New to RC Boats

[kevmeist]

I am looking to start using RC boats and lean towards electric boats.

How good is any boat sealing for "accidents" on the water, such as overturning the boat? It seems that this is going to happen at some time, right?

I am looking at boats around the 30" size. Can anyone tell me some differences between the different hull types (cat, v-hull etc) especially for a beginner to boats.

Many thanks in advance,

Kevin

[kfxguy]

If you get an impulse 31 they are sealed pretty good. They have like a Tupperware top under the hatch. This would be a good starter boat. When yiu start to go faster than stock you'll want to upgrade the way the hatch is locked on unless your ok with using hatch tape..... Which personally I despise.

[SloHD]

Proboat or aquacraft boats would be good for you to start out with.

Hatch taping is pain in the ass, but you learn the hard way. I tape up everytime now.

[kfxguy]

Maybe I have bad luck because my hatch has come off twice with tape lol

[kfxguy]

Btw I'd sway more to the proboat because in my opinion they are a better product and Customer service is head and shoulders above aqua craft in my personal experience. I don't want to go into great detail but I had an issue with proboat and they took care of it asap with no issues. Aqua craft...... Well the person I talked to was rude and non accommodating. I ended up just buying a replacement motor and ESC for the boat.... Another brand name of course... And it still works now. I don't mean to bag on aqua craft but I won't buy another product from them because of my poor experience. I can't recommend them either for the same reason.

[kevmeist]

Maybe I have bad luck because my hatch has come off twice with tape lol

I would presume that there is "tape" and there is "tape". Do you guys recommend any specific brand?

Would a beginner (I do have an RC car but no boats before) be better off with a v-hull or a cat?

Thanks,

Kevin

[kfxguy]

Beginner probably a v hull but really don't make much difference either way. Clear Hockey tape is what most people use. It's what I used (ordered from ose) and my hatch still came off. I like hatch locks and foam sealing tape on the inside like this

[rickwess]

Shin-pad tape manufactured by Renfrew. Much cheaper to buy at a sports store if you have one close that deals with hockey gear.

[Fluid]

I have crashed FE boats at over 90 mph sealed with vinyl tape and not had any leaks. One key is to secure all items inside the hull so that in a crash nothing will come loose and push the hatch open. For example Velcro alone is not enough to secure packs. The vast majority of FE racers (who crash/flip often) use tape with great success. If other methods were better we'd all adopt them. A dry boat is a system and hatch sealing is only one part of success.


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[Alexgar]

3m makes a clear electrictape I've been pretty please with but I usually buy the closest color electric tape good tack and fairly cheap if your not picky

[olwarbirds]

I have to agree if you want a RTR (ready to run) go with ProBoat There cats and mono are decent entry level boats and their customer service is very good. The hatch tape and different ways (right or wrong) of sealing up hatches is a constant discussion. Like kfxguy mentioned the extra inner hatch seal is a plus on the ProBoats. Always strap down your lipos and like fluid stated secure everything ! have fun....DJ

[iridebikes247]

Use tape and also use some rubbing alcohol to wipe down the hatch opening before taping. We all work on our boats a lot and its easy to slicken up the hatch opening with grease from working on the boat, putting in flex, etc. Make sure this area is clean and your hands are too. This will ensure the tape actually gets a chance to do its job.

If you lose a hatch or you're paranoid about sinking you can always purchase hatch bolts from keithbradleyboats or make your own. A lot of boats go down because of the hatch, don't let yours be one of them