Overview
The Pro Boat Recoil 2 18-inch Self-Righting Brushless Deep-V RTR is a revolutionary compact RC boat that brings legendary performance and innovation to the affordable end of the market. From the moment Pro Boat Recoil deep-Vs first hit the water, they took the RC boating world by storm, and now this smaller 18-inch version delivers the same thrilling performance at a fraction of the cost. Whether you're new to RC boating or an experienced enthusiast looking for a convenient, high-performance mini boat, the Recoil 2 18" offers incredible versatility and reliability. This ready-to-run RC boat for UK hobbyists combines easy operation that even newcomers can master with the advanced self-righting capabilities of the next-generation Recoil 2 platform. It's the perfect introduction to brushless RC boating without compromise on quality or excitement.
Don't let the compact 18-inch size fool you—this is a serious machine. Propelled by a factory-installed Spektrum brushless motor delivering impressive speeds of 25+ mph, the Recoil 2 18" slices across your local pond or small lake with the responsiveness and agility of boats twice its price. The complete ready-to-run package means you'll be on the water within minutes of opening the box, with everything included: Spektrum Smart LiPo battery, intelligent charger, radio system, and even AA batteries for the transmitter. There's nothing else to buy, making this an exceptional value for anyone seeking an affordable, complete brushless RC boat package.
Pro Boat has partnered with Heat Wave Sunglasses and Shreddy—with input from professional rider Blake Wilkey—to offer two officially licensed, head-turning livery options. The Heat Wave variant is styled after the Apollo Sunglasses: Blurr Customs, whilst the Shreddy livery was personally selected by Blake Wilkey as his favourite design. Beyond the stunning aesthetics, this mini deep-V offers professional-grade engineering: water-cooled electronics, a damage-resistant break-away rudder, adjustable aluminium and stainless steel hardware for fine-tuning performance, and a composite boat stand for display and maintenance. The Recoil 2 18" represents the perfect balance of affordability, performance, and convenience for anyone looking to experience the thrill of high-speed RC boating.
Key Features
- Self-Righting Capability — If your boat flips over in the middle of the lake, there's no need to worry or jump in the water to rescue it. The proven self-righting mechanism activates instantly with one long press of a button on the Spektrum SLT3 transmitter, automatically flipping the boat upright so you can get straight back into action without interruption.
- Brushless Spektrum Motor and ESC — The factory-installed Spektrum Firma 2950Kv brushless marine outrunner motor combined with a 30A brushless marine ESC delivers strong, efficient performance straight out of the box. Brushless technology reduces running temperatures, decreases mechanical wear, and extends run times compared to traditional brushed motors, ensuring you get more time on the water from each battery charge.
- Water-Cooled Electronics — Both the motor and ESC feature integrated water-cooled heatsinks that keep temperatures down inside the enclosed deep-V hull, guaranteeing reliable operation through extended boating sessions and protecting your investment for many hours of enjoyment.
- Ready-to-Run Simplicity — Everything you need to start RC boating is included in the box: Spektrum Smart LiPo battery, USB-C charger, 2.4GHz radio system with transmitter and receiver, servo, instruction manual, composite boat stand, and even AA batteries for the transmitter. This is a true plug-and-play brushless RC boat that requires absolutely no additional assembly or purchases.
- Spektrum SLT3 2.4GHz Radio System — The included Spektrum SLT3 transmitter and dual-protocol SR315 receiver create a secure, unbreakable 2.4GHz connection between you and your boat. The dual-protocol receiver means your boat is upgrade-ready and compatible with advanced DSMR transmitters if you decide to enhance your setup later.
- Smart Battery Charging Technology — The included Spektrum S120 USB-C Smart Charger automatically detects the correct cell count, charging amperage, and battery type, then begins safe charging without any manual configuration. Charging times typically take less than an hour, getting you back on the water faster.
- Break-Away Rudder Design — The rudder is engineered to swing out if it strikes a solid object, preventing it from breaking off the hull and minimising damage. When this happens, you simply push the rudder back into place and tighten it—no replacement parts or screws needed.
- Adjustable Metal Hardware — The Recoil 2 18" is equipped with an aluminium prop strut and bendable, stainless steel trim tabs and turn fins. This adjustable hardware lets you fine-tune the boat's handling characteristics to suit your running style and optimise performance in different water conditions.
- Deep-V Hull Construction — The iconic deep-V hull design delivers incredible styling and proven performance, slicing through waves with superior stability and control compared to flat-bottomed alternatives, making it suitable for both calm ponds and small lakes with modest chop.
- Officially Licensed Livery Options — Choose between the Heat Wave Apollo Sunglasses: Blurr Customs-inspired design or the clean and wild Shreddy livery chosen by Blake Wilkey. These factory-finished, high-impact ABS hull designs look stunning on display and on the water.
- Composite Display and Work Stand — The included stand is made from strong, waterproof composite material, perfect for putting your Recoil 2 18" on display at home or holding it steady during maintenance at the lake. Flip it over to use it as a handy parts tray whilst working on your boat.
- Impressive Run Time — Despite its high-speed performance of 25+ mph, the Recoil 2 18" achieves an optimal balance of speed and efficiency, providing approximately seven minutes of uninterrupted run time on a full battery charge.
- Compact, Portable Design — At just 18 inches long and weighing only 521.6 grams, this mini deep-V fits easily into your car boot for transport to your local pond or small lake. Its compact dimensions even allow you to carry it in a backpack to those hard-to-reach water bodies that require a hike.
Technical Performance
The Pro Boat Recoil 2 18-inch delivers serious brushless performance in a compact, affordable package. At the heart of this ready-to-run RC boat lies a Spektrum Firma 2950Kv 8-pole outrunner marine motor paired with a Spektrum Firma 30A brushless marine ESC, both pre-installed and calibrated from the factory. These water-cooled components work in perfect harmony to achieve speeds exceeding 25 mph whilst maintaining exceptional reliability through continuous operation. The 3S LiPo battery system (1300mAh, 30C discharge rate) provides ample power delivery for the brushless drivetrain whilst remaining lightweight enough to optimise the boat's balance and manoeuvrability. With approximately seven minutes of run time at top speed, the Recoil 2 18" represents an excellent balance between performance and battery efficiency—a critical consideration for anyone planning extended boating sessions. The boat's construction features a durable ABS plastic deep-V hull measuring 454mm in length, 123mm in beam, and just 84.84mm in height, creating a rigid, impact-resistant platform that can handle the rigours of casual to enthusiast-level operation. The flexshaft drive system, combined with adjustable aluminium and stainless steel hardware, allows you to fine-tune performance characteristics for different water conditions. The waterproof servo and sealed receiver compartment ensure reliable operation even in splashy conditions typical of lake and pond boating. Whether you're a beginner exploring the world of brushless RC boating or an experienced enthusiast seeking a high-performance mini deep-V, the Recoil 2 18" delivers the engineering excellence, build quality, and user-friendly features that Pro Boat is recognised for across the UK RC hobby community.
What's in the Box
- Pro Boat Recoil 2 18-inch Self-Righting Brushless Deep-V RTR hull and chassis
- Spektrum Firma 2931 2950Kv 8-Pole Outrunner Marine Motor (factory-installed)
- Spektrum Firma 30A Brushless Marine ESC 2-3S (factory-installed)
- Spektrum 3S 1300mAh 30C Smart LiPo Battery with IC3 Connector
- Spektrum S120 USB-C Smart Battery Charger (1x20W)
- Spektrum SLT3 3-Channel 2.4GHz Transmitter
- Spektrum SR315 Dual Protocol Receiver
- Horizon 13g Micro Waterproof Servo
- Composite Boat Stand (display and work stand)
- Instruction Manual (English, German, French, and Italian versions)
- Four AA Batteries for transmitter
What You Need to Complete
Nothing! Everything required to enjoy the Pro Boat Recoil 2 18-inch is included in the box. This is a complete, ready-to-run package with no additional purchases necessary. Simply charge the battery, insert AA batteries into the transmitter, and you're ready to launch.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Pro Boat Recoil 2 18-inch suitable for RC boating beginners? — Absolutely. The Recoil 2 18" is specifically designed with newcomers in mind, combining easy operation that even hobby newcomers can master with the confidence of a ready-to-run package. The self-righting capability means you don't need to worry about retrieving an overturned boat from the middle of the lake, making it an ideal first brushless RC boat. The included Spektrum SLT3 radio system is intuitive and reliable, and the boat's compact size makes it manageable and forgiving to learn on.
- What is the top speed and runtime of the Recoil 2 18-inch? — The Recoil 2 18" achieves speeds of 25+ mph thanks to its Spektrum Firma 2950Kv brushless motor and 30A ESC. Despite these impressive speeds, the boat maintains excellent efficiency, providing approximately seven minutes of continuous run time on a full charge of the included 3S 1300mAh Smart LiPo battery.
- What battery does the Recoil 2 18-inch use and how long does it take to charge? — The boat comes with a Spektrum 3S 1300mAh 30C Smart LiPo battery featuring an IC3 connector. The included Spektrum S120 USB-C Smart Charger uses intelligent Smart technology to automatically detect the battery's cell count and charging requirements, then safely charges the battery. Typical charging times are less than one hour, allowing you to get back on the water quickly.
- How does the self-righting feature work? — The self-righting mechanism is one of the Recoil 2 18"'s defining features. If your boat flips over, simply press and hold the dedicated button on your Spektrum SLT3 transmitter, and the boat will instantly flip itself upright and be ready to continue. This eliminates the frustration of having to swim out or use a net to retrieve a capsized boat.
- Is the Recoil 2 18-inch waterproof? — The Recoil 2 18" features a sealed hull design with water-cooled electronics, a waterproof servo, and an enclosed receiver compartment. Whilst the electronics are protected during normal boating, the boat is designed for freshwater ponds and small lakes rather than extended submersion or saltwater use.
- What radio system does the Recoil 2 18-inch include and is it upgradeable? — The boat includes a Spektrum SLT3 3-channel 2.4GHz transmitter paired with a Spektrum SR315 dual-protocol receiver. The dual-protocol capability means your receiver is future-proof and compatible with advanced DSMR transmitters should you decide to upgrade your radio system later.
- How portable is the Recoil 2 18-inch? — At just 18 inches long, 4.86 inches in beam, and weighing only 521.6 grams (1.15 lbs), the Recoil 2 18" is highly portable. It fits easily into your car boot for trips to your local pond or small lake, and its compact dimensions even allow you to carry it in a backpack for reaching more remote water bodies that require hiking.
- What makes the Recoil 2 18-inch different from other RC boats at this price point? — The Recoil 2 18" combines several advantages: it features brushless motor technology for superior efficiency and reliability compared to brushed alternatives, includes a complete ready-to-run package with no hidden costs, offers proven self-righting capabilities for worry-free boating, and comes with two officially licensed livery options. The deep-V hull design delivers impressive styling and proven performance, whilst the water-cooled electronics and durable construction ensure long-term reliability.
- Can I adjust the Recoil 2 18-inch's handling characteristics? — Yes. The boat features adjustable aluminium trim tabs and stainless steel turn fins that allow you to fine-tune the hull's behaviour to suit your running style and adapt to different water conditions. The break-away rudder design also prevents damage during inevitable collisions, keeping maintenance costs minimal.
- Is assembly required out of the box? — No assembly is required. The Recoil 2 18" is a true ready-to-run boat that comes fully assembled and factory-tested. Simply charge the battery, insert AA batteries into the transmitter, and launch immediately.
Why Buy from RC Model Shop?
RC Model Shop is a trusted UK RC retailer and authorised dealer for all the brands we stock, including Traxxas, ARRMA, Losi, FTX, Hobbywing, Spektrum and more. Based in Walsall, we have a physical store where customers are welcome to come in, view products and purchase in store. Whether you are a seasoned competitor, a weekend basher, or just discovering the world of RC for the first time, our team of experienced RC enthusiasts is here to help you find the perfect setup and provide ongoing support. Order the Pro Boat Recoil 2 18 inch Self-Righting Brushless Deep-V RTR, Shreddy today with confidence, knowing you are buying from an authorised retailer with genuine products, expert knowledge and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Shop online or visit us in Walsall — we look forward to helping you get the most out of your RC experience.
