Best RC Boats Reviews for Beginners & Beyond 2021

Want a remote-control boat that doesn’t take a pro pilot to master?

Then one of the top RC boats may seem like an excellent idea. You can get the most exciting adventures on the water, play with siblings or friends, and have a completely safe yet fun time.

But these toys are not easy to use. So it’s critical to find the right one.

Whether it is for an adult or child – they can be tough to master. That’s why we brought a list of the easiest-to-use and most beginner-friendly models in the market.

If you’re eager to find a quality RC that doesn’t take too much experience to play with – then this article is for you.

Take a peek further to learn more about these easy-to-use boats!

Remote Controlled Boat Reviews

There are hundreds if not thousands of RC boats in the market. But few are truly worth considering. That’s why we decided to take a look deep into the market and find the ones you could get the most from.

Here’s a list of 10 high-quality remote-controlled boats you can’t dismiss:

1. Force1 H102 Velocity RC Boat

When it comes to quality RC toys – few brands offer the quality that Force1 does.

And with the H102, you get no less than fantastic results. This boat stands out for its quality motor, achieving a superb high speed of 20 MPH that breaks waves and delivers exceptional fun.

It surfs through water so any kid or adult can enjoy it to the max. The 14-inch boat works mainly on freshwater.

You can set it on the lake or river shore, and it will sail on the surface beautifully. It also works wonders on pools, so you can get the most out of it at home if you can’t get outside.

There’s a capsize recovery system as well. You get a double-sealed hatch that prevents water from getting inside. And with the capsize recovery, it won’t stay upside down either.

With a nose guard, you won’t have to worry about hitting rocks or other things because it will not get damaged.

Last but not least, you get a rechargeable system with prop lubricant, an extra battery for extended playtime, and a dry-dock stand so you can rest the control when not using.

2. SHARKOOL H106 RC Self Righting Racing Boat

If we had to pick the best remote control boat for beginners, we wouldn’t hesitate to choose the SHAKOOL H106.

You will receive an excellent 370 water cooling motor with a magnetic driving system. That’s enough to achieve up to 15 MPH of speed. While that’s not the fastest out there, that’s enough to have fun.

And sure enough, it makes it easy to operate for any beginner or child with little experience.

The technology in the water-cooling system is exceptional. It ensures the boat can travel long distances and work for an hour without turning off.

This also pairs up with the ability to last a lot longer. You can achieve hours of constant play without worrying about the boat getting damaged.

Then you can consider the capsize recovery. It is a self-righting system with yaw auto-correction that’s super-easy to use – keeping on straight lines and preventing it from staying upside down.

Along with its 490-feet distance capacity, you can use it from far away with ease.

And if that’s not enough for you, you still get an extra rechargeable battery, a low-battery reminder system, and a durable build. It will not let you down in the slightest.

3. Cheerwing UDI005 Arrow RC Racing Boat

When it comes to quality RC brands, nothing compares to Cheerwing. They offer every single feature you could expect an RC toy to provide.

From the speed to the durability, ease of use, and more – Cheerwing RC machines are a total wonder.

The UDI005 Arrow Racing Boat is not an exception. It is one of the fastest models with a brushless motor that can achieve up to 30 MPH. That’s enough to surpass low and medium quality boats in no time.

Another excellent advantage is the water-cooled system. You can expect the boat to withstand several consistent hours of use.

This goes well with the easy-to-use control. Instead of sticks for handling, you get a steering wheel with a throttle trigger that even a child can master in little time.

But that’s not all. You also get a self-righting hull, preventing the boat from staying upside down. And with the dual-locking cover, it prevents even the slightest of water from getting inside.

So you get one of the most resilient, practical, and well-made options in the market. Along with a poor-signal alarm and a quality rechargeable battery – using this boat will be a total pleasure.

4. GizmoVine Toyabi T03 High-Speed RC Boat

The GizmoVine Toyabi T03 is a high-speed boat that can achieve 20 MPH. That’s enough to say it is one of the fastest in the list.

Yet, it is not the speed that sets it apart, but the steady sailing system. You won’t have to worry about it flipping either, as it comes with an anti-flip design.

Alongside the straightforward controls, you can achieve next-level handling, which increases your fun – even if you’re a beginner.

And if that isn’t enough, you can still enjoy a 4-channel control for easy use with a 2.4 GHz frequency. This increases your maneuverability and your overall control distance. You can be dozens of feet away from the boat, and it will still respond to the control.

Another exciting feature is the ABS plastic construction. In contrast with other RC boats, this one can handle any type of water, including freshwater and saltwater, as needed. And it will make it last a lot longer than most models.

Still, you can find an LED light on the control. It shows you when it’s time to recharge, so you don’t let the boat get stranded in the middle of the lake. Add the extra rechargeable battery, and it becomes hugely practical as well.

5. VOLANTEXRC VectorXS Remote Control Boat

Want a cool RC boat for your child? Then the VectorXS from VolantexRC won’t let you down.

Even at first sight, you’ll realize it is one of the coolest models in the list. The combination of colors and its enticing open-pit design makes it an excellent boat to go for.

You won’t believe how fast it can go, though. It gets up to 20 MPH – allowing high-speed races and tons of fun on any body of water.

This matches well with the self-righting feature, preventing the boat from getting upside down for long. Yet, it is the sharp turns you can make that offers a truly fantastic experience – thanks to an easy-to-use control. A trigger and a steering wheel are enough to get the most out of this boat.

The control also offers another advantage: it can get to 328 feet of total range. Yes, you can use it from far away without worries – delivering the most fun any kid can have with an RC boat.

And to make it even better, it boasts rechargeable batteries that last a long time. You can get up to an hour or more of total use with the boat. That’s enough to enjoy it to the max.

6. Cheerwing Venom Power RC Racing Boat

If you’re taking the toy to a hectic beach, then you’ll want the right RC boat for rough water instead. That’s where the Cheerwing Venom Racing Boat comes into action.

The first thing you’ll notice is one of the sleekest designs in the market. It is small enough to prevent waves from damaging it, but also large enough to be easy to control.

And it also comes down to its next-level capsize recovery function. You won’t have to worry about it turning upside down for hours. And because it auto-corrects its course, then you can navigate and handle it with total comfort.

Also, the motor doesn’t disappoint either. You get 15 MPH of total speed, which is enough for rough places. But also fast enough to have tons of fun.

There are two alarms in the piece as well. The first is a poor-signal alarm in case you’re taking the boat too far. And the second is for low battery, so you don’t let it stranded away from the shore when using.

In case all that wasn’t enough, you still get a water-cooling motor that increases its lifespan. The boat will last enough time to offer pleasant experiences for years.

7. Gizmovine T04 Remote Control Boat

After going through the T02 from GizmoVine, it is time to meet the T04 – a slightly more entertaining model.

It all starts with its 164-feet of total controller distance. You can handle the RC boat from far away without losing a single signal stripe. This increases your fun and makes it possible to go on large bodies of water with no regret.

But this wouldn’t matter much if the boat wasn’t a total pleasure to use. You get an easy-to-use system with a steering wheel and trigger system that doesn’t take any effort to operate.

On top of that, the long-battery life system won’t disappoint you. You can get up to 20 minutes of total fun time with a single battery. Add the extra battery, and you can get close to an hour of operation.

Last but not least, it comes with a water-detection system and an anti-tilt design. Together, you can be sure it won’t start unless its body is on water. Similarly, it will turn upright automatically every time it tilts upside down.

You get everything you could expect a quality RC boat to offer. And it still manages to come at a pretty decent cost.

8. YEZI Vector Remote Control Boat for Pools & Lakes

Want an easy-to-control boat that still manages to achieve excellent speed?

Then you’re looking for the Vector from Yezi. What sets this model apart is the 20 MPH speed capacity. That’s enough to make it race against other boats and have tons of fun.

Still, you can control it without making much of an effort. The steering wheel control with the trigger system is the ideal choice for beginners—no need to be a pilot to handle the boat well. And when you add the 13.8-inch length, then you can expect an even smoother experience.

This matches well with the long-range RC – delivering up to 393 feet of total distance, so you can operate it from far away. You won’t have any issue handling the machine in vast lakes and rivers.

On top of that, you get a long-lasting battery. It can last up to half an hour with a single charge. And that’s without mentioning the spare boat propeller, the boat tool, a ship trestle, an extra rechargeable battery, and a USB charging cable.

You get everything you could need on a remote-controlled ship. And it manages to last a long time still.

9. SGOTA H102 RC Boat

Decently and extremely easy to control – the SGOTA H102 is one of the most enticing models you can get. And it is also one of the cheapest.

At first, you’ll find it a piece of cake to use thanks to an LCD screen. This shows you every bit of data so you can move it as needed for extra versatility.

But it is the practical stick control that sets it apart. A few minutes will be enough to get the handle of the boat, so you can make it work swiftly.

It boasts an excellent water-cooled motor. It doesn’t overheat and makes sure you can use it for long with no issue. Still, you can achieve up to 18 MPH of speed – making it decently fast for the cost.

This matches well with the ABS construction. Every single part is designed to resist impacts and last a lifetime. You won’t have to worry about it breaking up.

When not using, you can place it on the stand as well. This adds safety and more practicality. And lastly, you get a durable battery and a low-battery alarm. Letting the boat get stranded is not possible with this model.

10. TOYEN Mini Remote Boat

Want the #1 RC boat for the money? Then look no further – the TOYEN Mini Remote Boat is your best bet.

What sets it apart from the competition? Well – it starts with its small design. At only 5 inches of length, this boat can become an excellent option for children.

The remote control system also works like a gem, making children as young as 6 years capable of using it. Another exciting part is the 160-feet rage capacity.

Any child on a large body of water can use it from far away with high responsiveness.

Pair all that with the 20-minute battery, and you’ll be surprised. You can leave any kid to play for enough time while charging the extra battery. The boat is also decently resistant.

Despite being designed for children for light use, it comes with an ABS plastic build. It can withstand impacts, rocks, and debris on the water.

Despite all that, it can go at 8 MPH with ease. It may not seem like much, but that’s enough for children to have tons of fun while using it. Last but not least, it comes with a water detection system. It won’t turn on unless it is being used on water.

What Makes the Right RC Boat for Beginners

You surfed through our reviews, now’s time to learn more about each model by reading our buying guide. This guide contains all the most critical factors about RC boats, so you can pick the ideal model accordingly.

Controls & Ease of Use

The first and probably most important thing to look for is an easy-to-control model. Here, you’ll find the controls come with sticks for the direction and throttle, which is the best option for most experienced users.

For beginners, however, the steering wheel system would be the ideal choice. This steering wheel comes with a trigger below, which is for acceleration. So users can activate the machine with little effort using both the steering wheel for direction and the trigger for power.

If you’re somewhat experienced or want maximum versatility, then go for a stick control. But if you’re a total beginner or the primary user will be a child – then choose the steering-wheel system.

Self-Righting & Auto-Correction

Two features we think are essential for ease of use are the self-righting system and the yaw auto-correction.

What do they mean? Well, a self-righting system means the boat has an anti-capsize hull, so it will turn upright at the touch of a button if it ever flips and stays upside down.

And the yaw auto-correction means the boat can go on a straight line without problems. Without this feature, the ship could easily veer to the sides on the water even if you’re not changing direction.

If you get an RC with both of these features, then you’re likely to experience more fun, smooth, and issue-free experience.

RC Speed

There’s nothing like a fast RC boat to make kids and adults happy on a body of water. But not all boats are fast, though.

If you want an RC ship that can reach a high speed, then it should come with a powerful motor and a light body. That’s enough to reach speeds of up to 30 MPH or a little more.

A speedy boat will be a lot more fun to use. So we recommend getting something that reaches no less than 15 MPH. For the best experience, it should be at least 25 MPH fast. Anything more than that is a plus.

Durability & Resilience

Once you’ve figured out speed and controls, think about how durable you want the boat to be. Without a durable build and a resilient design, you may get a boat that stops working out of nowhere.

For a quality RC boat, we recommend no less than a brushless motor that can go for several hours without overheating. If you can get a water-cooling motor, that would be even better because there’s an even lower chance it will overheat.

Another super-helpful feature to consider is the build materials. You can get quality materials like ABS and polypropylene on the casing. But for the best results, find the ones with a totally waterproof build as well – those that don’t let a single drop of water get inside.

Lastly, look for hardened or shielded hulls. That way, you don’t have to worry about rocks or other debris in the water from damaging the boat.

Water Compatibility

While it is related to durability, water compatibility is a slightly different factor. As you know, freshwater and saltwater have different compositions – so they can affect the build of the boat differently.

That’s why some RC ships can work on freshwater bodies like lakes or rivers but not on ocean saltwater. Luckily, most remote-control boats can work anywhere with ease.

Focus on those boats that work on any water if you want an excellent experience. Still, a freshwater-only ship is an excellent choice if you’re using the toy in lakes and rivers only.

Design & Size

A great RC boat for beginners is not only the easiest to use but also the most practical to bring around and the best-looking.

As a beginner, you don’t want a boat with tons of accessories and design quirks. You want something simple that gets the job done. But still, you want it to be enticing enough. And sure enough, you also want it to be compact, so it doesn’t take much space to store, but also large enough so you can use it with ease.

We recommend boats that don’t go over 17 inches in length. Similarly, a 14-inch model should be an ideal choice for most children and small bodies of water. Anything lower or higher than that can be a little hard to use for beginners.

Accessories & Extras

The final thing you’ll have to consider is the set of accessories and other extras you may get. A quality RC boat should offer a rechargeable battery plus an extra one so you can use it again and again after charging.

When it comes to charging the battery, you will need a practical charger. That’s why a USB model would be an excellent idea. If you’re not using the boat, a stand for the control and the ship itself may also come like excellent extras to have.

Anything that makes the RC boat more convenient and easy to use is something you want to consider.

How to Build an RC Boat out of Foam?

Want to build a high-speed RC boat without much more than a brushless motor, a small fan, and a piece of foam? Then you can do so without wasting any time or effort.

Here’s what you need:

Then, you can start the building process. These are the steps to follow:

1. Start by shaping the foam into a boat. Cut the base of the ship as you prefer, making sure it has a pointy shape, so it cuts through the water smoothly.
2. Proceed by connecting the piece of foam with the remote control system. You can get one at hardware or supply stores. Use silicone to hold it into the foam.
3. Now it’s time to connect the RC hardware to the battery. Use the wires to connect the battery to the circuit board with the soldering iron. Be sure it turns on at your command.
4. Then attach the motor into the boat as well. Be sure it has the part that spins pointing backward. Once you set the motor, connect the small fan to it.
5. Now you have the boat almost ready. You only need to ensure the remote control system can turn the brushless motor on and off. And you may need some help from a savvy technician.
6. Finish by attaching the cables together with tape and save space before placing the top foam cover. Shape the top in a way it doesn’t shake or lose balance while working over the water.
7. Once you connect everything, then you can test the boat. If you installed the RC system and the motor well, then it should move across the water with total freedom.

If you follow our steps to the letter, you’ll end up with a quality RC boat made of foam. It won’t be the fastest or the most durable – but it will save you tons of money while being easy to control. Sure enough, it will be a total blast to use as well.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You may be sort of confused about certain aspects of C boats. For that, we decided to bring a set of questions with their respective answers. So you could learn more about them and choose with no doubts.

1. What’s a great RC boat for the money?

For us, the TOYEN Mini Remote Boat is the top value you can get for your money. It is incredibly affordable while working like a charm for children.

2. Can I use these RC boats on saltwater?

As long as the plastic is corrosion-resistant, yes. But most RC boats work mainly on freshwater, so be sure to check the instructions and features before choosing one.

3. How long can an RC boat run continually?

A standard RC boat with excellent battery life can reach up to 30 minutes of operation in a single charge. But a model with a high-end battery can work for 1 hour or even more.

4. Are RC boats safe for children?

Yes, most RC boats can be used for children between 8 and 14 years old. They just need to be easy to control and decently sturdy to handle impacts.

5. What is the fastest RC boat?

In this list, the fastest model is the Cheerwing UDI005 Arrow. It can go up to 30 MPH without problems.

Final Words

Getting an ideal remote-control ship for a beginner won’t be easy. But with our reviews and buying guide, it shouldn’t be rocket science either.

Take your time surfing through our top RC boats reviews, follow our buying advice, and learn as much about your next toy before making a final choice.

Whatever you end up going for – we’re sure it will be an excellent product. Good luck!