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Ready to go boat packages

Many people starting out in boating will go to a model shop and buy a ready to go model, probably with a radio set included. These offer great value for money, get you on the water immediately and develop your initial interest in the hobby. Like all things, you get what you pay for and what you buy will depend on who it is for. If its for a child then this is the obvious entry level product in case they don’t enjoy it or if you/they don’t want to spend much.

Here are some of the issues to note and consider;

• Ready to go R/C models have a single frequency radio (no chance to change the crystal is someone else is on the same channel) and the quality of the radio is low. The key factor is that of interference from other radios, that typically render the kit inoperable until the more powerful transmitter is turned off. That said, model shops sell a lot of these models and there are a lot of happy modellers, many of whom probably go on to buy or build further model boats.
• The cheaper models are made in China and made to a price. Though they often perform really well, they will not last for ever.
• There are no spares available and things like propellers and shafts have smaller shaft diameters that are not sold in the UK.
• Many budget models have no reverse. This is due to the simple all inclusive electronic receiver and electronic speed controller (it keeps the cost of manufacture down). Slow scale models probably will have reverse. Fast speed boats will not.

Typical issues;

• The aerial can fall over. If it falls into the water, the boat will not function. Tie a not or glue the top of the aerial post to make sure you don’t lose the post (hollow rod that the aerial passes through)
• Check the propeller shaft has some movement - about 1mm movement down its length - and adjust it if necessary. Oil either end regularly to keep it free running.
• Ensure the propeller nuts are tight. If you lose either, the propeller will come off and you will have difficulty finding another. If the left handed thread comes off, you will not find another in the UK.
• The boat will take on water and it needs to be kept out of the electronics. It will seep in through the propeller shaft. The water will slow the boat. Drill a 1-2mm hole right up in the bow tip of the boat, just under the deck and the water can easily be emptied out without taking water on.
• If the motor is to be left for any length of time, spray WD40 into it to expel moisture and stop it rusting.
• If the boat turns in one direction when a pair of motors are turning together, check that each shaft runs freely. If one is freer than the other it will have higher performance.
• To ready more and see some of the effects/solutions click here

Choosing a model

• Generally, the more you spend the better the model will be.
• Try to get a model with individual crystals. You have a choice to buy more crystals but more importantly the quality of the radio will be better
• The best option is to buy a ready to go model without a radio. Budget radios can be purchased for £20 upwards and are less likely to suffer interference or buy a second hand radio on ebay, probably for a few pounds.

How much should I spend on a model boat?

Speed boats - £20-70. All inclusive packages will suffer from the above issues but are still good models for entry into model boating

Speed boat without radio - Pay whatever you need to according to your choice and add a radio. A 27mhz or 40 mhz radio would be most appropriate though a 2.4ghz radio, though much more expensive, will have many benefits over the longer time and have no interference/crystal changing issues to worry about.

Yacht with radio - £30 to £175. There are such a diverse range and varying size of yachts to choose from. A complete model will include the radio and most likely a sail winch but once again you need to consider the issues above.

Yacht/boat to full assemble - depending on price, these kits will offer a higher standard of finish to the model and take a varying degree of skill and time to assemble. Most models in this category require gluing, screwing and clipping together. The package will give some indication of the age or skill level of the modeller. You will need to consider additional costs that include

• A radio control and receiver
• An electronic speed controller (power boat). This needs to be the appropriate current rating for the motor
• A sail winch (yacht). This can be a simple swing arm, a budged drum winch or an high torque drum winch according to sail are and size of yacht.
• Batteries. More than one will be required for a speed boat as they tend to be used at full speed and quickly drain the battery. NMHI batteries cost between £15 and £40 according to their power. Slower scale models may take a dry cell battery that should last a whole boating session.
• Note: Do check models you buy to see if it lists “additional parts required to finish this model”

Scratch built model - this will cost very little if you build everything from a plan or scale drawing or a lot if you have to buy lots of detailed parts or assemblies.

Summary. Dive in and have some fun or consider your budget and buy accordingly. Items like the radio will last you a long time so may not need to be worked into the cost of ownership for your first model. In theory, motors, sail winches can also be transferred to your next model.

A model boat club like the Basingstoke Model Boat Club, offers you the chance to see boats of all kind in operation and to talk to members about their experience and guidance. Modellers, like motor cyclists, love to talk to other people and offer their help, guidance and experience. Contact the chat tab for help