more informed before going in to purchase. Be sure that you ask the retailer lots of questions if you are going to a local store. There are many different web sites offering remote controlled boats and have the specifications for each product they sell. Before going to a local store make a list of models that appeal to you along with any questions you may have. I can’t tell you that one brand of remote controlled boat is better than another as each person has their own requirements. Only you can decide what you like the most.

When you have purchased the RC boat you want and are ready to take it out on the water, wait. Whenever you going out remote controlled boat racing, have a checklist. Even real ship or plane captains have pre-flight checklists that they go over to ensure they have a safe trip, and remote controlled boats are no exception.

It is particularly important with RC boats, because if they can be really hard to retrieve if something happens. Always be sure to have enough fuel, check all servos and motors and be especially sure the steering is functioning properly.

By making your first run along the shore you can make any final adjustment or easily retrieve you boat is something goes wrong. This simple step can prevent you from having to retrieve your radio controlled boat if something goes wrong.

Whichever model or type of radio controlled boat you choose, if you follow these basics, not only will you get the most out of your money, but your radio controlled boating experience will be more pleasant. Following all the maintenance schedules and properly maintaining your boat will allow you the most enjoyment and a long lived boat.

One of the most important is hull design. Sure you have the options of electric radio controlled boats, gas powered radio controlled boats and more. No matter what type of power source you choose the speed and stability are still determined by the hull type. Lets take a moment as look at the various options available.

Hydroplane or Catamaran Hull Configuration- Hydroplane and catamaran configurations place two or three hull surfaces in contact with the water. Two things result from this type of configuration the first being less surface area is in contact with the water and the second is that air is trapped under the hull. What is produced by this trapped air is called “lift”. This will reduce the surface contact between the radio controlled boat and the water thereby causing the speed of the boat to increase.

Catamaran and hydroplane hull configurations are usually responsible for the fastest RC boats. One drawback to this hull designs is lack of stability on choppy surfaces. If the water is rough high speeds are usually not attainable. On flat surfaces the speed attained by your RC boat can be truly incredible.

Mono Hull Type – This hull configuration has a single surface that is constantly in contact with the water. Often referred to as a “V-Hull”, the mono hull provides better stability for radio controlled boats in rough water.

This design is further broken up into two categories, the “Deep-V” and the “Shallow’V”. The Deep-V is the most popular design for RC but the Shallow-V is a close second. The Shallow-V will usually go faster with equivalent power because it has less surface area in contact with the water. However, if surface conditions are rough the Deep-V is more stable and will outperform the Shallow-V.

As you can see there are a number of compromises that need to be considered when buying your remote control boat. If it is calm where you operate your radio controlled boat you may enjoy having a catamaran or hydroplane type and the increased performance that is available from this hull type. For those that operate their boats in a rough environment the recommendation is to get a Deep-V design hull.

If you are racing remote control boats, the boats are normally broken into classes based on hull design. So, no matter what style of boat you get you will be able to both have a great time and compete against other radio controlled boat enthusiasts .

Joining a remote controlled boat club may be your first step. Most major cities have a chapter of some sort. Joining one will not only help you to find information on the races in your area, but you’ll also make some valuable contacts and get a bit of racing practice while you’re at it.

The first thing you should do after hearing about a race is to call for the details. If it’s a new venue for you or you’ve never been to that particular rc boat race in the past, you’ll need a complete copy of the rules as well as directions and start times. Generally racers are expected to contribute time doing some of the work at the race. They will be responsible for such things as timekeeping and the like . You need to know what is to be expected of you before you head out on race day.

As you begin to prepare both you and your boat for the race, you have to keep several things in mind. The first thing to look after is the maintenance of your boat. More often than not, a racer or two will show up only to put their boat in the water and it won’t start. The condition of your boat is obviously, one key to winning.

To that end, you may want to make a checklist to help you remember what to do with your radio controlled boat every single time you take it out of the water. Once you’re done racing, strip it and make sure that the drive line is oiled. Checking your radio is also a good idea to make sure that it has not had any damage to it. Lubrication is essential with each linkage and servo. Check the motor’s bearings, and oil those as well. If your boat will let you view the motor brushes you should check them too. Do they move freely? If they’re damaged, you must replace them.

The hull is the next thing to look at. Don’t forget to look at the rudder as well. After doing all this be sure to carefully store your boat and don’t forget your batteries if you have an electric RC boat. If you are running electric radio controlled boats you may want to charge and discharge them before you store them for a long period of time. Make sure to follow the manufacturers directions. Many RC boat racers like NiCad batteries better than dry cells for their transmitters. They seem to have better range and less interference, but do your research carefully before you make the switch.

Keep in mind that before race day, you’ll need to go through the entire checklist again. Most racers have both a pre-race and post-race checklist, and you may find yourself continually adding to it as your racing career grows.

Other than boat condition you will find that experience and practice are also important to becoming a winner You simply cannot win radio controlled boat races if you’re not willing to practice. Create a race course in your practice area by using buoys that you can purchase. Get a feel for speeding around each buoy at a different angle. Learn you your boat will respond to the controls. When you are racing you will have other boats close by so knowing how your boat reacts is essential. You may want to enlist the help of three or four friends to help you get ready for race day.

Watching your opponents at other races can help you to become familiar with their tactics. Just as professional sports players watch hours of footage of their opponents, watching your opponents will give you a feel for how they work with their boats. Thinking about the individuals you’ll be racing against will help you plan a bit of strategy for given situations.

Finally, don’t expect to win your first radio controlled boat race. Remember that all the things you learn from each race will make you a better racer in the future. It is important to treat these initial races as research expeditions for future races. Do these things and some day you’re sure to be crowned the champion.

Before you go out and just buy the first RC boat you see, it is important to shop around. RC boats can be expensive but there are lots of models of electric radio controlled boats that start at less than $100. If you are a beginner, you might want to consider something in this price range, so if something happens, you don’t loose a big investment. Starting with a lower priced boat can be a good idea so that while you are honing your RC boat skills a small accident does not add up to a big deal.

You should spend some time and research and read about RC boat. You will find that this increase in knowledge will help you to make more informed decisions when you purchase. If you are shopping at a brick and mortar store, ask lots of question and if shopping on line send emails to get answers. There are many different web sites offering RC boats and have the specifications for each product they sell. Keep track of all your questions and when you go to your local hobby strore get any unanswered question answered as well as any specifics about a particular RC boat that is of interest. I will not make any specific recommendations for any one brand of radio controlled boat as each enthusiast has their own favorites. Only you can decide what you like the most.

When you have purchased the one you want and are ready to take it out on the water, wait. Whenever you going out RC boat racing, have a checklist. Even real ship or plane captains have pre-flight check lists that they go over to ensure they have a safe trip, and remote controlled boats are no exception.

It is especially important with RC boats, since you will often have a heck of time retrieving it if something happens. Make sure there is enough fuel; all the controls are functioning properly, the sails, rigging and steering are all working properly.

Even after all of that, test run it near the shore first, so you can make any adjustments necessary before going out on open water. This additional precaution will often save you from having to retrieve your RC boat or possibly end up loosing entirely.

By adhering to the basics you will gain a lot more pleasure from your rc boating experience no matter what boat you buy. Following the directions in the owners manual and doing regular maintenance will keep your boat running longer and better and make your RC boat experience that much better.