Best RC boat for a 4 year old?

[Mooney6959]

So I think the title says it all.

I'd like to get my son an RC boat that he could run in the pool or nearby pond.

My main goal is to find something durable (after all, he IS a 4 year old), and in the mean time trying not to break the bank either.

I've seen many boats online that fit the price, but I don't want them to be some cheap thing that's going to break on him on the first day.

I've looked at the Aquacraft Reef Racer as well as the Zig Zag racer, but I've been kind of trigger shy b\c none of my local shops carry them in stock. Plus his favorite color is green, and neither come in green (very small concern).

I'm also thinking a pistol grip remote would be best for him. Side thought: Does anybody make them in child size?

So, what would you buy your 4 year old?

Thanks!

Chris

[Doby]

Those are the best being self righting=non stop fun!

[bob_t]

When my son was 6 years old he got a New Bright red "Fountain 76". It took 3 tries from Overtons to get one that actually worked (no power to motor), but he is 10 now, and that one still works. He has enjoyed that boat a lot!!! Not real fast, just on/off fwd/reverse, and left/right steering, and a soft rubber-ish prop that wouldn't cut your finger, etc. This past summer he saved up enough money and bought a Balaenoptera Musculus. What a piece of junk, right out of the box. We joined the "over 50% of the people who bought this item, dissatisfied" and returned it. It would fill with water (about 1-2 cups) within a couple of minutes running it. At one point it shorted out the battery and he got zapped, taking the battery out. I know several people on here buy those and modify them heavily and seem to enjoy them. We tried sealing everything and it still leaked ... I think it was coming up the propshafts. Sent that back and stepped him up to an AQ Rio EP. Big upgrade, and big grins everytime he runs it - I don't let him run it by himself - he is only 10. He ran my MG29 a couple of times, and now wants something faster than his Rio ... working on that.

Back to your question, though. One of the New Brights' would be a good choice, IMO, especially with the rubber-ish prop. It does have a retangular "box" style transmitter, though, with a rather long gangley wire antenna that you need to pay attention to, so you don't get hit in the eye/face with it.

[JimClark]

aquacraft makes a small hydroplane that is ready to run

http://www.aquacraftmodels.com/boats/aqub16-mini-thunder/index.html

[RaceMechaniX]

Zig Zag, reef racer or mini rio are all decent first choices for a first boat.

[roadrashracing]

proboat offers many small boats now

[forescott]

Towerhobbies has a bunch of mini rc boats from aquacraft in their scratch and dent store for a fraction of the retail price. Many off them new, just missing paperwork, have box damage, etc.

[helen]

RC (remote control) boats are a popular branch of the RC toy craze. RC boats come is a wide variety of styles ranging from small and leisurely to fast and furious. Remote Control boats are popular with all ages and skill set.I have Arrow Wind 1:16 Electric rc boat RTR.The brand new Arrow Wind rc boat is fast and furious fun. With a SC 390 type racing motor and a large torsion propeller you can reach speeds of 25+ MPH

[Mooney6959]

Wow, awesome feedback! Thanks, all!

[Mooney6959]

Towerhobbies has a bunch of mini rc boats from aquacraft in their scratch and dent store for a fraction of the retail price. Many off them new, just missing paperwork, have box damage, etc.

Great idea! I completely missed the Scratch and Dent area.
Just bit the bullet on a Reef Racer w\ extra battery.

[bigwaveohs]

Go with the Reef Racer...I use it for my retrieve boat and it is very easy to upgrade to an inexpensive brushless setup when he gets older and wants more speed. If you do, order the Aquacraft tugboat coupler that works with brushless motor shaft sizes.
JMHO,
Pete

Reef Racer 2 aqub7854 coupler.jpg
Reef Racer Brushless.jpg