Pro Boat River Jet Boat 23″: Specs, Running and Care
The Pro Boat River Jet Boat 23 is a ready-to-run brushless jet boat: a 23-inch (584 mm) ABS deep-V hull with a water-jet drive instead of an exposed propeller, a 2300 kV 14-pole brushless outrunner, a 90 A marine ESC rated for 2S–4S LiPo, and a 2-channel STX2 2.4 GHz radio. It weighs about 1.4 kg and is self-righting: give it throttle after a capsize and it flips back in seconds. The jet drive lets it run in shallow water and around weeds where prop boats get stuck.
By Kyle HilsonUpdated: October 20263 min read
Specifications
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Length / beam / height | 584 / 203 / 165 mm |
| Weight | about 1,400 g |
| Hull | ABS deep-V |
| Drive | Jet drive |
| Motor | 2300 kV 14-pole brushless outrunner |
| ESC | 90 A brushless marine, 2–4S |
| Radio | STX2 2-channel 2.4 GHz |
| Features | Self-righting |
From Pro Boat listings, checked October 2026. Batteries and charger may be sold separately; check the package.
Why a jet drive
A water jet pulls water through an intake under the hull and pushes it out through a steerable nozzle. With no exposed prop, the boat can run over shallow areas and through light weeds, and it’s safer around people and wildlife. The trade-off is that jets are less efficient than props at top speed, and steering only works with some throttle applied. Jet drive principles are explained in how to make an RC jet boat.
Running tips
- Start on 2S to learn the boat; move to 3S–4S for more speed once comfortable.
- Keep some throttle in turns; jets don’t steer at idle.
- Check the intake grille for weeds and debris after each run.
- If it flips, apply throttle to trigger self-righting.
- Run in calm water first; deep-V hulls handle some chop well.
Care
- Dry the hull and electronics bay after each run.
- Rinse after dirty or salty water.
- Check the impeller for nicks; a damaged impeller loses thrust.
- Inspect the hatch seal.
- Store LiPos at storage voltage.
Where it shines
Rivers, shallow lakes, ponds with weeds and any water with obstacles just below the surface suit the River Jet. It’s also a good choice for people who worry about props near swimmers or wildlife, though you should still keep well clear of both. Other jet boats are compared in best RC jet boats.
Getting more from it
Running on higher voltage within the ESC’s 2–4S range adds speed; check motor and ESC temperatures after runs. Keep the intake clean and the impeller in good condition, since these matter more than any upgrade for a jet boat’s performance.
Choosing batteries
The ESC accepts 2S to 4S LiPo. A 2S pack gives gentle speed for learning; 3S adds a lot of punch; 4S is the most exciting but also the hardest on the drive and hull. Choose packs that fit the battery tray and use the correct connector. Use a balance charger, never charge unattended, and keep packs at storage voltage between sessions. Let the motor and ESC cool between runs, especially on higher voltage.
Safety
Even without an exposed prop, a fast 1.4 kg boat can injure someone. Keep clear of swimmers and wildlife, and run only where RC boats are allowed.
FAQ
What batteries does the River Jet 23 use?
2S to 4S LiPo, according to its ESC rating.
Is it self-righting?
Yes, it flips back when you apply throttle.
Can it run in shallow water?
Yes, that’s the main advantage of the jet drive.
Does it reverse?
Check the manual for your version; many jet boats are forward-only.
More on this topic: the complete RC Boats guide covers the basics behind this article.
About 20 years in RC. Mostly boats in the NAVIGA Mini Eco Expert class, with many self-made parts; also a King Motor Baja 5B, a home-built electric plane, home-built nitro planes he has flown, and an RC helicopter. More about SwellRC
