propulsion parts

Propulsion systems for model ships and RC boats

The right propulsion system is crucial for a model ship’s performance, handling and manoeuvrability. From slow-moving workboats to tugs and sailing yachts with auxiliary propulsion, right through to fast RC boats, the requirements for the motor, propeller and power transmission vary considerably.

In our range, you will find a wide selection of propulsion systems for model boats as well as the appropriate accessories for building, converting and repairing them. These include electric motors, outboard motors, jet and Schottel propulsion systems, side thrusters, steam engines, couplings, motor mounts and complete propulsion sets.

Electric motors for model boats

The electric motor is the most common type of propulsion in RC model shipbuilding. Depending on the model’s size, weight and desired speed, different motor sizes and speeds are used.

Our range includes both classic brushed motors and modern brushless motors for model ships.

Brushed motors are particularly popular for displacement vessels, tugs, workboats and functional ships. They allow for straightforward assembly and, when correctly specified, can offer very responsive handling.

Brushless motors, on the other hand, impress with their high efficiency, low maintenance requirements and high power density. They are suitable both for high-performance sports and racing boats and for modern propulsion systems in larger model ships.

Choosing the right motor for your model boat

The most powerful motor available is not automatically the best choice. It is crucial that the motor, drive battery, speed controller and propeller are all matched to one another.

When making your selection, the following points, amongst others, should be taken into account:

• Size and weight of the model boat
• Displacement boat, semi-planing boat or planing boat
• Desired speed
• Propeller diameter and pitch
• Operating voltage and battery type
• Motor speed or KV value
• Current draw and load capacity of the speed controller
• Diameter of the motor shaft and propeller shaft
• Available installation space

For example, a classic tugboat or cargo ship usually requires a different propulsion system to a fast sports boat.

Motor mounts, couplings and accessories

A reliable model boat propulsion system involves more than just the motor. The motor shaft and boat shaft must be securely connected and aligned as precisely as possible.

To this end, you will find various motor mounts, shaft couplings, cardan joints and coupling hoses. Different designs allow adaptation to various diameters of motor and drive shafts.

An installation that is as well-aligned and smooth-running as possible reduces vibrations, noise and unnecessary strain on the motor, coupling and shaft system.

Outboard motors and Z-drives

For pleasure craft and other models with an external drive, model-making outboard motors and Z-drives are available.

With a swivelling Z-drive, not only is the propeller driven, but the entire propulsion unit is moved sideways for steering. This allows the propulsion and steering to be combined into a single compact unit.

Such systems are particularly suitable for model boats whose real-life counterparts are also equipped with outboard motors or Z-drives.

Jet drives for model boats

A jet drive generates propulsion via a directed jet of water. Instead of a propeller running freely beneath the hull, water is drawn in and ejected backwards.

Jet drives are particularly suitable for fast boats and specific real-world models where a water jet propulsion system is also used in the original. At the same time, they enable interesting and highly manoeuvrable propulsion concepts in RC model boat building.

Schottel drives and Kort nozzles

In tugs, offshore supply vessels and modern workboats, Schottel or rudder-propeller drives play an important role.

The propeller unit can be swivelled so that the water flow generated is used simultaneously for propulsion and steering. This enables a particularly high level of manoeuvrability.

Kort nozzles can also be used on tugs and workboats and are particularly interesting for models where high thrust is required at comparatively low speeds.

Side thrusters for improved manoeuvrability

Side thrusters, bow thrusters or thrusters assist with the lateral manoeuvring of a model ship. Particularly with larger functional models, they enhance fidelity to the full-scale original and enable realistic harbour and mooring manoeuvres.

Depending on the model size, side thrusters are available with different nozzle diameters, as well as matching accessories and nozzle extensions.

Steam engines for historical model ships

A special form of ship propulsion is the steam engine. Real-steam systems combine functional model-making with classic propulsion technology and are particularly suitable for historical barges, steamships and other true-to-life models.

As well as complete ship steam systems, you will also find steam engines and accessories for building your own real-steam propulsion systems.

Propulsion sets for model ships

If you do not wish to assemble the motor, clutch and other components individually, you can opt for a suitable propulsion set for model ships.

In these sets, the key propulsion components are already tailored to specific models or model types. This makes it easier to select the right motorisation, particularly for a new model boat.

Our range includes propulsion solutions for various model types – from small model boats through classic motor and sailing yachts to larger functional models.

Selecting the right ship’s propulsion system for your model

A well-matched propulsion system not only ensures the desired speed, but also economical power consumption and realistic handling.

Whilst high torque and powerful thrust are paramount for a tugboat, a fast sports boat requires correspondingly high propulsion power. For scale and functional models, on the other hand, precise controllability, smooth running and handling characteristics true to the real-life model are often particularly important.

Discover our boat propulsion systems for model ships and RC boats – from classic brushed motors and modern brushless motors, through couplings and motor mounts, to outboard, jet, Schottel and steam propulsion systems, as well as complete propulsion sets.