ALWAYS turn on your controller before turning on you reciever. Bottom line thats the way it needs to be done. You run the risk of it not completely recognising your Reciever, would be a shame to lose control of your new boat because of such a simple matter. An your friend is also lucky, read your directions on the RX/TX on everything Ive ever owned rc, car/heli/boat it always says in bold to do this. Dont tempt fate, nothing is wrong with your equipment, just turn it on in the right order.

-Wayne