Batteries are a big part of any modelers (Nitro or Electric) boat. They are used to power your boats; main drive motor, receiver and servos.

Re-chargeable batteries come in 3 popular types; Nickel  Cadmium (NiCad), Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMh) and Lithium Poly (LiPoly). NiCads are recognized to be tough, more reliable and less expensive than NiMh. LiPoly are the latest and greatest because of their light weight and ability to hold a charge, but very expensive. Additional Tips
                 
 Typical 3000mAh, 6 cell battery pack                                Typical 4.8V NiCad Receiver pack                  

              
                               6V 800mhA NiCad Receiver pack

TIP: Changing the number of cells (increasing) will give you a higher voltage and make your boat go faster. Changing the Prop will also make your boat go faster but put more load on the motor drawing more current (amps). Both increasing the number of cells and changing the prop to one with a bigger pitch will increase the amount of heat generated by the electrical system. This can be solved with water cooling the various components. Additional Tips

Next, get rechargeable batteries (NiCad or NiMh) for your radio and the receiver. The land fills are bad enough! For years NiCad's were not good enough (powerful enough). But NOW they make really good AA sized batteries that will last an entire day+ (2300mA) and they are affordable ($23 for 4AA's). See Chargers for more information.
                    
               Popular AA NiCad                                                Great setup to quick charge your AA cells

You can change the number of cells to get higher voltage making the motor go faster, to a point! But it will not run longer. Be sure your speed control and wiring can handle the higher voltage or it'll melt down... and maybe cause a fire!

                         
Deans connectors can carry a higher number of Amps                                Older style Deans connectors

The "mAh" ratings mean Run Time NOT speed. This (mAh) stands for Milli Amp Hours. Yes, a 6 cell 3000mA battery pack will run twice as long as a 6 cell 1500mA battery pack. It is that simple!

Many different manufacturers offer batteries (the most common being Sanyo or Panasonic) in the following power (amperage) ratings:

  • 1200mAh or 1.2Ah
  • 1400mAh or 1.4Ah
  • 1500mAh or 1.5Ah
  • 1700mAh or 1.7Ah
  • 1900mAh or 1.9Ah
  • 2400mAh or 2.4Ah
  • 3000mAh or 3.0Ah
  • 3300mAh or 3.3Ah

These ratings are available in 4 to 10 cell battery packs. The number of cells you can run in your boat completely depends on your motor and speed control's capability. Yes, increasing  the number of cells by even 1 cell can make your boat go significantly faster. Be sure your charger can handle charging the number of cells you want to run or you will burn it up! Also make sure the extra cell you add on is of equal size  and rating (example 2400mAh cell to a 2400 pack). It is always best to combine  cells of the same age (meaning that they are all new, is best).

NEW:Battery School 101 & Battery Tips & Maintenance

Don't forget the 12V version for Nitro boat starters and power panels. The come in wet and gel cell versions. Gel is much safer! You'll need a fully charged 7Ah minimum to start your boat all day. You will need a different type of charger for this type of battery also!


12V Hobbico batteries in wet and gel cell

For places to buy these products see Links for more information.