RC boats take a beating — water, sun, sand, and the occasional hard landing. But most of the damage that sidelines RC watercraft doesn't happen on the water. It happens in storage and transport. A hull left unprotected in a garage, rattling around in a truck bed, or stuffed into an ill-fitting bag is a hull that's slowly accumulating damage you won't notice until it's too late. Here's how to store and transport your RC boat the right way.
1. Use a Bag Built for Your Hull's Shape
RC boats have unique profiles — long hulls, protruding rudders, exposed props, and in some cases delicate superstructures or rigging. Generic bags don't account for any of this. A bag that's too big lets the hull shift and impact the sides; one that's too small puts pressure on vulnerable areas like the bow, stern, and prop shaft.
A custom-fitted RC boat bag from Ace Customs is built around your specific hull's dimensions, holding everything securely with no wasted space and no pressure points. Browse our RC boat bags page to learn more.
2. Rinse and Dry Before Storage
Salt water, lake water, and even tap water left sitting in your hull can cause corrosion on metal components, degrade electronics, and promote mold growth in foam or fabric interiors. After every session:
- Rinse the hull inside and out with fresh water
- Remove the battery and dry the battery compartment thoroughly
- Leave hatches open to allow air circulation until fully dry
- Wipe down metal hardware with a light coat of corrosion inhibitor
3. Protect Your Prop and Rudder
Props and rudders are the most vulnerable components during storage and transport. A prop that gets bumped can bend or chip, throwing your boat off balance on the water. Store your boat with the prop and rudder protected — either by the bag itself or with dedicated covers.
4. Store Away from Heat and UV
Direct sunlight and high heat are hard on RC boat hulls, especially fiberglass and ABS plastic. UV exposure fades paint and graphics, and prolonged heat can warp hull shapes over time. Store your boat in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight — a bag provides an extra layer of UV and dust protection even indoors.
5. Transport Smart
Getting to the lake safely is just as important as storing properly. A few tips for vehicle transport:
- Always bag your boat — even short trips can cause damage from vibration and shifting
- Lay the bag flat — don't stack heavy gear on top of your hull
- Secure against sliding — use cargo straps or wedge the bag against fixed surfaces
- Remove the battery for transport — reduces weight on the hull and is safer in case of impact
6. RC Sailboats Need Extra Care
If you sail RC sailboats, your rig and sails need their own dedicated protection. Masts, booms, and sails are easily bent or torn in a crowded gear bag. Our RC sailboat sail and rig bags are purpose-built to keep your rigging organized and protected between sessions.
Protect Your Investment
A quality RC boat is a serious investment — protect it with gear built to the same standard. Browse our full RC boat storage bags and haulers collection, or contact Roy directly to discuss a custom bag for your specific hull. Learn more about Ace Customs and our 20+ years of handcrafted quality.