Six or twelve volt lead acid or gel type batteries are generally used and will give long running times of from a half hour to several hours on a single charge. Speed is controlled by either a mechanical or an electronic speed control with forward and reverse. The radio controls the speed with one channel and the steering, via a rudder, with the other. These accessories can be powered with the same 6 or 12 volt battery that powers the motor and additional channels on the radio can be used for activating them. Devices are available that can be added to your radio system to allow several different functions to be controlled by one channel.
Hydroplanes ride on two side sponsons and the very aft center portion of the hull.
They may use either inboard or outboard power. Tunnel Hulls run on two long sponsons which extend much of the length of the hull on either side. They are usually outboard powered as there is no center portion of the hull to support running hardware. Both tunnels and hydros require a very smooth water surface and are not suitable for choppy conditions. The deep vee is a popular racing boat, available for either inboard or outboard power.