8 Fastest Electric RC Boats

2. Cheerwing RC Racing Boat | Top Pick

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Editor’s Rating: 4.4/5

The Cheerwing RC racing boat provides fast fun on the water for both kids and adults. It offers a lot for the price. There are safety features like capsize recovery and a weak signal alarm.

• Best feature 1: Capsize recovery feature
• Best feature 2: Weak signal warning alarm
• Plus points: Sleek design, can use in small areas, easy to control, fast, low battery alarm
• Minus points: Poor battery life (play time)

This little boat has a sleek look and a color combo that makes it easy to see. The compact design and streamlined hull let you pilot it even in smaller bodies of water. The boat’s low battery alarm gives you time to bring it back to base when the power gets low. Other failsafe features include the self-righting hull, auto-correct yaw, plus the water-cooled and waterproof systems.

The rugged ABS plastic stands up well to those inevitable learner bangs and collisions. The 14 mph (25 km/h) top speed is fast enough for a boat of this size and range. You can quickly dry the boat off after a race by placing it on the display stand (included). The boat’s battery only takes around 90 minutes to recharge fully. That’s fast compared to a lot of models.

The Not So Good

The eight minutes playing time is far from impressive. In fact, you’re more likely to run out of juice in six minutes when racing flat out. But this is a small speedboat with a tiny motor, so any longer could see it overheat and burn out anyway. Extra batteries will extend the fun, but let the craft cool down for at least 20 minutes between races. A cooling down period also helps to prolong the life of the motor.

3. Mioshor Remote Control Speedboat

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Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5

The Mioshor RC Speedboat is a step up from the previous pick. They both share the same top speed, but this puppy goes further and lasts longer on the water.

• Best feature 1: Simple to control
• Best feature 2: Long distance range
• Plus points: LCD display, anti-tilt modular design, capsize recovery, low battery alarm
• Minus points: Fiddly battery compartment, short running time

This little boat zips across the water like a frenzied insect escaping its prey. The ease of control makes it an ideal gift for kids and adult enthusiasts alike. Be careful if you buy this capable little speedboat for a child though. There’s a good chance of dad fighting for the controller. A better approach would be to have one each and let them battle things out on the water.

Racing the Mioshor TC Speedboat

Controlling the Mioshor remote control speedboat is a breeze. Winning races, though, takes practice and skill. The controller has a decent LCD that’s a real help for perfecting navigation. The boat has an effective anti-tilt modular design and capsize recovery. These features mean you spend more time racing and less time recovering the craft. It’s all great fun—until the power runs out.

Don’t worry. The low battery alarm ensures you don’t run out of juice when you’re out on the water.

The Not So Good

There are some user complaints that the battery compartment is fiddly. It makes swapping batteries a frustrating task albeit a minor gripe on the scope of complaints. And you’ll need plenty of access to the battery compartment with a maximum running time of just 10 minutes.

4. DI001 Venom Remote Control Racing Boat

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Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5

The DI001 Venom remote-controlled speedboat is another model with a top speed of 15 mph. That means it can compete with others in its class, including the first two picks. But is it better?

• Best feature 1: ABS impact-resistant plastic
• Best feature 2: Bonus battery included
• Plus points: Durable build, simple controls, makes waves, anti-tilt design, alarms, boat stand
• Minus points: Low average running time, may leak a little

This model is impact-resistant and stands up to a few knocks without suffering major damage. That’s always an attractive feature for anyone just learning to steer speedboats. The DI001 is also the first speedboat in the guide to include a bonus battery. That doubles the playtime, but remember to allow the motor to cool down between battery swaps.

The build quality and construction of this boat make it durable and fun to steer. There is a slight issue with sealing, though. You can read more about that at the end of this short review.

Racing the Venom Remote Control Speedboat

Controlling this model is simple at the beginner level thanks to the intuitive controls. A favorite feature of the DI001 Venom RC racing boat is that it makes significant waves at top speed. The anti-tilt design lets you race with confidence knowing it’s unlikely to flip. And the handy Capsize Recovery quickly gets the boat back in the game if you do happen to flip it.

The control range for the boat is far enough with a 15-minute maximum run time. There’s no need to watch the clock either. The low battery warning is reliable and lets you know once it’s time to return.

The Not So Good

The playing time is a low average at only 15 minutes. However, the 90-minute charging time is decent. The problem with speedboats is that they’re made to function flat out. It’s why the batteries drain so fast. The good news is that this model comes with a spare. I still suggest buying a third battery to prolong the fun even more.

Point to note: Please heed the 20-minute cooling down warning between battery swaps.

Another disadvantage is the reports of minor leaking. Not everyone experiences it, but some do. Be mindful of this and add it to your checklist between battery swaps. I haven’t found any issues of water causing damage or short circuits. Even so, you don’t want to leave any water inside and tempt fate.

5. Feilun RC Racing Speedboat FT012 4CH | Best Value

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Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5

The Feilun FT012 is the 4CH racer that moves our RC speedboats up to a new level. The 2-way speed controller and brushless motor let you push this puppy up to an incredible 28 mph (45 km/h).

• Best feature 1: Fast top speed
• Best feature 2: Brushless motor
• Plus points: Triple covers, control range, anti-collision, self-righting, fine gear adjustment
• Minus points: Lousy running time, no low battery alarm

The FT012 RC Racing Boat is fast, flexible, furious, and has a classic deep “V” design. The triple covers do an excellent job of sealing the cabin from the water. The range is far enough to keep the vessel in your line of sight (LOS). You wouldn’t want it any further with the short battery life (see below).

Racing the Feilun FT012 High-Speed RC Boat

It looks ready to race, and it sure zips across a pond and other water surfaces. Its robust build, anti-collision, and self-righting let you steer this capable craft with total confidence. The finely adjusted gear makes navigation even more precise. The ultra-sharp looking “V” hull adds to the boat’s agility and helps it to cut effortlessly across smooth or choppy waters.

The Not So Good

The short 6-minute running time is the price you pay to unleash all that power. Even the efficient brushless motor can’t help here. The charging time takes around two hours. That means spare batteries are necessary extras for continuing the fun. Surprisingly, there isn’t a low battery warning alarm with this model. Even the cheaper boats have this basic feature, but it’s not as bad as it seems.

You lose full throttle the moment the power gets low. That’s your low battery warning. It’s then just a case of idling the boat back to base. Most would prefer a low-warning indicator, but it’s something.

6. Atomik RC Barbwire 2 High-Speed RC Boat

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Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5

The Atomik RC Barbwire 2 High-Speed RC racer reaches an incredible top speed of 30mph. It’s a beast of a boat that you can race on big ponds, rivers, lakes, or large unoccupied pools.

• Best feature 1: Water-cooled brushless motor
• Best feature 2: Large stock prop
• Plus points: Sleek design, fast charging time, agile in the water, 100% US-backed support
• Minus points: Short running time, overpowered for novice users

The Barbwire 2 High-Speed RC speedboat is the kind of model people move onto from cheaper toys. It comes with an efficient water-cooled brushless motor and large stock prop. This Ready-To-Run (RTR) craft even includes four AA transmitter batteries. That’s unusual for most RC models.

Racing the BARBWIRE 2 RC Speedboat

The sleek design and quality build lure users to the water. It’s possible to perform a few fancy moves like jumps and spins with a little experience. It’s incredibly stable even while performing fancy maneuvers. The self-right feature gets you back into the race faster than a blinking eye if you flip it. The Barbwire 2 is so much fun on smooth or rough waters that you don’t want it to stop.

The water spray left in the wake of the large stock prop adds to the thrill of the race. This little boat flies through the water like a sniper’s bullet. It’s so quick that eyes can ache just trying to keep track of it. It’s a fabulous gift for kids, but dads—and a few moms—love it just as much. The fast charging time is about an hour after the initial charge. That’s just as well considering the short running time.

Point to note: This model comes with 100% US-backed support. US buyers prefer national support even though Chinese products and services have improved a lot over recent years.

The Not So Good

The maximum running time—in ideal conditions—is 10 minutes. But ideal conditions are rare, and racers like to speed, right. Seven minutes is more realistic for the running time. The BARBWIRE 2 RC Speedboat is addictive, so spare batteries are must-have extras.

The manufacturer’s recommended age is 14 years and older. Younger kids can enjoy the craft under supervision. The makers say it’s a perfect gift for all levels, but I disagree. There’s too much power for the novice. I suggest newbies opt for a less expensive, slower speedboat as a learning tool.

7. Aquacraft Wildcat Catamaran RC Speedboat

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Editor’s Rating: 4.3/5

The Aquacraft Wildcat EP catamaran may not be the best choice of speedboat for competitive racing—but. It’s big, fast, agile and heaps of fun on the water. Keep reading to see what this beauty offers.

• Best feature 1: Tough, molded ABS plastic w/ drain plug
• Best feature 2: Efficient 1800kV outrunner brushless motor
• Plus points: Easy to steer, fun to use, fast, powerful, water-cooled ESC, price
• Minus points: Tends to flip

This stunning catamaran is big but not overwhelming. The build consists of a tough molded ABS plastic material with a drain plug. The boat comes with an incredibly efficient 1800kV outrunner brushless motor. The radio box is well sealed so that no moisture or water can get in. The twin rudder setup uses flexible nylon bolts. These bolts break away in an accident to save the rear end from major damage.

Operating the Aquacraft 2.4Ghz Wildcat EP BL Catamaran

They call it their new wave knockout, the Flying Wildcat, and the cat that’s not afraid of the water. As it’s the larger version of the AquaCraft Mini Wildcat, it has bigger everything—not least appeal. It’s a swift and powerful operator for sure. It responds well to commands from the virtually interference-free 2.4GHz controller. I’d say this is the perfect family craft for those fun days out by the water.

The Wildcat’s power comes from a 1800 kV outrunner brushless motor. To compliment it is a water-cooled 50A Electronic Speed Controller (ESC). The ESC has a Deans® Ultra Plug® Connector, stutter bump warming, and low voltage cutoff.

This boat is by no means slow with its 35mph top speed. It’s not a high-speed competitive racer for its class, but it’s a whole lot of fast fun on the water. Choose Aquacraft Motley Crew FE Catamaran or my next pick, the Traxxas DCB M41 Catamaran, if you want insane racing capability. You’ll need an extra 200+ dollars to pay for the additional oomph, though.

The Not So Good

There’s little to find fault with for the size, price, and features offered by this boat. It does tend to flip over at times, but this becomes a non-issue once new users get better at handling the craft.

8. Traxxas DCB M41 Catamaran Speedboat

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Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5

My final pick is the Traxxas DCB M41 brushless speedboat. It’s a fast twin-hull catamaran and not something for the faint-hearted. Its higher price suggests it’s a model for seasoned enthusiasts.

• Best feature 1: Precision sculpted design
• Best feature 2: 540XL brushless motor
• Plus points: RTR, easy control, versatile, super-fast top speed, superb handling, value
• Minus points: Batteries and charger extras, props can break

The M41 is an awesome, unsinkable (well almost) replica. It’s a big boat at around one meter in length and guarantees big fun for all who race it. The graphics give the outside an eye-catching design guaranteed to attract envious eyeballs. The makers have used plenty of quality metal in their robust construction. You get high-strength aluminum nickel-plated hardware and stainless-steel trim tabs.

Racing the BARBWIRE 2 RC Speedboat

This racing twin-hull catamaran is a serious model. It has a precision sculpted design and a powerful 540XL brushless motor that takes it to speeds of 50+ mph (80 km/h). It moves beautifully whether you’re carving sharp turns or racing to the finish line over choppy waters. It’s also easy to cruise as you develop skills and become familiar with this special craft in your own time.

There’s plenty of fun to have with this cat even at high speeds. Traxxas Stability Management or TSM gives you lots of secure control. TSM lets you perform ambitious moves with total confidence.

The advanced 2-channel Ready-To-Race® radio system is world class, and it needs to be. The controller is all there is that connects users to their machine. That means the boat must listen and obey each time the controller speaks to it—or die out on the water.

There’s so much to like and admire about the Traxxas DCB M41 Catamaran Speedboat. I’ve only touched on its main features in this mini-review. Follow the link below if you’d like to learn more about this serious remote-controlled racer. It’s not cheap, but it does offer plenty of value.

The Not So Good

The Traxxas DCB M41 brushless speedboat doesn’t include batteries or a charger despite its high price. Be sure to order at least two sets of Traxxas 3s LiPo batteries with iD Connector if you don’t already have them. Remember, the running time for fast catamarans is only about 15 minutes per charge.

The other gripe is that the propellers tend to break after a while if you race the boat at full speed. They’re cheap enough to replace, so you may want to order spares if you decide to buy this cat.