Proboat Blackjack 24 V2 Review: Speed, Handling, Upgrades and Real-World Setup

The Proboat Blackjack 24 V2 is a 24-inch, 4S-capable brushless RC catamaran designed for drivers who want serious straight-line speed without moving up to a much larger offshore boat. With its Spektrum Firma 2200Kv motor, 90A Smart marine ESC, redesigned hull structure and dual-pack SSL installation system, it is capable of more than 45 MPH in stock form under suitable conditions.

However, speed is only part of the story. The Blackjack 24 V2 is not a self-righting recreational boat that can be held at full throttle through every corner. It rewards smooth inputs, open water, controlled turn entry and a driver who understands how a fast catamaran reacts to wind, wake and changing hull attitude.

This review explains what changed from the earlier Blackjack 24, how the V2 performs on the water, why the SSL trays matter, what owners should know about turning and porpoising, and whether this is the right Pro Boat model for their type of driving.

What Is the Proboat Blackjack 24 V2?

The Proboat Blackjack 24 V2 is a ready-to-run electric RC racing catamaran. It uses a 24-inch molded ABS hull, a water-cooled brushless power system and two 2S LiPo batteries connected in series to create a 4S setup.

Its core specifications include:

The 24-inch size gives it a useful position in the Pro Boat lineup. It is large enough to feel like a true hobby-grade performance boat, but compact enough for smaller lakes and ponds where a Blackjack 42 may be difficult to transport, launch or run safely.

Is the Blackjack 24 V2 a New Boat or a Reissued V1?

The V2 is not simply the old Blackjack 24 with a new paint scheme. Pro Boat retained the general idea of a compact Blackjack catamaran but redesigned much of the boat around a stronger 4S power system.

The previous Blackjack 24 was commonly associated with a lighter 3S setup. Many owners upgraded the older boat themselves, but the V2 brings substantially more capability in stock form.

Major changes include:

• A factory 4S brushless power system
• A new 3660 2200Kv motor
• A 90A Smart marine ESC
• A heavier-duty flex shaft and drivetrain
• A redesigned motor mount
• Dual independent cooling circuits
• SSL sliding battery trays
• Fixed IC5 connector holders
• A breakaway rudder
• A wider service opening
• Four canopy locks
• An internal composite skeleton
• A revised metal propeller and running hardware

The result is a boat that feels more purpose-built for high-current 4S operation. The electronics, battery retention, cooling and drivetrain were updated together rather than treating higher voltage as an isolated motor upgrade.

Hull Design and Internal Composite Skeleton

The Blackjack 24 V2 uses a two-piece molded ABS hull. The lower hull fits into the upper section and is joined around the seam, with the graphics and side details helping create a clean offshore racing appearance.

ABS is more economical to manufacture than a hand-laid fiberglass or carbon hull, but the Blackjack 24 V2 does not rely on the thin plastic shell alone. Inside the boat is a large molded composite reinforcement structure.

This internal skeleton helps:

• Reduce flex in the bottom of the hull
• Support the motor, ESC and battery areas
• Spread component loads across a larger section of the boat
• Keep electronics and wiring in defined positions
• Reduce local stress during hard landings and impacts

The effect is noticeable when handling and running the boat. The hull feels and sounds more solid than a basic lightweight ABS shell, even though it remains lighter and more affordable than a comparable fiberglass competition hull.

Heat Wave Visual vs. Blackjack Offshore Livery

Pro Boat offers two very different visual themes.

Heat Wave Visual

The Heat Wave version uses bright chartreuse, pink, purple and high-contrast graphics inspired by performance eyewear and 1980s offshore racing culture. It is deliberately loud and highly visible.

That visibility has a practical benefit. A 24-inch boat can become difficult to track at speed, especially through spray or against reflections from the water. The Heat Wave colors make the hull easier to follow from shore.

Blackjack Offshore Livery

The Blackjack livery uses a cleaner white, black and red offshore racing design. It visually connects the smaller boat to the larger Blackjack 42 and gives the hull a more traditional high-performance appearance.

The performance and hardware are the same, so the choice is mainly between maximum visibility and a more restrained Blackjack racing identity.

How Fast Is the Pro Boat Blackjack 24 V2?

Pro Boat rates the Blackjack 24 V2 for speeds above 45 MPH. For a 24-inch ready-to-run boat, that is a substantial amount of speed.

Stock-configuration runs with strong, well-matched battery packs have reached the mid-40 MPH range, with favorable setups approaching approximately 50 MPH. Actual speed varies with battery condition, propeller setup, water temperature, wind, hull attitude and the accuracy of the measuring device.

The most noticeable performance characteristics are:

• Strong acceleration once the propeller loads cleanly
• Rapid transition onto plane
• High straight-line speed for its length
• A pronounced rooster tail at higher throttle
• Strong punch when power is reapplied after a turn

The boat may take several feet to release fully from the water, but once it is on plane, it accelerates quickly and carries speed with relatively little hull in contact with the surface.

How Does the Blackjack 24 V2 Handle?

The Blackjack 24 V2 is most impressive during high-speed straight passes and smooth, sweeping turns. Its catamaran hull allows air to travel through the center tunnel while the rear running surfaces support the boat.

On calm water, this creates a fast and efficient running attitude. The boat can feel extremely stable in a straight line when the hull is properly settled and the steering remains close to neutral.

However, a fast catamaran is not automatically forgiving in every direction.

As wind or wake enters the center tunnel, the bow may become lighter. Abrupt steering at high throttle can cause the boat to spin out, hop across its own wake or roll onto the canopy.

The most reliable driving technique is:

1. Accelerate smoothly on the straight.
2. Reduce throttle before entering the turn.
3. Allow the hull to settle onto the water.
4. Apply progressive steering rather than immediate full lock.
5. Roll the throttle back in as the boat exits the turn.

This style is part of the appeal. The Blackjack 24 V2 asks the driver to manage the hull rather than depending on electronic stability systems or a self-righting function to erase every mistake.

Why Does the Blackjack 24 Bounce or Porpoise?

Porpoising describes repeated bow-up and bow-down movement as the boat travels across the water. Some Blackjack 24 V2 owners notice this before the hull reaches full plane, when crossing its own wake or when the setup is not balanced for the conditions.

Possible causes include:

• Wind entering beneath the center tunnel
• Repeatedly crossing the boat’s own wake
• Unequal battery positioning
• Water accumulating inside the hull
• An unsuitable propeller
• Strut height or angle
• Too much steering input at the wrong speed
• A water surface that is too short or disturbed for a clean pass

Before changing hardware, verify that the boat is dry, both batteries are installed symmetrically, the propeller is undamaged and the water is suitable for testing.

Strut and propeller adjustments can alter the running attitude, but adjustments should be small and tested one at a time. Lowering the strut, adding negative angle or changing propeller rake can each produce different results depending on whether the boat is running bow-high, riding too wet or failing to release cleanly.

SSL Battery Trays and the Best 2S LiPo Setup

The Blackjack 24 V2 uses two removable SSL trays. SSL stands for Strap, Slide and Lock.

Each battery is secured to its tray outside the hull. The tray is then slid into position and locked, while the fixed IC5 connector holders keep the main power connections easy to reach.

This system helps prevent batteries and wires from moving around during acceleration, rough landings or a flip. It also avoids the awkward process of reaching into a narrow catamaran hull to tighten a traditional hook-and-loop strap.

The boat is designed around two matching 2S batteries connected in series. Pro Boat recommends two 5000mAh 100C packs.

Three useful CNHL choices are:

Always use two packs of the same model, capacity, age, condition and charge level. The batteries also contribute to left-to-right hull balance, so mixing different packs is not recommended.

The factory boat uses IC5 device connectors. CNHL EC5 battery plugs are physically compatible with IC5 for the main power connection, although an EC5 battery does not provide Spektrum Smart battery identification or battery-specific Smart data.

Compare all configured options in the Proboat Blackjack 24 V2 battery collection.

Does the Proboat Blackjack 24 Have Self-Righting?

No. The Blackjack 24 V2 does not have an automatic self-righting system.

If the boat flips onto its canopy, it will normally remain upside down until it is recovered. This is one of the most important points to understand before purchasing the boat.

A recovery plan may include:

• A small recovery boat
• A fishing line with a suitable retrieval device
• A kayak where the water and local rules make this safe
• Running within a controlled distance of the shoreline

Never swim into deep, cold, fast-moving or otherwise unsafe water to recover an RC boat.

The absence of self-righting also affects how the Blackjack 24 compares with boats such as the Recoil 2 or selected Sonicwake models. A self-righting monohull may be easier for casual running and aggressive tricks, while the Blackjack offers the distinct acceleration, sound and high-speed attitude of a catamaran.

Breakaway Rudder and Aluminum Running Hardware

The rear hardware is one of the strongest parts of the V2 upgrade.

The boat includes:

• An adjustable aluminum prop strut
• An aluminum rudder bracket
• A metal steering arm
• A stainless-steel steering rod
• A metal propeller
• A heavy-duty flex shaft
• A breakaway rudder system

If the rudder strikes a solid object, the breakaway mechanism allows it to swing upward rather than transferring the full impact directly into the bracket or hull. It can then be pushed back into position and tightened.

This cannot prevent all collision damage, but it provides a practical level of protection for one of the most exposed parts of a fast RC boat.

Dual Water Cooling and Spektrum Electronics

The motor and ESC use separate cooling circuits. Water enters through pickup openings in the rudder and travels through independent tubes to the motor jacket and ESC.

This is preferable to a single serial cooling loop where already-warmed water passes from one component into the next.

Two visible outlets allow the driver to confirm that both cooling paths are flowing. Before committing to a long high-speed pass, check that water is exiting from both outlets.

The stock system includes:

• Spektrum Firma 3660 2200Kv brushless motor
• Spektrum Firma 90A Smart marine ESC
• Spektrum S603 steering servo
• Spektrum receiver
• SLT2 2-channel transmitter

The ESC is Smart ready, but full telemetry requires a compatible Spektrum Smart receiver and transmitter. The included SLT2 radio provides the essential steering, throttle, trim and throttle-limit functions but does not unlock the complete Smart telemetry system.

Is the Stock Steering Servo Good Enough?

The S603 servo delivers adequately crisp steering for normal stock operation, but it is one area where the specification feels more conservative than the aluminum rear hardware.

The servo uses a relatively standard design rather than a premium metal-geared high-torque unit. That does not mean it must be replaced immediately, but frequent high-speed running or heavier aftermarket hardware may eventually justify a stronger marine-compatible servo.

For a new boat, the better approach is to run the stock servo first, check that the linkage moves freely and confirm that the rudder endpoints are not forcing the servo against a mechanical stop.

Grease and Go System and Flex-Shaft Maintenance

The rear prop strut includes a removable lubrication screw. A compatible grease gun can inject grease through the strut and stuffing tube toward the supporting bushing.

This makes routine lubrication faster, but it should not be confused with completely maintenance-free operation.

Normal post-run care should still include:

1. Disconnecting and removing the batteries.
2. Opening the drain plug.
3. Removing water from the hull.
4. Drying the connectors, trays and receiver area.
5. Checking both cooling circuits.
6. Inspecting the propeller and rudder.
7. Periodically removing the flex shaft.
8. Cleaning, drying and re-greasing the shaft.

Moisture left on the flex shaft can encourage corrosion and increase wear inside the stuffing tube. Greasing only through the rear port does not allow the owner to inspect the full shaft for damage.

Can the Stock Blackjack 24 V2 Run on 6S?

The stock Blackjack 24 V2 is designed for 4S power. Installing two 3S batteries is not a direct factory-supported upgrade.

Modified 6S builds commonly involve:

• A 6S-capable marine ESC
• Two matched 3S batteries
• Different propeller diameter or pitch
• Cooling checks
• Motor-temperature monitoring
• Drivetrain inspection
• Strut and hull tuning
• Shorter high-load passes

Modified examples have achieved speeds far beyond the stock rating, but these are custom power systems rather than evidence that the original 90A ESC should be operated on 6S.

For most owners, the stock 4S system already provides more than enough performance for the hull size and leaves a larger margin for reliability.

Proboat Blackjack 24 vs. Blackjack 42

The Blackjack 24 V2 adopts several ideas associated with the larger Blackjack 42, including the visual identity, internal structural organization, strong brushless power and performance-focused catamaran layout.

The main differences are scale and operating environment.

The Blackjack 24 is not a miniature replacement for every aspect of the 42, but it brings much of the visual and performance character into a more accessible size.

Proboat Blackjack 24 vs. Recoil 2

The Blackjack 24 and Recoil 2 can appeal to the same buyer, but they prioritize different experiences.

The Blackjack 24 emphasizes:

• Catamaran straight-line speed
• Offshore racing appearance
• Driver-controlled corner entry
• A dual-pack 4S layout
• A more technical high-speed feel

A Recoil 2 model generally emphasizes:

• Self-righting convenience
• More casual recovery after a flip
• Monohull handling
• Playful turns, spins and wake interaction

Drivers running alone on large water may prefer a self-righting boat. Drivers who specifically want the sound, attitude and efficiency of a compact racing catamaran may find the Blackjack 24 more rewarding.

Who Should Buy the Pro Boat Blackjack 24 V2?

The Blackjack 24 V2 is a strong choice for:

• Drivers who want a compact 4S performance boat
• Owners who enjoy fast straight-line passes
• Drivers with access to calm or moderately open water
• Blackjack 42 owners who want a smaller companion model
• Intermediate users ready to learn catamaran throttle control
• Beginners who have safe recovery access and use the transmitter’s throttle limit

It may not be the best choice for:

• Drivers who require self-righting
• Very small or crowded ponds
• Locations with constant heavy chop or strong wind
• Owners who want to run full throttle through tight turns
• Anyone without a safe way to retrieve an inverted boat

Pro Boat Blackjack 24 V2 FAQ

How fast is the Proboat Blackjack 24 V2?

Pro Boat rates it for more than 45 MPH. Strong stock setups under favorable conditions can approach approximately 50 MPH, though actual speed varies with the batteries, water, propeller and hull setup.

Is the Blackjack 24 V2 self-righting?

No. It normally requires manual retrieval after flipping onto its canopy.

Is the Blackjack 24 V2 good for beginners?

It can be used by a careful beginner with throttle limiting and safe recovery access, but it is less forgiving than a self-righting recreational boat.

What is the difference between the Blackjack 24 V1 and V2?

The V2 adds a factory 4S system, stronger electronics, redesigned drivetrain, SSL battery trays, fixed IC5 connectors, dual cooling, improved hardware, a breakaway rudder and a reinforced internal layout.

Does the Blackjack 24 V2 use one 4S battery?

No. The intended configuration uses two matching 2S batteries connected in series.

Can EC5 batteries connect to the factory IC5 plugs?

Yes. EC5 and IC5 are physically compatible for the main power connection. An EC5 battery does not provide Spektrum Smart battery data.

Why does the Blackjack 24 bounce on the water?

Porpoising can be related to water conditions, wake, battery balance, hull water, propeller choice or strut setup. Check the simple causes before making hardware adjustments.

Can I run the stock Blackjack 24 V2 on 6S?

The stock boat is designed for 4S. A reliable 6S build requires a custom ESC, propeller, cooling and drivetrain setup rather than only changing batteries.

Does the Grease and Go system replace flex-shaft maintenance?

No. It simplifies bushing lubrication, but the flex shaft should still be removed periodically for cleaning, inspection, drying and re-greasing.

Final Verdict

The Proboat Blackjack 24 V2 successfully brings much of the visual presence and high-speed character of the Blackjack family into a compact, affordable platform.

Its strongest qualities are the punchy 4S performance, reinforced internal structure, dual cooling system, clean SSL installation, aluminum running hardware and impressive straight-line stability when the water and setup are right.

Its limitations are equally clear. It does not self-right, it requires deliberate throttle control through turns, and owners should expect to perform normal marine maintenance rather than treating it like a maintenance-free toy.

For drivers who understand those conditions, the Blackjack 24 V2 is more than a reliveried reissue. It is a substantially redesigned compact racing catamaran that can deliver genuine hobby-grade speed and a rewarding driving experience on lakes and ponds where a larger offshore boat would be excessive.

Explore matched battery options in the Proboat Blackjack 24 V2 battery collection.

For other high-speed catamarans, Deep-V boats, hydroplanes and jet boats, visit the complete CNHL RC boat battery collection.