Kyosho Majesty 800: The Classic RC Cabin Cruiser Yacht
The Kyosho Majesty 800 is a scale RC cabin cruiser modelled on a luxury motor yacht of about 65 feet. The model is around 840 mm long with a one-piece reinforced ABS hull. It was sold over several years in electric (EP) versions, often with twin motors, and as the Majesty 800S in both electric and glow (GP) form, the GP version listed by Kyosho with a GT16 engine. Today it’s a well-liked vintage boat that turns up used and is restored and run by collectors.
By Kyle HilsonUpdated: October 20264 min read
Key facts
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | About 840 mm |
| Type | Scale cabin cruiser / motor yacht |
| Hull | One-piece reinforced ABS |
| Power | Electric (EP) or glow (GP, e.g. 800S with GT16) |
| Era | Vintage; discontinued |
From Kyosho’s discontinued-models pages and collector listings; details varied between versions.
History
Kyosho made a range of scale and racing boats in the 1980s and 1990s, and the Majesty was one of its scale cruisers. Builders liked the detailed superstructure, decals and a hull that came ready to finish. Kyosho lists the Majesty among past models, so new parts are rare. Classic brands are discussed in RC boat manufacturers.
Versions
Electric versions used brushed motors, often in pairs, and a battery under the cabin. The 800S name appears on both EP and GP versions; the GP version used a small glow marine engine with water cooling. Kits and ready-built examples were sold, so check what a used boat includes.
Buying used
- Check the hull for cracks, especially around shafts and rudders.
- Check stuffing tubes and shafts for rust and play.
- Look at the superstructure and fittings; missing details are hard to find.
- Ask about the radio; old AM/FM gear is best replaced with 2.4 GHz.
- On glow versions, check the engine turns freely.
Restoring
- Clean the hull and remove old electronics.
- Replace brushed motors with modern equivalents or efficient brushless with suitable props.
- Fit a modern ESC, receiver and NiMH or LiPo battery.
- Seal and grease the stuffing tubes.
- Restore decals and fittings, or reproduce them.
Electric conversions are explained in model boat electric motors.
Running
As a scale cruiser, the Majesty runs best at realistic speed on calm water, where its long hull and cabin look right. Ballast it so it sits on its waterline, check for leaks before each session, and keep a retrieval plan. Twin-motor versions can turn tightly by varying motor speeds if you set up mixing.
Value
Prices depend on condition, completeness and whether it has original boxes and radios. Complete, unrestored boats with original parts usually interest collectors most, while runners appeal to people who want a classic cruiser to sail.
Similar boats today
New scale cruisers come from makers such as Robbe and others; see Robbe model boats. Big scale boats are in large scale RC boats for sale.
Waterproofing an old hull
Old ABS hulls and decks may have small leaks around hatches, stuffing tubes and fittings. Before running a restored boat, float it in a bath or tub with weight equal to its batteries and check for water inside after some minutes. Seal joints with a flexible marine sealant or fresh hatch tape, check stuffing tubes are packed with grease, and put the receiver and ESC in a raised position or a sealed box, so a small amount of water in the bilge doesn’t stop the boat.
FAQ
How long is the Kyosho Majesty 800?
About 840 mm.
Was it electric or glow?
Both; the 800S was offered in EP and GP versions.
Can I still buy parts?
Rarely new; look for used parts or make replacements.
Can I convert it to brushless?
Yes, with suitable motors, ESC and props.
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
