How an RC Boat Works

It is important that you understand how your remote control (RC) boat functions so you will know what to do if it has any problems. RC boats work very much the same as any other RC land based models do. They have two or more channel systems and once you have used one you will know why.

• Look at most RC boating systems and you will find two channels are the norm. Generally one of the channels will control the motor (when powered by motor) and the rudder. If your boat is a sailboat one will control the sail instead of a motor. If a sailboat were equipped with a motor also you would need three channels. Also if you are really going big with the RC boating you could have channels for lights, horns and the like with each needing a channel of their own.


• Check the RC system and you will find that most are what is known as proportional. This means simply that if you steer a little to the right, the boat will only turn a little whereas if you steer hard right your boat will make a hard right as well.


• Check you transmitter type. This is what you use to actually control the motions of your boat. They can be of two distinct styles which are pistol grip or two-stick. Typically a sailboat uses a stick type and a motorboat uses a pistol grip. Just remember to always keep your antenna fully extended. This is what gives you the range of control.


• A small receiver accomplishes receipt of the signal. Without it you would have no control over the boat. It utilizes a small wire that never should be cut or looped for length reduction. That would drastically lessen the range of your transmitter. This receiver instantly transmits your directions to the servos that in turn control the boat.


• Action of each servo is done by gears attached and makes the RC boat do as you wish. There must be a separate channel for each servo on the boat. These servos are what actually turn the rudder and the boat motor plus any other appliance on the boat they are connected to.


• Determine which frequency you will be using with RC crystals. These frequencies are from 75 MHz to 27 MHz and cannot be changed. However you can change the band with the crystals. Always a good idea to carry an extra set in case yours is being used when you begin boating. There is also a new ‘spread spectrum' range for RC in newer boat systems with some improvements.

Use AA batteries for the controls. It could take as many as 12 for both the transmitter and receiver. Some of the newer model RTR boats don’t require separate receiver batteries.