Newbie, go used or new?

[Glowplug007]

Hello all, first post here. I would like to get into RC boats, Ive had cars and trucks before. I have a nice lipo charger and an airtronics radio if I need it.

I would love to stay under 500$, there are 2 boats I'm looking at on Craigslist, a Spartan for 250, and an Auquacraft UL-1 for 300. Both appear to be stock and dont come with extras or lipo's. Should I even consider these options or look at a new proboat?

[runningman]

Depends what you want to do.
You can buy Pursuit from HobbyKing and add ESC and servo and you will be under $500 and still have money for LiPos.

[Mxkid261]

What are your expectations? I wouldn't buy used off CL. Could blow up your first run, never know what its been through. I agree a pursuit would be a nice option. Or you can obviously never go wrong with a Proboat and their customer service.

[fweasel]

I bought everything used when I first got back into boats. Same logic applies when buying anything else used... both good and bad. Best scenario is to buy a used boat that the original owner already put all the mods into to correct weak points, in my opinion. Classifieds here and on RC Groups are a good source for those deals. eBay too if you've got an idea of what you're looking for.

[Glowplug007]

Thanks for the suggestions, the Spartan is already gone, the pursuit idea sounds reasonable, at least price wise. Is the stock motor reliable? Other than adding a servo and ESC, is all the other hardware good or does it need immediate upgrades. With a seaking 180 can it handle 6 s? Could I get close to 50mph on 4s?

[T.S.Davis]

It's strictly prohibited to comment on the quality of a used boat on the for sale forum here unless you are the seller but sometimes you can glean that information if you ask the right questions. It's tough with used equipment to know what you're getting for sure. Sometimes you can look into the sellers reputation but again, it's tough.

Depends on which proboat you're after but the build quality on both the PB and the Pursuit will be better than a UL1. Especially a used UL. That's not an absolute obviously but typically that would be the case.

The Spartan is plastic. Looks super cool but.............. it's plastic. All the others are glass. Much more impact friendly should you hit a stick, a rogue wave, a buoy, fish...........land. haha

For my money, I would go Pursuit. The hardware is solid. Cheapest route to fun without buying junk.

[fweasel]

If it's something you're interested in, I know someone locally selling a brand new UL-1. I'd be happy to ship it to you on your dime.

[ray schrauwen]

A hydroplane is fun however it is not truly designed for left turns or really rough water. it's a nice deal if you are club racing or have others to do ovals with. A mono or cat will typically be more fun with left and right turns and for varying water conditions.

[longballlumber]

Hello all, first post here. I would like to get into RC boats, Ive had cars and trucks before. I have a nice lipo charger and an airtronics radio if I need it.

I would love to stay under 500$, there are 2 boats I'm looking at on Craigslist, a Spartan for 250, and an Auquacraft UL-1 for 300. Both appear to be stock and dont come with extras or lipo's. Should I even consider these options or look at a new proboat?

Great way to get your FE boat feet wet. Won't set any records with it but is capable of low 40's fun!

https://forums.offshoreelectrics.com...acer-Batteries

There are many here that can vouch for my equipment and seems to be well under your budget.

[bob horowitz]

If it's something you're interested in, I know someone locally selling a brand new UL-1 for $150. I'd be happy to ship it to you on your dime.

Ryan,
Please tell me about the UL1. Is it the complete set up, with the radio and everything? I might be interested at that price. I always wanted a UL1. Also, if you could, let me know what the shipping would be from you to 59846 in Montana.
Regards,
Bob

[fweasel]

Ryan,
Please tell me about the UL1. Is it the complete set up, with the radio and everything? I might be interested at that price. I always wanted a UL1. Also, if you could, let me know what the shipping would be from you to 59846 in Montana.
Regards,
Bob

My benevolent mood has passed and I don't have the time nor desire to pack a boat properly for cross country transport. I shipped out two already this week and my packing materials are depleted.

[bob horowitz]

Ryan,
If you are feeling benevolent in the future, or even if you're not and have the time please let me know.
Thanks,
Bob