Radio Range Q's

[Atious]

I'm a sport boater not a racer and as such I like to take my boats pretty far away from my POV. I've used a JR XR3 for a while now with no problem. I have a friend who wants to hit the lake and he's looking at trying to keep his costs down. Will the Futaba 2PEKA FM radio give a decent range? I've read posts talking about radios working as far as "line of sight" but thats kind of vague. I have a 6 foot deep-vee that I can see pretty far away that I wouldnt trust to just any ol radio. Using a Commander from Ace and a remote video system I've had this boat almost a 1/2 mile off and retained good transmission clarity. Before you metion the liklyhood, Its a man-made resevious(spelling?)with little chance of losing my boat.

 

[Hammerhead]

If you can walk about 25-30 feet away with the antenna completely collapsed, you should be able to control as long as you can see it.

Hammer

 

[Propjockey]

Most newer radios will control your craft farther than needed for 'average sport boating'...a 36" boat will be a tiny speck at 1/4 mile away.

The Magnum Jr. you mentioned should be fine. And the ATV will make set-up easier for a newbie. (no dis' implied)

 

[Atious]

None taken, I'm actually a reasonably experienced R/Cer. Just new to Nitro boating. I've spent the last 6 years quietly building gas boats and helicoptors. The nitro aspect is limited to cars only. I am used to air radios and high-end surface systems but am trying to help a friend with choosing a good low-budget radio. My Futaba experience is limited to heli systems. The 2PEKA looks ok but then there is the Hitec 2 chanel FM(I forget its name) for around $75.00 and Airtronics has a cheaper pistol FM as well. Within this 75-150 range, what would some of you guys recommend?