Frequently asked questions


Please reach out to us at [email protected] if you cannot find an answer to your question.


How does REMOTE BOAT™ work?

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.

What kind of products do you offer? How do I know what to buy?

The core Remote Boat product includes the controller, joystick, and associated joystick 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 [email protected]

What are the required motor specs?

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.)

What are the battery specs?

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.

Why electric motors? Can you use gas motors instead?

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.

Do I really need two motors? Why?

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.

Why electric motors? Can you use gas motors instead?

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.

How do you set it up? Is it similar to a normal outboard?

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!

How far apart do the motors need to be?

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.

What are the size limitations for my boat?

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.

What’s the top speed?

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.

Is it waterproof?

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.

How far does the joystick remote reach? Is it wireless?

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 🙂

What’s the “ON/OFF” switch for?

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.

I don’t want to modify my motor heads, how do I configure them to work with Remote Boat?

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.

What is the Beta Program?

The Beta Program offers a pre-release version of REMOTE BOAT™ at a deeply discounted price (up to 40% off!) in exchange for feedback on performance, functionality, and overall experience.

You’ll get to be among the first to get your hands on REMOTE BOAT™ and get a great deal on all the product offerings! If you join the program you’ll receive:

  • Customized personal support
  • Money back guarantee
  • Extended warranty and customer car
  • REMOTE BOAT™ swag

As part of the Chapple Marine, LLC Beta Testing group, we ask simply that you use the REMOTE BOAT™ products and give us honest feedback regarding your experience.

If possible, we would love to receive testimonials, improvement ideas, and images or videos of you using REMOTE BOAT™. This will help us create material that would help potential customers better.

What if it doesn’t work for me or I don’t like it?

We’re confident you’ll love REMOTE BOAT™ as much as we do but, if not, you can return it for a full refund within the first 90 days. If you encounter design related product failures after the 90 day trial period is up, we’ll work with you to make improvements and provide replacement parts. We may not provide replacements when parts are found to have been misused, abused, or damaged by buyer due to unauthorized alteration, improper use or maintenance, or general wear and tear (i.e. motors were at the bottom of a lake, joystick cable was used as a line, controller was used for target practice, etc.)

Do I need to sign anything to be part of the Beta Program?

Yes. We’ll ask that you agree to a Nondisclosure Agreement (NDA) that can be reviewed here. REMOTE BOAT™ is patent pending. During the provisional patent period, any technical or other product related disclosure could impact the non-provisional patent filing. The NDA creates a contract between Beta Testers, like yourself, and Chapple Marine, LLC, which allows for open communication so that your feedback and ideas can be included into the product. Since the purpose of the Beta Testing program is to make sure we can provide the best products for our customers, it is important that our relationship is covered by an NDA.