New to rc boats...need some advice.

[snowsurfer]

Hey Guys,

I'm relatively new to rc boats. The last boat I owned was a traxxas villain IV back in the 90's. Anyway, I'm looking to get back into boating and need some help with choosing a hull. I plan on running it in ponds and lakes. I've been researching catamarans but I'm also looking at mono's. I don't want to spend a ton on a boat since my crawlers cost me enough already. Should I look at boats from proboat or aquacraft, or are there other manufacturers I should consider. Thanks.

Cheers,

Mike

[sanyijr]

Mike, welcome and beware. As you already know, rc is addictive. And boating is no exception!

With that said, you have lots to choose from. You familiar with Lipos? You have a lipo charger? You looking for a RTR? $$$?

If you give a clearer layout of your thoughts, I am sure we can suggest great boats for you. Both PB and Aquacraft are good. But describe your lake/pond conditions as well. Glass calm waters, small 1" ripple chop or bigger? This all helps fine tune suggestions.

Sean

[T.S.Davis]

Yep, give us just bit more and we can give you some good ideas. RTR or something you build from a box of parts?

[banixj]

my suggestion is Etti if yur budget is not so big (less than 500usd), HPR if your budget is big (about 2000usd)...
today etti is the best mono 2/3 cells on market.... a secret gun in speed and corners too...
here you can find a real example:

HPR is the best boat manufacturer in the world and i think 204kph can confirm my opinion:

205kph too.... i think is the best for a non hydro-hull....

[sanyijr]

my suggestion is Etti if yur budget is not so big (less than 500usd), HPR if your budget is big (about 2000usd)...
today etti is the best mono 2/3 cells on market.... a secret gun in speed and corners too...
here you can find a real example:

HPR is the best boat manufacturer in the world and i think 204kph can confirm my opinion:

205kph too.... i think is the best for a non hydro-hull....

Ahhhhh. I think you might be jumping the gun on this one.... I am assuming here that we are looking at semi-entry level boats? Don't even know if there is room for boats like this and a that speed.... But, just my opinion

[banixj]

etti boats are so easy to build and setup....
i use tenshock hulls, a bit easier than etti, a little faster than etti....

[T.S.Davis]

I like the Fightercat Bling Rocket. That's my next boat.

[graill]

Running boats are night and day over other RC disciplines. Choose something that can be taken apart readily and is very cheap or simple for the time being, a cheapo rtr or very simple kit to start, your learning curve will start at that point, you did state you were new to RC boats. Get yourself caught up on electrical theory, amp usage, amp draw, weight verse draw, rpm and draw, etc, lot of threads here and on the RRR site to help you along. Very few people have the common sense to start slow and simply want a "fast boat" and in the end the persons journey in RC FE is short lived. Good luck and have fun.

[snowsurfer]

Hey Guys,

Thanks for the replies. I guess I should have been a little more specific with my info. I know all about the rc addiction. I've been into rc cars for about 20 years. I'm well versed in lipos and the latest in the newest tech. I'm thinking about something rtr, but I also love to build. I was looking at the HK genesis as well as a few exceed rc boats (not sure how good these are). I like the etti that banixj suggested also. In terms of running surfaces I'd like to run glass smooth surfaces as well as 2" to 3" of chop. I'm leaning more towards a cat, but i still won't disregard mono's. Thanks guys. Your help is appreciated.

[snowsurfer]

In terms of budget I'm looking around the $500-$700 mark. I live in Ontario Canada so the waters are pretty diverse up here. Everything from small ponds to large lakes like Georgian Bay. I'd like to run a hull that can handle a good variety of different environments.

[dana]

I choose aquacraft over proboat.

[Rocstar]

You may want more of a sport setup for choppy water if you plan on running in a larger lake. Maybe a heavier cat or deep mono hull. At least that will allow you to run in both glass and chop. If you are comfortable building your own, do so. Or rebuild a used boat. There is more pride of ownership that way over a RTR. That's what I am doing now. I'm learning the in's and out's without spending too much....Even my son modified and painted his Minimono to make it his own. Most will agree to start simple. It is addicting, and I find I enjoy building, repairing, and adjusting as much as I do running.....

[snowsurfer]

I'm leaning more to building my own. I love to build and tinker. For larger lakes what brand of cat or mono would you guys recommend?

[driftah]

build a delta force 29 if you go mono they rock,if you go cat,,,,,,,fightercat or skunkworks are nice too

[snowsurfer]

I'm not familiar with all the different manufacturers. Where can I find those hulls? Thanks.