Best RC Sailboat Reviews for 2023

Although there is a huge difference between laser sailing and sailing the best RC sailboat, they are both hobbies that are attractive to all ages. In fact, racing toy sailboats can be either competitive or just for fun. Regardless, if you are a laser sailor who just has to be in or around the water at all times, having your own RC yacht is a great idea.

If you don’t know much about RC sailing, as the name suggests, it involves the use of a radio-controlled sailboat. There are many different kinds of sailboats available in the marketplace, and they are operated in basically the same manner as a radio-controlled plane, helicopter, race car, or any other type of miniature-scale model. Racing a remote-controlled sailboat is fun and filled with just about as much action as racing a real-sized laser sailboat.

Remote Control sailboats combine the joy of sailing with the excitement of remote-control technology, allowing enthusiasts to navigate water bodies and harness the power of the wind from the comfort of the shore. As the popularity of RC sailboats continues to soar, this year promises to be an exciting year for the hobby, with manufacturers continually pushing the boundaries of design and innovation.

Here are some specifications of some of the most popular remote control sailboats:

Image	Boat	Dimensions (length x beam x height)	Weight	Hull	Remote	Batteries	Reviews	Price
	Compass 650mm RG65 RC Sailing Boat	10.8"L x 5.5"W x 35.4"H	6.6 lbs	ABS Molded Hull	2.4Ghz	8 AA	3.6 out of 5 stars	$$
	PLAYSTEAM Voyager 400 RC Sailboat	16.75”L x 4.6"W x 27.55"H	1.17 lbs	n/a	2.4Ghz	4 AA	4.2 out of 5 stars	$$
	VOLANTEXRC Hurricane 1-Meter RC Sailboat	39"L x 9"W x 84"H	2.98 lbs	ABS Molded Hull	2.4Ghz, 2 Channel	4pcs for boat (included) and 4pcs AA for Transmitter (not included)	3.6 out of 5 stars	$$$
	Kyosho Seawind 1-Meter RC Sailboat Racing Yacht	3.94"L x 3.94"W x 3.94"H	8.8 lbs	ABS Molded Hull	2.4Ghz	8 AA	4.6 out of 5 stars	$$$$

For more information on this hobby for all ages, contact your local sailing club to see if there are other members racing. They also make great gift ideas for the young aspiring sailor in your family.

Here is a selection of some of the best RC sailboats on the market:

… and for an in-depth look at the RC Laser Sailboat, click here.

RC Laser Sailboat

At over 1m / 3ft long and 2m / 6ft from the tip of the mast to the bottom of the keel, this is the biggest RC sail boat on our list. This is a scaled-down version of the hugely-popular Laser dinghy.

The following in the RC laser has grown recently, with clubs holding regular RC sailboat races and regattas due to its one-design making it very competitive in nature.

The class actually has 4 rigs, so can be rigged depending on the conditions for maximum control and speed.

Make sure that you have a look at this post for an in-depth review and more information on the RC laser sailboat.

Compass 650mm RG65 RC Sailing Boat

Built strong and durable with an ABS molded hull, this radio-controlled sailboat is spectacular. It has a 950mm / 37.4-inch tall mast and is 650mm / 25.6 inches overall in length (135mm / 5.3-inch beam). Servos are pre-installed and it operates on 8 AA batteries with a 2.4 GHz 4-channel radio system.

It requires a small amount of assembly, but after that, it is ready to sail, race, or display.

This radio-controlled sailboat is very lightweight at just 1.35kg / 2.9 pounds and responsive as it will operate in even a gentle breeze.

It is definitely one of the best-looking RC yachts on the market.

PLAYSTEAM Voyager 400 RC Sailboat

This RC sailboat comes pre-assembled, so you don’t have to worry about anything as it’s ready to go.

It requires 4 AA batteries for the controller and comes with a rechargeable LiPo battery on the boat that controls the sails, rudder, and RC receiver.

The sailboat is 26.5in from keel bottom to mast top, and 15.75in long.

VOLANTEXRC Hurricane 1-Meter RC Sailboat

This is a large, lightweight entry made with a strong and durable ABS molded hull and featuring a 2.4 GHz 2-channel radio system.

This RC sail boat weighs just over 1.3kg / 2.98lb. It measures 1m / 39 inches in length, 2.13m / 7 ft tall, and 220mm / 9 inches wide.

It comes complete with a molded plastic boat stand and an instruction manual. It does require some assembly but is easy to put together.

This is an attractive model sailboat that can be operated quickly and easily.

Kyosho Seawind 1-Meter RC Sailboat Racing Yacht

A very popular model that has sold in the thousands over the years, this RC yacht features a strong aluminum mast and boom and can be disassembled for easy transportation and storage.

Measuring 39 inches long by 73 inches tall and 9 inches wide, this product weighs approx. 7 pounds and operates on the 2.4 GHz radio spectrum.

The ABS molded one-piece hull gives it strength and durability. It will take a couple of hours to assemble and contains a lot of rigging pieces. Once completely put together, this impressive, tall yacht is ready for racing and is a simple one to operate.

Expert Tips for RC Sailboat Enthusiasts

Maintenance and Care Guidelines For RC Sailboats

1. Cleaning: Regularly clean your RC sailboat after each sailing session. Use fresh water to rinse off any saltwater or debris that may have accumulated on the boat and sails. Avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage the materials.
2. Drying: After cleaning, ensure the sailboat is thoroughly dried before storage. Moisture trapped inside the boat, spars, or on sails can lead to mold and deterioration over time.
3. Storage: Store your RC sailboat in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. You might want to use a boat stand to support the hull and prevent warping.
4. Battery Care: Take care of the boat’s battery by following the manufacturer’s charging and storage guidelines. Avoid overcharging, and if the boat won’t be used for an extended period, ensure the battery is stored partially charged.
5. Lubrication: Check the moving parts, such as the rudder and winch mechanisms, and apply appropriate lubrication to ensure smooth operation.
6. Hull Inspection: Periodically inspect the hull for any cracks, chips, or damage. Repair any issues promptly to prevent water from entering the hull.
7. Sail Inspection: Examine the sails for tears or fraying along the edges. Small tears can be repaired with sail tape, while larger damage may require professional sail repairs.

Sailing Tips for Better Performance and Enjoyment

1. Wind Awareness: Pay close attention to the wind direction and strength. Learn to read the water’s surface for wind patterns, and adjust your sailing technique accordingly.
2. Tacking and Jibing: Practice tacking (turning the bow through the wind) and jibing (turning the stern through the wind) to efficiently navigate the sailboat and maintain good speed.
3. Sail Trim: Properly adjust the sail’s angle and tension to maximize its efficiency. Experiment with different sail settings to find the optimal trim for various wind conditions.
4. Nosediving: If your RC boat is nosediving when sailing downwind, you may be overpowered. If you have a smaller rig, then you may want to change it so that you can better control your boat.
5. Avoid Obstacles: Be mindful of obstacles such as rocks, buoys, wharves, and other boats while sailing to prevent collisions that could damage your sailboat.
6. Learn from Others: Engage with the RC sailboat community, either in person or online, to learn from experienced sailors and exchange valuable tips and tricks.

Troubleshooting Common Issues and How to Address Them

1. Unresponsive Controls: If your sailboat’s controls become unresponsive, check the batteries in both the boat and the remote control. Ensure they are properly charged and installed.
2. Drifting Off Course: If your sailboat constantly drifts off course, check the rudder alignment and make sure it moves freely. Adjust the rudder angle as needed for better control.
3. Sails Not Catching Wind: If the sails are not catching wind effectively, check for any obstructions or entanglements. Adjust the sail trim and position to optimize wind capture.
4. Water Leakage: If you notice water inside the hull, inspect for cracks or loose fittings. Apply waterproof sealant to potential entry points to prevent further leakage.
5. Low Battery Warning: Pay attention to low battery warnings from your sailboat’s remote control system. Avoid pushing the battery to its limits and return to shore promptly if the battery is running low.

RC Sailboat FAQs

The Choice of the Best RC Sailboat is Yours

Radio-controlled sailing boats are far from toys as they are built to be authentic miniatures (from 1/4 to 1/40 scale) of normal-sized racing boats. These smaller toy sailboat versions are popular with collectors and sailing enthusiasts but have in recent years become the focus of regular RC sailboat racing events held at an increasing number of clubs around the country. These races take place in lakes, ponds, and harbors, and can be just for fun or as competitive as the full-sized racing already is.

Unfortunately, not all of these products are available on Amazon, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t find them elsewhere… so have a look around and you might find one.

The quality construction of remote-controlled sailboats makes them strong and durable which means that a good quality small-scale boat will give you years of racing enjoyment. With the many varieties and styles already available, you can rest assured that you will be able to find something that you’re your style and budget. And with the growing popularity of the sport, who knows… maybe RC sailboat racing will one day become an Olympic-caliber sport.