We had a girl playing with a toy boat this morning on our lake and it wasn't that fast but she was having fun! I appreciate that the boys like all out and that a tug isn't a speed demon, but if in a lake full of other boats you do not want a child fresh to RC bouncing your MTB or cabin cruiser off of everyone else's boat.
No matter how child positive a club is, the members patience wears thin if they have to spend all the following week putting right the dents caused by full on daredevilness!
On a positive note, it amazes me how professional the junior powerboat racers can be considering the power of their machines, that at least is a positive thing.
Re your Springer Joe, I reckon everyone should have a tug. I am a died in the wool warship chap, but I still have two tugs on the go. They are good for steering competitions as well as rescue and just bimbling about the lake while the Coventry dries off.