Is this question of cheapskateness more a question of cost and available funds? Or perceptions?
By this I mean, if you have a smaller budget, would that point you towards model boats as being a potentially cheaper option when compared to planes , helecopters, cars or giros, which all can ( and therefore will) fall out of the sky with expensive consequences.?
I believe this is why the retail industry ( shops) more and more cater for the air side of the r/c hobby, because of the more lucrative repair and upgrade market associated with it. Boats, whilst sometimes expensive up front as a kit of bits, has less scope for repair and upgrades, so no on going cash cow for the shops.
So boaters are not seen to spend money every weekend in the model shop , and are thus perceived to be 'tight' and cheapskates . Whereas in fact we are merely being prudent. Build it once, build it right, don't drop it, ( the only way it can fall out of the sky) no more to spend.
This argument does accept there will be exceptions within the boating community, fast racers will get hurt at speed, steam propulsion is an expensive side of the hobby etc.
Just some late night rambling thoughts!
Chris