WATER BASHER – Pro Boat Sonicwake V2 36” Brushless Deep-V RTR

Are you feeling the heat yet? Summer is officially in full swing and a day by the lake sounds like the proper way to cool down and enjoy a sweltering-hot day. We recently visited to our own nearby lake to enjoy one of Pro Boat’s latest RC water bashers, the Sonicwake V2 speedboat.

The newly updated Pro Boat Sonicwake V2 is an improved version of the original Sonicwake. Like the V1 iteration, Sonicwake V2 is also a 36-inch-long RC boat that features a Deep-V hull configuration. Performance updates found in this latest edition of the boat include longer turning fins, a screw-adjustable trim tab, a modified rudder design, dual water pickups that help cool the brushless system, upgraded steering rod and more. Suffice it to say the myriad updates make an already-fun boat an even better performer.

UPGRADED
Sonicwake’s Deep-V design equates to speed and performance, the two things we value the most in a fast basher boat. Its hull design, combined with Spektrum brushless power, allows you to peg the throttle back to slice through even choppy waters at speed. The boat is capable of a top speed of over 50 miles per hour thanks to its water-cooled 40x68mm 4-pole Spektrum Firma 1900kV brushless motor. Guiding a boat through water with that much power is no easy feat. That’s why V2 is equipped with larger turn fins, adjustable trim tabs and larger propeller strut.

Sonicwake also uses the new Smart-ready Spektrum 120A BL Marine ESC that can handle more amperage than needed to run the boat with confidence and speed. Keeping the electronics cool is a priority in the closed confines of a boat’s hull. To that end, Pro Boat increased the water cooling effect by adding a dual water rudder pickup. This increased water flow ensures cool, clean water is being sent to both the ESC and motor to keep temperatures in check.

V2’s sealed canopy features a foam gasket around the canopy opening that prevents water from flooding the hull when upside down. The lightweight canopy features locking threaded thumbscrews that allow for easy access to the boat’s interior. And speaking of the interior, this updated version features an all-new layout that keeps everything neat and tidy. A new integrated receiver box keeps it clear of loose wires, and an optimized mounting post securely holds the Spektrum brushless system while providing easy access to the batteries.
Sonicwake V2 comes with a Spektrum SLT3 transmitter, along with an all-new Dual Protocol receiver. This system allows for the option to upgrade to another Spektrum radio without the need to purchase a separate receiver.

SELF-RIGHTING

Regardless of whether you’re a newbie to boats or a seasoned skipper, the nature of RC boating is that boats do occasionally flip over. When that happens, operators oftentimes need to physically go out onto the water to retrieve or flip them back over. That might require a full-size boat, or, if you’re lucky and your boat is within reach, a long stick or oar can help put things right. Pro Boat solves this problem with a worry-free self-righting feature that flips Sonicwake back upright in a matter of seconds.
Unlike other boats, the self-righting feature does not require power to work. The hull incorporates a flood chamber that will fill with water and allow the boat to automatically self-right. Hit the throttle and the water exits the flood chamber as the boat gets back underway. It’s that easy. We tried this feature and we absolutely love it.

ON THE LAKE

We couldn’t wait to get out on the water and see what this boat could do. We charged up both 2S and 3S Spektrum hardcase LiPo batteries for our afternoon at the lake. Due to its no-power or transmitter range-dependent self-righting feature, we felt confident really leaning into the boat’s throttle, which we did as soon as it hit the water. The day saw some wind blowing at water level, which did chop up the surface somewhat. Sonicwake V2 took it all in stride and sliced through the chop without issue.
The boat was easy to handle and carved turns into the water with ease. What was also easy to do was to go fast. Real fast. Constrained by the space we were working with, we notched up a top speed of 41 miles per hour while running the 3S LiPo pack. We’re sure that it would have gotten up to the rated 50-plus speed rating if we’d had the space to do it. After an afternoon of water bashing, we were ready to call it a day. Notably, Sonicwake V2 was still up for more action.

FINAL WORD
If you’ve been looking to get into RC boating, we highly suggest it. Driving an RC boat is one of our favorite things to do on water. Whether you’re a seasoned boater or new to water bashing, Pro Boat’s Sonicwake V2 is a good contender to consider. At a retail list price of $420, this ready-to-run speedboat has the performance, good looks, ease of use and reliability that we like in an RTR boat.

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Text by James York Images by Leigh Guarnieri