5 Best RC (Remote Control) Battleships & Warships (Sept 2023 Review)

RC Battleship Buyer’s Guide

We know there are lots of options out there – but don’t worry, we’re here to help you find the best RC battleship for you!

While much of the RC world is catered towards those seeking a fast and furious thrill, RC battleships are different. With highly detailed and intricate designs that mirror full-scale battleships, these RC models are loved by everyone from children looking for some RC fun to battleship-loving historians.

Buying a battleship for a child or beginner is relatively straightforward, as these ships are unlikely to reach great speeds anyway. Expensive battleships with highly detailed designs and parts can be fragile, and the intricacy may be lost on small children. If you are buying for a younger child, an easy-to-use, plastic model is perfect.

RC battleships are loved all over the world for good reason. With so many available to shop online, opting for something of good quality is paramount. Ensure you prioritize what is important to you in your RC battleship, and read online reviews before you part with any cash.

What To Expect At Different Price Points

The most expensive RC battleships will be more collectors’ items than RC toys. They will have highly detailed designs that perfectly match real-life warships. However, they will also be easy to use and maneuver in the water. The battery life will be good, and they’ll be made from high-quality materials.

At the other end of the scale are the toy-like options which, although will still have great designs, won’t be as detailed and will be made from plastic. These models won’t reach high speeds but will be easy to control, and great for kids. While less attractive for historians or those interested in the detail, they can be used in pools and, at a push, small ponds.

Features

Scale

The scale of the boat will directly impact the detail in the design. Collector’s items will have a 1:360 scale usually. These will have great attention to detail but some of the parts may be fragile.

Hull

The higher the buoyancy, the more lightweight design you will want. However, lightweight models will have less powerful motors. If you are planning on navigating calm waters or pools then the hull isn’t too important.

Speed

A powerful electric motor is a must-have if you’re after speed. Most battleships will reach up to 10mph, more than fast enough for smaller bodies of water.

Guns

If you’re less focused on the design and more about just having some fun, opt for a battleship with a gun or cannon. Some RC battleships can shoot BB pellets and others just smaller lightweight pellets.

Range

RC battleships with a longer range can be used in larger bodies of water – such as ponds and lakes. Some battleships will contain a light that signals when you are going out of range.

Safety Devices

Some battleships come equipped with a safety device that stops the boat from moving unless it’s placed in water. This is perfect for kids as fast-moving propellers can be dangerous. While you may pay more for this feature, the added safety is usually worth it.

Construction

Your boat should stand the test of time and bear in mind that boats with lots of smaller parts can be fragile. All RC battleships should have a waterproof coating, although you may want to seal it yourself too.

What to Look for in an RC Battleship

When looking for warship models, it can be difficult to choose between a German Bismarck, an aircraft carrier, and smasher destroyers. As well as looking out for its general features, there are a few more things you should consider before finalizing your purchase. 

Size

If you want to take your boat with you on road trips and to different locations to make the experience different every time, then the size of the boat will be important to you. The best RC battleships are large-sized to fit all of the added features, such as a helicopter pad or multiple cannons. 

Boat Details

How the boat looks is also a big deal for battleship enthusiasts. Most battleships are detailed, but you want their aesthetics to resemble the real thing. Make sure that the boat detailing matches the make and model of the historical battleship before purchasing it. 

The Cannon

If you like to take part in battleship wars, the cannon is one of the most important features of a battleship. Look for a powerful cannon to shoot at long range and easy to shoot at a short range if needs be. 

The Propellers

The material and dimensions of the propellers of a boat make a huge difference in its speed and durability. Boat propellers shouldn’t be too flimsy as they will struggle to push the water and propel the boat.

The Ship’s Motors

Ships with powerful motors will be able to travel faster in the water. If speed is an important feature to you, look for a powerful motor with adjustable settings. 

The Remote Control (RC)

It is no good having the best RC boat with advanced features if you can’t control it comfortably. The remote control should be a simple and self-explanatory device that sits comfortably in your hand and doesn’t require you to press complicated sequences to complete a task. 

Battery

Last but not least, you should consider how long the ship’s battery life will last you as you shop around and look at different models. You should also consider the charge time in comparison to the battery life to ensure that you aren’t going to need to charge your ship for hours to get just 10 minutes of battery life.