Radio-controlled boat

Hobby-quality boat speed generally start at around 20 mph and go up from there, and can be just as fast or faster than their internal-combustion counterparts, with the latest in lithium polymer and brushless motor technology.

"Toy grade" boats which are obtained through mass consumer retailers, are generally much slower and their maximum speeds are usually less than 15 mph.

More often than not they are a miniaturized version of a prototype, built using plans and/or photos, although there are variants that utilize freelance designs.

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).

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.

Powered scale boats will often have additional remote-controlled functions to improve realism, e.g. sounding fog horns, rotating radar antennae etc.

Another function occasionally implemented for racing boats using a surface piercing propeller is remote control of depth or angle of thrust.

Electric boats for racing are capable of reaching speeds of more than 50 mph and run times of around 10 minutes.

Tethered racing and free-running craft were popular prior to the advent of cheap radio control.

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.

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.

Clubs will often host maneuvering competitions where participants are tasked to run their boats in the most realistic manner possible.