Smyths Remote Control Boats: What to Look For Before You Buy
Smyths Toys, the UK and Ireland toy retailer, sells a changing range of remote control boats: small pool and bath boats, mid-size speedboats for ponds, and occasional branded models. They’re toy-grade boats aimed at children and families, with built-in or USB-charged batteries, simple 2.4 GHz remotes and modest speeds. The right one depends on where you’ll run it and the child’s age; the range changes often, so check the product page for battery type, run time and water rating.
By Kyle HilsonUpdated: October 20263 min read
Types you’ll find
| Type | Size | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Bath and pool boats | Small | Young children, indoors and pools |
| Toy speedboats | 30–45 cm | Ponds and calm lakes, older kids |
| Licensed or character boats | Varies | Fans and gifts |
| Hobby-style boats | Larger | Teens wanting more speed |
Typical categories; the actual range varies by season and store.
What to check before buying
- Battery: built-in or removable; spare batteries double the fun.
- Run time and charge time: toy boats often run 5–10 minutes and charge for much longer.
- Range: enough for your pond without the boat drifting out of reach.
- Low-battery and out-of-range protection: some stop the motor to avoid runaway boats.
- Self-righting or reverse: handy when the boat flips or gets stuck.
- Age rating: follow it; small parts and propellers matter for young children.
Where to run it
Small boats are best in pools, paddling pools and small calm ponds. Larger toy speedboats suit calm lakes close to the shore. Always check the rules for local ponds, avoid wildlife areas and swimmers, and never let children wade in after a stuck boat. A long fishing line with a float or a friend’s boat is a safer way to recover it.
Care
- Dry the boat after each use, especially the battery area.
- Rinse after chlorinated pool water.
- Charge only with the supplied cable and under supervision.
- Remove weeds and hair from the propeller.
- Store out of direct sun.
When to step up
If a child or adult quickly outgrows a toy boat, a hobby-grade boat with a brushless motor, removable LiPo battery and spare parts gives more speed, longer life and repairs instead of replacement. Smaller hobby options are in best micro RC boats; larger ones in best RC boats for adults.
Gift tips
- Buy batteries for the remote if not included.
- Check charging cable type (USB-C vs older connectors).
- Keep the receipt; toy boats can arrive faulty.
- Pick bright colours that are easy to see on water.
Water safety
An adult should always supervise children near water. Choose spots with a shallow, safe edge, and agree before starting that nobody goes into the water to fetch the boat.
Toy-grade vs hobby-grade
Toy-grade boats are built to a price: the battery is often fixed inside, the motor is a simple brushed type, and spare parts are rarely sold. When something breaks, the boat is usually replaced. Hobby-grade boats cost more but use standard parts, removable batteries and stronger motors, so they can be repaired and upgraded. For a young child’s first boat, toy-grade is fine and safer at lower speeds. For a teenager or adult who wants to keep going, a hobby-grade boat is better value over a few years.
FAQ
Are Smyths RC boats good for kids?
Yes, as toy-grade boats for pools and calm ponds.
How long do toy boats run?
Usually about 5–10 minutes per charge.
Can they go in the sea?
Not recommended; waves and salt damage small boats.
What if the boat stops in the middle?
Wait for it to drift in or use a retrieval line; don’t swim after it.
More on this topic: the complete RC Boats guide covers the basics behind this article.
About 20 years in RC. Mostly boats in the NAVIGA Mini Eco Expert class, with many self-made parts; also a King Motor Baja 5B, a home-built electric plane, home-built nitro planes he has flown, and an RC helicopter. More about SwellRC
