RC Boating Hull Styles
While RC cars, trucks, and airplanes tend to get the majority of modelers’ attention, there is another area of the R/C industry that can be as much, if not even more fun. RC boats provide a completely different experience than driving a car or flying a plane on many different levels. There are boats for everyone from casual sailing fans, performance enthusiasts, those who love the detailed runabouts of years gone by, and more.
When referring to the performance and handling of a particular boat, the configuration of the hull will have a big impact on the overall handling and performance of a boat on the water. When referring to the different types of hulls, there are five primary configurations for R/C boats: Deep-V’s, catamarans, hydroplanes, sailboats and Mini’s.
Deep-V
Deep-V’s are definitely the most popular hull style for boats and capable of tremendously high speeds. A Deep-V gets its name after the profile and look of the hull’s distinctive V shape. This hull setup relies on hull strakes for improved stability and cornering ability, and its Deep-V design helps the boat absorb the impact of larger waves on rough water. Additionally, the V-shape causes the boat to bank in the turns to assist turning. When you hit the throttle, the nose will typically come out of the water and as the boat gets on plane, it will ride on the rear back-third of the hull.
Catamaran
Catamarans are modeled after off shore race boats. Due to their wider hull footprint acting as 2 sponsons, they provide additional positive stability when compared to a Deep-V. While it is more stable, the fact that a catamaran has more of its hull in the water equals increased drag and slightly reduced top speed.
Hydroplanes
When drivers talk about speed and performance on the water, they are clearly talking about Unlimited Hydroplanes. Hydroplanes skim across the surface of the water at tremendous speeds and capture the look and feel of their full scale counterparts, even down to the huge turbine exhaust ports at the back of the hull. Hydroplanes are designed mainly for oval racing and feature a turning fin on the backside of one of the sponsons to help in cutting the tightest lines possible around a course. RC hydroplane boats are considered to be the Formula One of RC Boating due to their high speeds and performance driven designs.
Sailboats
For the best in relaxation, sailboats provide the lowest maintenance and are very fulfilling in regards to boat handling skills. With only the wind as power, skills must be focused to learn how to adjust the sails and take best advantage of wind currents. There is nothing like tacking to the wind, seemingly defying its direction.
Minis
When a driver wants to run a boat but doesn’t have access to a huge piece of open water, a mini RC boat is the perfect choice. Minis are smaller than other boats, but they feature similar handling and performance characteristics of their larger counterparts. Minis are available as RTR that demand very little preparation to get on the water and provide an inexpensive, economical way for someone to get their feet wet in the sport of RC boating. Some mini boats can even be driven in swimming pools if a boating fix is needed.
Check out the RC Boats category at RCSLOT for all your boating needs.