Fun-filled toys are not only designed for children anymore. With the rise of the RC market, more and more adults are trying their hand at this sport. RC vehicles are available in a multitude of different models, ranging from cars to new and impressive helicopter models. However, boats take the cake as they combine the fun of water with an RC vehicle to test the limits of the sport.
Before we take a deeper look at some of these intricate features, it is important to look at the models themselves. Aesthetics are what sells when it comes to first-time buyers after all. Some of these models have excellent features, but they all have an amazing appearance as well.
In this article, we take a deeper look at some of our favorite models on the market today.
Top 9 Best RC Boats
1. Force1 H102 Velocity RC Boat
The Force1 H102 Velocity RC Boat is one of the most popular models on this list. It features the standard 7.4-volt lithium-polymer battery that is capable of holding a charge of around 600mAh. However, the 2.4 GHz remote control can actually control the boat for a range of around 120-meter.
The boat can reach a top speed of around 20 MPH and this will definitely work in your favor if you are competing in competitions. With a decent battery time of around 8-minutes, the boat should give some fun for the family. The capsize recovery mode feature works wonders when you flip the boat.
If you are looking for something affordable to get you started, this will be an excellent option. It comes with a display stand to allow the boat to dry out as well when it was in the water. We definitely recommend it for beginners of all ages.
Pros
- Really affordable
- 20 MPH top speed
- Runs for 8-minutes
- 120 meter controller range
Cons
- Low battery backup but the 2 included battery makes up for it
2. SZJJX Remote Control Boat
The SZJJX Remote Control Boat is one of the most stylish models on this list. Not only does it look impressive, but can reach top speeds of around 25 KM/H as well. It comes with two 7.4-volt batteries and can hold charge of around 600mAh each, providing with an extra power at your disposal at this price level for beginners.
One of the stand out features is the range. The boat is controlled by a 2.4 GHz remote control and can easily reach distances of around 150-meter. It has a cooling system that has been built-in and the 180 flip option can bring the boat back in its upright position and prevent the boat from sinking. It is also constructed from durable ABS plastic.
The running time ratio to the charging time seems quite decent. It will need around 2-hours to fully charge and can also run for around 8-minutes at full speed. However, the price is a little expensive for this small model, making it mostly directed at some of the more advanced RC players. Nevertheless, it is still highly recommended.
Pros
- 25 KM/H top speed
- Only needs 2-hours to charge
- Stylish design and look
- Fast and easy to control
Cons
- Low battery life but extra battery makes up for it
3. Top Race Remote Control RC Boat
Do you think that your RC game needs a little bit of a facelift? If that is the case, the Top Race Remote Control RC Boat is the perfect boat for you. Combining style with a 25C lithium polymer battery, capable of holding a 1800mAh charge, this will be the standout boat in your collection to show off to all of your friends and family.
The High Speed Boat is equipped with a 2.4GHz Radio Control Transmitter which allows you to control the boat up to 300 ft range. The capsize protection will have you up and ready in virtually no time at all if the boat capsizes. The boat is also capable of reaching top speeds of around 30 MPH.
It is slightly expensive compared to many of the other models, but the durability will make up for it. The model is a little larger as well and this will keep it from tilting in bad water conditions. At this price and with these features, it is definitely recommended for more advanced players or competition purposes.
Pros
- Stylish design
- 30 MPH top speed
- Can resist tougher waters
- Only needs 120-minutes for the battery to charge
Cons
- Expensive for beginners
4. GoolRC GC002 Remote Control Boat
The GoolRC GC002 Remote Control Boat is designed for some of the more advanced users. It is powered by a powerful 7.4-volt lithium-ion battery, capable of holding a charge of up to 600mAh. The boat is also rather small and this makes it ideal for navigating multiple obstacles in the water, whilst cruising along at a maximum speed of 20 KPH.
One of the downsides is the running time. Once the boat has been fully charged for around 100-mins, you might be able to use it for around 10-minutes. However, it depends on the speed you are running it at. Fortunately, it is also an affordable model, with the speed being perfect to race your friends around the lake a few times.
Pros
- 20 KPH max speed
- Powerful 7.4-volt battery
- Headless mode for unique steering
- Capsize protection
- Really affordable
Cons
- Battery life is only 10-minutes
5. Haktoys HAK606 RC Boat
The Haktoys HAK606 RC Boat is next on our list and it comes with new and revolutionary design. The futuristic look makes it look more like a spacecraft than a boat, but also offers excellent protection for all the components on the inside. It features a standard 7.4-volt battery that should hold a decent charge of around 600mAh.
The boat has a top speed of around 15 MPH and this is rather decent for beginners to get into the sport quickly. At this speed, you have basic control at the high speeds and the battery also last a little longer. Additionally, Haktoys have added the capsize control feature to tip the boat back on the hull when flipped 180-degrees.
When looking at the price of your RC vehicles, you will notice that the speed does have a massive impact on the price. This model has been reasonably priced at the speed level and is perfect for cruising the lake. We definitely recommend it as one of the best options to get beginners into the sport quickly.
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Top speed of 15 MPH
- ABS plastic hull adds durability
- Capsize protection
- Futuristic look and design
Cons
- The speed could have been a little faster
6. Contixo T2 RC
A speedboat is something we all love and when you close your eyes and think of an RC boat, this is probably the model you will come up with. The Contixo T2 RC Remote Control Racing Sports Boat features a lithium-ion battery that is capable of holding a decent charge in the range of around 1200mAh.
It can run for around 15-minutes if you don’t max out the speed continuously, whilst allowing you to operate the boat at approximately 393-feet. The top speed is better than the average and 20 MPH should be decent for beginners and the speed enthusiasts, but the design might even make it seem faster.
At this speed level, the price is really affordable and the models do work like a beast on the water when the tap is opened up. It is reasonably durable and includes the capsize protection feature many of the others do.
Pros
- Top Speed of 20 MPH
- Capsize protection
- 393-feet controller reach
- 15-minute run time
- Stylish design
Cons
- No real cons
7. Udirc Venom Electric Boat
Once again, we have a smallish boat that makes it onto this list. The Udirc Venom High-Speed Remote Control Electric Boat is one of the smallest boats, with one of the largest batteries and the 370-size battery can hold a decent charge that helps you easily reach speeds in the range of 15 MPH, with some claiming a little faster.
One of the standout features is definitely the battery. This RC boat can run for 15-20 minutes depending on the speed you are running it at. The anti-tilt ABS hull is not that easy to tip over in places like your swimming pool, but unfortunately, the boat is one of the smaller models and can tip over with just a few waves.
While it might not seem like the best boat on this list, it is definitely one of the cheapest. Adults might not get the same pleasure using it in the water as children, but it definitely makes for the perfect toy to use in your swimming pool. We would recommend it to children and beginners looking to have some fun.
Pros
- Really affordable
- Capsize protection
- Top speed of 15 MPH
- Battery runs for around 15-20 minutes
Cons
- Not ideal for waves and large lakes
8. Cheerwing UDI009 RC Boat
The Cheerwing UDI009 RC Boat is designed for the adult member or adult child of the family as it is called nowadays. This boat features a sleek design and it is powered by 2 x 3.7-volt batteries that can hold a combined charge of around 1500mAh. Having two batteries is beneficial if one of them might actually give in.
The boat reaches speeds of around 18 MPH, but the design is the most impressive and cuts through small waves like a hot knife through butter. The boat can also automatically correct the yaw with the rudder if capsizing does take place and the display stand allows it to dry much faster when left outside for a couple of minutes.
Unfortunately, the batteries will take around 200-minutes to reach the full charge capacity and you only have around 8-minutes of playing time. However, it is an affordable model that makes it onto our list for beginners and intermediate RC fanatics.
Pros
- Features 2 batteries as a fail-safe mechanism
- Capsize protection
- Reasonably priced
- 18 MPH top speed
Cons
- Needs 200-minutes to fully charge
- Only runs for around 8-minutes
9. POCO DIVO Tumbler Pool Racer
Last but certainly not least, we have another affordable and budget option. The POCO DIVO Tumbler Pool Racer is actually one of the cheapest models and features a powerful rechargeable Li-Po battery that gives you around 7-8 minutes of running time. It holds a 350mAh charge and this might not be the best but can still go for a few minutes.
With a 20 MPH top speed, the boat might run out of power quite fast, but the 9G Servo rudder will keep you going in the right direction. The low battery indicator is really functional to let you know when to return to shore. This is also an excellent option for beginners to get started and highly recommended.
Pros
- Really affordable
- 9G Servo rudder keeps it stable
- Anti-tilt protection
- 20 MPH top speed
- Comes with USB battery charger
Cons
- Plastic body
Buying Guide
Key Features To Keep In Mind When Buying An RC Boat
The boats themselves are actually cool and offer a lot of style and functions, but there are a few key features we used to choose them. Yes, there are numerous different features, but these definitely stand out as the most important to keep in mind:
Type
You will need to decide on the type of boat you are buying if you are looking for a top speed boat, the high-end gasoline options can work, but they are more expensive and also have more expensive running costs. The electric boat is the more common and also the safest, with the nitro boats also working well for speed, but mostly used for professional purposes.
Running Time And Battery Charge
You will need to look at the charge the battery can hold and the bigger the charge, the longer running time you have. Most batteries have a running time of around 10-minutes, but some of the bigger and more expensive batteries will hold you around 15 or even 20-minutes depending on the speed you run it at. We recommend batteries that can hold at least 120mAh.
Top Speed
RC vehicles are becoming more of a sport as time goes on and this means that speed is also fundamentally important to most people. For beginners, we recommend the 15 MPH top speed, but advanced users can go all the way to 30 MPH. However, the price is definitely linked to the speed in most cases.
Capsize Protection And Recover Mode
Depending on the water body that you choose to use your boat, you will need some sort of capsizing protection. Rogue waves are everywhere, but modern technology has made it possible to tip the boat back on the hull by using only your remote control. Additionally, anti-tilt protection can help avoid any of the problems.
Design
Last but certainly not least, the design is also fundamentally important. If you are looking for a stylish boat, you need to look at the design. A stylish design will turn more heads and also make you look more professional. It is worth noting that most boats are constructed from ABS plastic.
Wrap-Up
The best RC boats & watercraft are readily available and anyone can find the perfect one with a little searching. However, we recommend these options of the quality and the value they are presented with to you.