One of the great things about remote-controlled boats is that there’s a different boat out there for every type of user and every budget. From the kid who just wants something to race their siblings with to the hardcore hobbyist adult with a bigger budget, there are some awesome RC boats for sale right now.
But when buying them — especially the higher end models — there’s a lot you need to know. How fast does it go? What type of battery does it use? Is the battery included? Is there any assembly required? Etc.
With all that in mind, we’ve done the work for you – these are the top 12 best RC boats for sale, along with all of the important information you need to know about them:
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Price: $189.99 Shop now at AMainHobbies | Shop now Read our review |
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Price: $399.95 Shop now at AMainHobbies | Shop now Read our review |
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Amazon Customer Reviews
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Price: $499.99 Shop at Amazon | Shop now Read our review |
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Price: $399.99 Shop now at AMainHobbies | Shop now Read our review |
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Amazon Customer Reviews
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Price: $39.80 Shop at Amazon | Shop now Read our review |
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Price: $399.99 Shop now at AMainHobbies | Shop now Read our review |
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Amazon Customer Reviews
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Price: $49.99 Shop at Amazon | Shop now Read our review |
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Amazon Customer Reviews
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Price: $229.99 Shop at Amazon | Shop now Read our review |
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Amazon Customer Reviews
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Price: $59.98 Shop at Amazon | Shop now Read our review |
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Price: $679.99 Shop now at AMainHobbies | Shop now Read our review |
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Amazon Customer Reviews
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Price: $159.99 Shop at Amazon | Shop now Read our review |
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Amazon Customer Reviews
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Price: $399.99 Shop at Amazon | Shop now Read our review |
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1. Pro Boat 17″ Power Boat Racer Deep-V
Price: $189.99Pros:- Fast for its size
- Two design options
- Self-Righting Hull Design
Cons:- One of the options is ugly
- Receiver isn't waterproof
- Plastic servo gears
This self-righting RC RTR boat from Pro Boat features two colorways (a Lucas Oil version that’s red/white/blue and a Miss Geico version that’s neon green). But more importantly, this smaller boat showcases impressive speeds on the water, thanks to its 2950Kv brushless motor. In fact, this boat can run at over 30MPH, which is perfect for beginners and intermediate captains.
It includes the boat, a 2.4GHz receiver (pre-installed), a Spektrum S120 USB-C Smart Charger for its 1300mAh 3S 11.1V LiPo battery, a 2.4GHz transmitter, and the product manual.
The only thing you’ll need to add to this is four AAA batteries for the transmitter.
Find more Pro Boat 17" Power Boat Racer Deep-V information and reviews here.
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2. Traxxas Spartan Brushless Race Boat
Price: $399.95Pros:- Fastest RTR RC boat available
- Stylish
- Tweaking options
Cons:- Expensive
- Requires iPhone 4 or higher for top speed
- Only 1 Color Option Left Available
We’ve known for quite some time that Traxxas is badass when it comes to RC cars. But, they’re not stopping there, as the company also has some RC boats. Their best RC boat is the Traxxas 57076 Spartan Brushless Race boat. It is the world’s fastest ready-to-race boat, hitting 30+mph out of the box and up to 50+ mph all-out. It utilizes Traxxas’ signature TQi wireless Module that turns your Android or iOS device into a powerful tuning tool for your boat. It’s 6S LiPo compatible with built-in Low-Voltage Detection, and includes two 7-cell iD Power Cell battery packs with adjustable battery trays with hook-and-loop straps. It has a waterproof high-torque steering servo. The motor is a Velineon 540XL high-output brushless motor with highflow water-cooling jacket. It’s ready to race right out of the box, and has a 4-amp peak detecting DC fast charger. And, did I mention how badass it looks?
Buy the Traxxas 57076 Brushless Race Boat here.
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3. Pro Boat RTR Hydroplane
Pros:- Looks fantastic
- Capable of reaching 60+ mph
- Virtually unbreakable
Cons:- Tons of batteries required (4 AA, 2 Li-Po or 2 Ni-MH) and 1 Dual Li-Po or Ni-MH charge plug
- Expensive
- Batteries and Chargers not included
If you want a cool RC boat that performs well and looks badass, check out the Pro Boat Automobile Hydroplane. Pro Boat is known in the hobby world for everything from scale sailboats to fully licensed powerboats, and their lineup of RC boats is outstanding.
The Pro Boat Hydroplane has unmatched quality from tip to tail and reaches speeds of up to 60 mph out of the box while remaining on the water without taking off or crashing.
It’s has a race-engineered hull and competition-ready running gear, and it looks like a million bucks with its blue and yellow design that looks like something out of Hydro Thunder 64.
The UL-19 uses a 2000Kv 6-Pole motor with a large rotor for added torque. It uses a lightweight and durable fiberglass hull and breakaway fins so that it can withstand crashes at maximum speed.
Buy the Pro Boat Impulse 31 Deep-V here.
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4. Pro Boat 36″ Sonicwake
Price: $399.99Pros:- 50+MPH
- 4S-6S Capable
- Self-Righting Hull
Cons:- Few color options
- LiPo battery not included
- Motor replacement cost is high if needed
If you’re looking for the best overall RTR RC boat under $500, your best bet is the Pro Boat Sonicwake. This 36″ boat is well-rounded so that it caters to both beginners and avid boaters. Not only is it capable of hitting 50+ MPH out of the box, but it also has a self-righting hull, which means if your boat gets stuck upside down, you don’t have to swim out to it to flip it over.
The Sonicwake utilizes a water-cooled 4-pole 1900Kv brushless motor that allows you to hit those 50+ MPH speeds, and it’ll cut through choppy water with ease. It has a breakaway aluminum rudder and mount, and it has a sealed canopy so that you can get access to the hull easily (it’s sealed with a foam gasket that prevents water from flooding it when submerged upside down.
The Sonicwake is a bit hefty, coming in at 5.5 pounds and 36-inches long.
In order to actually drive this boat, you do need to add any 50C+ 2S-3S LiPo batteries and a charger for those batteries. But otherwise, it comes fully assembled and ready to tear up your local lake.
Find more Pro Boat 36" Sonicwake information and reviews here.
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5. Altair Aqua
Pros:- Anti Capsize Feature
- Best Value Under $100
- Two Batteries Included
- Awesome-Looking Speed Boat Design
Cons:- Not for Those Under 14 Years Old
- Limited Colors
- Stock Issues
If you’re looking for the best RC boat under $100 without sacrificing quality, look no further than the Altair Aqua. It comes stock with a 390-size brushed motor and TWO 3.7V 1500mAH Li-ion batteries that allow you to reach speeds of up to ~18.5mph.
And because you’re getting two batteries with your purchase, you’ve got a total drive time of roughly 20 minutes (10 minutes for each battery). That means you can drive for twice as long!
It also has an impressive range for a boat under $100, with a range of over 100 meters. That makes it the perfect boat for lakes and pools, especially when you factor in that it has an out of range/low battery alarm (which most boats in the price range simply don’t have).
You can also race with more than one boat on the water at once, as the Aqua has a 2.4GHz radio controller that allows for multiple boats to be on the same body of water without interference.
On top of that, the Altair Aqua has an anti-capsize hull system that allows your boat to remain upright with just a few simple turns of the dial on the remote control.
The Altair Aqua is the best value RC boat on the market, and it comes ready to race right out of the box. You don’t need to put it together or tweak it at all; just unpack it, put a battery in it, and put it on the water – you’re ready to go!
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6. Pro Boat Veles 29″ Catamaran
Price: $399.99Pros:- Fiberglass Hull and Canopy
- Fast
- Lime green colorway
Cons:- Pricey
- Batteries not included
- Often out of stock
The Pro Boat Veles 29″ Catamaran boat also uses a 2000Kv 6-pole motor and has a hand-laid fiberglass hull and canopy. It has an adjustable aluminum propeller strut and a removable composite interior, giving you different options for your voyages.
This is a fast 29″ RC boat when you use 3S Lipo batteries (not included), and it’s more aimed at experienced captains who have used RC boats before. However, it is super easy to steer, so with a lesser battery, it can be a good option for novices.
It has a removable injection-molded interior so that you don’t need an inner wood structure and a break-away rudder with a water inlet in case you take the boat on shore by mistake.
Find more Pro Boat Veles 29" Catamaran information and reviews here.
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7. High-Speed RC Racing Boat
Pros:- Low price
- Looks cool
- Easy to control
Cons:- Not as fast as hobby rc boats
- Remote leaves much to be desired
- Not watertight
If you’re looking for something a little less involved, check out the awesome DEERC H120 High-Speed RC Boat.
Yes, it’s intended to be a toy, but it’s one of the best toy RC boats on the market. Not only does it look good, with its racing red body, but it also hits 20 mph — which is great for a toy boat.
It has an explosive single-prop racing motor, and the boat is great for any age hobbyist and any skill level. It’s a great starter boat for those looking to get into the hobby, and the vibrant colors make it seem as though you know what you’re doing since it’s showy.
Recommended Ages: 14 Years and Up
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8. Pro Boat Stealthwake 23″
Pros:- Awesome Look
- 22 MPH Out of the Box
- Incredibly Fun to Drive
Cons:- Only available in one color
- Doesn't Come with the BEST battery (although it's adequate)
- Boat leans to the left on standstill
The Pro Boat Stealthwake Deep-V Brushed RTR Vehicle is a 23″ RC boat that’s highly rated by the majority of its users. It comes with a Dynamite 7.2V 2400mAh NiMH battery and charger, as well as a boat stand for display. And trust me — you’re going to want to display this baby!
It sports a sleek body with a streamlined and compact design, with a matte orange and black paint job and “Stealthwake” printed on its side.
It comes ready to run, so you don’t have to put it together or anything.
Its speed is impressive, coming in at top speed of 22mph out of the box. On top of its impressive speed are its impressively responsive controls.
Find more Pro Boat Stealthwake 23" information and reviews here.
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9. UDIRC 009 Rapid Speed Boat
Pros:- Best for Kids or Beginners
- 18MPH
- Low Price
Cons:- Short runtime (8 minutes)
- Only one color available
- Smaller Size
If you’re looking for an awesome RC boat for your kids and you don’t want to spend an arm and a leg or worry too much about them breaking it, the best RC boats for kids is this one by UDIRC.
Not only does it have the cool look that kids will absolutely love, with a red and orange colorway slapped on a sleek hull and canopy, but it also hits pretty impressive speeds for the price range (up to 18 MPH). It also has some great features that are great for beginners, including an auto-correcting yaw, a capsize recovery/self-righting hull design, and a low battery alarm that will tell them when it’s time to bring their boat back into the port before it’s too late.
It comes with everything they’ll need to get started, as well as a display stand to display their boat when it’s not in use.
Find more UDIRC 009 Rapid Speed Boat (For the Kids!) information and reviews here.
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10. Pro Boat Zelos 36 Twin Catamaran
Price: $679.99Pros:- Fiberglass
- 60 MPH with 6s Lipo
- Cool yellow design
Cons:- Battery not included
- Charger not included
- Only one colorway available
Call it Big Yellow, if you’d like!
The Pro Boat Zelos 36″ Twin is an absolutely gorgeous ride that’s a buttload of fun. It carves up waves nicely, and it hits up to 60mph with the recommended 6s Lipo battery. It uses two powerful 36mm x 62mm brushless 2000Kv motors to get it up to speed, giving the user that thrill-of-the-chase feeling they’re on the hunt for.
WIth its aggressive speeds and hand-laid fiberglass design, the Pro Boat Zelos is one of the best RC boats you can buy in 2019.
Find more Pro Boat Zelos 36 Twin Catamaran information and reviews here.
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11. **New in 2019** Traxxas Blast
Pros:- Best Value
- Looks Awesome
- Ready to Run
- Great for Pools
Cons:- No solid color options
- Slower Than Many
- Only available in white (easily marks-up)
This 1/10 scale stinger is a great value — in fact, it’s probably the best value on this list of the best RC boats for sale right now. It was created with one thing in mind: FUN!
It might not be the fastest boat on the water, but it’s a lot of fun and super easy to control.
Not only does it look great, with a sleek body and new, colorful graphics, but it also comes in at one of the best prices for an entry-level RC boat.
It uses the TQ 2.4Ghz radio and it has electronic speed control installed. It uses a 7.2V Power Cell NiMH battery to power its water-cooled Stinger 20-turn modified motor. It has a 24-inch deep-V hull that’ll have you making waves in no-time.
Its hull is 23.75″ and beam is 5.75″.
Of course, the electronics are waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about ruining the motor as you zip across the water.
Find more **New in 2019** Traxxas Blast information and reviews here.
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12. Aquacraft Motley Crew FE Catamaran
Pros:- Near 75 mph
- Fiberglass construction
- 6-pole motor
- Easy to control
Cons:- Batteries not included
- Ugly paint job
- No reverse
Man, can this thing fly! Not literally of course, as it stays glued to the water you’re riding on, but the Aquacraft Motley Crew FE Catamaran boat is incredibly fast, hitting speeds nearing 75 mph. The Aquacraft Motley Crew FE Catamaran has a water-cooled 6-pole 1800kV brushless motor with a 60A ESC w/4 mm bullet connectors and Deans Ultra Plugs.
It also utilizes Tactic 2.4GHz radio technology for interference-free control. Sure, it’s fast as hell, but it’s also super easy to control so that even sport modelers can enjoy it. This boat is made out of durable fiberglass from hull to tail, matching the aggressiveness of the Motley Crew.
The rudder and strut are made from machined aluminum for consistent performance and durability, but they also look great as they come black anodized. The paint job of the boat itself leaves much to be desired, but that is easily rectified with some after market paint. But as it stands, the out of the box boat is, well, ugly. Still, it’s speed more than makes up for its less-than-appealing presentation.
Buy Aquacraft Motley Crew FE here.
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