R/C Boat Racing Guide

All You Need to Know About RC Boat Racing

Published: June 18, 2019

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Categories: R/C Boating

Featured image courtesy of: impba.net


If you are a fan of toys and gadgets, you may want to look into the world of radio controlled boat racing. Many agree that this can be one of the most exciting outlets when it comes to enjoying their vehicles. And while this can be a very enjoyable past time for some, it can also get very competitive. If you are thinking of partaking in this sport here are some things you should consider that will help prepare you for success.


Picking the Right Boat


If you are competing to win, picking the right boat is very important. You need to start by thinking about what type of boat you want to race with. You can’t just choose any boat and race with it. The type of boat you race with will determine the specific boat class you are assigned to.


Other considerations must be made for the type of power you would like to use. These include sail, electro and nitro or gas. Gas is a popular choice as these tend to be the fastest, but electric has been rising in popularity as faster models are being produced.


Of course, it goes without saying that you will want a powerful engine.


The hull will also be a critical feature. There are several types of hulls to choose from including the mono-hull and hydro-hull. While the one you choose will depend on your individual needs, it is best to find a boat with a hull that is designed for racing in the choppy water that is found in most racing ponds.

Courtesy of impba.net


To find the best boats, it is a good idea to talk to others who have experience in RC boat racing. If you join a boat racing club, you’ll find there are a lot of knowledgeable racers who are happy to share advice with beginners. Looking around the internet and talking to hobby shop owners can also be helpful.


When it comes to the best racing boats, here are some we recommend. Ours here:

  • Traxis Blast
  • Proboat Miss Geico 17
  • Proboat Recoil 17


Tips for Winning


Now that you have a fast boat, it is time to learn how to race it to win. Here are some tips that can help you beat the competition.


Practice, Practice, Practice: If you have registered to participate in a race, most races will have a scheduled practice date where the racers can get familiar with the water and the atmosphere they are racing it. It is highly advised that you attend these practice sessions. Even though practicing on your own can be helpful, different ponds will provide circumstances that you may not be prepared for. Going to the pond to find out how your boat reacts will give you an advantage when it comes to racing.


Get Familiar with the Rules: You can practice all you want, but if you don’t know the rules, you can be eliminated, no matter how skilled you are. One common rule to be aware of is knowing when you can or can not pass another boat. Breaking these rules results in penalties for many racers. To avoid this type of penalty, it is recommended that you take the inside lane when you’re close to four boat lengths in front of another boat.


In general, rules may vary depending on the organization that is hosting the race. The two main organization are IMPBA and NAMBA. It is a good idea to go to their web sites and review their rules before competing.
Stay Focused on Your Surroundings: It is important to take note of other boats and where they are in terms of the proximity to your boat in the water. This will help you to avoid collisions. Also, be sure to pay attention to what’s in front of you and not what’s behind you. It is the responsibility of the driver behind you to avoid rear ending or colliding with whatever is in front of them.


Getting Your Boat Optimized for Speed


Even if you have a great boat, there are things you can do to further optimize it for speed without having to spend any extra money. Here are some we recommend:
Take the Gloss off the Bottom: Use a red scouring pad to take the gloss off the bottom third of the boat. This will prevent the boat from creating a vacuum on the water causing it to move faster.


Sharpen Your Turning Fins: Dampen 600 grit wet dry sandpaper to sharpen the turning fins that come off the back of the boat. Angle the turning fins against the sandpaper and rub them down to sharpen them. Sharper turning fins will help the boat go faster.
Of course, those that have a budget to play with can make improvements like getting a more powerful engine or a new hull design. That’s why it’s very important to get your hands dirty and learn more about how RC boats work from the inside out to have a boat that offers the best performance possible.


Should I Join a Club?


It is not necessary to join a club to participate in races. However, if you choose to join a club, you will meet other racers who can give you helpful advice on racing. You will also have the opportunity to race your boats in a noncompetitive setting which will give you the experience you need to win.


To find the best club for you, it’s a good idea to spend the day with the members to see how well you mesh and determine if the atmosphere is right for you.
The world of RC boat racing is very exciting. If you are thinking of getting involved in this sport, start by finding the best boat for your needs. Get familiar with the rules and regulations of racing and practice until you are ready to compete. Then look forward to enjoying a great new social outlet and means of entertainment that can really get your blood pumping.