Comparing the Traxxas DCB M41 and Spartan Boats
Which High-Performance Traxxas Boat is Right for You?
Traxxas makes two big boats, each 40 inches long, capable of 50+ mph, and priced within $50 of each other. But which is the best? Both are versatile designs that you’ll have a blast with every time you’re at the pond. They are equipped for high output 6s LiPo power and 50+ mph top speeds, so you won’t give up power or performance by choosing one boat over the other. So if the Spartan® has the look you like best—get it! If it’s the M41 you’re dreaming of—fantastic! If you’re still undecided (or of you just want to learn more about high-performance RC boating with Traxxas), this is the place.
Hull Design: Deep-V vs. Catamaran
The big difference between the Spartan and M41 is easy to spot: it’s their hull shapes. The Spartan is a monohull, the shape that comes to mind for most people when they think of a boat. Monohulls are further defined by the shape of the hull’s bottom when viewed bow-on. The Spartan is V-bottom design, specifically a “deep-V.” Deep-V hulls are very good at high speed cruising while slicing through choppy conditions.
The Spartan’s deep-V hull helps it cut through choppy conditions and contributes to its sharp handling.
The M41 uses a type of multi-hull called a catamaran. It’s basically two narrow hulls (called sponsons) placed side by side, joined by an upper hull to form a “tunnel” between the sponsons. With the sponsons providing two points of contact on the water instead of one, a catamaran offers greater high-speed stability than a monohull design...and potentially more speed! The tunnel creates aerodynamic lift that literally lifts the hull out of the water. Less hull in the water means less resistance and higher speeds, but relatively smooth water is required to take full advantage of the effect.
Air passing through the tunnel formed by the M41’s sponsons creates aerodynamic lift, helping the hull skim over the water.
The M41's multi-hull catamaran design stays level in corners for added stability, meaning you can pour on the power and stay planted.
6s-Ready Speed & Power
The M41 and Spartan are identically equipped in the power department with the Velineon® VXL-6s™ Marine speed control and 540XL 1800 kV brushless motor. The motor and speed control are engineered specifically for high-performance marine use and optimized for the Spartan and M41’s size and weight—there’s no better power system for these models. And check out the features:
Velineon VXL-6s Marine Speed Control
The fully-waterproof VXL-6s Marine is designed specifically for RC boating, rated for 6-cell, 22.2 volt LiPo power, and water-cooled to hold temps down for maximum efficiency and reliable 50+ mph performance. Two-stage low voltage detection protects LiPo batteries against over-discharging, and the VXL-6s’ circuitry also monitors temperature to prevent overheating. If a prop tangle stalls the motor, the locked-rotor detection system will cut motor power to prevent damage to the speed control.
The fully-waterproof VXL-6s Marine is designed specifically for RC boating, rated for 6-cell, 22.2 volt LiPo power, and water-cooled to hold temps down for maximum efficiency and reliable 50+ mph performance. Two-stage low voltage detection protects LiPo batteries against over-discharging, and the VXL-6s’ circuitry also monitors temperature to prevent overheating. If a prop tangle stalls the motor, the locked-rotor detection system will cut motor power to prevent damage to the speed control.
The VXL-6s speed control is engineered specifically for marine duty.
Velineon 540XL Brushless Motor
The 540XL motor earns its XL with an extra-long can that houses an equally long rotor constructed with high-temperature sintered Neodymium magnets and heavy-duty 5 mm output shaft. The additional length gives the 540XL a high-torque punch that blasts the Spartan and M41 on-plane fast for incredible thrust across the pond. The motor is enclosed in a unique silicone jacket that holds cooling water directly against the can for much greater cooling efficiency than a traditional coiled-tube jacket can provide. Enhanced cooling means more power, greater run time, and longer motor life.
The 540XL motor earns its XL with an extra-long can that houses an equally long rotor constructed with high-temperature sintered Neodymium magnets and heavy-duty 5 mm output shaft. The additional length gives the 540XL a high-torque punch that blasts the Spartan and M41 on-plane fast for incredible thrust across the pond. The motor is enclosed in a unique silicone jacket that holds cooling water directly against the can for much greater cooling efficiency than a traditional coiled-tube jacket can provide. Enhanced cooling means more power, greater run time, and longer motor life.
The 540XL’s extra-long can and rotor provide incredible prop-turning torque, and the silicone water jacket ensures maximum cooling efficiency.
Tuneability & Versatility
Both Spartan and M41 can be tuned to suit water conditions by altering battery position, trim tab angle, strut angle, and rudder angle.
Battery Position
Moving the packs toward the bow will keep more of the hull in the water to improve stability in rough conditions. Moving the packs aft will allow more of the hull to lift out of the water for higher speeds in smooth conditions.
Moving the packs toward the bow will keep more of the hull in the water to improve stability in rough conditions. Moving the packs aft will allow more of the hull to lift out of the water for higher speeds in smooth conditions.
Trim Tab Angle
The stainless-steel trim tabs also affect hull angle and limit how far the bow can raise out of the water. From the factory, the trim tabs are set for best all-around performance and stability, but you can experiment with their position to improve performance and stability in rougher water conditions. Bending the tabs down a degree or two will cause the bow to run closer to the water, “wetting” more of the hull and increasing stability.
The stainless-steel trim tabs also affect hull angle and limit how far the bow can raise out of the water. From the factory, the trim tabs are set for best all-around performance and stability, but you can experiment with their position to improve performance and stability in rougher water conditions. Bending the tabs down a degree or two will cause the bow to run closer to the water, “wetting” more of the hull and increasing stability.
Rudder Angle
The standard setting for the rudder angle is 0°—straight up and down, parallel with the back of the hull. The rudder can be angled back up to 3°, which increases how much the rudder “lifts” the hull while cornering. Greater lift may raise cornering speed, but it comes at the expense of stability.
The standard setting for the rudder angle is 0°—straight up and down, parallel with the back of the hull. The rudder can be angled back up to 3°, which increases how much the rudder “lifts” the hull while cornering. Greater lift may raise cornering speed, but it comes at the expense of stability.
Strut Angle
Spartan and M41 have surface-piercing props, meaning the prop is not fully submerged when the model is at speed—that’s what gives the boats their impressive “rooster tail” spray. Altering the strut angle will change the depth that the prop is submerged, and the there’s very little wiggle room around the optimum setting. Even a millimeter can have a significant effect, so Traxxas makes sure strut angle is precisely set at the factory. Strut angle is adjustable on both boats so you can reset it if striking an obstacle or other mishap alters the angle. The correct setting for each boat and full instructions are in the Spartan and M41 manuals.
Spartan and M41 have surface-piercing props, meaning the prop is not fully submerged when the model is at speed—that’s what gives the boats their impressive “rooster tail” spray. Altering the strut angle will change the depth that the prop is submerged, and the there’s very little wiggle room around the optimum setting. Even a millimeter can have a significant effect, so Traxxas makes sure strut angle is precisely set at the factory. Strut angle is adjustable on both boats so you can reset it if striking an obstacle or other mishap alters the angle. The correct setting for each boat and full instructions are in the Spartan and M41 manuals.
The critical hardware adjustments are precisely set for peak performance at the factory, and are user-adjustable so you can keep your boat operating its best.
Batteries & High-Speed Performance
Traxxas recommends the same LiPo batteries for Spartan and M41 (click those hyperlinks to see the options), and both boats can achieve 50+ mph in smooth water. Operating side-by-side on the same pond, you might see one boat have a slight edge over the other in flat-out speed depending on the conditions, but something as minor as a change in wind direction could take away that edge. So if you’re choosing by speed, both boats are the right choice.
You can operate your boat with a pair of 2-cell LiPo batteries for 14.4 volts and 35+ mph performance, or strap in dual 3-cell LiPo packs for the full 22.2 volt, 50+ mph experience.
If you don’t already own a Traxxas charger and batteries suitable for Spartan and M41, just get a Completer Pack with a pair of Power Cell iD® LiPo batteries and an EZ-Peak® Dual charger. Choose 2991 for a pair of 2-cell packs, or 2990 for a pair of 3-cell LiPos.
Boat Specs
