July 17, 2004

By: David Sacco
Website: http://www.a1-in-toys.com

An Introduction To Getting Started With Model Boats

Everyone with a desire and passion for marine crafts, will find their area of interest in the model boats world.  This is an amazingly fun and diverse hobby to get into, but it need not be to expensive or difficult to start.  To get you going you must first identify the type of model boats that you are most interested in.  There are many choices available that include: vintage racers, modern sport boats, cutting-edge hydros, tugs, warships, sailboats, yachts, and fishing boats.  As you can see almost any type of ship can be created as a scaled model design.  To determine your basic needs, you will have to know the function and type of vehicle that you want your boat to perform.

Model boats can come in different types from boat kits to having to assemble them yourself.  The boat kits are available in different materials and in all different stages of completion, from basic plans, to a full complete ready to run (RTR) design.  If you are planning on purchasing your first model then ready to run designs can be the way to go.  The hulls are white formed plastic, and don't need to be painted.  The ready to run models tend to be sport boats rather then the racers.  Basically the features tend to emphasize simplicity and reliability, rather the speed and precise details.  You just drop these models into the water and off you go.

Model boats that require building may have plastic hulls, or they may be fiber glass, and have a gelcoat finish.  You may not necessarily have to paint or waterproof these designs, but may have to apply decals.  If you opt for a non-RTR model then there will be some light assembly required such as gluing, sanding, trimming, screwing or drilling various parts together. Advanced kits have wooden hulls that have to be built and painted.  They can be plank on frame similar to full size construction techniques, or die-cut sheets for the hull surface.  Both of these techniques are great but may require a little extra effort to assemble, paint, sand, prime and finish.  The kits also include a radio box to provide protection against the water.

One of the most popular of model boats is the power boats.  They can be divided into two classes: sport boats and racers.  Sport boats are mainly designed for fun, although can be fast as well.  They do have to scale like features, but authenticity is sometimes secondary to enjoyment.  If your new to rc boats then this may be your best choice for easy and reliable operation.   Racing boats are more geared for performance, and appearance and ease of functionality often take a back seat.  These boats tend to be the fastest but also require a great deal of maintenance.

If you are looking for authenticity in your model boats, then scale versions are the way to go.  Performance is important but only to add to authenticity.  The main purpose of scale boats are to make them look and perform like the real thing, and ease of use and maximizing speed is often secondary. Scale boats include the historical crafts, warships, and other commercial vessels.  These types often have some working details such as: sounds, working lights, and even deck equipment. 

Model boats that may require a new set of learning rules are sailboats.  These crafts are mainly powered by the wind, but do use rc for control rather then power.  These versions can be to scale, racing or sport.  The techniques used to operate these models require a different set of skill then the other styles.

If you are interested in Model Boats, then go to our Remote Control Cars page and check out the buyer's guide to find an excellent list of online hobby stores, who offer a great selection of styles and designs to suit everyone's needs at reasonable and competitive prices

For more information on Model Boats or to choose from a variety of related products and services, select from the following: