Live ChatRC Boats
Whether you crave action or relaxation, you'll enjoy radio-controlled boating. There's nothing quite as soothing as gliding your scale R/C sailboat across a pond, or for full-throttle excitement, you can race an electric-powered deep vee or hydro! Many of Tower Hobbies' most popular model RC boats already come prebuilt. To start making waves, just add water!
RC Boat Categories
RC boats are quickly becoming one of the most popular remote-controlled hobbies for a reason. From beginners to experts, anyone with access to a body of water can enjoy zipping their favorite RC boats across pools, ponds, lakes and oceans.
Shop RC Boats By Price
No matter what your price or skill level, we have a ton of RC boat options for you. Check out all of our options based on your budget and find which RC boat will work for your current skill level. We offer ready-to-run options as well as RC boat kits that you can build and race.
RC Boats In Stock
Check out our most popular RC boats in stock and new models that have just hit the market. Tower Hobbies offers newest developments in RC boating technology, so you can stay ahead of the competition with the fastest, best handling RC boats on the market today.
RC Boat Parts & Accessories
Looking to make a repair, or upgrade to your current RC boat model? We have everything you need to keep your RC boat afloat, including RC boat batteries, chargers, engines, hardware, motors and spare parts.
Shop the Best RC Boat Brands
Whether you crave action or relaxation, you’ll enjoy radio-controlled boating with some of the best RC brands in the industry. We have extensive offerings from Kyosho, Proboat and Dumas, including the best-in-class electric RC boats, gas-powered RC boats and RC sailboats.
Learn More About Our RC Boats and Options
Tower Hobbies is one of the leading sources for quality-built RC boats, parts and accessories. We offer one of the widest selections of RC boating equipment because there is a wide range in skill, hobby and interest levels.
It can be hard to know where to begin when buying your first RC boat and setting out for the water. It’s important to understand your current skill level, along with where you plan on setting sail, in order to find the right RC boat for your needs.
RC Boats for Beginners
There are many models and options available when starting out, so it’s important that you learn a few key areas when it comes to RC boating.
RC Boat Batteries
It’s important to understand your battery life when out on a body of water. An RC boat can and will run out of battery after an extended period of cruising on the water and it’s not fun if you have to fish out the boat yourself once it peters out. Having a second charged battery on hand can be a great way to increase your time out on the water.
RC Boat Controller Limits
In addition to battery life, it’s important to know what the range is on your model’s RC controller – especially on larger bodies of water. A beginner mistake is allowing the boat to get too far away and out of range for picking up the remote-control signal. When looking to purchase a reliable RC boat, it’s important to understand your intended application.
RC Boat Skill Level
Getting the fastest and most agile boat on the water can be fun, but it’s important to recognize your skill level. Fast RC boats can reach speeds of up to 50 miles per hour! RC boats can be more difficult to control and just like real boats, the RC boat can be at risk to capsizing. For beginners, you may try to find a boat with adjustable speeds and self-righting systems that help prevent issues from lack of control skill.
Types of RC Boats
We always recommend evaluating what type of hobbyist you are before making a boat purchase? Are you looking for fun, high-speed action or would you prefer a relaxing day at sail? Tower Hobbies offers a wide variety of RC boats, including RC boat kits designed to be built and driven by you. Check out our summaries below to find the right RC boat for your hobby.
Electric RC Boats
Electric RC boats use two types of electric motors – brushed and brushless. (You can learn more about the difference between brushed and brushless motors here). Electric RC boats are easier to get up and running and they are quieter and cleaner than gas RC boats. Electric boats come in a larger variety of sizes and hobby skill levels, whereas gas-powered RC boats tend to be used by intermediate or expert hobbyists.
Gas RC Boats
Gas-powered RC boats are typically larger due to the engine size, and offer increased realism, including smoke and noise of a gas-powered engine. Gas-powered RC boat engines do require some mechanical skills for engine tuning and maintenance but are typically faster and more water-resistant than brushed and brushless electric motors if well-tuned.
RC Sailboats
Remote controlled sailboats use the natural wind for movement and the user controls the boats steering and positioning of sails with a radio transmitter. RC sailboats come in a wide variety of options, including electric motors, which can be valuable when the wind dies down or better maneuverability back to shore.
RC Scale Boats
RC scale boats are based on real world ships, boats and vessels. These are typically sold in kit form, where the user builds the RC model, adds the motor and drive train and then sails the boat on the water. RC scale boat kits require skill in ship building as the model must float (balanced) and be watertight. These projects require significant time investment but can be exceptionally rewarding once completed.
