Thinking about getting one of these two, any advice folks? Just for a bit of fun in the creek across the road. Is there a major difference, apart from the price, between the motors and/or batteries?

Admiral Boat 97616 (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/1-14-RC-R...ht_4648wt_1054)
- 7.2v rechargeable battery 3600mAh
- 2x 550 type motors
- 100cm length, 29cm width, 20cm height
- 1:14 scale.
- AU$149

Cyclone Speedboat (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/RC-Radio-...#ht_4130wt_908)
- 1:16 scale
- large torsion propellor(??)
- Battery: Ni-Cd rechargeable 7.2v 1800 mAh
- 2x 380 type motors
- AU$65
- 93cm in length

Hi! Those are cheap toys, so that the performence is not good.

As a first speed boat, this is a really good one with quite fast speed and very good qualuty.
http://www.nitrorcx.com/99b-10021-650-ep-artr.html

My daughter and I have been running this boat and have been very happy with it. I recommend this one.

If it's creek running you're after, have a look at this thread:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1404719

They take a little work to convert from the crappy toy grade setup to something that's actually fun, but we'll walk you through it if you need help, and you will be hopelessly addicted after that!

There is also a guy from Aus that sets them up RTR with all the upgrades done, (Search for SicRC on EBay) but they're a little more expensive that way.

Give something like these a thought as well:

http://www.aquacraftmodels.com/boats...ono/index.html

http://www.proboatmodels.com/Product...ProdId=PRB0400

http://www.proboatmodels.com/Product...ProdId=PRB0300

savage0102 - looks like a great boat that, especially with the shiny finishes!

Was hoping not to spend much more than around $150-$180, including postage. Kind of annoying that most great things are made in the USA (or China ) then have to get shipped to Oz, resulting in marked up prices to cover their costs.

The 17" Miss Geico looks good. Fast is best, of course

Any more suggestions while we're at it?

What about NQD jet boat from AU ebay?
A few things from Hobbyking, like motor, esc & battery, shouldn't be more than $150 all up.
I'll build it for you free if you want, you pay postage.
Where are you?

So, for example, it says I'd need both a 11.1V 2200mAh lipoly battery and a 2ch. radio system for the Centurion mini brushless Catamaran (http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...50mm_ARTR.html). What would you suggest for the battery and radio? Was also looking at this boat, btw, and tossing up between Miss Geico and the first option (though the first is pretty pricey for now).

I'm in Geelong, Victoria, Down Under.

Just search around AU H/K for something like this battery: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s..._3S1P_45C.html
That's a sweet fast little boat, but you said creek? Is it a big as* wide creek, or rapids, thin??? Jet boats go sick in there. The boat you listed is a fast thing like the Bolt.
Radio, look on ebay. I've been flogging heaps of cheap 2.4 radios for $20 from my Losi cars, Honcho etc. Or look on H/K for cheap as* one. AU H/K is in Moruya NSW south coast so you get stuff quick. Just get the aerial up there if they are short.
Any probs, write.
Pete

Well, yeah it's only about 6-10m across to the other side of the bank. But down the road, roughly walking distance, is a lake. Was dryzabone two years ago, but since then we've had more rain.

Cool, no worries. Maybe just ponder for awhile, look at vids of users here and see whats best for your waters.
I'm a tunnel nut.

Originally Posted by 10x8

I'm a tunnel nut.

A tunnel nut? I like jam doughnuts, but somehow I don't think that's what you mean!