Remote control boats are a boatload of fun, so of course, you want one! However, with a ton of things to consider and even more options to choose from, picking the right one is no easy feat.
While your initial instincts may be to go with the fastest and biggest RC boat or one loaded with advanced features, your bubble will soon burst if you can’t control it and keep it from crashing into the shore, or worse yet, other boats.
If you’re new to the fun-filled world of RC boats, it’s best to choose one more in tune with your experience and comfort level. After all, there’s nothing worse than spending a pretty penny on a boat you can’t even operate.
Best RC Boat for Beginners in 2019 – Comparison
| Image | Name | Top Speed | Run Time | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Force1 H102 (Editors' Choice) | 20+ MPH | 10 minutes | 2.25 pounds | |
 | GoolRC GC001 | Top Speed: 18 MPH | 5-10 minutes | 3.4 pounds | |
 | USA Toyz UDI001 | 15+ MPH | 5-10 minutes | 2.2 pounds | |
 | Cheerwing RC Racing Boat | 15 MPH | 6-8 minutes | 1.45 pounds |
We believe everyone should be able to have fun from day one. So, we’ve put together this handy buying guide that’s chock full of valuable info and unbiased reviews of some great beginner-friendly RC boats. Enjoy!
Force1 H102 Velocity – Best RC Boat for Speed
You may be new to RC boats, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the thrill of going fast and skimming across the water at 20+ mph.
While there are plenty of RC boats capable of hitting these speeds and going even faster, as far as fast beginner-friendly boats go, the Force1 H102 Velocity is tough to beat.
Fast and Feature-Packed
In addition to reaching 20+ mph, which is pretty impressive for an RC boat in this category, this lightning-quick RC boat is easy to maneuver as well. Not only does it have an LCD display remote with left and right throttle switch modes, but it also has digital trim adjustment and a handy emergency stop function.
- Super speedy
- Easy-to-use LCD remote
- Emergency stop and self-righting features
- Extra battery included
- May be a little too fast for some beginners
- Could be a bit more water tight
GoolRC GC001 – Best Beginner Boat for Maneuverability
Designed for slightly more advanced users, the GoolRC GC001 RC Boat is propelled by a robust 7.4-volt lithium ion battery, allowing it to hold a massive 1500mAh charge and cruise along on the open water at up to 18 mph.
A Focus on Maneuverability
Nonetheless, the GC001 truly shines in the maneuverability department. It’s small, nimble, and thanks to its optional “Headless Mode,” is able to navigate a variety of obstacles simply by moving the remote.
While it can take some getting used to, this is an awesome feature. The boat will literally go wherever you point the remote.
- Very maneuverable
- Powerful battery
- Unique Headless Mode
- Capsize protection
- Limited battery life
- Headless Mode can take some getting used to
USA Toyz UDI001 Venom RC Boat – Best RC Boat under $100
When it comes to racing against others, there’s no better beginner RC boat out there than the Venom by USA Toyz. If you want to hone your skills and have a blast experiencing the thrill of competition, it might just be RC boat for you.
What makes the Venom so great for competition? Well, for starters its water-cooled motor can allow it to reach speeds of up to 15 mph.
It also features an easy-to-steer servo to handle turns like a pro and an anti-tilt hull for added stability. Plus, like other quality RC boats on this list, it has a self-righting feature to combat against capsizing.
On Your Marks, Get Set, Go!
- Ready to run right out of the box
- Great for racing
- Interference-free controller
- Simple operation
- Can only be used in fresh water
- Could be more watertight
Cheerwing RC Racing Boat – Good Choice Under $50
If you’re looking to break into the fun-filled world of RC boats but want to keep your budget in check, the Cheerwing may be right up your alley. However, despite its low price, it’s loaded with features and a ton of fun.
Same Great Features – Surprisingly Low Price
With its 2.4Ghz trigger controller, the Cheerwing can cruise the water up to 300 feet away before losing a signal. If it strays too far away, the remote’s poor signal alarm will activate and alert you to turn it around.
When in range, the Cheerwing’s auto-correcting yaw feature will help you steer safely and head in the right direction. Meanwhile, if you stray too far off course into rough waters, its capsize recovery function will allow it to self-right itself.
- Great value
- Easy to use
- Good steering and maneuverability
- Lacks a bit of speed
- Runtime could be longer
Best RC Boat for Beginners in 2019 – Buyer’s Guide
Choosing the right RC boat, especially if you’re a beginner, is something that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Sure, you could purchase an RC boat based on looks and a few user reviews, but there’s a lot more to consider if you want to pick the very best option for your budget, needs, and skill level.
How to Choose the Right RC Boat
- Cost:
It may seem obvious, but unless you’re fortunate enough to have an unlimited budget, cost is likely a major consideration. Generally, the more powerful and fast an RC boat is, the more it cost.
Fortunately, as you can see from the list above, beginner RC boats are relatively similar in terms of both speed and cost. So, while cost is important unless you’re really pinching your pennies, it shouldn’t play a major role in your decision process.
- Type of Boat:
Next, it’s time to think about the type of RC boat you want and what you’ll be using it for. If you simply want to use the boat in your backyard pool, then a toy-grade boat might be the perfect solution in terms of control and price.
However, if you want to fly over the water at lightning-fast speeds, a top-end RC sports boat with a gas or nitro engine may be a better fit. More into leisurely cruises than high speeds? Then, perhaps an RC sailboat is the way to go. Like playing naval war games, then you may want to consider an RC battleship or submarine.
When it comes to RC boats, the options are endless, but electric RC boats are by far the most beginner-friendly. With an electric RC boats, like the ones we reviewed above, you simply turn it on, put it in the water, and have fun. Not only are they easy to handle and maneuver, but there’s virtually no maintenance involved.
- Maneuverability:
The best beginner RC boats are extremely maneuverable and easy to handle. While double-hull boats are great for speed, single-hull designs are easier to steer and maneuver around the water.
- Speed:
When shopping for a beginner RC boat, or any RC boat for that matter, speed is another important consideration. Although some gas and nitro RC boats can reach speeds in excess of 40 mph, electric beginner RC boats typically top out at 20 mph, which is more than fast enough for some serious fun. Just remember, the faster an RC boat goes, the harder it is to handle.
- Motor:
Most beginner RC boats utilize brushed or brushless electric motors. Brushed motors are less expensive, but they also produce less power and are prone to overheating. Brushless motors, on the other hand, generate less friction and higher speeds.
- Self-Righting Feature:
This is an important feature found on many beginner RC boats. It allows the boat to flip back over upright all by itself, so there’s no need to run out in the water each time it capsizes.
Conclusion
RC boats are a ton of fun, but getting the wrong boat for your needs and skill level can turn a fun experience into frustration in no time at all. Once you feel comfortable controlling a beginner RC boat, you can upgrade to quench your thirst for power and speed.
That being said, many RC boat enthusiasts find basic beginner boats just as fun as more expensive and finicky high-end models. So, now that you know what to look for in a beginner RC boat and a little about some of today’s top options, it’s time to pick one out and take your freshwater fun to a whole new level!
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