Overview
The Traxxas DCB M41 Widebody is an exceptional 1/10 scale brushless electric catamaran that brings genuine high-performance boating to the RC water enthusiast. Designed in collaboration with DCB (Dave's Custom Boats) founder Dave Hemmingson, this 40-inch racing catamaran is a faithful scale replica of the full-size M41, which accelerates to 175 mph in real life. If you're searching for a ready to run RC boat in the UK that combines stunning scale detail with genuine racing capability, the DCB M41 Widebody delivers both in abundance. This is not a toy — it's a serious piece of RC engineering that will give you years of excitement whether you're racing on smooth water or blasting through lake waves.
The DCB M41 Widebody catamaran comes fully assembled and ready to race straight from the box, featuring the latest Traxxas TQi 2.4GHz radio system, waterproof Velineon 540XL brushless motor, and the advanced VXL-6s Marine speed control. The twin-hull catamaran design ensures stability whether you're carving aggressive turns or cruising peacefully along the shoreline. With a top speed exceeding 50 mph on 6S LiPo batteries, this ready-to-run RC boat offers serious performance for intermediate and experienced RC enthusiasts. The precision-sculpted hull has been accurately reproduced to deliver the speed, stability and confidence for which the full-size M41 is famous, making it equally at home blasting across waves at the lake or exploiting its raw speed on a favorite stretch of smooth water.
What sets the DCB M41 apart in the brushless RC boat market is its combination of authentic design, proven performance, and Traxxas's legendary build quality and customer support. The catamaran hull design has been perfected through decades of full-size racing experience, and Traxxas has captured every detail in this scaled replica. Whether you're a seasoned RC boater looking for your next competitive platform or discovering high-speed electric RC boats for the first time, the DCB M41 Widebody represents exceptional value and capability in the premium RC marine category.
Key Features
- Twin-hull catamaran design — The proven catamaran hull configuration delivers exceptional stability across both waves and smooth water, allowing you to maintain control and confidence at speeds exceeding 50 mph, whether you're racing competitively or exploring new waterways.
- 50+ mph top speed capability — Powered by the Velineon 540XL brushless motor and VXL-6s Marine speed control on 6S LiPo batteries, this ready-to-run RC boat achieves genuine race-winning performance that rivals many purpose-built racing catamarans.
- Water-cooled, waterproof VXL-6s Marine speed control — The integrated water-cooling jacket ensures the speed control remains at optimal operating temperature even during extended high-speed runs, whilst complete waterproof construction protects all electronics from the aquatic environment.
- Velineon 540XL high-output brushless motor with water-cooling jacket — This high-flow water-cooled brushless motor delivers consistent power delivery and incredible acceleration, with the advanced cooling system maintaining peak performance throughout your racing sessions.
- 6S LiPo compatibility with built-in Low-Voltage Detection — The speed control accepts 2S through 6S LiPo battery packs, allowing you to choose your preferred power level, whilst automatic low-voltage detection protects your expensive batteries from over-discharge damage.
- Traxxas High-Current Connectors — The patented high-current connectors ensure reliable power delivery without voltage drop, maintaining consistent performance and protecting against connection failures during intense racing.
- Quick-release Power Module — The integrated power system with waterproof electronics can be quickly removed for charging or replacement, dramatically reducing downtime between racing sessions.
- TQi 2.4GHz radio system with 5-channel receiver — The modern 2.4GHz frequency-hopping technology provides rock-solid signal reliability and interference-free control, whilst the 5-channel receiver supports future expansion and advanced control options.
- Traxxas Stability Management (TSM) — This advanced electronic stability system makes it significantly easier to maintain control at high speeds, reducing oversteer and helping you keep the catamaran on course even when pushing the performance limits.
- Waterproof high-torque steering servo — The robust steering servo delivers precise rudder control with enough torque to handle the forces generated at high speeds, with complete waterproofing ensuring reliable operation in wet conditions.
- Blue-anodised aluminium rudder support, rudder, and drive strut — The premium aluminium components provide exceptional strength-to-weight ratio whilst the blue anodising offers corrosion resistance and professional appearance.
- Stainless steel trim tabs and hardware — All exposed fasteners and trim components are manufactured from stainless steel, ensuring long-term durability and resistance to saltwater corrosion for extended boat life.
- Adjustable battery trays with hook-and-loop straps — The flexible battery mounting system accommodates various battery sizes and shapes, allowing you to optimise weight distribution and balance for different water conditions.
- Sleek design with factory-applied graphics — The stunning factory-applied graphics deliver premium visual appeal and enhanced visibility on the water, making your boat stand out at the lake or pond.
- Ready-To-Race RTR construction — Arriving fully assembled with all electronics installed, applied graphics, and detailed instructions, you can be racing within hours rather than spending days on assembly.
- Traxxas Link app compatibility — With the optional Traxxas Link Wireless Module (sold separately), you can access telemetry data and adjust settings via the Traxxas Link app, taking your performance analysis to the next level.
- Access to Traxxas factory support — Traxxas backs this product with industry-leading customer support that is second to none, ensuring you have expert assistance whenever you need it.
Technical Performance
The Traxxas DCB M41 Widebody catamaran represents the pinnacle of 1/10 scale electric RC boat engineering, combining proven racing hull design with cutting-edge brushless propulsion technology. The 39.5-inch hull length and 10.5-inch beam create the distinctive catamaran profile that delivers exceptional speed and stability across varied water conditions. The vacu-formed ABS hull construction provides the perfect balance between durability and weight, whilst the 14.5-degree deadrise and transom angle optimises hydrodynamic efficiency at racing speeds. At just 5.42 lbs without batteries, the light construction ensures rapid acceleration and nimble handling. The direct-drive propulsion system utilises a 42x59mm two-blade composite propeller driven directly by the Velineon 540XL brushless motor, which generates the incredible power needed to achieve 50+ mph. The VXL-6s Marine speed control accepts input voltages from 2S to 6S LiPo (14.8 to 22.2 volts DC), providing flexibility in battery selection and power output. The 6.0V BEC output supplies 3A of continuous current to the servo and receiver, ensuring responsive steering and reliable radio control. Assembly is straightforward on this ready-to-run model — no extensive building required, just charge the batteries and launch. The Skill Level 4 rating reflects the requirement for experienced RC operators who understand brushless systems, LiPo battery safety, and water-based RC operation. Overall dimensions of 40.6 inches in length and 5.95 inches in height create the authentic full-size appearance, whilst the narrow 266.9mm beam maintains the racing catamaran proportions. This is a serious brushless electric RC boat designed for intermediate and advanced enthusiasts who demand genuine performance and proven engineering.
What's in the Box
- DCB M41 Widebody catamaran hull, fully assembled and painted
- Traxxas Velineon 540XL high-output brushless motor with water-cooling jacket
- Traxxas VXL-6s Marine waterproof speed control with water-cooling
- TQi 2.4GHz radio transmitter (2-channel)
- 6533 2.5GHz TSM 5-channel receiver
- Waterproof high-torque steering servo
- Blue-anodised aluminium rudder support, rudder, and drive strut
- Stainless steel trim tabs and hardware
- 42x59mm two-blade composite propeller
- Quick-release Power Module with integrated waterproof electronics
- Adjustable battery trays with hook-and-loop straps
- Complete detailed instructions
- Factory-applied graphics and decals
What You Need to Complete
- LiPo battery pack (2S to 6S compatible; 6S recommended for maximum performance)
- LiPo battery charger with appropriate charging connectors
- Transmitter batteries (AA alkaline recommended)
- Optional: Traxxas Link Wireless Module (#6511) for telemetry and app connectivity
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the top speed of the Traxxas DCB M41 Widebody catamaran? — The DCB M41 Widebody achieves top speeds exceeding 50 mph when powered by a 6S LiPo battery pack. Actual speed will vary depending on battery capacity, age, water conditions, and weight load, but 50+ mph is achievable with fresh, high-quality batteries on calm water.
- What battery does the DCB M41 need and how long does it last? — The VXL-6s Marine speed control is compatible with 2S, 3S, 4S, 5S, and 6S LiPo batteries, accepting input voltages from 14.8 to 22.2 volts DC. For maximum performance, 6S LiPo batteries are recommended. Runtime depends entirely on battery capacity — larger capacity batteries provide longer run times but add weight. Most users run 4S or 6S LiPo packs ranging from 5000 to 7600 mAh, which typically provide 15-30 minutes of continuous high-speed running.
- Is the DCB M41 Widebody suitable for beginners? — The DCB M41 Widebody carries a Skill Level 4 rating, indicating it is designed for experienced and intermediate RC operators, not beginners. This boat requires understanding of brushless motor systems, LiPo battery safety and proper charging procedures, waterproof electronics maintenance, and advanced boat-handling skills. If you're new to RC boats, you would benefit from starting with a simpler model before progressing to this performance-focused catamaran.
- What makes the catamaran hull design so stable? — The twin-hull catamaran configuration distributes buoyancy across two separate hulls, dramatically increasing stability compared to monohull designs. This design allows the boat to maintain course even across waves, reduces the tendency to flip or capsize, and provides confidence when accelerating to the 50+ mph top speed. The wide 10.5-inch beam between the hulls creates a massive footprint that resists rolling, making it possible to carve aggressive turns without loss of control.
- Is the electronics waterproof? — Yes, the VXL-6s Marine speed control is specifically designed for marine use and features complete waterproof construction with a water-cooling jacket. The integrated quick-release Power Module keeps all electronics sealed and protected from the aquatic environment. The steering servo is also fully waterproof. However, the receiver should be kept as dry as possible, and the battery compartment should be checked regularly for water intrusion.
- What is the difference between this and other RC boats? — The DCB M41 Widebody is distinguished by its authentic scale replica design based on a real full-size racing catamaran, its exceptional build quality with premium materials like blue-anodised aluminium and stainless steel, and its proven performance capability with 50+ mph speed. The twin-hull catamaran design offers superior stability compared to standard monohull speedboats. The inclusion of Traxxas Stability Management (TSM) and the modern TQi 2.4GHz radio system represent current-generation technology. Most importantly, you're buying into Traxxas's legendary customer support and engineering heritage.
- Can I upgrade the battery and power system? — Yes, the VXL-6s Marine speed control accepts any 2S to 6S LiPo battery pack with high-current capability. You can experiment with different battery chemistries and capacities to fine-tune performance and runtime. However, the motor and speed control combination is optimally matched for 6S operation, and upgrading to higher-voltage systems would require replacing these core components.
- How do I maintain the boat between sessions? — After each water session, rinse the entire boat with fresh water to remove algae, salt deposits, and debris. Allow it to dry completely before storing. Check all fasteners periodically for tightness, inspect the propeller for damage, and verify that the battery compartment remains dry. Store in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. Traxxas provides detailed maintenance procedures in the included instruction manual.
Why Buy from RC Model Shop?
RC Model Shop is a trusted UK RC retailer and authorised dealer for all the brands we stock, including Traxxas, ARRMA, Losi, FTX, Hobbywing, Spektrum and more. Based in Walsall, we have a physical store where customers are welcome to come in, view products and purchase in store. Whether you are a seasoned competitor, a weekend basher, or just discovering the world of RC for the first time, our team of experienced RC enthusiasts is here to help you find the perfect setup and provide ongoing support. Order the Traxxas DCB M41 Widebody 1:10 40in Brushless Electric Catamaran Race Boat, Green/Red (+ TQi 2-ch, TSM, VXL-6s Marine, Velineon 540XL) TRX57046-4-GRNR today with confidence, knowing you are buying from an authorised retailer with genuine products, expert knowledge and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Shop online or visit us in Walsall — we look forward to helping you get the most out of your RC experience.