Overview
The FTX Glader Turbojet R/C Speed Boat is your gateway to exhilarating speedboat action on virtually any water location. Whether you're exploring local ponds, lakes, or rivers across the UK, this ready to run RC boat delivers thrilling performance straight out of the box. The Glader stands out from conventional speedboats thanks to its revolutionary turbojet propulsion design, which eliminates the exposed propeller entirely. This innovative engineering means you can power around most water environments without the constant worry of snagging your drive mechanism on weeds, aquatic plants, and hidden undergrowth lurking beneath the surface — a common frustration for RC boat enthusiasts using traditional propeller-driven models.
At just 35cm in length (340mm to be precise), the Glader offers the perfect balance between portability and performance. This compact size makes it easy to transport to your favourite water spot, whether that's a garden pond, local reservoir, or coastal area. The boat is assembled and ready to run straight from the box, making it ideal for both newcomers to the RC boat hobby and experienced enthusiasts looking to expand their collection. With its impressive top speed of 28kmh, intuitive full-function radio control, and thoughtful safety features like low battery alarms and automatic roll-over recovery, the Glader represents outstanding value for anyone seeking affordable RC boating action in the UK market.
This brushed motor-powered speedboat combines cutting-edge turbojet technology with user-friendly controls and practical features that make it suitable for skill level 1 operators. The inclusion of LED tail lights for low-light vision, a full 2.4GHz radio system with excellent range, and demo mode functionality make the Glader an excellent choice for families, casual weekend bashers, and anyone new to RC boats who wants a reliable, fun, and hassle-free experience on the water.
Key Features
- Turbojet Propulsion System — Unlike traditional RC boats with exposed propellers that can catch on underwater vegetation and obstacles, the Glader's innovative turbojet design draws water through the boat and expels it as a jet, eliminating snagging entirely. This means you can operate the boat in overgrown waters, around lily pads, and in conditions where standard RC boats would constantly stall or damage their propellers.
- Water-Cooled 390 Brushed Motor — The dedicated 390-sized brushed motor is specifically engineered for marine use and features water cooling to maintain optimal operating temperatures during extended play sessions. This ensures reliable performance and extends the motor's operational lifespan, delivering consistent power delivery throughout your battery charge.
- Full Function Radio Control with 2.4GHz System — The boat comes equipped with a complete 2.4GHz radio control system offering full function control, meaning you have complete command over throttle, steering, and all boat functions. The 2.4GHz frequency provides superior range and reliability compared to older 27MHz systems, with interference-free operation even in areas with multiple RC models operating simultaneously.
- Intelligent Low Battery and Range Alarm Warning — Safety is paramount when operating an RC boat, and the Glader includes a smart warning system that alerts you when battery voltage drops dangerously low or when your radio signal begins to weaken. This critical feature ensures you have ample time to return to shore before your battery dies, preventing loss of the boat in open water and maintaining control throughout your session.
- One Key Reset Roll Function — Should the Glader capsize (which can happen during enthusiastic manoeuvres), a single button press on the radio controller automatically rights the boat and returns it to operational status. This ingenious safety feature eliminates the need to fish the boat out of the water manually, saving time and extending your playtime.
- Bright LED Tail Lights — The rear of the boat is equipped with bright LED lights that provide excellent visibility during low-light conditions, evening sessions, or dusk operation. These lights not only enhance visibility for spotting your boat but also add genuine aesthetic appeal, making night-time water sessions more enjoyable and safer for operators.
- Demo Mode Function — The radio system includes demo mode capability, allowing the boat to operate independently with pre-programmed movements. This is excellent for demonstration purposes or for letting younger enthusiasts observe autonomous operation before taking manual control.
- Assembled Ready to Run (RTR) — The Glader arrives fully assembled and ready for immediate action. There's no need for complex construction, soldering, or technical assembly — simply charge the battery, bind the radio, and you're ready to hit the water within minutes of opening the box.
- 7.4V 1500mAh Li-Ion Battery with USB Charger — The boat includes a 7.4V 1500mAh lithium-ion battery pack and USB charging cable, providing everything needed to get started immediately. Li-Ion technology offers superior energy density compared to older NiMH batteries, translating to longer runtime and better performance per charge cycle.
- Compact 35cm Hull Design — The streamlined 340mm (35cm) length and 100mm width create a hull that's portable enough to carry easily but substantial enough to cut through water with genuine speed and stability. This size is perfect for UK garden ponds, small lakes, and controlled water environments where larger boats would be impractical.
Technical Performance
The FTX Glader Turbojet delivers impressive performance characteristics that belie its affordable price point. The water-cooled 390 brushed motor provides reliable, consistent power output throughout your battery charge, with a distinctive advantage over standard brushless setups in that it requires no speed controller (ESC) — the radio system handles motor control directly. This simplified electronics package reduces points of failure and makes the boat extremely straightforward to maintain and troubleshoot. The 7.4V 1500mAh Li-Ion battery configuration (equivalent to 2S in drone terminology) provides adequate energy for extended play sessions, typically offering 15-20 minutes of active running time depending on throttle usage and water conditions. The Deans connector battery interface is a standard in the RC industry, meaning replacement batteries from numerous third-party manufacturers are readily available in the UK market at competitive prices, allowing you to expand your operational time by purchasing additional battery packs.
Performance on water is genuinely impressive, with the Glader capable of reaching 28kmh (approximately 17mph) — sufficient speed to deliver genuine thrills whilst remaining manageable for operators of all skill levels. The turbojet propulsion system contributes significantly to this performance capability whilst simultaneously solving one of the most frustrating problems in RC boating: propeller tangling in submerged vegetation and reeds. The water-cooling system for the motor is particularly clever, using the boat's operational environment (the water itself) to dissipate heat naturally, ensuring the motor remains at optimal operating temperature throughout extended sessions. Build quality throughout the Glader reflects FTX's reputation for delivering exceptional value in the ready-to-run RC market. The hull is constructed to withstand the rigours of water operation, whilst the electronics are protected within a sealed compartment. The single-piece canopy design and reinforced hull structure provide good durability for recreational use, though the Glader is perhaps best suited to calm water environments rather than rough, rocky locations that might stress the composite materials.
What's in the Box
- FTX Glader Turbojet R/C Speed Boat (fully assembled)
- 7.4V 1500mAh Li-Ion battery pack
- USB battery charger cable
- 2.4GHz radio control transmitter
- Instruction manual and quick-start guide
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the FTX Glader Turbojet suitable for complete beginners to RC boating? — Absolutely. The Glader is specifically rated as Skill Level 1, meaning it's designed for operators with no prior RC experience. The boat arrives fully assembled and ready to run, the radio system is intuitive and straightforward to use, and features like the one-key reset function and low battery alarm take the guesswork out of safe operation. If you're new to RC boats in the UK and want an affordable entry point without a steep learning curve, the Glader is an excellent choice.
- What makes the turbojet propulsion system better than a traditional propeller? — The turbojet design completely eliminates exposed propellers, which means the boat cannot snag on weeds, lily pads, submerged branches, or aquatic plants — a massive advantage when operating in natural water environments common across the UK. Traditional RC boats with exposed propellers frequently suffer tangles and damage in overgrown waters. The Glader solves this problem entirely whilst still delivering the same exciting performance and manoeuvrability.
- What battery does the FTX Glader Turbojet use? — The boat comes with a 7.4V 1500mAh Li-Ion battery pack (commonly referred to as 2S LiPo equivalent). The battery uses a standard Deans connector, meaning you can easily purchase compatible replacement or upgrade batteries from numerous UK RC suppliers. Having a spare battery is highly recommended, as it allows you to keep playing whilst one battery charges.
- How fast does this RC boat go? — The Glader achieves a top speed of 28kmh (approximately 17mph), which delivers genuine excitement and thrills whilst remaining controllable and manageable for operators of any skill level. This speed is sufficient for entertaining high-speed water sessions without being so extreme that the boat becomes difficult to control or prone to capsizing.
- How long does the battery last on a single charge? — Typical runtime on the included 1500mAh battery is approximately 15-20 minutes of continuous operation, though this varies depending on how aggressively you use the throttle and the water conditions. Purchasing a second battery is strongly recommended to maximize your play time without having to wait for charging between sessions.
- Can the boat be used in saltwater or rough water? — Whilst the Glader's electronics are reasonably protected, it's best suited to calm freshwater environments such as garden ponds, small lakes, canals, and reservoirs. Rough seas, strong currents, saltwater corrosion, and rocky environments may stress the composite hull materials and internal electronics. Always operate in safe, calm water locations and follow local regulations regarding RC boat use.
- What happens if the boat capsizes? — The Glader includes an intelligent one-key reset function that automatically rights the boat when activated via your radio transmitter. Simply press the designated button, and the boat will flip upright and resume operation. This clever feature means you don't have to wade into the water or use a net to retrieve an upside-down boat.
- Does it come with everything needed to operate? — Yes, the Glader is truly ready to run. It includes the assembled boat, battery, charger, and radio transmitter — everything you need to get on the water immediately. You'll simply need to charge the battery using the included USB cable (any standard USB power source works) and you're ready for action.
- What is the range of the 2.4GHz radio system? — The 2.4GHz frequency provides excellent range suitable for most recreational RC boating scenarios. Should your signal weaken or range issues occur, the boat will alert you with the range alarm warning, giving you ample time to steer back within safe operating range before losing control.
- Is the FTX Glader available in different colours? — Yes, the Glader is available in multiple colour options including this striking green version (FTX0730G) as well as a red variant (FTX0730R). Both versions are identical in terms of performance and specifications — the colour choice is purely aesthetic preference.
Why Buy from RC Model Shop?
RC Model Shop is a trusted UK RC retailer and authorised dealer for all the brands we stock, including Traxxas, ARRMA, Losi, FTX, Hobbywing, Spektrum and more. Based in Walsall, we have a physical store where customers are welcome to come in, view products and purchase in store. Whether you are a seasoned competitor, a weekend basher, or just discovering the world of RC for the first time, our team of experienced RC enthusiasts is here to help you find the perfect setup and provide ongoing support. Order the FTX GLADER TURBOJET R/C SPEED BOAT 35CM - GREEN FTX0730G today with confidence, knowing you are buying from an authorised retailer with genuine products, expert knowledge and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Shop online or visit us in Walsall — we look forward to helping you get the most out of your RC experience.
- Brand: FTX
- Model Number: FTX0730G
- EAN: 5056135775318
- Product Type: Electric RC Speed Boat
- Marine Type: Powerboat
- Length: 340mm (35cm)
- Width: 100mm
- Motor Type: Brushed
- Motor Size: 390
- Motor Cooling: Water-cooled
- Battery Type: Li-Ion
- Battery Voltage: 7.4V
- Battery Capacity: 1500mAh
- Battery Connector: Deans Connector
- Charger: USB Cable Charger
- Radio System: 2.4GHz
- Radio Channels: Full Function
- Top Speed: 28kmh
- Assembly Type: Assembled (Ready to Run)
- Surface Type: Water
- Skill Level: Skill Level 1 (Beginner)
- Features: Turbojet Propulsion, Low Battery Alarm, Range Alarm Warning, One Key Reset Roll, LED Tail Lights, Demo Mode
- Colour: Green
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