Great Forum! I'm new to the boat and plane RC world and need help. I have a 42" fiberglass sailboat and a 45" speed boat, both of which i built. So it's time to put them in the water, but I'm confused as to what radio i would need. Idealy i'd like to use the same radio for both boats, but just swap the receiver out of them. For the sailboat, i need a channel for the sail control, rudder and electric motor/speed control (in case the wind dies). I guess i'd only need two channels for the speed boat. Is there a difference between plane and boat radios? 4 channel radios seem cheaper than 3 channel radios? I guess it really doesn't matter when it's pistol grop or twin sticks, just something with good range. Could you please point me in the right direction as to what i should look for? thanks in advance

you really can't fly A plane with a pistol grip radio i would go with the 4 channel with the sticks!! it would be way to confusing with the wheel to fly!!

Brandon Snyder

Great Forum! I'm new to the boat and plane RC world and need help. I have a 42" fiberglass sailboat and a 45" speed boat, both of which i built. So it's time to put them in the water, but I'm confused as to what radio i would need. Idealy i'd like to use the same radio for both boats, but just swap the receiver out of them. For the sailboat, i need a channel for the sail control, rudder and electric motor/speed control (in case the wind dies). I guess i'd only need two channels for the speed boat. Is there a difference between plane and boat radios? 4 channel radios seem cheaper than 3 channel radios? I guess it really doesn't matter when it's pistol grop or twin sticks, just something with good range. Could you please point me in the right direction as to what i should look for? thanks in advance
Boats are on a land frequency of 75MHZ Airplane radios are on an air freq. of 72 MHZ and you cannot use an air freq. on the ground or a ground freq. in the air. You can get a 4 channel stick radio on a ground frequency and all is ok! Which is personally what I would do. Did you install an electric motor on your sail boat/? usually sailboats are only 2 channel and you wouldnt have any problem using just any 2 channel ground freq radio for either boat. the only special thing for sailboats is usually a sail winch servo

you really can't fly A plane with a pistol grip radio i would go with the 4 channel with the sticks!!

oh, I was just unclear about frequecys used for land and air. I don't have a plane, just a speed boat and sailboat. So it looks like 75 mhz is what to look for.

Did you install an electric motor on your sail boat/? usually sailboats are only 2 channel and you wouldnt have any problem using just any 2 channel ground freq radio for either boat. the only special thing for sailboats is usually a sail winch servo

yeah, I installed a small electric motor in my sailboat. I primarily sail it in the ocean and I invested too much time building it to see it drift away if something goes wrong or the wind dies. So it looks like I should get 4 channel twin stick radio. three channels are pricey! Thanks for the help :)

np glad to help and good luck anyother questions just post them here.

Brandon