4 Best RC Sailboats of 2019

1. Golden Bright Radio Control Kid’s Sailboat

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Editor’s Rating: 4.2/5

The little Golden Bright is a fully functional RC sailboat. The only problem kids have is getting the remote control out of dad’s hands. It may only be a toy, but it’s a lot of fun for all the family.

• Best feature 1: Real working sail
• Best feature 2: Long running (fun) time
• Plus points: Bright colors (easy to see), working rudder and propeller, good range
• Minus points: Needs some assembly, batteries not included, price

Kids will get a lot of enjoyment and runtime out of this sailboat. It has functioning propellers, rudders, and sails, so the captain really does get to control it. It’s great fun whether you sail it in the pool or on the lake. The bright colors make it look smart, but they also make it’s easy to see at all times. This is especially useful when yachting on natural waters like lakes and rivers.

Why not buy a couple if you have more than one child. Racing against each other will add another element of fun to an already enjoyable pastime. The generous range is 160 sq. feet and the battery should give a good hour of uninterrupted fun on a full charge.

The Not so Good

There’s some assembly to do out of the box that’s best done by an adult. There are a few tiny parts too, so you’ll want to keep it out of the reach of toddlers. The Remote control and vessel run on 9V and four AA batteries (not included). Make sure you buy these in advance. The price of this sailboat is good value all things considered. The Golden Bright Radio Control Sailboat is a great value, but it can be quite expensive for a toy if you plan to buy two or more.

2. Helion HLNB0100 AURA 650 RTR RC Sailboat

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Editor’s Rating: 4.3/5

The Helion HLNB0100 AURA 650 is a Ready-To-Run (RTR) remote controlled (RC) sailboat. If the previous pick fascinated you then prepare to be impressed still further.

• Best feature 1: Preassembled
• Best feature 2: Hard-wearing blow-molded ABS hull
• Plus points: Transportable, rip-stop nylon sails, good for all levels, batteries included
• Minus points: Price tag, range and running time not specified

The Helion AURA 650 is almost ready to use right out of the box. The sailboat’s robust watertight body (hull)is extra tough thanks to the blow-molded ABS material. It’s a beautiful craft and a lot bigger than the previous pick, which the maker targets at a younger audience. It’s not too big to transport, though. It will sit comfortably on the back seat of most cars or go in the trunk.

Operating this RC sailboat is akin to yachting without being on the actual vessel. It looks fantastic and performs really well—with a little practice. This is thanks to the sail winch servo and the durable rip-stop nylon sails. Beginners through to proficient RC skippers can enjoy this craft on large ponds or lakes. It even comes with eight AA batteries that you need to power the sailboat and its transmitter.

The Not so Good

The biggest shock with the Helion HLNB0100 AURA 650 RTR RC Sailboat is its price tag. It’s more than twice the cost of first pick, but then it is much bigger and less of a toy. Kids will still get lots of pleasure out of this sailboat, but it also appeals to the older, more serious, hobbyist.

I couldn’t find the official transmission range or maximum running time for the AURA 650. I’m not sure why these specs are missing. The absent details are sure to put some potential buyers off.

3. Kyosho Fortune 612-III RC Sailboat

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Editor’s Rating: 4.1/5

Next up is the Fortune 612 III, which is a 2.4 GHzReadySet Sailboat. This Ready-To-Run (RTR) model has a beautiful construction and even has its own mock crew onboard.

• Best feature 1: Ready-To-Run (RTR) out of the box
• Best feature 2: High precision hull and keel
• Plus points: Racing yacht performance, high-quality build/performance, removable parts
• Minus points: Price, needs a lot of batteries, range and running time not specified

Anyone who gets good at sailing the Kyosho Fortune 612-III RC Sailboat is going to attract a lot of attention. This beautifully made craft will draw eyeballs wherever she sets sail. It also makes a great indoor ornament when she’s not out there on the water. The overall shape and design, along with the precision hull and keel, makes this a powerful wind-capable craft.

Consider the Fortune 612 III if you want a sailboat with racing yacht performance. Kyosho has not held back on the high quality brightly colored build, either. It consists of a durable, permeable, PE material that provides optimal elasticity. And being able to detach the rudder and keel structure makes it easy to transport this cherished craft from place to place.

The Not So Good

The price has increased again from the previous two picks. The cost will put off everyone but the most dedicated hobbyists. Enthusiasts will easily justify every penny of this gorgeous racing yacht, though. It’s also power hungry taking eight AA batteries to function. That includes four for the transmitter and four for the receiver. The other gripe is that the range and running time is not included in the specs.

4. KyoshoSeawind 1-Meter RC Racing Yacht

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Editor’s Rating: 4.4/5

The fourth pick is also a racing yacht from Kyosho. This one is their Seawind 1m RC Racing Yacht aimed at enthusiasts with deep pockets.

• Best feature 1: Readyset installed w/ 2.4Ghz RC system
• Best feature 2: Hard-anodized aluminum mast & boom
• Plus points: Lead-free ballast, push-pull rudder & sail control, fast and agile, transportable
• Minus points: High price, power hungry

The KyoshoSeawind racing yacht certainly won’t be the first vessel RC skippers buy. They most likely began life on the water with one of the toy yachts like the first ones in this guide. This puppy comes ready to sail, installed with its own 2.4 GHz RC system. It’s a sturdy beast too, with a hard-anodized aluminum mast and boom. And the greens will be pleased to know that the ballast is lead-free.

The KyoshoSeawindis a 1-meter RC racing yacht, and that’s not just a fancy title. The push-pull rudder and sail control provide the boat with its sharp racing ability. This racer is also easy to transport like the previous pick. You can detach the ballast and rudder, main mast, and keel by hand, without using any tools. Everything about the Seawind oozes quality, but then you’d expect it at this price.

The Not so Good

This yacht performs like the real thing, but it needs plenty of power to show off. It takes eight AA batteries—four for the transmitter and another four (alkaline) for the receiver. It’s expensive, too.