Radio Control Race Boat Terminology Guide

BL – Brushless motor.

CA (Abbreviation for “Cyanoacrylate”) – An instant type glue that is available in various viscosities (Thin, Medium, Thick, and Gel). These glues are ideal for the assembly of wood and plastic boat materials. Note: Most CA glues will attack Styrofoam.

CG (”Center of Gravity”) – For modeling purposes, this is usually considered — the point at which the boat balances bow to stern. This point is critical in regards to how the boat rides in the water. A stern-heavy boat will be very fast but generally very unstable and susceptible to blow-overs. If the boat is bow heavy, it will tend to track better and be slower. The rule of thumb for CG placement: Monos at 28 to 30% of the hull length measured from the transom. Catamarans at 28 to 30% same as monos. Hydroplanes at 1 to 3 inches measured from the sponsons transom. Typical starting point CG on a hydro would be at the trailing edge of the skid fin.

Drive Dog – The part of the propeller shaft that the prop locks on to.

Electronic Speed Control (ESC) – Electronic speed controls replace the mechanical speed control and servo providing enhanced power efficiency and precision in an electric R/C boat.

Epoxy – A two-part resin/hardener glue that is extremely strong. It is generally available in 6, 15 and 30-minute formulas.

Glitch – Momentary radio problem that never happens unless you are in heavy race traffic.

mAh (Milliamp Hour) – A measure of a battery’s total capacity. The higher the number (ex. 600 mAh, 1,500 mAh) the more charge a battery can hold and usually, the longer a battery will last under a certain load. Typical R/C boat batteries are in the 1,900 – 4,300 mAh range.

NiCd – Nickel Cadmium battery. Rechargeable batteries which are typically used.

NiMH – Nickel Metal Hydride battery. Another form of rechargeable battery.

Prop Pitch – Props are designated by these two numbers, for instance Octura x432. The first number is the prop’s degree of pitch, 1.4. The second number is the diameter, 32mm.

Receiver (Rx) – The radio unit in the boat which receives the transmitter signal and relays the control to the servos.

Rudder – Hinged control surface located on the transom, which provides steering of the boat.

Strut – Located on the transom, the strut houses and provides a bearing surface for the propeller shaft.

Servo – The electromechanical device which moves the rudder of the boat according to commands from the receiver.

Transmitter (Tx) – The hand-held radio controller. This is the unit that sends out the commands that you input.