TFL Hobby RC Boats: Zonda, Genesis and the Range Explained
TFL Hobby is a Chinese company based in Guangzhou that designs and builds model boats, boat parts and accessories. Its range covers fast fibreglass and carbon-fibre catamarans such as the Zonda and Genesis 900, smaller cats like the Mini Zonda, monohulls such as the 25-inch Rocket, hydroplanes and self-righting boats. Many are sold as ARTR (almost ready to run, with motors and ESCs installed) or as hull and hardware kits, so you add the radio and batteries.
By Kyle HilsonUpdated: October 20263 min read
The range
| Type | Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Catamarans | Zonda, Genesis 900, Mini Zonda | Fast on flat water |
| Monohulls | Rocket (25 in) | Handles chop better |
| Hydroplanes | Various | Racing on calm water |
| Self-righting boats | Various | Forgiving for sport running |
| Parts | Struts, rudders, cooling, mounts | Widely used by builders |
From TFL and dealer listings, checked October 2026.
Kit levels
- Hull and hardware: hull plus struts, rudder and fittings; you add all electronics.
- ARTR: motors, ESCs and often servos installed; add radio and batteries.
- RTR: some smaller boats come with everything.
The Zonda
TFL’s best-known boat is the Zonda, a 1,040 mm twin-motor catamaran known for strong out-of-the-box performance, available in fibreglass and carbon editions. Its specs and setup are covered in TFL Zonda catamaran.
Buying tips
- Buy from a dealer who stocks spare parts and offers support.
- Check what’s included at each kit level.
- Inspect hull layup and hardware on arrival.
- Seal hatches and check for leaks before the first run.
- Confirm battery size and connector requirements.
Setup and first runs
- Install radio gear in a dry spot and seal cable exits.
- Check motor rotation and prop direction.
- Confirm water cooling flow.
- Balance the boat with batteries in the recommended position.
- First runs at moderate speed on calm water; check temperatures.
Racing
TFL hulls and parts are popular with racers and builders, and many club racers run TFL boats in electric classes. Racing basics are covered in RC boat racing.
Care
Grease flex shafts after each session, rinse after salt water, dry the hull, and check struts and rudders for loose screws. Fibreglass hulls can crack on impact; repair with epoxy and glass cloth before water gets into the layup.
Fibreglass vs carbon
Many TFL boats come in fibreglass or carbon-fibre versions. Carbon hulls are lighter and stiffer, which helps speed and handling, but cost more and can be more expensive to repair. Fibreglass hulls are cheaper, a little heavier and easy to fix with standard epoxy and glass cloth. For a first fast boat, fibreglass is usually the sensible choice.
Power systems
TFL boats often use Seaking or similar water-cooled ESCs and brushless inrunner motors. Twin-motor cats need two of each, so the total current and battery requirements are high. Choose batteries with enough discharge rating and keep connectors and wiring in good condition. Monitoring temperatures after the first few runs helps find the right prop and gearing before anything overheats.
Parts for builders
TFL also sells a wide range of boat hardware: struts, rudders, turn fins, drive dogs, stuffing tubes, water pickups and motor mounts. Many scratch builders and racers use TFL parts in their own hulls because they’re affordable and widely stocked by dealers.
Dealers in Europe and North America stock TFL parts, which shortens waiting times compared with ordering directly from China.
FAQ
Where is TFL Hobby from?
Guangzhou, China.
What is TFL’s best-known boat?
The Zonda catamaran.
What does ARTR mean?
Almost ready to run: add radio and batteries.
Are TFL boats good for beginners?
Smaller monos and self-righting boats can be; big cats are for experienced drivers.
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
