Trying to decide on buying a spartan?

[Jason4636]

Trying to decide on buying a Spartan, PB Miss Geico, AQ Mötley Crew? Is the spartan any good? I've read some on the cooling problems, the esc, an motor problems. But if you keep the boat in stock form, can it handle 4-6s batteries without melting down? Can you guys give me the pros an cons of this boat? Thanks to anyone that post a reply.

[LOVE6S]

I would stay away from the spartain, the BJ 29 is on the way and looks good.

[SirBudman32]

[backbayboy]

I have Traxxas, Aquacraft, Proboats, You need to determine what water conditions you are running. You are comparing 2 different hull types also. I have an upgraded version 1 Spartan with no problems running 3s in series to get the 6S I am skeptical about achieving the 50 MPH with this hull however. If you don't have unusually rough water conditions I might suggest the PB Mystic. bigger ESC it’s easier to remove the shaft than the Miss Geico I also put in the T180 so it runs nice and cool. The MQ you are constantly taping the hatch down also. I think the glass quality on the PB is better than the AQ. IMO.

[dag-nabit]

The Spartan is a fun boat, but it is plagued with problems. The stock electrics are marginally sized and prone to esc failures, especially on 6s setups. The boat is really better suited to a 4s or 5s setup.

The hull has some issues with separating between the deck and hull, and when you have an oops, the plastic hull is often damaged beyond repair, whereas a fiberglass hull could often be patched.

The deep V hull has a tendency to chine walk and get loose on you at high speeds. This can be managed to some degree with proper battery placement, trim tab and strut settings, etc. but I don't know of anyone who lays claim to having a very stable ride at high speed on the Spartan.

The stock drive shaft is a bit undersized if you run aggressively, or try to turn a larger prop (after upgrading electronics). Upgrading to a .187 flex cable or .078 wire drive is commonly recommended if you plan to push the boat to its limits.

There are some good things about the Spartan, or at least things I enjoy about it. I really like the removable component tray concept, it makes it easy to work on the components and driveline. It is fast, and fun to pilot once you get it dialed In and running reliably. Despite all the problems, Traxxas and Castle have been standing behind the warranty which seems to work well if you are within CONUSA.

As mentioned above there are better/more reliable choices available now, or soon to be offered. If you do choose to go with a Spartan be prepared to double down your money on recommended/required upgrades to get it running reliably.

We have a pair of original sv27's that have had minor performance upgrades done over the years. These boats have been bullet proof. Charge batteries, grease the driveline, tighten the odd fastner on the hardware, and just run 'em.

The Spartans seem to spend a fair bit of time on the bench for one reason or another, but when they run, they are a blast.

Kevin

Here is a run down of my Spartan season from last year. Anything that could go wrong, did, some it brought on by my own foolish desire to not leave well enough alone, but a lot of it design related. There are other great posts here by Jpriami, GeoVW78, and others that will help you understand the good and bad about the Spartan.
http://forums.offshoreelectrics.com/...run-my-Spartan