rmw00

My 12 year old nephew wants an RC boat for his birthday. They live on a lake.

Ready to run, electric would probably be best. I've seen on at Tower and one at Horizon for about $75 that look OK. Don't really want to spend this much if I don't have to, but don't want junk either.

Any ideas?? Thanks!

Umi_Ryuzuki

Without ending up at radio shack for some of those tame running heavy boats,
My first suggestion would be either the Reef racer, or the Zig Zag racer.
A little limited on the battery time, but both are good performers.
The reef racer is more "mod" able and uses more standard parts.
Zig Zag racers are very proprietary.

Kyosho's Palm Cruser is supposed to run fairly well. It uses differential steering though, no rudder. So one propeller slows or stops to turn the boat.
It is slightly cheaper than the racers. Maybe a little small for a lake though.
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXGDH4&P=7

These Nkok Coast Guard boats might be an option. I know one person that had one.
It runs alright for a toy as I recall. Again, differential steering.
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXBRG1&P=ML
Nkok like Tyco, makes a lot of cheap toys, I just wouldn't expect a lot of performance from them.
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...ts&FVPROFIL=++

guver

My Feedback: (325)

If they live on a lake I would recommend a hammer. It is bigger and uses standard gear.

pompebled

A Hammer would be good, nice size boat.

Also check out www.offshoreelectrics.com , ask Steven what he can offer!

Regards, Jan.

pompebled

Hi Umi,

These differential steering NKOK boats look great, but the pods where the motors are housed in, will leak and are not accessable, so they will end up rusted solid, (been there, done that).
I own the small Coastguard vessel, currently in drydock without motors...
These transmitters have a very limited range, on a lake that's no option IMHO.

Regards, Jan.

Umi_Ryuzuki

Yes, but there seems to be a price limit. and it was mentioned that $79 dollars seemed too much. And for low cost boats, $79 is pretty much the bottom end of any truly good performers. And even then, $79 dollars barely covers the [link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXJBU9**&P=ML]Reef [/link] or [link=http://h1069361.hobbyshopnow.com/products/description.asp?prod=HBZ3405]Zig Zag[/link] Racers. I found my Zig Zag for 50 bucks on sale. An extra battery will cost an additional $20 dollars. I would agree that the [link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXBTE6**&P=ML]Hammer[/link] is a good option, but it costs more.

I let a 9 year old run my zig zag, and it barely held his interest. "rmw00's" nephew has asked for a boat. I think that the "racers" are good performers for the low cost. Anything cheaper, or slower, may not hold this young mans attention.

So If $79 dollars is too much, then that, unfortunately leaves the toy boats as the only cheap options.[]

However, in a case like this, Our family calls on other family members to chip in on one good present. That way no one person spends too much. In this case quality rather than quantity would be wise.

pompebled

I totally agree with you, that it's better to chip in for a decent boat, rather than buy the cheap future rustbucket...

Regards, Jan.

flyingace451

Zig Zag Racer 2!!! I'm 15 and bought one yesterday. That thing is fast! It can turn on a dime. The only bad part is the battery takes too long to charge.[&o] He'll love it.

guver

My Feedback: (325)

Haven't heard back from rmw00, If you like standard radio gear and accessories get the hammer. That's why I did. It is very simple and complete rtr. It can use standard chargers and batts and rx and tx and servos from cars and trucks if you're into that.