5 Ways to Retrieve a Dead Radio Controlled Boat

What a pain this is. For any number of reasons if you have radio controlled boat, one day you will be watching your boat float with no power and realize you need to somehow get it back. I fantasize about using a RC helicopter with a big hook but so far I have had to resort to less exotic methods. For me there is no method that doesn't involve some hassle but at least you'll be prepared.

Ok lets talk about some basics first - safety is paramount. It's a great fun sport but remember, there are moving parts that can cut, engines that get hot and can burn you and you have flammable, ignitable fuel that could be a hazard. So it has to be safety first. You should have picked an area where no one else is boating or swimming. That's a huge "Hobby Don't" you must never operate your boat with swimmers or waders around - including yours truly. When a boat is going 25 mph (or more) it can hurt and do you or someone some serious damage. So you should be in an area where no one else can get hurt no matter how you try and retrieve this boat (that is acting as a buoy)

OK so here are a few methods that people use, some are more practical than others. I assume too that the boat is too far out to be retrieved by wading or the use of a long stick.

1. Swim for it. I know this one is possibly way too obvious but it clearly works and is simple. All you need is a towel and not much else so it's relatively convenient. Of course the closer you are to winter the more of a challenge it will be or if you aren't a swimmer. However this for me remains the best, simplest method. Sometimes the local kids will do it for you if you ask! I find that a promise to let them drive a little when it's retrieved gets most kids ready to jump in.

2. Use a Rescue Boat. Sounds simple doesn't it? Simply launch the boat that you obviously take everywhere with you and paddle or row out to it and voila! The boat is back in biz. This I think works best when you are on your own property. I for one don't take a boat or dinghy with me when I go out.

3. Use another Radio Controlled Rescue Boat. This is a variant on my fantasy of a RC helicopter but you probably have another boat. Most people have a few and what most people do is attach a hanger or alight piece of wood to the front of the rescue boats and it basically shoves the dead boat into shore. Some people I know who really plan ahead have added a loop at the side of their boat and the hanger can hook on. The only downside is that boat needs to be ready with batteries or fuel or whatever and it must have enough power to be able to shove the dead boat. So a 18" electric may have a problem with the King of Shaves Gas boat that is 6 feet long!

4. Fishing Rod and Tennis Ball. This one is easy and many people have variants...but you'll find that as with anything it takes practice but it is most definitely light and portable. Your ball is attached to the line and you 'cast' for the boat. Just think what that means. You have to cast out to a boat 20 yards away, so aim is critical and you have to hope the ball stays wedged on the side of the boat...sounds easy really isn't. I have seen a variant on this with one of those dog ball throwers and that has the same issues but maybe offers a bit more control. It generally involves running up and down the beach trying to angle the line so it 'hooks' on.

5. Que Sera Sera. You simply let the boat drift in the current or the wind and eventually it will hit the shore - this is very hit and miss as it could be becalmed if it's a lovely day or you are on a pond...and you may have to go foraging across the shore to reach it.

So when the dead boat problem strikes...and it will. Be ready.

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