ZippKits RC: Laser-Cut Wooden Boat Kits for Racing and Building
ZippKits makes laser-cut wooden RC boat kits, not ready-to-run boats. Each kit ships as bare plywood parts (hull panels, bulkheads, a radio box and sometimes a building jig) plus a photo-illustrated manual, and you assemble, seal, paint and fit the hardware and electronics yourself. The designs are aimed at racers and builders, many of them long-established racing hulls, and the company is now based in Dunnellon, Florida. A related site, Balsakits.com, offers laser-cut balsa airplane kits.
By Kyle HilsonUpdated: October 20264 min read
What’s in a ZippKit
| Included | Not included (usually) |
|---|---|
| Laser-cut plywood parts | Motor or engine |
| Bulkheads, radio box parts | Drive line: stuffing tube, flex shaft, strut, prop |
| Sometimes a building jig | Rudder, turn fin, hardware (unless in a combo) |
| Photo-illustrated manual | Glue, epoxy, sealer, paint, radio |
Kit contents differ by model; check the product page. Hardware packs are sometimes sold separately.
Boat types
- Hydroplanes: for flat-water racing.
- Outriggers: fast racers with sponsons on arms.
- V-hulls and Pro-Vee types: for oval racing classes and rougher water.
- Sport and scale-style hulls: for fun running.
Many hulls fit specific racing classes (electric or gas), and racers have reported building and racing them with good results. Other kit makers are compared in RC boat kits.
Building tips
- Dry-fit all parts before gluing; laser-cut tabs show how parts locate.
- Use the jig (if included) to keep the hull straight.
- Glue with slow epoxy or a waterproof wood glue as the manual specifies.
- Sand smooth and seal every surface, inside and out, with thin epoxy; wood that absorbs water gains weight and rots.
- Add fibreglass cloth on high-wear areas like the bottom and transom.
- Paint, then install hardware, drive line and radio box.
General hull techniques are in how to build an RC boat hull.
Why build a wooden kit
Wooden kits are cheaper than finished racing hulls, easy to repair, and teach you how a boat is set up, which matters when you tune for racing. The trade-off is time: expect many evenings for building, sealing and painting. A finished wooden hull can be just as competitive as a fibreglass one if it’s straight, sealed and light.
Choosing power
Follow the kit’s recommendations for motor size, prop and battery or engine class. Racing classes set limits, so check the rules of your club or association before buying the power system. An overpowered hull is hard to control and stresses the structure.
Buying checklist
- Pick a hull for your water: flat pond vs choppy lake.
- Check what else to buy: hardware, drive line, radio, power.
- Have epoxy, sandpaper, clamps and a flat building board ready.
- Ask racing clubs which ZippKits hulls they run.
- Look for build threads on forums for your specific kit.
How long a build takes
A simple ZippKits hull can be framed in a weekend, but sealing, sanding and painting take longer because epoxy coats need curing time between steps. Many builders spend a few weeks of evenings from box to first run. Rushing the sealing is the most common mistake: any bare wood will soak up water and add weight. Take your time with each coat and the hull will last for years.
First runs
Set the strut angle, prop height and rudder position as the manual describes, then test on calm water at moderate speed. Move the battery or engine slightly to change the balance if the boat porpoises (bounces) or digs in. Small changes make a big difference on racing hulls, so change one thing at a time and note the result.
FAQ
Does ZippKits sell ready-to-run boats?
No, they sell kits you build.
What are ZippKits made of?
Laser-cut plywood and related materials.
Where is ZippKits based?
In Dunnellon, Florida.
Do they make airplane kits?
Balsa airplane kits are sold through the related Balsakits site.
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
