whats hot, whats not! for a young teen

[acdf093]

Hi i have a 12 yr old boy , who would like to buy a fast electric boat (speed boat or hydro boat ), he,s seen a couble on ebay (6036864851) and speed storm hydro boat (6036383784) , whats the best bang for your buck (under $100)for a fast electric boat ,that he can use on the lake. thanks for any help

[Umi_Ryuzuki]

I would avoid most offerings on ebay, and head for a Zig Zag Racer, or the Reef Racer on a tight budget. Actually most of the offerings by Hobbico on Tower Hobbies would be decent starters.

Welcome to the Hobby!

:D

[MILLERTIME]

Tower Hobbies Tower Turbo Vee 3 RTR with free battery $89.99
http://www.towerhobbies.com/products/towb02.html

[BigHairRC]

Actually Ebay is a great source for boats. I know from personal experience. Never had a problem. EVER.
You can pick up a Miss Budweiser Hydro, ready to run, on Ebay, electric, all batteries included, which are rechargable, the charger comes with it, usually by it now for $49.95. This a fun boat and you can upgrade it very easily if he wants to down the road. They run about 15-20 MPH out of the box. Good boat for a young man.
Just pay attention to the seller rating on ebay. Look for 100% positive feedback, request tracking for shipment for your comfort, and everything should be fine.
Good luck

Let us know how you made out

J & L

[Umi_Ryuzuki]

I am just not a fan of the twin motor steering boats. The ones I run across are typically underpowered and the boats are a heavy polyethelyne which weights down the boat and the performance. And the Steering is never very responsive.

[keven64]

acdf093,

When I began modelling in the early 70's, you HAD to buy an R/C system from a model shop ( as there was no eBay ) and one produced by a reputable manufacturer such as Futaba - as there were few others...
Today it is the case that even the radio systems that are supplied with 'toys' are of good quality.

Whether or not you buy from eBay or a from model shop, you would do well to 1st visit a large model shop, and have a good look at what is on offer - in both the 'toy' and 'model' departments...

If buying a model boat that is supplied with radio ( and everything else to make it ready to run ), it might be a good idea to buy one that has a radio installation that can be removed from the boat ( if an accident occurs ) - and used in other models, and so could serve well in future boats ( of your own design/build )...;)

Remember though, that generally you get what you pay for...
My Futaba M6 radio system ( from April 1974 ) is still in working condition - and has gone through only three transmitter battery packs in all that time ! :D
___________________________________________

What is said above is VERY true. ;)
You will never have proper control of a model boat that has no rudder - however fancy the differential control of the two propellers is. :rolleyes:

Look at full size boats - how many of those have no rudder of some sort ?

If you add differential motor control to a with twin motors and propellers and WITH a single or twin rudders ... you'll have a very manoeuverable boat - that will teach a beginner everything he needs to learn...

Keven. :)