Frequently Asked Questions

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Remote Boat products allow for simple, precise captaining of your dinghy or small boat using a joystick that controls two motors. The motors work together to provide variable thrust based on the joystick's position, allowing you to propel, turn, and rotate your vessel without moving or touching your motors. 

The core Remote Boat product includes the controller, joystick, and associated cable. Additionally, you'll need to purchase two electric motors, motor mounts, and a battery. We've taken the guess work out finding these items and provided recommended motors, batteries, and other helpful accessories on the Boating Gear page. Kits are also available with everything but the battery. 

If you still have questions, please contact us at support@chapplemarine.com 

If you want to find a different motor than those recommended, you'll need a 12-Volt electric motor with a maximum amp draw of less than 30 Amps per motor. 

Shaft length will be determined by the depth of your vessel and mounting points. When choosing shaft length, ensure the highest point of the propeller will remain 8-10 inches underwater at all times to prevent ventilation, even as you move about your vessel (i.e. if you're on the bow and the transom is higher in the water.)

If you want to find a different battery than the one recommended, you'll need a 12-Volt. We recommend a 12V Lithium LiFePO4 or a 12V AGM.

Electric motors are lighter and quieter than gas equivalents, they don't pollute, and they can be electronically controlled with Remote Boat. Gas motors cannot be used with Remote Boat products. 

Yes. Using two motors is the key to great maneuverability. The motors can be controlled as separate entities, wherein one can be placed in forward and the other in reverse, allowing you to spin your boat in place. It also allows for different amounts of thrust to be applied to each, letting you turn your boat in forward and reverse. With the use of the joystick, this can all be done without moving or touching your motors. 

Setting up for a Remote Boat system is very similar to that of a normal outboard. First, clamp or attach your electric motors onto the transom of your boat as far apart as possible. Next, mount the Remote Boat controller to your transom, or somewhere  near the motors (preferably above the waterline) and connect the joystick. Finally, connect the motors and the battery to the Remote Boat controller terminals. Now turn on your Remote Boat, grab your joystick and get going!

We recommend the motors be mounted a minimum of 2 feet apart for best performance. The longer the boat, the more important the separation distance becomes. 

Remote Boat will work best for boats that are 8-14 feet in length. Performance may vary depending on boat weight, beam, and motor placement. 

Speed is determined by vessel length, weight, and motor selection. The recommended motors are 1-2 HP equivalent, with an expected maximum speed of 3-4 mph on an 8-14 foot vessel. 

The joystick is sealed and fully waterproof. It also floats! Just pluck it out of the water if it accidentally takes a dip (we've all been there.) The controller box is sealed and water resistant, but doesn't want to be submerged. It should remain mounted in a dry location.

The joystick has a 6 foot cable, with additional extenders available as necessary. It's tethered to the controller box and is not wireless . . . yet :)

The power selector turns off all power to and from Remote Boat. This helps minimize drain on the battery and prevents movement if the joystick is pressed accidentally. Remote Boat should be powered OFF when not in use. 

Ensure your motors are both powered ON in FORWARD at the highest speed setting. Leave them in this configuration and Remote Boat will do the rest.