I was starting to love power cats but then...urghhhh!!

[Nautorius]

For some time I have been strangely drawn to the new evolution of Powercats. I personally think they offer a lot to the 'Family type' cruiser with space, stability and economy as a few of the winning factors.

Then all of a sudden comes along This Aquacat! Now I like innovation but this seems barking. For a start you have to walk through a heads to get into any of the cabins (the Master cabin has two walk through heads??? and it all seems a bit strange. Add that to the fact it is £300k and I wonder why?

Who does it appeal to? Who is the target audience? If it is Yotties (layout, 9kt top speed) then why would they pay double for this over a sailing cat?

I just do not get it and will therefore study it in depth at SIBS!

Anyone know anything more???

Cheers

Paul! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[victoraspey]

For every powercat there is a monohull equivalent. Which mono would this compare to? Low speed, mainly river use. Supposedly high quality build. I can only think of a Dutch steel barge type boat - Linssen perhaps, or is this a disservice?? I went and saw the Aquacat in production. I am also watching with interest. Hull shape is so different to what I have seen. I am also struggling with this one...........however, every new powercat design should be encouraged. Some truly amazing, spacious and economical craft are within grasp if more capital from painfully conservative manufacturers was forthcoming.

 

[Chris_d]

Yes very ugly and seems a bit pointless, I guess it will be less rolly than a typical dutch displacement boat but there can't be much in it on economy or space. Where did you see the 300K, that must be in euros surely?

 

[Nautorius]

Nope,

In last months PBO preview of boatshow it said £300k!!!!!

I could not believe it either

Cheers

Paul /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[victoraspey]

manufacturer said no expense spared. I was speechless when they told me price. Full of enthusiasm though.

 

[Nautorius]

Victor,

I also aplaud new entrants who are willing to grow the Market. I just wonder how much Market research they have done! Astonishing price....should be nearer £200k!

Looking forward to seeing her at the show. Do you know if there will be any Excitecats at the show?

Cheers

paul /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[victoraspey]

Agree with pricing. 200k for 31ft still seems a lot. I think Dickies will take Excitecat there - no Lagoon though. I guess there will be Powercats, Excitecat, Aquacat, Fountaine Pajot, Cheetah. We will take Motorcat 29, RibCat 21 and FatCat range of fast new inflatables (like Zapcats). We will also have a boat on try a boat (29 or 30 TBA). UK has more reason to choose cats with expensive fuel costs etc yet there is sooooo little choice. Some great stuff appearing in Oz, South Africa, US, France We are such conservative manufacturers here in UK in spite of our reputation and moaning about fuel costs. Good luck Aquacat.

 

[Nautorius]

Victor,

I am looking forward to seeing the MC29 in the flesh as well.

Cheers

Paul /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[oceanfroggie]

Larger cats (ie 45ft+) with full island berths and space down below may be a different proposition, but I agree with you this one seems for the birds.

 

[victoraspey]

I sometimes like to substitute peoples catamaran statements with the word monohull and see how funny it sounds. Doing this to yours suggests monos under 45ft have no future because of a bed configuration.

 

[Dyflin]

That's it, you've gone and upset him froggie! Batten down the hatches...

 

[victoraspey]

Froggie usually swallows a good hook when sufficiently baited.

 

[oceanfroggie]

Har har /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif No problem. Not, really, most 30ft monohulls have enough beam for an double island berth. Not possible down below on the smaller cats. But I think it was yourself or perhaps another who posted a link to some fab large mocats last winter, each hull had a wide enough beam for full sized double island berths. Most were around 50+ft, but I seem to remember on 45 footer that also managed it. The key design difference with the smaller cats I've seen was that thay had palatial cabin space on the upper levels, but coffin sized cabins down below due to the narrow hulls. It's a compromise I suppose and depend on your usage. Personally a key tick box for us on any boat is a large bright master cabin with big windows low enough to see out without having to stand up, and a full island double berth. Perhaps an upstairs downstairs design might work with master cabin atop, galley, heads, shower, down below with nav station, and single berth cabins (ie saloon + master cabin on top of hulls). Access to marina berths still a problem though.

 

[Whitelighter]

I think you meant these:

Innovation Power Cats from down under. If I had the money I would order a 52 like a shot. I really can't see any faults with it at all.

 

[victoraspey]

As you say there are ideas that might just work. I have seen some novel approaches on some cats. Its up to the designers to produce the goods and manufacturers to build them. If this bedroom objection can be overcome what about all the advantages, stability, fuel, beaching, shallow draft, low wash etc etc. Beam is often no different to a mono so exactly why are marinas a problem. I spend less on mooring fees because I beach and go to shallow areas often away from the crowds. Bembridge was great last week on the beach adjacent to the pub watching the rest of you tramp miles to join us.

 

[Sundays_Child]

My take on Aussie boats is generally 80's design with a few swoops.

This 52 is different though. Nice. Would love a review.

 

[oceanfroggie]

Yes she's a nice boat, big enough to get a good internal layout. Big motors though for a so called "efficient" cat.

 

[ontheplane]

I agree it's odd looking, although there does seem a lot of space for a 31' boat....

Having said that, at £300k it's up against 45' monohulls - then the space don't look so good!

I've also never ever seen a website with "gallery" pics where there is a photo with a computer image superimposed on it!!!!