Traxxas Blast Top Speed: Stock Performance, Real Speeds and Safe Upgrades
The Traxxas Blast is a 24-inch deep-V ready-to-run boat with a brushed Stinger 20-turn motor, a forward-only Nautica marine ESC, a 7.2 V NiMH Power Cell battery and a TQ 2.4 GHz radio. In owner reports and reviews, it typically runs around 10–15 mph out of the box, with some reaching about 20 mph in ideal conditions. Speed depends on battery charge, water conditions and prop condition. It’s built as a fun, reliable starter boat rather than a speed machine.
By Kyle HilsonUpdated: October 20264 min read
Specs
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Hull | 24 in deep-V (about 23.75 × 5.75 × 3.25 in) |
| Motor | Stinger 20-turn brushed |
| ESC | Nautica marine, forward only, waterproof |
| Battery | 7.2 V NiMH Power Cell |
| Radio | TQ 2.4 GHz |
| Charger | 4-amp USB-C (current version) |
From Traxxas and dealer listings, checked October 2026. Speeds above are from reviews and owner reports, not official figures.
What affects speed
- Battery charge: a fully charged, healthy NiMH pack gives the best speed.
- Water: calm water lets the hull plane; chop slows it down.
- Prop: nicks or bent blades cut speed and add vibration.
- Weight: water inside the hull makes it slower.
- Motor wear: brushed motors lose power over time.
Going faster safely
Owners sometimes use higher-voltage batteries or swap in brushless systems. Be careful: the stock brushed motor and ESC have voltage limits, and exceeding them can damage the electronics. Check the manual before using anything other than the recommended battery. A brushless conversion needs a marine ESC, a water-cooled motor and often a different drive line, and costs a large share of a faster boat’s price. For more speed out of the box, a boat built for it may be the better choice; see cheap and fast RC boats and the fastest RC boats compared. Motor types are explained in RC boat motors.
Getting the most from stock
- Charge the battery fully right before running.
- Keep the hull dry and hatch sealed.
- Check and balance the prop.
- Lubricate the drive shaft as the manual describes.
- Run on calm water.
Care after running
- Remove the battery and dry the hull.
- Leave the hatch open to air.
- Check the drive shaft for water and re-grease.
- Rinse after dirty water.
- Store the NiMH pack charged partially or as Traxxas recommends.
Who it suits
The Blast suits beginners, families and anyone who wants a simple, reliable boat for ponds and small lakes. Its forward-only ESC and modest speed make it easy to learn on, and Traxxas parts are widely available.
Measuring speed
A small GPS speed logger in the hull gives a real number. Make runs in both directions and average them to cancel wind effects.
How it compares
Many budget brushless boats are faster than the Blast for similar money, but the Blast’s strengths are reliability, Traxxas parts support, waterproof electronics and easy handling. For a first boat, those matter more than top speed. Once you outgrow it, a brushless boat in the 70–90 cm range is the next step.
Where to run it
The Blast is happiest on ponds and small lakes with calm water, where its deep-V hull planes cleanly. Avoid weeds, which wrap around the prop and stall the motor, and stay away from swimmers, anglers and wildlife. Since the ESC is forward-only, plan your runs so the boat never gets stuck against the bank; a retrieval line with a float is useful if the battery runs out far from shore.
FAQ
How fast is the Traxxas Blast?
Typically about 10–15 mph stock, up to about 20 mph in ideal conditions per owner reports.
Can the Blast reverse?
No, the ESC is forward only.
Can I use a LiPo?
Only within the electronics’ limits; check the manual.
Is the Blast good for beginners?
Yes, it’s an easy, reliable starter boat.
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
