This page contains affiliate links. This means that we may get a small commission for recommending products, if you choose to click on something and buy it. This does not cost you anything, but we wanted to be honest and let you know!
(Last Updated On: )Remote control cars, drones, and helicopters are fairly common but if you go near a lake, river or even rough water you may find RC boats.
They come in a range of different designs and capabilities and offer vasts amounts of fun at a small cost.
The best RC boat is the TR Remote Control Boat that is capable of speeds up to 30 MPH and has an auto flip recovery functionality for ease of use.
When our team tested an RC boat, features such as a self-righting system/auto flip recovery became very useful straight away. Older remote control boats suffered badly by simply flipping over from sharp turns or rough waters.
Table of Contents
Best Remote Control Boats
| RC Boat | Preview | Speed |
| TR Remote Control Boat |  | 30+ MPH |
| UDI001 Venom |  | 15+ MPH |
| Traxxas Blast Race Boat | ||
| RC RMS TITANIC |  | 4.3 MPH |
| SGOTA 2.4GHz |
Reliability and build quality of the remote control boat you purchase is critical.
The last thing that you want to happen is for the RC boat to a breakdown in the middle of a river.
On your first attempt at using an RC boat, we highly recommend doing so where other boats are present as they will be able to help retrieve it if it breaks down.
Battery power is also very important too and we highly recommend getting a spare for extra enjoyment.
Most RC boats will beep from the remote control and become far slower in order to warn you that the battery is running low.
RC boats come in two mains forms and that is racing and model design, which are both included in our recommendations.
Below is a list of the best RC boats that provide hours of fun and can be used in the river, lake and rough waters.
TR Remote Control RC Boat
The best RC boat on the market is the TR Remote Control RC Boat, which provides all-around value in a variety of different areas, including speed, transmission range, and design. In terms of the features of the TR RC Boat, it includes:
- A brushless motor for durable, long-lasting performance
- Unique water cooling system to keep the boat running efficiently
- Top speeds of up to 30 MPH for racing and sport usage
- Length of 18 inches, height and width of five inches each
- Transmitter range of 300 feet for more racing fun
The TR Remote Control boat includes an 11.1V 1800 mAh 25 LiPo battery but the transmitter uses 4 AA batteries, which are not included.
The boat’s sleek design looks very professional in the water, and the durable construction means you can use it for years to come without worrying about damage or performance glitches.
Overall, the TR RC boat makes a great buy, whether you’re first getting into RC boats or have been avid boaters for years.
With a max speed of 30 MPH and an auto flip recovery functionality, it offers excellent fun but does come at a premium.
UDI001 Venom Remote Control Boat
This electric RC boat is designed for racing in lakes and pools and is one of the most exciting models to use.
It is also very easy to use, so it is ideal for first time RC boat users or even adults. It uses a rudder design that’s far easier to steer and has intuitive controls on the controller too.
In terms of the features of the Venom Remote Control Boat, it includes:
- A 15 MPH max speed, for a nice balance of power and control
- Water-cooled single-prop motor runs smoothly and provides enough power for good race speeds
- Anti-tilt hull keeps the boat from flipping, even when you’re going at your fastest
- 4 GHz four-channel transmitter that’s excellent for racing
- Made with ABS plastic that is impact resistant to prevent damage
- 90-day guarantee
Although this boat is fun and easy to use, it competes with some of the higher-end boats on the market, particularly when it comes to construction and quality.
The boat is durable and can withstand impact, and the high-quality transmitter ensures you’ll stay in close control of your boat while you are out on the water.
Overall, it is the best RC boat for the money and it will not disappoint with excellent all-round capabilities.
Traxxas Blast High-Performance RC Boat
Traxxas is one of the most popular brands in the remote control world and the Traxxas Blast is the fastest RC boat on the market.
Everything about this boat is well constructed and powerful, with one of the strongest engines on the market.
It also has a sleek white and blue design that will stand out from all the other boats in the water as you race in style.
Some of the features for the Traxxas Blast High-Performance Race Boat include:
- Stinger 20 turn electric motor that’s one of the fastest available
- Water cooling system to prevent overheating
- Extremely stable 24 inches deep V hull for rough water
- Nautica electronic speed control for a smooth ride
- Foam floatation system to keep it upright
- Traxxas iD battery and 4 amp 12-volt charger
- Intuitive controller with 2.4 GHz transmission
With such a powerful electric motor and sleek design, the Traxxas Blast is one of the best RC boats for racing.
Everything runs smoothly and it provides incredible control so you can easily outmaneuver your opponents.
The durable hull is built to last, making it a great investment piece for the avid boater.
Brigamo RC Ship RMS Titanic
This replica of the famous RMS Titanic is a must-have for history buffs who are fascinated with this classic doomed ship.
This boat is incredibly detailed and provides all the functionality you need to have a great time cruising out on the water.
It’s appropriate for older children and makes a great collector’s piece for older adults as well.
Although it isn’t intended for racing or intense sailing, it still works well out in shallow water. The Brigamo RC RMS Titanic features:
- 700 mAh battery as well as a charger and controller with intuitive controls
- Maximum cruising speed of five miles per hour
- Metal shaft torsion propellors for power and efficiency on the water
- 100-foot control radius, great for use in lakes and ponds
- LED illumination that mimics the design of the original Titanic
This is one of the most beautiful RC boats available and makes a stunning gift for boat enthusiasts.
The detailed construction and smooth cruising speed look incredible on the water. The attention to detail with LED lights and other unique touches make it an excellent buy.
You would think it costs thousands too but in actual fact, it is very reasonably priced for what it is.
SGOTA RC Boat
If you are looking for a cheap RC boat that provides great value, the SGOTA RC boat is your best bet.
The SGOTA boat is one of the cheapest on the market but it provides good quality construction and satisfying performance on the water.
The design is sleek and stylish without being overly flashy and the features include:
- 370 rpm motor for powerful speed
- The maximum speed of 18.6 miles per hour is competitive
- Self-righting RC boat automatically flips upright in the event it capsizes
- Four-channel 2.4 GHz controller has a 150m range for better control
- The LCD screen and low battery warning provide system clarity
- ABS materials resist impact on durability
- Water-cooled engine is safe and efficient
The SGOTA RC boat gives you a great bang for your buck and is an ideal first RC boat for beginners.
Although it is very affordable, it provides similar quality to many of the higher-end boats that you would find on the market.
RC Boat Buying Guide
When choosing an RC boat, you should always look for something that is both fun and safe to use.
There is a huge range of RC boats available, from toy boats that are great for newbies all the way up to professional level racing boats.
Below is an example of the speed and the movements that remote control boats have to offer:
Durability
One of the first things to look at when choosing an RC boat is how durable it is.
Your boat will be exposed to the elements out on the water, so it is important that it is well constructed and won’t damage easily.
The hull, in particular, should be made to resist damage, and the internal motor should be very durable as well.
The better quality parts used in the boat, the longer you will be able to get good use out of it.
Engine Quality
The next thing to look at is the type of engine the boat has and how powerful it is.
Brushless motors are better than brushed motors when it comes to remote control items because they work more efficiently and provide more power.
They are also safer and have less of a tendency to overheat. Although they are typically a bit more expensive than their brushed motor counterparts, they are worth the extra investment.
Water Cooling
Any RC boat you are looking at purchasing should have a water cooling system for the engine.
This is very important for safety because it prevents the engine from overheating.
It also helps keep the engine in good shape for a longer period of time, because the engine won’t experience any heat damage.
You’ll be able to use the boat for long sessions out on the water, and you won’t have to worry about engine repairs.
Ease of Steering
It’s important to look at the steering and remote control system you are purchasing.
Especially for new boaters, a good steering system makes it easier to control the vehicle while it’s out on the water.
The steering system should be intuitive for simple handling of your boat. Many boats have a joystick-like control, which is great for beginners.
Some boats use a rudder steering system, where you turn the rudder in the opposite direction of where you want to go.
Although these systems are easy to use, they do require a bit of practice to master, so it’s helpful to know before you get started.
Remote Control Range
The range of the remote control is also something worth taking a look at, particularly if you are planning on using your boat out on a lake or other large body of water.
The further the range, the further you can be away from your boat while it’s in use.
You should also look at whether or not the transmitter will interact with the transmitters of RC boats around you.
If your transmitter interacts with others, it can make racing and sail with others difficult.
Self-Righting System
A unique feature that many RC boats have is a self-righting system.
These systems are very helpful for casual or beginner boaters, because they naturally turn the boat right side up to prevent it from flipping.
Self-righting systems are also great for boat racers because you can make sharp turns and steer aggressively without worrying about accidents.
This is a very helpful feature that’s worth looking into.
Design
Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to the design of the boat.
You may want something simple and sleek for sailing, or you may want something colorful and flashy for racing.
Look for a boat with a design that really matches your personality. There are even RC boats that are scale replicas of popular or historical boat models, which are great for naval buffs and make excellent gifts.
Maximum Speed
If you are looking into purchasing a boat for racing, an important spec to look for is the maximum speed of the boat.
Many high-quality boats can go as fast as 30 miles per hour on the water, which is not only fun to sail, but will help you outpower your competition.
Maximum RC boat speeds vary widely depending on whether they are designed for racing or sailing, so it’s helpful to clarify this before choosing a vessel.
Battery System
The batteries your boat uses are also crucial to the way it functions. The battery both in the boat and in your controller should be long-lasting, and either rechargeable or easily replaceable.
If the battery in your boat dies quickly, you will have to spend inconvenient time changing or recharging batteries instead of having fun out on the water.
A solid battery is something that’s definitely worth investing in, particularly if you are planning on racing your boats.
It’s also important to take note of whether or not a charger is included, and how long the charger takes to work.
Conclusion
RC boats make both fun toys for older kids and adults and unique racing tools for serious boaters.
There are many different types of RC boats available, so regardless of what you are looking for, there’s something available out there for you.
When choosing an RC boat, it’s always best to invest in the overall quality of the boat, because it is very frustrating to have to worry about repairs and maintenance for a low-quality item.
The RC boats presented in this guide all provide good quality for the price, and there are options available for racers and casual sailors.
