The reason is simple: Electric RC boats are simply the easiest to operate. Because electric RC boats are so easy to work with, newcomers will get out on the water faster than they will with gas- or nitro-powered RC boats.

Electric RC boats work much the same way that electric RC cars operate. Simply put, you’ll control your electric RC boat with some version of a handheld remote-control device. This device will usually have a button that gets the RC boat moving and a steering wheel that allows you to control the direction in which the boat is headed.

Electric RC boats are also fairly affordable. They’re certainly less costly than are gas- or nitro-powered versions. For this reason, electric RC boats are a perfect alternative for newcomers to the RC boating hobby: After all, you don’t want to sink a lot of money into the hobby if you’re not yet sure you’ll enjoy it.

Don’t think, though, that just because electric RC boats are more affordable and easier to operate that they’re not fun. In fact, the opposite is true. Consider this: Even basic, affordable electric RC boats can travel from 15 to 20 miles-per-hour. That’s pretty fast, especially if you’re new to the hobby.

You’ll be surprised at how quickly an electric RC boat can zip across, say, your home’s swimming pool even when it’s only traveling 15 miles-per-hour. During your first few runs, you might even think your electric RC boat is moving too quickly.

Of course, there are some drawbacks to buying an electric RC boat. First, you’ll have to worry about batteries. It’s no fun to have your batteries run out of juice during the middle of an RC boating run. Secondly, while electric RC boats are more than quick enough for beginners, they can’t muster the same high levels of speed as can gas- and nitro-powered RC boats.

When shopping for an RC boat, consider buying an electric version if you’re new to the hobby. It’s a great way to learn the ins and outs of RC boating.

Remote-controlled boats will provide countless hours of fun for even the most jaded of kids. And why not? An RC boat and a body of water will quickly turn on the imagination of any youngster.

Unlike video games, TV or movies, a RC boat puts all the action in the control of a user. Children playing with RC boats decide exactly what happens and when. If a kid wants to take a leisurely boat ride across a pond? He can do it. If she’d prefer to take a wilder ride, complete with high-speed turns and loops? She can do that, too.

The key, of course, is to find the right RC boat for your children. Retailers carry a number of different boats, of all sizes and varieties. Some are perfect for beginners. Others require a more skilled hand to operate properly.

This is important: If your children are just getting their start with RC boats, it makes sense to buy them a less expensive, easier-to-operate model. Pricier models require more skill. If you start your children out on one of these varieties too quickly, they may lose interest in the hobby before even getting their start.

Visit your local hobby shop. Once there, talk to the shop’s owner or staffers. They should be able to point out several RC boat models that are perfect for beginners. Remember, you don’t want to overpay for your child’s first RC boat. It makes more sense to purchase a cheaper starter RC boat that first time.

Once you’ve purchased your RC boat, make sure to sit down with your children and explain to them how every control works. You want your children to have a firm understanding of the basics of your RC boat before they take it on the water.

RC boating is a great hobby for children, if handled properly. Introduce your children to this sport gradually. You’ll be amazed at how much fun your kids have with RC boats.