The 20 best rc boat brands

  • 20 brands ranked
  • Ranked by brand visibility

Blade, UDIRC and Nikko lead our ranking of 20 rc boat brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.

Rc Boat brands, ranked

TSCentral is reader-supported: we may earn a commission when you shop through links on this page. It does not affect the ranking.

  1. 1

    Blade

    Blade Clothing is a skate and lifestyle apparel label from the UK, and skateboarders and everyday wearers who want street-style basics can find long sleeve shirts and tees from Blade. Its men's long sleeve tees and graphic shirts form a large part of the clothing range. Fit varies by cut, so these tees are better suited to casual wear than technical use.

    Popularity 10.0/10

  2. 2

    UDIRC

    Affordable 2.4GHz racers with a speed focus, sold alongside cars and drones in a toy-first range.

    Popularity 5.4/10

  3. 3

    Nikko

    Older electric hulls from the brand's earlier range, bought mainly for restoration or spare parts.

    Top products: Barracuda

    Popularity 4.8/10

  4. 4

    JJRC

    Toy-focused budget maker whose RC boats sit beside drones, cars and kids' educational kits.

    Popularity 2.9/10

  5. 5

    Traxxas

    Ready-to-run race boats with brushless power, and the 24-inch Blast is a common starting point.

    Top products: Blast· Disruptor VXL

    Popularity 2.6/10

  6. 6

    Kyosho

    Japanese specialist with a long record in nitro and electric speedboats, including the Jet Stream line.

    Top products: Jet Stream GP-10· HarborStar

    Popularity 2.5/10

  7. 7

    Dumas

    American kit maker since 1951, strong on wooden hulls and vintage-style speedboats.

    Top products: SK Daddle 40

    Popularity 2.5/10

  8. 8

    TYCO

    Tyco makes HO scale slot cars and track sets for home racing, and vintage Tyco models are now sought by collectors. Many of its sets still circulate on resale and auction sites, often with original bodies and track pieces. Buyers usually need a compatible track and controller to run the cars.

    Popularity 2.1/10

  9. 9

    WLtoys

    Cheap 2.4GHz racers and jet boats with self-righting hulls, a popular entry point for beginners.

    Top products: WL911-A· WL917

    Popularity 1.9/10

  10. 10

    Robbe

    German modeller offering boat accessories, towing gear and kits alongside aircraft and cars.

    Popularity 1.8/10

  11. 11

    AquaCraft

    Airboats and deep-vee hulls, in electric and gas versions, make this a niche speed brand.

    Top products: Wildcat EP· GP-1· Hammer

    Popularity 1.7/10

  12. 12

    ABC Hobby

    Scale 1/10 cars and boats built to mimic real vehicles, with an emphasis on handling.

    Popularity 1.5/10

  13. 13

    Syma

    Syma produces remote-controlled toys from China, including drone helicopters, drones with cameras and RC helicopters. Its catalogue includes RC batteries and connectors for its models. Its inexpensive, ready-to-fly aircraft are easy for hobbyists and younger flyers to get started with.

    Popularity 1.4/10

  14. 14

    Volantex RC

    Plastic ABS speedboats with an auto roll-back throttle feature, suited to indoor or outdoor use.

    Popularity 1.4/10

  15. 15

    HobbyZone

    Do you wish to fly but are afraid of heights? Have you always been interested in getting Radio-Controlled products? HobbyZone brings a range of attractive RC products at affordable prices that are sure to pique your curiosity and appeal to...

    Popularity 1.3/10

  16. 16

    Flytec

    The V002 2-in-1 crocodile head RC boat and the V801 bait boat are among the models that carry the Flytec name. Its remote control cars and bait boats with hoppers come with control ranges that differ by model. Its boats...

    Popularity 1.2/10

  17. 17

    Graupner

    Longstanding German model maker whose boat parts, hulls and radio gear suit hobbyists building classic boats.

    Popularity 1.0/10

  18. 18

    Golden

    The 1:25 Sea Hawk speedboat is the model collectors look for from the vintage toy maker.

    Top products: Sea Hawk

    Popularity 0.8/10

  19. 19

    MGA Entertainment

    MGA Entertainment's toy lines include L.O.L. Surprise! dolls, sold in sealed packaging, alongside fashion dolls and mini dolls. The company owns the Bratz fashion doll brand. MGA sells its dolls and related toys to children and collectors through retail channels...

    Popularity 0.8/10

  20. 20

    Picco

    Gualitiero Picco’s vast breadth of experience inspired the brand, Picco, to be conceptualized. This brand focuses on manufacturing engines that are suitable for a myriad of machining needs. Known for its technical expertise, Picco’s engines are reliable and of excellent...

    Popularity 0.7/10

RC Boats Buying Guide

Remote Control (RC) boats are miniature boats that can be operated using a radio transmitter. They are a popular hobby among adults and children alike. With the advancements in technology, RC boats have become more sophisticated and are available in various sizes and designs. If you are considering buying an RC boat, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you buy one that meets your needs and preferences. This guide outlines some of the essential factors you should consider before buying an RC boat.

Type of RC Boats

The first factor to consider when buying an RC boat is the type of boat that you want. RC boats are generally divided into four categories:

  • Electric Boats: These boats are powered by batteries and are more popular among beginners. They are easy to operate and maintain and are suitable for use in small water bodies such as swimming pools and ponds.
  • Nitro Boats: These boats are powered by nitro fuel engines and are suitable for those who want high speeds and longer run times.
  • Gas Boats: Gas boats are powered by gasoline engines and are designed for experienced boaters who want longer run times and more power.
  • Sail Boats: These boats are designed to be operated by the wind and are popular among hobbyists who want a more realistic sailing experience.

It is essential to understand each type of boat's pros and cons before deciding which one to buy, as each type has unique features and is designed for different uses.

Size of RC Boats

The size of an RC boat is another crucial factor to consider when buying one. RC boats come in different sizes, ranging from small, handheld boats to large, sophisticated models. The size of the boat you choose will depend on your skill level and how you intend to use it. If you are a beginner, you may want to start with a smaller boat that is easier to operate and maintain. Larger boats, on the other hand, require more skill and experience to operate and maintain, but they offer more speed and power.

Speed and Power

The speed and power of an RC boat are also important factors to consider. The speed of the boat is determined by the size of the motor and the type of boat. If you are looking for speed, you may want to consider a nitro or gas-powered boat, as these boats can reach speeds of up to 60mph. Electric boats, on the other hand, are less powerful but are easier to operate and maintain.

Battery Life

If you choose an electric boat, the battery life is critical. You need to consider the battery's capacity and the charging time. A high-capacity battery will provide longer run times, but it may take longer to charge. It is essential to choose a battery that can run the boat for the duration you intend to use it. A spare battery may also come in handy when operating your boat for more extended periods.

Control Range

The control range is the distance at which you can operate the boat using the radio transmitter. It is essential to consider the control range when buying an RC boat, as it determines how far you can go with your boat. The control range varies from model to model, with some boats having a range of over 300 feet. If you plan to operate your boat in a large water body, such as a lake or river, you may want to consider a boat with a more extended control range.

Build Quality and Material

The build quality and material of an RC boat are essential factors to consider, as they determine the boat's durability and lifespan. The boat's material can be plastic, fiberglass, or wood, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Plastic boats are lightweight and less expensive but may break easily. Fiberglass boats are more durable and have a more realistic look but are more expensive. Wooden boats are popular among hobbyists but require more maintenance and can be more expensive than plastic or fiberglass boats.

Design and Style

Design and style are important factors to consider when buying an RC boat, as they determine the boat's appearance and aesthetics. RC boats are available in various designs and styles, from sleek racing boats to realistic scale models of real boats. It is essential to choose a boat that aligns with your preferences and style. A boat that appeals to you visually can make your experience more enjoyable.

Conclusion

RC boats are an exciting and entertaining hobby that can provide endless hours of fun. When buying an RC boat, it is essential to consider the type of boat, size, speed and power, battery life, control range, build quality and material, and design and style. By considering these factors, you can find an RC boat that meets your needs and preferences and provides an enjoyable experience.