Hi, I'm Nerd – a fan of hobby equipment on the water. This time I tried SR80 Pro, a fast ARTR RC boat that promises extreme speed, durability and ease of use. Here is my rating and review.
Key specifications
Length: 800 mm, width ~200 mm, weight ~1.35 kg without battery
Maximum speed: up to 70 km/h (approx. 46 mph) with 4S LiPo power
Motor in ESC: 1800 KV brushless motor with 60 A water-cooled ESC – water cooling prevents overheating
Material and construction: one-piece ABS plastic shell (unibody), metal components, impact and crack resistant
Self-righting function: the boat itself moves into the correct position if it capsizes
Complete ARTR: includes servo, motor, ESC, transmitter and receiver; battery and charger not included
Low voltage fire alarm: When the battery current drops, the transmitter warns with an audible signal and reduces the speed of the full boat.
Nerd's testing experience
Preparation and initial impression
The boat is almost ready to go — assembly takes less than 5 minutes. The shape is aerodynamic, and the metal components give a feeling of reliable quality.
Speed and responsiveness
With a 4S 5000 mAh LiPo battery I reached a speed of about 68 km/h. The acceleration is clean, the steering is responsive even on a wavy lake.
Stability and rollover
The boat capsized during sharp turns or at critical speeds. The auto-righting function quickly returned it to its normal position, eliminating the need to swim.
Water resistance and robustness
The unibody ABS construction is highly resistant to impacts and scratches. The hood protects the electronics, but caution is recommended when driving on fine sand or hard surfaces.
Low voltage operation
When the battery level drops below a critical level, the transmitter warns and the speed is reduced—important for a safe return to shore.
Advantages
High speed up to 70 km/h for affordable ARTR implementation
Lightweight and compact design (800 mm, 1.35 kg) for easy transport
Automatic leveling function allows automatic return to navigation if it capsizes
All metal components increase reliability and robustness
ARTR Starter Kit: includes all electronic components for immediate sailing readiness
Disadvantages and limitations
Battery and charger not included – additional purchase required
Little room for upgrades – with more powerful engines, electronics need to be adjusted
Not resistant to extreme waves – calm water is recommended for final speeds
Low voltage warning reduced speed – users must pay attention to battery level
Evaluation by criteria
| Category | Rating (★‑★5) | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Price / performance | ★★★★☆ | Very affordable with a good price/performance ratio |
| Speed and acceleration | ★★★★★ | Fast and smooth operation |
| Stability and leveling when overturning | ★★★★☆ | Automatic leveling works flawlessly |
| Construction | ★★★★☆ | Durable ABS, metal hardware |
| Complete | ★★★★☆ | ARTR, you need a battery and a charger |
| Upgradeability | ★★★☆☆ | Upgrades require technical experience |
Overall rating: about 4.1/5
Conclusion: Who is the SR80 Pro suitable for?
I recommend it to those who:
- looking for a fast and reliable RC boat for fun and recreational driving;
- they want an ARTR solution without the complications of racing boats;
- They appreciate the automatic leveling when tipping over and the robust construction for a smooth ride.
It may not be the right choice for:
- demanding drivers who want a flexible and upgradeable platform;
- use in very wavy or marine environments;
- those looking for complete silence or more accurate electronic battery notification.
Purchase this RC boat from Nerd: SR80 Pro
All RC boats at the Nerd shop.
