Where to launch remote controlled boats? (Burke, Reston: insurance, price, dangerous)

[kutra11]

My son received a remote controlled boat for his birthday and I wanted to know where could I launch it this Spring? Is any lake in a park such as Burke Lake Park fine or is it considered illegal?

Thanks,
K

[Caladium]

I often see people doing this at Lake Anne in Reston.

[SallyField]

Unfortunately, Burke Lake Park and other FCPA parks don't allow it. See http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/p...y/app7regs.pdf

§1.17 Remote-Control Devices and Powered Models or Toys
No person shall operate hobby rockets, remote-control gliders or powered remote-control or tethered planes, boats, cars or other like devices in a park except in areas designated by and with the express written permission of the Park Authority.

With some Googling, I found there is one FCPA park that allows model airplanes. But nothing about remote control boats. I'd suggest digging to find a model boat club around here (there have to be some), and contacting them for suggestions.

[Caladium]

To to be sure we're on the same page, these are the boats I see at Lake Anne. I'm not sure if they're remote controlled, but that's my guess.

[SallyField]

Originally Posted by Caladium

To to be sure we're on the same page, these are the boats I see at Lake Anne. I'm not sure if they're remote controlled, but that's my guess.

Cool! More Googling helped me find what you saw. I'd contact this group, which apparently is the group you photographed:
Northern Virginia Model Yacht Club updated 4/4/2011

[kutra11]

Thanks SallyField and Caladium for your replies.

This is the boat I am referring to:
Sea Ray Radio-Controlled 6-Volt Boat - 7185 : Target

[brooklynborndad]

Originally Posted by Caladium

To to be sure we're on the same page, these are the boats I see at Lake Anne. I'm not sure if they're remote controlled, but that's my guess.

either that or there are some really tiny sailors

[Caladium]

Originally Posted by brooklynborndad

either that or there are some really tiny sailors

And if you look closely, you'll see they're wearing really tiny scarves.

[car54]

I think the battery powered model boats of the TOY type should be allowed anywhere....they are harmless. But there are some model boats that can be quite dangerous, gas or glow powered...they can exceed 50 mph. So, in true government fashion, I guess they have to ban them all.

Years ago, I kept my boat in the marina across from the Pentagon and there was a R/C Hydroplane club that used to race their boats over on the other side of the lagoon most summer weekends. We (the slipholders) didn't much care for it....the damned things were very noisy!

But one day, the damnedest thing happened....one of the model boats went out of control, crossed the lagoon at top speed, and slammed into the side of a classic Matthews motor yacht....like a torpedo! The model boat hit her right at the waterline at a seam between two hull planks. You wouldn't think that a model boat could splinter 1+ inch solid mahogany planks, but it did and the yacht started to take on water....that her pumps couldn't keep up with.

Ultimately we had get her underway and run her aground on a sandbar, where we could make emergency repairs without her sinking.

Interestingly, the model boat club carried liability insurance which paid the $8K to haul and repair the yacht. That was the end though, we never saw those guys again...I think the U.S. Park Service banned the activity after that incident.