[Compilot]

Any one know how much is spent annually in Canada on R/C and related goods?

Thanks.

[Kevin McGrath]

Very much doubt that there are any reliable figures on this.
Anything extant would be scewed anyway by direct imports by individuals from US retailers particularly those with US addresses for the purpose of making entry into Canada more simple and cheaper than dealing with customs brokers.

[Ken Baker]

There are two questions here.

The topic as posted is How much do Canadians spend on R/C?

In his first post compilot asks: How much is spent in Canada annually on R/C?

I would be interested to know the answer to the first regardless of whether it is spent in Canada or externally. How this could be determined, I have no idea.

[britbrat]

I spend all that's available (or goes unnoticed by the Dragon).

If there are 10,000 MAAC members (or whatever) & they spend $1k ea (not a bad estimate I think) -- then $10M would be about it. However, I spend>$1K annually & I think that I'm at the low end -- so--- maybe $20M - $30M.

[NorseHammer]

I agree with BritBrat's estimate, it's the same roughly for the 30 or so regular fliers at our club, as much as the respective War Depts' allow or between 1and 2 $K whicevers is greater. The min would most definately be $1K we invest 2 or 3 hundred in fuel or batteries alone each. There's almost always a flight pack or two as well as an engine or two per year not to mention kits and those seemingly inexpensive little fiddly bits from the likes of Dubro, Klett and Sullivan. Its usually a subject only talked about in the most secret of circumstances though. If one values ones hobby life.

[Kevin McGrath]

Dont agree with any of the figures thrown out so far........there are at least twice as many casual flyers in parks ,schoolyards,and cow pastures as belong to MAAC and the total potential market is probably closer to 40000 individuals.
No one has mentionded cars,rockets or boats yet either so remember the question is R/C usage not just aircraft.
Im very sure that in my zone at least the AVERAGE club flyer is not spending anywhere near 1000$ per year,and probably 400$ (after the initial radio/plane/engine cost is more like it or even on the high side.Dont forget MAAC and Club dues are costing an average of $100 per year,and there i s a quickly rising cost of transportation in many of the higher density areas of the country where commuting to a far distant field is normal......

[Ken Baker]

You are only talking MAAC members. There are many who arn't members of MAAC spending as well. People who buy remote cars, boats and other remotely controlled toys.

[nony]

...some maac members don't spend a dime...they manage to keep their planes (boats, cars, etc) intact year after year......and some of them only fly once a year, if that......

[Charlie]

I know how much I send . I'm some glad I sold my guns, I would hate to put the barrel of one in my mouth (just kidding guy's), I don't have any money left for bullets anyway .

[JimBrown]

Funny you should ask that. I didn't really know how much I spend annually on RC stuff. But, I've been keeping track of all my finances since '96 in Quicken.

So I ran a quick report.

And scared myself. My average annual spending is in the upper end of 4 figures.

Then I calmed down and rationalized that I'm having more fun spending all that money on something I enjoy than I would if I'd put it in the bank. And besides, there are hobbies out there that are more expensive.

...jim