RC boats or RC ships are remote-controlled model boats (RC). The models can swim on the water and are powered by their own small engine or their own sails. For beginners are best suited boats, which are completely pre-assembled at the time of purchase and thus ready to use. Often, these boats are also complete in a set with matching remote Controloffered. In addition, there are also kits with almost ready pre-assembled models, in which, however, still some components must be purchased separately to achieve an optimal configuration.

RTR versus ARTR – pre-assembled or kit

The abbreviation „RTR“ stands in model construction (not only for boats) generally for „Ready To Run“ and means that the model boats are completely pre-assembled and often also the remote control is already included. In such boats, the uncomplicated driving pleasure is in the foreground, because after the purchase only needs the Fahrakku inserted into its receiving slot and the remote control to be equipped with a suitable battery. Prolonged assembly and purchase of components is not required on these models. This model category is straightforward, but the performance of the boats is limited because optimization is not provided. RC boats, which are offered as toys for children, are usually also of the type RTR.

In contrast, the abbreviation stands „ARTR“. It means „Almost Ready To Run“ and states that the kit is still incomplete as a kit and important components have to be purchased separately. This can be the battery, the motor, the servos (converter of the remote control signals into mechanical impulses) or other essential components. ARTR boats have the advantage that experienced modelers can optimally coordinate the components and thus achieve maximum speed and maneuverability of the model.

The basic types of RC boats

– Racing boat
A speedboat model, also known as a speedboat, is designed for high-speed cruising. They are suitable for calm waters. Hasty steering movements should be avoided in the small racers, however.

– Ship
RC boats larger than racing boats fall under the category of ships. These include z. As cruise ships, freighters, yachts and frigates and warships. They are bigger than the little cars and they are less about the speed, but more about the control of special features. Fire ships often have functioning water sprays, warships can fire guns and there are also lighting and sound effects and much more.

– sailboat
For leisure captains who want to enjoy peace and master complex controls, RC sailboats are the right choice. Fast driving is not an important criterion here. Instead, the appeal of these boats is characterized by the often difficult challenge to safely steer the boat depending on its sail positions and the current wind strength and direction. For unsuccessful driving tests, most of the sailboats have a motor to bring back the model in any case safe.

Methanol or Electric – the most important types of RC engine

Most RC boats in the hobby area are driven by electric motors because they are sufficiently powerful, uncomplicated, space-saving and easy to maintain. They can be found on all boat types, especially on entry-level models and toy boats. Even the fast speedboats are often equipped with a special high-performance electric motor.

Internal combustion engines are mainly found in the professional sector. These are the usual model-making, glow starter engines in reciprocating design and two-stroke or four-stroke design. The handling requires some effort. To start either a pull-wire device (start box) or an additional electric motor is required. The handling of the fuel mixture and the refilling of the tank also requires more care and skill than the simple replacement of a battery with electric drive. Advantage of an internal combustion engine is the achievable maximum speed of the boat. Racing boats reach more than 100 km / h. Associated with this, however, is a considerable noise level, which also applies to lower speeds. Therefore, such boats are not allowed for all waters.

Some special drive techniques

Jet drives suck in water with jacketed propellers and eject it at the end of the nozzle. The recoil allows high speeds and is used in racing boats and yachts. Hydro-actuators utilize the fluid dynamics of the water through appropriate constructions. For retro friends, there are models that are powered as a replica of historic steamers with a fully functional steam engine.

Some selection criteria for one RC Boat

– It should be a toy for the children or is planned use by adults
– which application is intended, d. H. which type of boat is suitable
how fast does the boat go?
– What is the capacity of the battery and how long does charging take?
– what is the range of the control (very important to be able to bring the boat back safely)