New to R/C, seek advice

[Havasu]

Ok, I had remote controlled cars as a kid, but it was never anything real serious. Well, I'd like to get a R/C boat to use when I'm hanging out in a cove on the lake. But, I have no idea what kind to get and what the differences are. It does not need to be real fancy or fast, just something to mess around with and have some fun. Any suggestions?

[Micho523]

Well that depends on a few things...
What is your price range?
What are the water and wind conditions on the water you would be running on?
Do you have any expierence with nitro vehicles?
Do you have a preference between nitro, gas, and electric?

[Havasu]

Well that depends on a few things...
What is your price range?
What are the water and wind conditions on the water you would be running on?
Do you have any expierence with nitro vehicles?
Do you have a preference between nitro, gas, and electric?

Price - Less than $500
Water/wind conditions - Since it will be in a cove it will typically be flat
Experience - no experience at all. But I don't want to get above my head so I that's why I'm asking about a good beginner boat.
Preference - no preference at all

[Icman69]

Take a look at this one it is electric so it would be quiet, Well within your price range and overall a pretty cool boat. I also run in coves and I have both electric and gas I prefer Gas because they are fast and loud. My friends like electrics because they are quiet.

Very few non RC folks will put up with the noise for very long trust me.

Just a thought.

http://www.offshoreelectrics.com/MainPage.htm

[Havasu]

Take a look at this one it is electric so it would be quiet, Well within your price range and overall a pretty cool boat. I also run in coves and I have both electric and gas I prefer Gas because they are fast and loud. My friends like electrics because they are quiet.

Very few non RC folks will put up with the noise for very long trust me.

Just a thought.

http://www.offshoreelectrics.com/MainPage.htm

Which one is that? It only shows the main page of that site. This one (http://www.offshoreelectrics.com/rc_boats/aqua_jet/aqua_jet.htm) looks pretty cool and is well within my price range for a complete ready to go boat.

[Doc]

Havasu,
First thing is to decide what type of boat you want, 'go fast', scale, sail, whatever. Then you can narrow the field down to the one you like the best. If you're looking for a 'ready to run' boat, the field is sort of limited. If you want to build, and depending on your skill level, your choices are greatly expanded. There are easy/simple models and there are some that are not easy or simple to build. Then you get to decide what kind of motor/engine for the powered boats, electric, gas, nitro. Each have their pro's and con's. After the expense, electric power is quieter than gas or nitro. 'Quiet' is more acceptible than noisy, you'll have to decide what your 'neighbors' will put up with. Do lots of looking around before settling on any particular boat...
- 'Doc

[Havasu]

Thanks for the advice so far. I appreciate it. I'm thinking electric would be the best way to go for my first boat. Should I have extra battery packs on hand? It appears the downside with electric is the batteries don't last that long.

[water dog]

I have the nitro auqua jet and I like it .It is a strong runner!!!.

[Doc]

Havasu,
Just depends on the battery. Using the nicads or nimhs, I'd probably want an extra set, but that still depends on what the battery's capacity is. I've one or two boats that will go much longer than I will, using gell cells. You can get a fairly close approximation of the run time by dividing the battery's capacity (Ahr or mAhr) by the amount of current the motor uses. Again, it depends on the type of boat too. The 'go fast' boats don't run for nearly as long as the slower ones do, for the same size battery.
- 'Doc

[Icman69]

Trax villan EX a good starter and yes get extra batteries that way you can still play while you recharge the others. This boat has upgrades available so you can make it a bit faster if you wish.

Which one is that? It only shows the main page of that site. This one (http://www.offshoreelectrics.com/rc_boats/aqua_jet/aqua_jet.htm) looks pretty cool and is well within my price range for a complete ready to go boat.

[Chris LaPanse]

The EX or the Aqua Jet would both be a good choice. The Aqua Jet (if you get the OE modded version) is faster, though. Overall, the Aqua Jet is a better choice (in my opinion), but they are both good.

[Havasu]

Thanks for the all the help! The Ex looks good as does the Aqua Jet.