Hobby Remote Control Boats
Electric Sport boats are the most common type of boat amongst casual hobbyists. Speeds are far below 15 mph "advertised speeds" and run times are less than 10 minutes between recharge. They are often "toy boats" bought at Model shops and retail outlets and sometimes modified for better performance. Due to quiet running, low speeds and simplicity of electric sports boats their use is common and are widely accepted at local lakes and ponds which is not the case for internal combustion model boats.
Sailboats
Sailboats use the power of the wind acting on sails to propel the boat. Model sailboats are typically controlled via a multi-channel radio transmitter in the hands of the operator with a corresponding receiver in the boat. By changing the position of the two joysticks on the transmitter signals are sent over two separate channels on a single radio frequency (assigned to the individual boat/operator). On the boat, the radio receiver is connected to two battery powered electric motors or servos. Signals from the radio transmitter are interpreted by the radio receiver and translated into instructions to change the position of the servos. One servo controls the position of both main and jib sails together (allowing the sails to be trimmed), the other the position of the rudder (allowing the boat to be steered).
Power boats
There are dozens of types and classes of race boats. Mainly organized by engine type and hull type.
Race: Circuit and Straight line is established at National and International levels
Engine: Electric, Glow Plug, Flash Steam and Gas (petrol)
Hull: Mono, Hydro, Cat, Outrigger and Eco (self righting jelly mold shape)
Classes are further divided by battery type and count, Engine CC, Deep V Mono, Stepped Mono, sub surface and surface piercing prop's etc.
Power boats are typically Fast electric or internal combustion, and some are steam powered. The power is commonly used to rotate a submerged propeller, aircraft propeller or jet which in turn provide the thrust to move the craft. Typically power boats have two controls, rudder, outboard motor or stern drive and throttle control. Powered scale boats will often have additional remote controlled functions to improve realism, e.g. sounding fog horns, rotating radar antennae etc. There are three main types of power boat. RTR(ready-to-run), ARTR(almost-ready-to-run), and kit versions are available.
Electric boats for racing. Capable of speeds up to 50 mph and run times of around 10 minutes.
Combat Recreation
A competitive offshoot of the radio control model warships hobby that involves the firing of projectiles, usually propelled by gas, at opposing ships to sink or damage them. Models are usually simplified to facilitate repair. Ships are fitted with bilge pumps; bb, 3/16", 7/32" or 1/4" weapons that fire ball bearings. The ship's hull plating is balsa to keep the force required to penetrate down to safe levels, by Rules, they are designed to be sinkable and in fact they do on a regular basis.
