can anyone recommend a decent starter model powerboat?

[hedgefinder]

as the title really,
have been looking around for a half decent remote controlled powerboat for the kids to use on a couple of the local lakes.
As they havent had one before I am not really up for spending £500 to £1200 on a petrol or nitro boat so was looking at something a little more "budget " as a starter option and if all ges well I might up the budget for a replacement if needed..
was looking at this on fleabay...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/121301275312?var=4202797...


anyone any idea if it would be any good?

[mcdjl]

Last time this case I up I suggested the magic vee or magic cat boats for about £40-50. That was some time back and I'm still to get myself or though! That's based on a gadget show review from a few years back of the original boats as well.

[mcdjl]

What some people said last year: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[Ritchie335is]

The only critisicm I have of the boats I bought in the above thread, is that they are maybe a bit physically small for using on a large area.
If it's a large lake it reckon you'd be better with a bigger boat.

[C.A.R.]

As the above linked thread, the Dash II and it's many chinese counterparts (read: Carbon copies!) are very good for the ocasional user who doesn't want 'hobby grade' or to invest too much money.

My boss still has his Dash II and it's very good for what it cost (can be had for well under £50). It certainly looks better than the model you have in your link.

The latest ones have a slightly higher capacity battery and a better radio (2.4gHz technology, no pointy aerial).

This is a 2.4GhZ version 'Magic Vee' £44.99

These are distributed by Ripmax UK so there is some warranty support (be warned that saving a few quid on eBay may lose you any chance of returns of faulty goods etc).

Battery lasts 15-20 minutes at a guess.

[northwest monkey]

I got one for my birthday last year - excellent fun! Not sure what it's like compared to other RC boats, but it seems pretty quick to me.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/28-Double-Horse-7000-Win...

[boxster9]

This thread has got me interested in a powerboat. I have had a few cars but never tried a boat. What's the radio range like on these, I am worried that I may lose the boat if I venture too far out?

[Arif110]

So - forgetting anything as far as petrol or nitro - what are the hobby-grade boats, the equivalent of a half-decent brushless 10th scale car?