| Radio controlled boats are incredibly popular. They | | | | Blast Electric Race Boat RTR. |
| come in a huge array of shapes, styles and sizes and | | | | ARTR or almost-ready-to-run. These involve partial |
| their popularity continues to grow. But why? "Toy | | | | assembly by a person who is either familiar with radio |
| boats" are not new so what has caused the radio | | | | controlled boats or willing to dig into the manuals and |
| controlled boat hobby to keep growing in popularity | | | | videos about the product. In these boats the body of |
| regardless of age or skill set? What gives? | | | | the boat is almost completely constructed, but parts of |
| The mystique of radio controlled boats is not simply | | | | the motor and power source need to be pieced |
| their performance on the water, but also the allure of | | | | together before the boat can be put on the water and |
| putting them together. Prizes for winning races are all | | | | letting it run. |
| well and good but you'll find that radio controlled boats | | | | Assembly kits. These are obviously more advanced. |
| operators are intensely proud of the skill that went into | | | | They come with all the parts needed to prep the boat |
| making their nautical masterpieces. Radio controlled | | | | for running but they must be assembled. The level of |
| boat makers took advantage of this intensity and | | | | assembly varies but generally you need to be pretty |
| passion and have produced a large selection of radio | | | | advanced to be able to do this. Even if you are good |
| controlled boat kits that meet the varying levels of skills | | | | at mechanics, the parts and layout will take some |
| and motivation. Broadly, radio controlled boats come in | | | | getting to know and often requires special tools to |
| three different types of packages; RTR kits, ARTR | | | | work on the smaller engines and fittings. Given the |
| kits, and Assembly kits. Let's look at each in turn. | | | | level of challenge these are normally not |
| RTR or ready-to-run. These need little or no assembly. | | | | recommended for the first time user. An example |
| Some small adjustments may be needed depending | | | | would be the Azimut Atlantic Challenger 1:20 Scale. |
| on the make of boat e.g. batteries in the boat and | | | | Whatever your skill level, there's a radio controlled boat |
| transmitter and fuel but they are essentially | | | | out there for you. Read my articles and be sure that |
| ready-to-run. They are perfect for the novice | | | | you grasp what is required of you before you buy a |
| enthusiasts. A great example of an RTR boat would | | | | radio controlled boat for yourself or anyone. After any |
| be the Megatech Caribbean Cruiser II MTC6909-1. It is | | | | assembly is complete, my bet is that you'll not wait for |
| a completely pre-assembled RC boat with all the | | | | a sunny day! You'll head out rain or shine to the |
| batteries needed and the radio control set. It is totally | | | | nearest water and let it loose! It's amazing and thrilling |
| plug and play. An alternative would be the Traxxas | | | | and you will be hooked! |