Best Remote Control Boats For Kids
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Looking for some a fun remote controlled toy boat for your kids this summer? If so, you’re in luck. There’s never been a better time to get into this thrilling RC toy hobby – modern RC toy boats are safer, more durable, and cheaper than they’ve ever been before. You can find great radio controlled boats for kids as young as 6 and as old as 14, or even older!
Of course, with so many great RC vehicle choices to pick from in the modern market, it can be hard to find the remote controlled toy boat that’s the best choice for your kids in particular. How do you know you’re buying something safe, durable, and fun? Something your child will love for a long time and not get bored with too quickly? Well, the Dronethusiast staff is made up of experts in all remote control vehicles, and we’ve picked our top 10 RC boat toys of 2019.
The #1 Boat for Kids – Altair AA102 & Wave
Check out this video showing how easy it is to pilot the Altair AA102 & Wave, these kids are having a blast. That’s why we made these RC Boats our #1 choices. The Wave costs a little less and has a shorter range and battery time, or you can go with the AA102 to get a boat that’s a little bigger and faster!
Table of Contents
- Altair AA102
- Altair AA Wave
- Kid Galaxy Amphibious RC
- SZJJX Outdoor Adventure JX802
- Paradise Treasures RC Racing Boat Battle Set
- Babrit F1
- Mioshor H100
- eMart RC Fish Boat Shark
- UDI RC Venom
- Force1 H102 Velocity
- Cheerwing RC Racing Boat
- Pro Boat Recoil
- Best Kids Motorized Boat Toys for Ages 6-10
- Best RC Boat Reviews For Ages 10-14″>
- Toy RC Boat Reviews For Teens Ages 14+
- Remote Control Boats for Pools
- Frequently Asked Questions
Our Top Ranked Best RC Boats for Kids
1. Altair AA Wave – Best RC Boat for Kids
Click here to See it On Amazon! or you can get fast and free shipping from the manufacturer’s website at AltairAerial.com.
They even have an Altair Video Tutorials page that helps you get started. Email Altair Inc at help@altairaerial.com
As I mention in the review below in the AA AA102, Altair has built a reputation for releasing high quality products and providing excellent customer service.
The AA Wave is an easy to control RC Boat for Kids that has excellent range (up to 390 ft!). While this boat does go a little bit slower than the AA AA102, the AA Wave still does have the ability to reach 25 km/h and also includes the Anti-Capsize Hull System that ensures your rc boat will stay upright for more enjoyment (who wants to swim out and flip the boat back over after a spectacular stunt!?)
Specifications
– Can Reach Speeds Up to 25 km/h
– Range: 120 meters (390 ft)
– Comes with 2 x 3.7V 1500mAH Li-ion Batteries
– Out of Range Alarm, Low Battery Alarm
– Anti-Capsize Hull System Designed to Not Flip Over
Check out this video from Altair about the AA Wave
2. Altair AA102 – Best Remote Control Boat for Kids
Click here to See it On Amazon! or you can get fast and free shipping from the manufacturer’s website at AltairAerial.com.
The AA102 is the perfect RC boat for a child or beginner that is just getting into the rc boat hobby. One of my favorite features on this boat (and on Altair’s AA Wave) is the Anti-Capsize Hull System that ensures the boat will right itself if it flips over in the water. Another great feature for this kids rc boat is that it comes with two batteries which means more playtime for each boating session.
Altair is one of our most recommended products at Dronethusiast because of the company’s attention to detail and their commitment to releasing high quality products. The AA102 is a shining example of that kind of quality.
They even have an Altair Video Tutorials page that helps you get started. Email Altair Inc at help@altairaerial.com
Specifications
– Can Reach Speeds Up to 30 km/h
– Range: 100 meters (330 ft)
– Comes with 2 x 3.7V 1500mAH Li-ion Batteries
– Out of Range Alarm, Low Battery Alarm
– Anti-Capsize Hull System Designed to Not Flip Over
Best Kids Motorized Boat Toys for Ages 6-10
3. Kid Galaxy Amphibious RC
Read reviews and show for the Kid Galaxy Amphibious
This toy is able to operate in muddy water, water, sand, mud, grass, and pavement. It is designed to be used on all kinds of road surfaces that that most toys can’t go. It is an award winning remote controlled motor boat that has received praises from educators and qualified professionals.
Specifications
– Drives on land or water
– Dimensions: 9.5 x 7.5 x 4.5 inches
– One 9-volt and 3 AA batteries required
– 27 MHz frequency
Pros
– This toy is easy to control
– Can be operated on most surfaces that you can think of
– Handles skidding very well
– It can be operated by children over 3 years of age
Cons
– You need to race it with toys that operate at the 49 MHZ to avoid interference.
4. SZJJX Outdoor Adventure JX802
Read reviews and show for the SZJJX Outdoor Adventure
This cheap toy remote control boat is a great choice for young children. It’s the perfect size for pools or small ponds, it’s super easy to control, and it can even self-right after a capsize. If you’re looking for a simple, no-frills RC toy boat for kids under 30 dollars, look no further.
Specifications
– Self-righting responsive V-hull design
– Dimensions: 9.4 x 3.0 x 3.1 inches
– One 3.6V 500 mAH Ni-CD and 1 AA battery required
– 49MHz frequency
Pros
– A very cheap remote control boat for kids
– Easy to control
– Made of durable ABS impact-resistant plastic
– Can recover from a capsize
Cons
– Battery charging adapter not included
– Electronics are not fully waterproofed
Remote Control Boats for Pools
Many people choose to buy RC boats to be able to race around in the pool. This is a great way to get some amazing use out of RC boats, but it’s important to note that some RC boats may be better for pools than others.
There are many features to consider when searching for a for a remote control pool toy. To start, you will want to make sure that you choose a durable model that it has a waterproof system and will protect the battery and motor from becoming damaged. It’s important that the battery stays dry so you can get a lot of use of it before needing to replace it.
It’s also important to bring safety into account when looking for toy boats for the pool. Since pools are often smaller than lakes and other bodies of water, it’s important that the RC boat doesn’t go too fast and is easy to control. Especially since there may be other people in the water while the boat is being used. Boats that go less than 15 mph are best as they are easier to control and can keep the driver and anyone else in the water safe.
The same goes with the size of the RC boat. Try looking for a smaller boat that won’t take up a ton of space in the water. That way people can enjoy driving their RC pool boat without running into swimmers and other people in the water.
5. Paradise Treasures RC Racing Boat Battle Set
Read reviews and show for the Paradise Treasures RC Boat
This is a super cool remote control boat toy for pools that kids just love. This set actually comes with two small kids motorized boats and a 3-foot by 4-foot pool to race them around in. For less than 60 dollars, it’s the perfect cheap gift for families with two kids and a backyard to play in.
Specifications
– Includes two boats, two controllers (which double as charging units), and an inflatable track
– 10 AA batteries required (one for each boat, 4 for each controller)
– 49MHz frequency
Pros
– A unique toy kids will love
– Comes with everything two kids need to play right out of the box
– No battery charging necessary
Cons
– Requires a lot of AA batteries, especially if you play with it frequently
– The pool is tough vinyl, but the boats themselves are cheaply made.
Best RC Boat Reviews For Ages 10-14
6. Babrit F1 – #1 Motor Boat for Kids
Read reviews and show for the Babrit F1
The Babrit F1 is a small radio controlled boat that’s even popular with adults, but which is simple enough for a child to use without trouble. It moves fast, has a decent battery life, doesn’t cost too much, and nearly never loses signal connection.
Specifications
– 20 MPH top speed
– Dimensions: 9.5 x 7.5 x 4.5 inches
– One 4.8V 700 mah battery and 4 AA batteries required
– 27MHz,40MHz,or 49MHz frequency
Pros
– This toy goes fast enough to be fun, but not fast enough to be dangerous
– Solid battery life
– Extremely good signal connection
– Features a self balancing stability mode
– A good bridge between beginner and intermediate RC boats
Cons
– Transmitter range is pretty short (only a problem if you’re not using it in a pool or small pond)
7. Mioshor H100
Read reviews and show for the Mioshor H100
The Mioshor H100 is an extremely stylish RC racing motor boat for kids with a durable waterproof hull, high-performance brushless remote control boat motor, and fast capsize recovery. It’s recommended for children aged 10 and up and is a popular toy with boat enthusiasts of all ages.
Specifications
– Water sensor means the boat can only be used on water
– Dimensions: 13.9 x 3.6 x 3.55 inches
– One 7.4V 600mAh lithium ion battery and 4 AA batteries required
– 2.4 GHz frequency
Pros
– This awesome remote control toy boat is extremely durable and truly waterproof
– Designed for right-handed and left-handed use with dual throttle modes
– Anti-tilt modular design and self-righting capsize recovery mode
– Cool design
– Super easy to use!
Cons
– Mediocre battery life, and only one battery included
8. eMart RC Fish Boat Shark
Read reviews and show for the eMart RC Fish Boat
Look. Sure. You can probably tell just by looking at this thing that the eMart RC Fish Boat Shark is not the fastest or most powerful RC boat for kids around. But it’s a great RC toy with a unique design that kids who love sharks will really enjoy. The tail of the shark even swings back and forth as it swims!
Specifications
– 20 minute charging time, 5 minute battery life
– Dimensions: 10.6 x 4.5 x 5.7 centimeters
– One 2.4V 40mAh battery included and 4 AA batteries required
– 2.4 GHz frequency
Pros
– Unique shark-like design with moving tail
– A small RC boat good for those who don’t have a lot of space to play
– Charges quickly
– Battery and charger included
Cons
– Very short battery life
– Not very fast
Toy RC Boat Reviews For Teens Ages 14+
9. UDI RC Venom
Read reviews and show for the UDI RC Venom
This is a powerful high speed boat that is designed to reach speeds of up to km/h. It will splash other kids speed boats out of the water with its powerful after wash. You also get a warning when the boat’s battery is almost drained. The boat is made of an ABS plastic that resists tilting.
Specifications
– It combines speed and functionality to deliver an entertaining experience.
– It has a battery low warning system.
– Has a powerful hull and water cooled propeller.
– It circuitry must be kept dry.
Pros
– This boat is easy to pilot.
– It maximum speed easily surpasses other boats.
– Warns you when the battery is low.
– It is exciting to operate.
Cons
– You need to keep water out of its interior.
– Water in its interior will cause a short circuit.
10. Force1 H102 Velocity
Read reviews and show for the Force1 H102
The Force1 H102 Velocity is a very popular remote control boat for kids. It’s very easy to sail, costs less than 100 dollars, and moves at a fast 20 MPH top speed. It also has some of the best self-righting functionality in the business and a great battery life. One of the best all-around remote control toy boats for kids who are old enough to enjoy it properly.
Specifications
– 20 MPH top speed
– Dimensions: 12.2 x 27.7 x 36.3 inches
– One 7.4v 1000mAh Li-Po battery and 4 AA batteries required
– 2.4 GHz frequency
Pros
– One of the fastest toy radio control boats designed for kids
– Excellent capsize recovery
– Two batteries included (most RC boats for kids only have 1)
– Also includes dry-dock stand, nose guard, extra propellers, and propeller lubricant. In other words, everything you need to keep your boat in top shape!
Cons
– Though it’s powerful, it doesn’t have the most precise controls.
11. Cheerwing RC Racing Boat
Read reviews and show for the Cheerwing RC Boat
The Cheerwing RC Racing Boat is a popular radio controlled boat for beginners because of its small size and large feature set. It has self-righting capsize recovery features built right into the hull, auto-corrects its own tilt, is water-cooled, and has built-in alarms for low battery or weak signal connection, all of which is great for kids.
Specifications
– Yaw auto-correct
– Poor signal and low battery alarms
– Dimensions: 13.46 x 3.5 x 3.46 inches
– One 3.7V*2 600mAh Li-Fe battery and 4 AA batteries required
– 2.4 GHz frequency
Pros
– A cheap RC boat (less than $50) that still has great features
– Excellent capsize recovery and other safety features
– Two batteries included (most RC boats for kids only have 1)
– Auto corrects its own tilt in the water
– Incredibly easy to use
Cons
– Made of cheaper materials that can’t stand up to a lot of crashes – recommended for careful pilots
12. Pro Boat Recoil
Read reviews and show for the RC Boat Recoil
The Pro Boat Recoil is the fastest RC boat for kids on this list, and one of the fastest kids motorized boats you’ll find at this price point. It’s also large, uses a powerful brushless motor, and is a perfect choice for your 14+ year old who’s done with her beginner boat and is ready to move on to something a little more advanced.
Specifications
– 25 MPH top speed
– 2950Kv brushless RC boat motor
– Dimensions: 17.5 x 7.8 x 7.1 inches
– One 3S 1300mAh 11.1V LiPo battery and 4 AA batteries required
– 2.4 GHz frequency
Pros
– A powerful and fast remote control boat for kids
– Excellent capsize recovery
– Great brushless motor technology keeps the boat sailing smoothly
– Durable construction
Cons
– Lasts only 10 minutes on a single battery, which is pretty low for this price range. Spares can be purchased on Amazon.
Best RC Boats For Beginners
There are quite a few RC boats on the market, so finding one for a beginner or child can be overwhelming. We get it, so that’s why we wanted to include some of our top RC boat picks for beginners in this article. Hopefully, we can help narrow down your choices a bit and make your decision a bit easier. These boats are great for any new racer and kids too.
What To Look For When Buying An RC Boat
If you’re a beginner when it comes to buying RC boats, we understand that you may be a little confused on which boat to buy either for you or your child. We want to give you a small guide of what to look for when buying your first RC boat and how you can get the most out of your experience as a beginner.
Price
Costs are something we always encourage our readers to take into account when buying a new hobby toy. For RC boats, we understand that you may be itching to get the best of the best. But buying the newest and best boat can result in a steep price tag. We don’t want you to break the bank buying a boat for the first time, so we recommend not spending more than $200 on your first boat. RC boats for beginners usually cost less than this and you’ll probably have the best luck looking for an electric RC boat. They are easy to maintain and are more affordable than a gas RC boat.
Speed
Another important factor of buying an RC boat that you should take into account is speed. Beginner RC boats often travel at speeds of 5 to 30mph. While this may seem slow to you, we recommend purchasing a boat in this range as faster RC boats can be harder to control. For a beginner or child to be able to easily maneuver their RC boat a slower speed is best, and trust us, they are still full of fun. You can always upgrade your boat to be faster once you become more comfortable and master the controls.
Handling
This is perhaps one of the main components to look at when buying an RC boat. For beginners, you will want a boat that is easy to handle and won’t leave you feeling stressed or discouraged. Luckily, we have found many RC boats for beginners that are easy to maneuver and still have some great speed.
Assembly
As a beginner, it can be difficult to open your new RC boat and find there is a complicated and lengthy assembly process. That’s why we recommend looking for a boat that is ready to run. There are a lot of RC boats for beginners that come pre-assembled where all you have to do is insert the batteries. You don’t have to worry about the hassle of installing a propeller or motor. For beginners and kids, this can make driving RC boats much easier and get you on the water much faster.
Frequently Asked Questions – RC Boats For Kids
What’s the best RC boat to buy for kids?
The best RC boat for kids depends on a number of different factors. What price range are you looking for? What age range? Do you just want a toy remote control boat, or something that can actually participate in a race? That’s why we’ve broken down our reviews above into categories. We hope it will help you find the best remote control boat for YOUR child, not just some “one-size-fits-all” option.
There is also a selection of RC Cars for Kids that you can review in our article here.
How do toy RC boats work?
Here’s how toy RC boats work: first, the transmitter or mobile device being used to control the boat sends a radio signal to a receiver on the vehicle itself. Then, the receiver interprets the signal and reads the command – turn right, go forward, etc. That command is then sent to the boat’s motor, which does whatever you told it to do (provided the controls work as intended.)
Are there saltwater remote control boats for kids?
No. Remote control boats for kids are not designed to be used in saltwater, and their electrical parts will rust and experience damage if they are used in this fashion.
Who sells toy boats for kids?
Remote control toy boats for kids may be sold in a store or by the manufacturers themselves. However, the best remote control boats for kids are usually found on Amazon. We’ve provided Amazon affiliate links for every product listed in this article to make it easy to shop for exactly the model you’re looking for.
What is the range of the remote control for the boat?
Remote control boats for kids usually have a range of 100-300 feet, on average. Some may have more or less, depending on the frequency used.
How long do the batteries last in a remote controlled boat?
Most remote control boats for kids will only last for about 10 to 15 minutes at most. The exact duration will depend on battery capacity, speed of operation, and range of the controller. A bigger capacity battery will power a boat for a longer period. However, boats for kids are generally designed with safety first in mind, and tend to be smaller and less powerful than RC boats designed for adults.
How are the batteries recharged?
The batteries in a remote control boat for kids are recharged using the chargers and adapters that come with the toy boats themselves. Generally, you plug one end of the charger into a wall outlet or USB port, then plug the battery into the other end.
Does someone need training to operate remote controlled toys boat for kids?
No training is necessary to operate one of the a toy remote controlled boats toy boat for kids. The boats come with a manual that is easy to read and the remote controller has an easy to use interface. The knobs have clearly indicated functions that make them easy to master.
Best RC Boat Toys
We hope this article has helped you find the best RC boat toys and best remote control boats for the kids in your life. We at Dronethusiast are passionate about all radio controlled vehicles and about helping to bring newcomers into this exciting and ever-expanding marketplace. If you’re looking to learn about other types of RC vehicles, check out this great guide to drones.
Did your favorite RC boat for kids get left off this list? Be sure to let us know in the comments and we’ll look into it right away!
Further Reading
Buying Guide for Drones by Dronethusiast
Check out the Fastest Drones via Dronethusiast
Best Hot Wheels Track Reviews by Dronethusiast.
Kennedy Martinez
kennedy@dronethusiast.comKennedy Martinez is a resident writer who joined Dronethusiast at the beginning of 2019. She has years of experience reviewing drones and other tech products. When it comes to flying drones, Kennedy loves the ability to create artistic videos from a unique point of view. Kennedy enjoys researching new drones and other exciting products that are available to consumers which is why she is committed to creating the best buyer's guides for our readers.
