Start here · Essential guide
Radio Control Setup for Model Boats
A step-by-step guide to setting up radio control in a model boat: choosing a radio, wiring the ESC and motor, rudder servo, failsafe, antenna and waterproofing.
RC and Working Models
RC Model Boats
Radio gear, motors, ESCs, batteries, stern tubes, ballast and steam power for working model boats.
Building a Model Steam Boat (Including the Krick Victoria)
How to build a working model steam boat: choosing a hull such as the Krick Victoria, the steam plant parts, radio control, boiler safety and running.
Choosing a Brushed or Brushless ESC for an RC Model Boat
How to choose a brushed or brushless ESC for a model boat: matching the motor, reverse for scale models, current headroom, BEC, LiPo cutoff and water cooling.
Converting a Plastic Model Boat to RC
How to turn a static plastic ship kit into a working RC model: picking a suitable kit, strengthening and sealing the hull, fitting running gear, ballast and trim.
How to Ballast an RC Model Boat Down to Its Waterline
A step-by-step method for ballasting an RC model boat to its waterline: marking the line, choosing ballast, trimming fore and aft, fixing it in and testing stability.
How to Fit and Seal a Stern Tube and Prop Shaft on a Model Boat
Why model boat stern tubes leak and how to fit, align, bond and grease a stern tube and prop shaft so water stays out of the hull, plus fixes for finished models.
LiPo vs NiMH vs Lead-Acid: Choosing Batteries for RC Model Boats
Compare LiPo, NiMH and sealed lead-acid batteries for RC model boats: voltage, weight, run time, charging and safety, and which suits scale, fast and sail models.
Model Boat Smoke Effect Units
How model boat smoke units work, heated smoke-oil vs ultrasonic water mist, and how to power, switch and install one in a funnel safely and realistically.
RC Model Sailing Yachts: Rigging and Self-Steering
An introduction to radio-controlled model sailing yachts: popular classes, rig parts, finding rigging plans, tuning the rig, and vane and Braine self-steering gear.
Scale Model Ship Propulsion: Motors, Props and Kort Nozzles
How to match motors, gearboxes, propellers and Kort nozzles to a scale model ship so it runs at a realistic speed, plus notes on paddles and thrusters.
Setting Up Rudder Servos and Linkages on a Model Boat
How to choose, mount and link a rudder servo in a model boat: pushrods, pull-pull cables, arm geometry, twin rudders, transmitter settings and sealing the rudder tube.
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