How Much Do RC Jet Boats Cost?

By: Michael Snedden   On: 13 August 2026 

RC jet boats can cost from around $140 to more than $200 for compact ready-to-run hobby models, with the price increasing for brushless motors, better electronics, self-righting systems, stronger batteries and more advanced jet-drive setups.

At Campbelltown Hobbies, current UDI jet-drive models provide a useful real-world example: the brushed UDI-023 is priced at around $141, while the brushless UDI-023PRO is around $223. Prices can change, so always check the current product listing before buying.

What Affects the Price of RC Jet Boats?

The price of an RC jet boat depends on much more than its size.

Two boats can look similar but have very different motors, electronics, batteries and drive systems underneath.

The main factors affecting price include:

• Brushed or brushless motor
• Jet-drive design
• Battery capacity
• Speed
• Hull construction
• Water cooling
• Radio system
• Self-righting capability
• Reverse function
• Included charger and battery
• Replacement-parts availability

For buyers comparing RC electric boats, it is worth looking at the complete specification rather than simply choosing the cheapest model.

RC Jet Boat Price Ranges for Different Budgets

There is no single standard price for an RC jet boat.

A useful way to compare them is by looking at what you receive at different price levels.

Around $140 – Entry-Level Jet Boats

At the lower end, you can find compact ready-to-run jet boats with everything needed to get started.

The UDI RC 2.4G Brushed Jet Boat UDI-023 is one current example. It uses a brushed water-cooled motor, a 7.4V 2000mAh lithium battery and a shallow-V hull.

It also includes:

• Transmitter
• Rechargeable battery
• Charger
• Maintenance tools
• Forward and reverse
• Left and right steering

The manufacturer specifies an approximate running time of 8–10 minutes and speeds around 14–20km/h depending on the model specification.

This type of boat can suit someone looking for a relatively affordable introduction to jet-drive RC boating.

Around $220 and Above – Brushless Jet Boats

Moving to a brushless setup usually increases the price.

The UDI-023PRO, for example, uses a KV3500 brushless water-cooled motor and is currently priced higher than the brushed version.

It also includes features such as:

• One-button acceleration
• Self-righting after capsizing
• Navigation lights
• Water cooling
• Low-battery alarm
• Out-of-range warning
• Forward and reverse
• Jet-pump propulsion

For hobbyists who want stronger performance and more advanced electronics, spending more can make sense.

Why Brushless RC Jet Boats Cost More

One of the biggest price differences is often the motor.

A brushed motor is simpler and generally less expensive.

A brushless motor is typically more efficient and can offer better performance for its size. Brushless systems are therefore common in faster hobby-grade boats.

The UDI-023 and UDI-023PRO are a good example because the boats are similar in size and layout, but the PRO model upgrades the motor system.

For someone comparing a remote control jet boat, the motor type is one of the first specifications worth checking.

Why Jet Drive Changes the Price

A jet boat does not use a conventional exposed propeller in the same way as many standard RC boats.

Instead, water is drawn into the drive and expelled to create thrust.

This arrangement can be useful in shallow areas because there is no exposed propeller hanging below the hull.

The UDI jet boats currently stocked by Campbelltown Hobbies use a shallow-V hull and jet-pump system designed to operate in shallow and rocky water while reducing the chance of the drive becoming tangled in underwater obstacles.

That additional drive system can contribute to the overall cost of the boat.

Features That Can Increase RC Jet Boat Costs

Self-Righting

If a boat flips over, a self-righting function can help return it to an upright position without having to retrieve it manually.

For anyone who has ever watched an RC boat stop upside down in the middle of a pond, this is a genuinely useful feature.

Reverse

Not every high-performance RC boat offers reverse.

On a jet boat, reverse can make manoeuvring around obstacles or retrieving the boat near shore much easier.

Water Cooling

Higher-performance motors and speed controllers generate heat.

A water-cooling system uses surrounding water to help control operating temperature.

Better Batteries

Battery voltage and capacity affect performance and running time.

The UDI jet boats currently listed by Campbelltown Hobbies use a 7.4V 2000mAh lithium battery, with the manufacturer quoting approximately 8–10 minutes of play time.

Warning Systems

Features such as low-battery and out-of-range alarms can help prevent a boat from losing power or radio contact while it is away from shore.

Are Expensive RC Jet Boats Worth the Money?

Sometimes.

The key question is whether you are paying for useful upgrades.

A more expensive boat can be worthwhile when the additional cost gives you:

• A brushless motor
• Better speed and acceleration
• More robust electronics
• Self-righting
• Reverse
• Water cooling
• Better radio range
• Better construction
• Easier access to spare parts

But a beginner may not need the most powerful boat available.

If the goal is simply to learn how RC boats handle, a less expensive ready-to-run model can make more sense.

RC Jet Boat vs Conventional Propeller Boat

A jet-drive boat and a conventional propeller boat behave differently.

Jet boats can be particularly useful in shallow water because the propulsion system is contained within the hull rather than relying on an exposed propeller.

Conventional propeller boats, however, remain extremely popular and are available in a much wider range of hull styles and performance levels.

Campbelltown Hobbies stocks both jet-drive models and conventional RC boats, so it is worth choosing the propulsion system based on where and how you plan to use the boat.

How Fast Can RC Jet Boats Go?

Speed varies considerably between models.

The compact UDI jet boats discussed above are specified at approximately 14–20km/h.

That is very different from high-performance electric RC boats, some of which can be considerably faster.

Campbelltown Hobbies notes that some high-speed RC boat models can exceed 100km/h, but those should not be confused with compact beginner-oriented jet boats.

Always compare the actual specification of the model you are considering rather than assuming all RC boats have similar performance.

Tips to Get the Best Value From an RC Jet Boat

Before buying, check:

1. Whether the boat is brushed or brushless.
2. Whether the battery and charger are included.
3. Whether it has reverse.
4. Whether it can self-right.
5. Whether spare parts are available.
6. Expected run time.
7. Charging time.
8. Radio range.
9. The type of water you intend to use it in.
10. Whether the boat's speed suits your experience.

A slightly more expensive model can represent better value if it includes features you would otherwise want to upgrade later.

Summary

RC jet boats can start at around $140 for compact brushed models and move above $200 for brushless versions with additional performance and electronic features.

The biggest price differences are usually caused by the motor, jet-drive system, battery, cooling, radio equipment and features such as self-righting and reverse.

The best value does not automatically mean buying the cheapest or most expensive option. Choose a model that matches your experience, the type of water you will use and the performance you actually want.

Browse the current RC electric boats available from Campbelltown Hobbies to compare different models and specifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do RC jet boats cost?

Compact hobby-grade RC jet boats can cost around $140 for brushed models and more than $200 for brushless versions with additional features. Prices vary by motor, battery, electronics and drive system.

What is the fastest electric RC boat?

There is no single permanent answer because models and specifications change. Some high-performance electric RC boats can exceed 100km/h, while smaller jet boats may operate closer to 14–20km/h.

How fast can RC jet boats go?

Speed depends on the model. Compact UDI jet-drive boats currently listed by Campbelltown Hobbies are specified at around 14–20km/h.

Are RC jet boats easy to control?

Beginner-oriented jet boats can be relatively easy to operate, particularly when they include reverse, self-righting and a stable hull design. Faster boats require more space and quicker reactions.

Is a brushless RC jet boat worth paying more for?

A brushless model can be worthwhile if you want better performance and efficiency. For a casual beginner, however, a brushed model may provide a more affordable introduction.

Can an RC jet boat reverse?

Some can. The UDI jet boats currently listed by Campbelltown Hobbies include forward and backward operation, but always check the specifications because reverse is not universal across all RC boats.

What comes with a ready-to-run RC jet boat?

Depending on the model, an RTR package may include the boat, transmitter, rechargeable battery, charger and basic maintenance tools. Always check the individual product listing before purchase.