multihulls, then.

[tcm]

Hm the motorcat thread seems a bit interesting and i am *possibly* getting convinced. And imho well worth the attention of a uk manufacturer. I bet Fairline, Sealine or Princess could have a go. Think sunseeker is a bit busy further up the monohull market. Fairline especially are boaty and adventurous, a bit, plus nice interiors are a must. They *might* be able to make one and just not bang on about the catamarniness (?) at all. Not sure

If i had a power boat in the uk it wd be jolly excellent to be able to dry out and sit on a beach for a bit. Can they do this?

plus of course it wd be decent to be able to sit at anchor without much rolling about. I know they can do this.

They have to be swanky and smart inside, with carpets etc etc. Don't really much need monster monster tenders and the weight might be a prob anyway.

Also, side profile would have to be a bit better than motorcat, which is a bit clunky looking and not rakish enough.

Main'y tho, it must be able to hit 30 knots on paper. Of course, hardly anyone in theright mind would permanently bang around with loads of gear etc actually AT 30 knots, but this seems a sort-of benchmark thing i think.

They should be able to sell it as a sort of luxury sea-going range rover. Sea Ranger, possibly. Of course, there will be room for literally hundreds of scantily clad wimmin on the foredeck, and the adverts should include them, no flippin cold-looking pics please, so best press-launch it in the med.

 

[aswade]

Nearest thing I've seen, 25 knots not bad and most rakish looking power cat of this size around with reasonable interior IMO:

http://www.winteryachts.com/

They've had a hard time finding someone to buy into the benefits, this yacht has been for sale for a while. Don't forget that the beam of cats often makes the berthing difficult and expensive.

Bet you could get a good deal on her, tcm. Wonder how much they'd give part-exchange on a Leopard 23m? Better not tell them about the copper experiments though. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Dave_Snelson]

If i had a power boat in the uk it wd be jolly excellent to be able to dry out and sit on a beach for a bit. Can they do this?

Darn right they can - and more. There's one in Pwllheli sat on just 4 blocks. Think of the pressure on those 4 points!!!! Its the Bardsey Island ferry.

 

[hobiecat]

How about catana legend just launched - major french builder http://www.newcenturymarine.com/en/legend_pics.htm or perhaps the new dean cat in S. Africa in build another big multihull builder http://www.deancatamarans.com/english/powercat.htm .
These are semi displacement 20 knots machines.

For higher speed planing hull how about http://www.leisurecat.com.au/index.html plenty of varieties and sizes to choose from if you look around.

If shaft driven they will need a skeg to beach OK - but should dry out.
PS. I hope I get invited to the press launch.

 

[Gludy]

Glad to see you mentioned drying out - this is something that I value a lot in UK boating - means I can extend may target harbours twenty fold!

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

Prout

What happened to Prout? Didnt they build some power cats as far back as the 1980's? I seem to remember there was one moored in Ocean Village

 

[tcm]

Re: Prout

ah yes indeedy, the one boat company with a worse name than bayliner or gobbi. They are v well thort of amongst saily types and i think had that ken freivokh around to make some sunseekery touches to a larger model. Of course, nobody can possibly buy one cos they will have to say "I think we're going for a Prout!" which sounds fairly sewage-related.

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

Nah, natural Sealine project. If they're mad enough to build a blobby 39footer with a choice of Arneson or Buzzi surface drives, then they're sure to be up for building a power cat. Got to be called SeaCat unless that name is taken of course

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

Re: Prout

Except they might also be considering a Fiart with a SeaDoo dangling off the back

 

[rickp]

not 'sealion' then?

I'll get my coat.

Rick

 

[hobiecat]

Seacat taken. Some company just started in southampton - Motorcat idea. http://www.bwseacat.com/page2.html

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

SeaCat

Pah, they have'nt got any money by the looks of that website (dig that logo) so they ain't going to see you in court

 

[BrendanS]

Re: SeaCat

Snigger. Some people have no idea how to market themselves

 

[ShipsWoofy]

From what I have seen no one, granted one of the links on this site shows one company in the USA, but generally, no company has opened their eyes to the massive market opportunity that exists for cruising catamarans.

There seem to be quite a few building work boats, or open cockpit variants, building on the large stable platform concept.

There is a market, especially if fuel prices go the way they look.

I don't think, but could be wrong, that weight is such an issue with power cats as it is with their sailing counterparts, different shaped hulls, and masses of power. Obviously the less weight the better though.

The power cats are also a lot narrower, so I don't see a great problem parking them either, I think, the length to breadth ratio for power is 1.5:1 rather than (min) 2:1 for sail.

I guess I am just teaching you all to suck eggs though. I do wish they were taken on more by you lot, the wake is far less than that of a deep V or semi D (from my observations).

 

[hobiecat]

Long article in Miami Herald

'Cats' leap to a new prominence

BY MARSHALL BRODIE

Special to The Herald

The 64th Miami International Boat Show and Strictly Sail launches today with one of the world's largest displays of boats and accessories, but there is one segment of the show that is growing like a cool breeze before a squall.........................................................

If you want proof that cats have low wash check this out http://www.ecocats.com/Technical.htm

Afraid its a bit tedious to start and dowload but on this showing river authorities must change to cats

 

[ShipsWoofy]

That was quite amazing.

The first high speed pass by the mono is the reason so many other water users complain about high speed wash.

The white cat they were running just seemed to slice the water, must have been a much more comfortable ride on board it as well as to other river users.

Thank you for posting this.

 

[rickp]

Bit of a mismatch comparing a Nelson to some light and small cats which exagerates the difference in wash. Still interesting though.

Rick