kingofcool999

iTrader: (7)

My boys, ages 11 and 9, saw another boy at the lake with an rc boat. Now they each want one. I don't want to spend a bunch of money on boats, but I want them to be reliable. I've looked around at Amazon, they have some for under $100, but how good are they? So if you have any first hand experience with a budget rc boat, I'm interested in your recommendation.

mikedw

iTrader: (1)

Aquacraft reef racer. Great budget boat for kids.

uh60

iTrader: (27)

My next boat will be the aqua craft brand. I have a proboat but am not impressed with the quality

Ron Olson

I don't know what there is on Amazon as I don't shop there for my RC boat stuff.
Go more for hobby quality than "toy" boats. The "toy" boats don't last long as if something goes wrong, just toss it in the trash as you can't get parts for them. Those more in the hobby quality will be much better all the way around and hobby shops can easily get anything they need in case something does break.
Don't underestimate kids as they catch onto this stuff quickly. My son was racing RC trucks at 6 and winning then he raced boats at 12, his first race he got 3rd place in a class of 13 boats. Hopefully it's more than a passing interest.

kingofcool999

iTrader: (7)

This is the boat my boys saw...

https://www.amazon.com/Blomiky-Elect...C+BOAT+SKYTECH

I would say its hobby grade. Import hobby grade...

Lanky

iTrader: (16)

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects...asher-jet-boat

I'm hoping these go into production.... Prop boats are cool and all but I like the Idea of a jet boat for creek/ river use

31Bowtie

iTrader: (7)

This is a high end toy boat but not hobby quality yet. The pro boat self righting boats are about the same price and will turn themselves over when they get flipped. nice feature for kids . they are 17" $99 on e-bay

strykerakamack

iTrader: (4)

https://www.amazon.com/Pro-Boat-Self...ywords=proboat

should do the trick

MrUnlimited

https://hobbyking.com/en_us/boats/ready-to-run.html
Take a look at these boats or buy a seperate radio and ARR hull: https://hobbyking.com/en_us/boats/al...dy-to-run.html
My opinion: spend some more money in quality and avoid headaches.

RC Fanatic20

iTrader: (1)

Traxxas usually makes some decent products especially for entry-level. The Traxxas boat called the Blast is only about $160. Not much more than you were already looking to spend. And they usually have pretty good customer support. Might be a good option to consider especially if your local hobby shop supports Traxxas products. Maybe show it to your kids and see if they like what it looks like. Usually if a kid likes what it looks like they were like using it if it has decent performance.

Propchecku37

iTrader: (73)

The Aquacraft mini Wildcat is around $110@ AMain Hobbies, they also have coupons available. The mini cat would be a great starter boat for your boys

monsterbrad

iTrader: (1)

Stick to the self righting boat.
Trust me on this
20 plus years and the last 10 I do boats every spring.
You won't have to get wet if you buy those.
NEVER swim for a boat lots of guys have died doing so....
Remember one thing with boats .....they are not maintenance free..read around and see what you find. Starter boats for your boys may be a phase so don't go crazy spending a bunch of money for them to sit around after a few times of use.