quick cat catamaran

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• Going to Key West
• Going to Fort Myers Beach
• Going to Marco Island
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The Big Cat Express

   Length: 155 ft.   |   Beam: 34 ft.   |   Cruising Speed: 33 knots   |   Draft: 4.5 ft.

About the Big Cat Express

The 155 ft. Big Cat Express is a jet-powered catamaran that boasts a shallow 4.5 foot draft, making it friendly to the marine environment and enables us to get in and out of shallow water ports like Marco Island and Ft. Myers Beach. 

The Big Cat Express comes with all the amenities that will make your trip to and from Key West a memorable experience. The vessel has 3 decks, several flat-screen TVs, a galley and bar, that serves delicious snacks and refreshing beverages.

Make sure to book your trip early and enjoy these on board amenities:

• Air-Conditioned Interiors
• Two Exterior Sun Decks
• Interior Table-Top and Reclining Airline-Style Seating or Outside Seating, to enjoy the fantastic views
• Full Service Galley and Bar
• Flat screen TVs with Satellite Television
• State-of-the-Art Electronics and Navigation Equipment
• All Aluminum Body Construction
• Turbo Diesel Engines with Jet Propulsion
• Expert Crews with Years of Experience and Knowledge
• Complete Coast Guard Certification

  Click on any photo at right to see more.

Prepare, Plan & Go!

Places To Go

Shopping, museums, tours, water activities

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Places To Stay

Resorts, B&Bs, Waterfront

Places To Eat

Famous Bars, Fresh Seafood, Waterfront

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 100 Grinnell Street  Key West, FL 33040

  239-463-5733

Fort Myers Beach

 1200 Main Street  Ft. Myers Beach, Florida 33931

Marco Island

 951 Bald Eagle Drive  Marco Island, FL 34145

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QuickCat Catamaram

Discussion in ' Multihulls ' started by Louch , Dec 30, 2007 .

Louch New Member

Hi I just bought this catamaran. I'm told that it is a Quickcat. I have Googled to my hearts content and I'm not findind any information about it. Does anyone know any more about these cats? I'm looking for design plans so that I will be able to restore it. The hulls are sound, but the upper wood structure is a bit worse for wear. Any help you can give me would be appreciated. Cheers, Gus  

Bruce Woods Senior Member

quick cat Louch, sure looks like a quick cat. length 16' beam 6'4" SA 126 ft2 weight 170 lb crew one with hiking plank designer charles and lindsay cunningham Provided a lot of fun as a young fellow sailing one. So much fun in fact I lost all my front teeth in cartwheel. Have fun regards  

Bruce, I understand everthing you mentioned here except "SA 126 ft2". What does this mean. And all your front teeth, must have been a hell of a cartwheel! Gus  

masalai masalai

Sail area 126 square feet for Bruce.???? I was just reading the page when your reply popped up Louch. got most of mine still  

loveskunk77 New Member

quick cat Hello It certainly looks like a quickcat to me. It should have an identification plate with a four digit number on it and it may even be the same as your sail number if it is the original sail. I would definately recomend restoring it. I have been chasing information about them for about fifteen years now, and i still havnt managed to get hold of the plans to build one. as long as the wood on top isnt too rotten you can just clean it up and it should be ok, the main area where they apparently break is where the top stucture joins to the hulls. if you can lift one hull up and the other follows then you probably have a very sound old boat there. keep in contact and ask me if you want any advice about your boat. I still have one holed up in a shed in victoria. i repaired it over my christmas holidays, and it was a lot of work but that is mainly because mine is not painted, it is done in marine varnish. it is a lot harder to keep looking nice. Good luck with it, and i will let you know if i ever find a set of plans. you probably dont need them though. Ben  

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I would make inquires through the McCrae Yacht Club. http://www.mccraeyc.com.au/ I would hazard a guess that someone there knows where to get the info or even how to contact Lindsay Cunningham.  

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The 8 Fastest Cruising Catamarans (With Speedchart)

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Cruising catamarans are some of the most comfortable boats to roam the water, making them fantastic for both long-term voyages and short-term vacations. Still, cruising catamarans can be great racing boats, but just how fast can they go?

Some of the fastest cruising catamarans include the Gunboat 68 (35 knots), Outremer 45 (25 knots), ORC50 (25 knots), FastCat 435 (20 knots), TS 42 (35 knots), and Lagoon 440 (20 knots). Yet, there are many more cats that can reach 35 knots safely. 

If you are interested in knowing about the fastest cruising catamarans, I have you covered. I will be discussing some of the most popular, fastest cruising catamarans and the features that make them so excellent for sailors in need of speed. You will learn more about each catamaran’s speed and amenities, and I will let you know a trick or two to maximize your speed under sail. 

How Fast Are Cruising Catamarans?

On average, cruising catamarans can reach top speeds of 15 knots , around 17.3 mph (27.84 kph). However, some exceptional, racing-designed cruising catamarans can reach up to 30+ knots in the right wind conditions. 

When you want to better understand catamaran hull characteristics, I suggest the book Catamarans a Complete Guide (amazon link) by the president of Aeroyacht catamarans and that you check out my article Why catamarans capsize .

Factors That Impact Speed

Weight & size.

When you consider a catamaran’s speed, you will need to keep in mind the boat’s weight and narrowness. A vessel that can travel at 15 knots will still move slower if the boat is heavy or has a wide, extensive hull. When increasing the total weight of the boat, the boat “sits” lower in the water, thus increasing water drag and reducing speed.

Why trimarans are faster than catamarans!

Now that we know how weight impacts sailing characteristics, it follows that; if you are planning on racing your catamaran, you should remove as much luggage or extra gear as possible. Eliminating as much weight as possible will help you travel at your cat’s maximum speed .

Narrow Hulls

The hydrodynamics of the ship will heavily affect your speed. Narrower boats can chop through the water with less effort, making slender ships with pointed hulls far faster than wide vessels. So if you are looking for the fastest one available, you should look for a slender hull.

Slim hulls vs. space is a common tradeoff for catamarans optimized for family sailing .

Wind will also affect your ship’s speed, so do not expect your cruising catamaran to reach the maximum speed without heavy wind. Generally, cruising catamarans have two large sails (at least) to power them through the water, and some are so efficient that they can travel even faster than the wind.

Although a strong wind is needed to energize the sails and move the boat, too much wind will instead make the sails less efficient, and maximum speed is most often attained at lower wind speeds but with flat water.

Light Weight Materials

Faster cruising catamarans are often made from carbon fiber materials and fiberglass to keep the weight down. If you are looking for the quickest catamaran that you can find, you should note the materials that the ship is made out of and try to get one that is primarily made from carbon, glass, and resin materials. 

While you are looking for the perfect catamaran for you, you should keep in mind what you NEED and what is NICE with your ship. Usually, this decision is between size and speed, but some of these excellent vessels have both. 

Lightweight materials are usually costly; for example, a carbon fiber mast will probably cost you +$20 000, depending on the cat’s size.

I have written a buyer’s guide that explains the concept of NEED vs. NICE , which will make choosing the right boat faster and more accurate.

Gunboat 68 (+35Kts)

Gunboat 68 is a cruising catamaran designed to reach the highest speeds possible. Made by Gunboat, the ship uses Grand-Prix racing boats’ designs to develop the speediest cruising catamaran on the market. 

Gunboat 68 is made entirely from carbon composites, which keeps the ship lightweight and fast. Gunboat 68 is the perfect catamaran for anyone who wants to reach the highest speeds possible while maintaining control of the vessel and not bouncing around too much. 

Gunboat 68 has comfortable, spacious living quarters, though it also has a spacious deck with luxurious seating. Indeed, this cat has it all, making it one of the best cruising catamarans for racers and casual sailors. The design maximizes all of the living spaces and uses lightweight materials to add elegance and luxury to a speedy racing catamaran. 

Gunboat 68 is one of the fastest cruising cats out there, with its maximum speed at more than 30 knots . Gunboat 68 can achieve these fast speeds, thanks to its lightweight construction and narrow hull design. 

Still, Gunboat can customize your ship’s plan to accommodate your needs. Whether you are looking for a faster, more lightweight boat with a more extensive sail or a more comfortable cruiser, Gunboat 68 is an excellent option for you. 

Specifications

• Maximum Speed: 35 knots
• Length: 68 ft (20.75 m)
• Beam: 29.9 ft (9.1 m)
• Draft: 3.9 ft (1.2 m) board up and 9.84 ft (3.8 m) board down
• Displacement: 23.7 tonnes

TS 42 (ORC 42)

The TS, or Tres Simple , cruising catamarans, designed by Marsaudon Composites, are some of the fastest cruising catamarans in the world. 

Marsaudon developed the ship’s plans using racing boats’ streamlined designs and combined them with a cruising catamaran’s comfortable living spaces. The TS 42 has an inverted hull which helps it glide on the water swiftly without requiring much fuel, but it also has a spacious below-deck area with plenty of luxuries.

TS cruising catamarans are often considered the fastest cruisers on the market, with their speed comfortably reaching upwards of 35 knots in the right wind conditions. Generally, TS catamarans can sail at 20 knots, even with moderate wind. They are the perfect catamaran for racers and high-speed travelers, and yet they still have the amenities of a pleasant live-in vessel. 

The TS 42 has a large galley and comfortable cabins, making it a cozy home or vacation vessel. With multiple bathrooms, large windows, and open lounge spaces, these catamarans are superbly comfortable to live in. 

The deck and cabin space are divided by a large, openable window, which adds extra light and ventilation to the living areas. It also has plenty of on-deck space, which is rare in such a small vessel with an inverted hull. 

If you think I’m using too many confusing nautical terms, you’ll find all the answers on my Catamaran parts explained page .

• Length: 42.8 ft (13 m)
• Beam: 24.3 ft (7.4 m)
• Draft: 4.9 ft (1.5 m) with boards up and 7.5 ft (2.3 m) with boards down
• Displacement: 5.8 tonnes

Outremer 45

Based in France, Outremer (pronounced uutremeer 😉 ) designed their Outremer 45 to be a long-lasting cruising catamaran that sails smoothly at high speeds. The Outremer 45 can reach about 15 knots, but the most comfortable sailing speed is 10 knots. However, it can travel up to 25 knots in the right wind conditions, making it a quick ship with all of a perfect cruising catamaran’s luxuries. 

It is made for durability from carbon, vinyl ester, and divinycell so that it can last many years without repairs. The Outremer 45 has a narrow hull, and it is designed to be as thin as possible to maximize speed and fuel efficiency. Outremer 45 still has comfortable living quarters with large windows and lounge spaces within the boat. Indeed, it sacrifices no comfort for speed.

In this article, I talk a lot about catamaran characteristics, both interior and exterior, if that’s something you want to better understand, then I recommend an article where I write about trade-offs in design choices .

The Outremer 45 was initially designed to be a boat that would last 50 or more years, and it excels in its durability. It has an open, uniquely expansive side deck and plenty of on-deck conveniences that make sailing a breeze in the ORC50.

With supreme safety features such as tall railings, slip-free grips on deck, and enclosed lounge spaces, it is one of the safest catamarans available (is safety your top concern? I wrote a list of the safest catamarans on the market). 

• Maximum Speed: 25 knots
• Length: 48 ft (14.6 m)
• Beam: 23.3 ft (7.1 m)
• Draft: 3.3 ft (1 m) with boards up and 6.7 ft (2.04 m) with boards down
• Displacement: 8.2 to 11.1 tonnes

Marsaudon Composites ORC50

Marsaudon Composites designed the ORC50, or Ocean Rider Catamaran 50, with both speed and comfort in mind. The ORC50 can be used for cruising, but it is also a great racing boat that has been awarded honors from many races worldwide.

Marsaudon borrowed designs from racing skippers to plan the ORC50, bringing together a cruiser’s comfort with the speed of an award-winning racing boat. 

This cruising catamaran is lightweight, which allows it to gain speed at a fast rate, but still has comfortable living quarters inside the boat. It has a rotating carbon mast, which helps to eliminate turbulence over the mainsail and therefore increasing sail efficiency and speed!

With strong winds, the ORC50 can reach up to 23 knots , making it extremely fast for a cruising catamaran. The ORC50 can easily reach speeds much faster than the wind speed, which is a unique quality of this fast, yet comfortable catamaran.

The ORC50 is an excellent long-term living ship with its many organizational compartments, expansive galley, and well-ventilated sleeping cabin. It also has plenty of couches and seating areas built into the boat, and its intuitive design adds plenty of comfort to the cruising catamaran without weighing down the ship. 

• Length: 50 ft (15.23 m)
• Beam: 27 ft (8.2 m)
• Draft: 5.6 ft (1.7 m) with boards up and 8.9 ft (2.7 m) with boards down
• Displacement: 13 tonnes

FastCat 435

African Cat’s catamarans, including the FastCat 435, are designed for speed and racing. This ship is mainly composed of epoxy, fiberglass, and carbon components, making it very lightweight to ensure that it travels as swiftly as possible. 

The FastCat 435 may be as light as possible, but it is durable enough to last for many years in the most extreme conditions.

The FastCat 435 has comfortable living quarters and well-designed comfort spaces so that you can get the most out of your trips. The FastCat also has a green hybrid design, and it uses primarily electric power, which can help you prolong your sailing and use less fuel. 

I find solar-powered/electric cats pretty exciting, so much so that I wrote an entire article called The Best Solar-Powered Catamarans on the subject.

The FastCat is an excellent option for anyone who wants a smaller cat with a comfortable design and incredible speed. FastCat’s electric power is also a unique, favorable feature for anyone who wants to use less fuel. 

• Maximum Speed: 20 knots
• Length: 42.7 ft (13 m)
• Beam: 24.4 ft (7.4 m)
• Draft: 3.9 ft (1.2 m) with boards up
• Displacement: 2.4 tonnes

The Lagoon 440 cruising catamaran, like the FastCat, has an electric powering version, which cuts down on fossil fuel usage and ensures that your ship will keep moving. The Lagoon 440 is also among the easiest catamarans to maneuver, thanks to its electric drivetrain and automatic engines. 

The speed of the Lagoon 440 usually maxes out at 10 knots with low winds, but with higher winds, it can quickly gain speeds up to 20 knots (some argue even higher, but I’m doubtful). The Lagoon 440 is an excellent cruiser and comfortable catamaran, but it is not an all-out racing cat.

Lagoon is a well-known brand, but there are some caveats, and are Lagoons still making good catamarans?

Below the deck, the living spaces in the Lagoon 440 are magnificent. The ceilings are high, allowing the tallest of passengers to stand in the cabin. The many storage compartments and furnishings have a modern, elegant design. The interior is one large primary cabin with a few private spaces below the deck. 

• Length: 44.6 ft (13.6 m)
• Beam: 25.3 ft (7.7 m)
• Draft: 4.3 ft (1.3 m)
• Displacement: 10.5 tonnes

Fountaine Pajot Astréa 42

Fountaine Pajot designs some of the most luxurious yet speedy cruising catamarans available in the world. They are renowned for their safe, durable designs that make sailing a comfortable, relaxing experience. And on a personal note, i think the name sounds beautiful!

Their cruising catamarans use an inverted hull design that has become a signature mark of Fountaine Pajot vessels. This hull type allows the water to pass beneath the ship quickly, which increases the speed and fuel efficiency of the cat. 

The Astréa 42’s primary benefit is its spacious, comfortable living quarters and large, open deck spaces. The ship’s interior spaces have large windows, large lounging areas, and plenty of storage compartments. 

The cabin’s ventilation is also excellent, which reduces the classic musty smells of sea living. You can also get two different models of this catamaran, either in a one-cabin option or a two-cabin option, making it an excellent vessel for larger or smaller families.

The Astréa is ideal for long-term sea living and family vacations (it is not as fast as some more racing-oriented cats). Although the Astréa is not the speediest cat available, with its speed maxing out at about 10+ knots, even in favorable wind conditions, its luxurious atmosphere and comfortable cabin spaces make up for its relatively slow speed. 

Don’t get me wrong, despite its lower speed compared to the boats on this list, the Astréa 42 can still get you places quicker than many other cruising catamarans (and most monohulls). So, if you want all of the elegance and comfort of a cat and are not too worried about racing, this ship is an excellent option for you.  

• Maximum Speed: 10 knots
• Length: 41.3 ft (12.6 m)
• Beam: 23.6 ft (7.2 m)
• Draft: 4.1 ft (1.3 m)
• Displacement: 12.3 tonnes

Privilege Signature 510

The Privilege Signature 510 is a long-distance cruising catamaran designed for long-term voyages and sailing in extreme weather conditions. It features a durable, weatherproof design that will protect you from rainy and cold weather while sailing. 

The helm and living spaces are completely covered, making it safe to live in, even in cold or stormy weather. It also has an automatic sail adjustment system with the controls at the helm, allowing you to make any adjustments from the helm’s safety and comfort. 

Privilege Signature 510 also has an elegant, well-designed living space with plenty of amenities, including an accelerated cooling system, a spacious bathroom and kitchen, and plenty of windows for natural lighting.

With an elegant floor plan, this cozy ship is perfect for long-term living.

The Privilege Signature is not the fastest catamaran on the market, with a maximum speed of around 13 knots. Still, it is one of the quicker cats considering its elaborate amenities and comfortable size.

• Maximum Speed: 13 knots
• Length: 50 ft (15.24 m)
• Beam: 26 ft (7.98 m)
• Draft: 5 ft (1.57 m)
• Displacement: 25 tonnes

Although cruising catamarans are great boats for slowly cruising along the water, they can also be swift, substantial racing boats that reach speeds of up to 35 knots. These speedy cruising catamarans still come with all of the amenities of leisure boats, but they also reach incredible speeds without rocking or tossing. 

Owner of CatamaranFreedom.com. A minimalist that has lived in a caravan in Sweden, 35ft Monohull in the Bahamas, and right now in his self-built Van. He just started the next adventure, to circumnavigate the world on a Catamaran!

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Note: Most pictures will expand or open another page if you click on them. Use the back button to return to the original page.

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This 17 metre whale watching cat was launched in July 2003 and is now operating at Hervey Bay Queensland.  Custom designed to meet the owners specifications using a combination of many years of owners experience in successful whale watching and innovation by the designer Paul Birgan of Sea Speed. In trials she exceeded her predicted speed by two knots and is proving a very successful vessel.

(Recent photo of Quick Cat 11)

The vessel is powered by twin 430 hp Cummins engines with a top speed of over 26 knots carrying 80 passengers and 5 crew.

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FastCat12™ Catamaran

Inflatable boat, about the fastcat12™ catamaran inflatable boat.

Now LIGHTER, STRONGER, and EVEN MORE PACKABLE - Welcome to the future! Due to the latest technological advancement in double-layer, high-pressure, all-drop-stitch, fusion technology, the current generation FastCat12™ is 19 lbs. lighter than its predecessor. Weighing in at just 94 lbs. versus the previous 113 lbs. It's also incredibly stronger due to the fusion welding process and much easier to fold and pack up. The future is here - order yours today!

The FastCat12™ is a rugged, dependable, rigid, high-pressure, all-drop stitch constructed, rapid self-bailing, two-person, inflatable, FastCat12™ Catamaran Boat that provides incredible deck space and "The Smoothest Ride On The Water!"

About the FastCat™ Series

Don't purchase or consider another boat without checking out the new and incredible Sea Eagle Inflatable FastCat™ Catamaran Boat for the smoothest ride on the water and sale prices!

Tired of being bruised up and bounced around by waves, back jarring rough rides, added fuel cost, and lack of cockpit room? The new Sea Eagle Inflatable FastCat™ Catamaran Boat is the solution to all these problems and more!

This catamaran-style, rigid, high-pressure, all-drop stitch constructed, easy to set up hull is the most innovative boat to hit the market! The catamaran hull design lifts the boat up and on top of the water as if you're riding on pillowy clouds with hydro foiling shock absorbers preventing the slapping of traditional hulls. Friction is reduced, increasing fuel economy, and with four independent high-pressure safety air chambers, you're guaranteed added safety.

The Sea Eagle FastCat™ inflatable catamaran series will entirely change the way you view inflatable boats!

Specifications

Certifications, deflated hull size, when deflated and packed well, this hull will fit in:.

check_circle Backpack

check_circle Car Trunk

check_circle SUV

check_circle Truck/Large SUV

Standard Features

• NMMA & CE Certified
• All rugged, high-pressure, reinforced, drop-stitch construction
• Completely self-bailing
• 4 Independent safety air chambers
• 7 Conveniently located grab handles
• Dual EZ-attachment seating system
• Removable transom for easy storage
• High-strength bow ring
• Non-slip EVA foam covered deck
• Canopy attachment grommets and D-rings
• Dual Universal Scotty Pads for use with optional Scotty accessories
• Bottom and side protective bumper guard rubbing strakes

Top, Front & Side Views

FastCat12™ Catamaran Reviews

I did a ton of research before I pulled the trigger on this boat and it paid off. My first trip was in San Diego in mission bay and the boat was perfect. My self and father-in-law fished the bay for a week with no issues and were blown away how stable the boat was and received a ton of compliments. The 5hp mercury outboard compliments the boat.

I love my Seaeagle 12 Fast Cat. Use it almost everyday in Florida. Customer service is great. Had a valve leak and they sent me a box and had it back in a couple of weeks with shipping time. Just the right size if I need to deflate it and store it. Great ride and just a solid built boat.

Boat is really great. I got all the extras with electric pump, seats, bimini etc. Sets up pretty quick and easy. I went with an electric 83lbs thrust motor and batteries ( 24 volt). I can run for hours! Great to take on vacation with us. We have an RV and like to bring the golf cart and the boat once deflated takes up no room at all.

The unit fits all of our needs. It is very stable with two passengers. Plenty of room to carry a cooler. The sun shade does act like a sail in the wind but you just make the best of it. The electric motor allows one to do some fishing and not have to stay in one spot for any time. Overall, good quality, came in a timely manner and was fairly easy to assemble. It definitely takes two people to move around when inflated.

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Catamaran design.

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Protective full-length underside rubbing strakes and side bumper guards provide added protection against bumps and abrasions where it counts most.

Multiple Grab Handles

Seven conveniently located heavy-duty grab handles for ease of carrying and water re-entry.

Universal Scotty Pads & Attachment Locations

Two rear Universal Scotty Pads and dual side pre-drill bench seats Scotty attachment locations allow for the attachment of a vast array of optional Scotty accessories including but not limited to rod holders, triple rod holder, anchor lock, bait board, camera mount, transducer mount, and more!

*Scotty accessories are additional optional purchases. See https://www.seaeagle.com/Accessories/fishing-gear

EZ-Attach Bench Seats

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4 Separate Independent Safety Air Chambers

4 Separate Independent Safety Air Chambers for added safety: Starboard Side, Bow, Floor, and Portside. Providing an added level of security and peace of mind.

FastCat12™ Catamaran Discount Packages

Deluxe package.

A great package for those who already have their own motors. Featuring two bench seats, one driver's locking swivel seat, one Quick Release Seatmount, a paddle, manual pump, repair kit, and boat bag.

In Stock   Freight Quote to Russia

Swivel Seat Canopy Package

This Swivel Seat Canopy Package provides protection from the elements. Featuring two bench seats, one driver's locking swivel seat, one passenger swivel seat, two Quick Release Seatmounts, paddle, manual pump, repair kit, boat bag, and canopy.

Watersnake Motor Canopy Package

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50w Solar Boat Package

An excellent electric motor package providing quiet speeds of up to 5 mph. Featuring a canopy with a self-charging solar panel, two bench seats, one driver's locking swivel seat, one passenger swivel seat, two Quick Release Seatmounts, two Scotty rod holders, paddle, manual pump, repair kit, boat bag, and the infinitely variable forward and reverse speeds Watersnake Venom 34 lb. thrust dual-purpose (salt/freshwater) electric motor.

110w Solar Boat Package

Honda Motor Package

An excellent package providing speeds of up to 15 mph and over 30 mpg. Featuring two bench seats, one driver's locking swivel seat, one passenger swivel seat, two Quick Release Seatmounts, two Scotty rod holders, manual pump, repair kit, boat bag, and the reliable Honda 5 hp four-stroke outboard motor.

Ultimate Package

Featuring two bench seats, one driver's locking swivel seat, one passenger swivel seat, two Quick Release Seatmounts, two Scotty rod holders, manual pump, repair kit, boat bag, and the powerful Torqeedo 1103CL electric motor.

Torqeedo Solar Package

Featuring two bench seats, one driver's locking swivel seat, one passenger swivel seat, two Quick Release Seatmounts, two Scotty rod holders, manual pump, repair kit, boat bag, a powerful Torqeedo 1103CL electric motor, Solar Panel, & Canopy.

Instructions

Sea Eagle Used Boats

• have never been damaged, punctured or patched
• have been test inflated for 48 hours
• might have very minimal wear (no barnacles or algae)
• are covered by our regular 120 day money back guarantee
• and three year bow-to-stern warranty , just like our new boats.
• might contain prior-generation components

Delivery Estimate

Gray locking swivel seat.

Locking Gray Swivel Seat

Adjustable Composite SUP Paddle

FC12 Boat Carry Bag

Boat Carry Bag for FastCat12™

SUP Pump w/ Pressure Gauge

Quick Release Seatmount

Wide Canopy

Wide Sun & Rain Canopy

Watersnake Venom 34

Watersnake Venom SX 34lb Thrust Electric Motor (Fresh & Saltwater)

Covered by the Watersnake 1 Year Warranty

All Sales are final. This item is not covered by the Sea Eagle 120 Day Trial.

Scotty Rod Holder

50W Solar Panel

50W Semi-Flexible Solar Panel w/ Charge Controller

Covered by the PowerFilm Solar Panel Warranty

Wide Solar 50 Canopy

Wide Sun & Rain Solar 50 Canopy (For use with 50W

Trolling Motor Power Center

Minn Kota Trolling Motor Power Center

Covered by the Minn Kota Manufacturer Warranty

110w Solar Panel

110 Watt Semi-Flexible Solar Panel w/ Charge Controller

Wide Solar 110 Canopy

Wide Sun & Rain Solar 110 Canopy (For use with 110W solar panel)

Honda 5S (Short Shaft)

Covered by the Honda Marine Warranty

Torqeedo 1103CL

Travel 1103CL Long Shaft w/915 Wh Battery

Covered by the Torqeedo Factory Warranty

138w Solar Panel for Torqeedo

138 Watt Semi-Flexible Solar Panel for use with Torqeedo

Covered by the Sol Go

Wide Solar 138 Canopy

Wide Sun/Rain 138 Solar Canopy (For use with 138 solar panel)

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Craft - Catamaran, Ray Goodwin from a design by CH & LN Cunningham

Quick Cat Catamaran

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Attribution

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Have a question? Contact Queenscliffe Maritime Museum

Historical information

Around the 60s and 70s the most popular catamaran sailing on Port Phillip was the Cunningham designed Quickcat.

Significance

Popular marine ply catamarans mostly owner built and used extensively in Port Phillip

Physical description

Quick Cat 16 foot, timber catamaran with trailer, beach buggy and construction blueprint

Inscriptions & markings

Y Wood Ya, RGYC

• quick cat ,
• catamaran ,
• marine ply cats
• McCrae Yacht Club – the First Fifty Years People, Memories and Reminiscences Around the 60s and 70s the most popular catamaran sailing on Port Phillip was the Cunningham designed Quickcat. This was a 16’ply hull and deck with wooden beams. The Elwood Sailing Club was the strongest Quickcat Club at the time. However, McCrae YC had the prototype – owned by Pat and Anne Galbally.

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Newspaper - Beazley Family history at Queenscliffe 18-07-1955, Family history article re Beazley's at Queenscliffe, c1955

Queenscliffe family.

Queenscliffe family's life & times

Beazley Family of Queenscliffe, Newspaper clipping

GA [Geelong Advertiser] July 18, '55.

Document - Typed Experiences of Walter Todd 1883-1918, Recollections of Walter Todd - Queenscliffe, c1935

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Todd Family of Queenscliffe, book extracts & Newspaper clippings

Newspaper - Newspaper clippings about SS EDINA, Cuttings & photos re SS ADINA, c1977

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B&W photos re A. T. (Dick) Lee, lighthouse keeper, Pt Lonsdale & Queenscliffe.

Reverse " See Media scans. "

Photograph - B&W photo c1900 of Navy Mines & Layers depot Swan Island, Swan Is. Mines Depot c1900, c1900

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B&W photo Swan Island Navy Mines & Layers Depot c1900.

Reverse " Naval dock Swan Island 1900 / a safe harbour for fishing boats (with permit) when high seas & strong winds makes when dangerous in usual anchorage / the boats are naval training sailing cutters (with oars)/ there were 2 jetties (one on RH side of the photo) and on the end of one was a cookhouse in bottom LH, a boat moored at the southern jetty (possibly VULCAN a general purpose tug of Navy.) "

Photograph - B&W photo, Mr Gander, Mr Beavis & Mr Golightly, outside QMC c1985, Queenscliffe Maritime Centre & Guests c1985, c1985

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B&W photo of Prof K Gander, D Beavis & D Golightly at QMC c1985

Reverse " David Beavis, Professor Dr Karl Gander (Hamburg Maritime Museum), mayor Don Golightly / Copyright The Geelong Advertiser 191-197 Ryrie St Geelong 3220 NOT TO BE REPRODUCED OR DISPLAYED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION "

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Reverse " crew names & Cliff Thwaites 20 Wharf St. "

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Photograph - Portarlington scallop boat, sunk & re-floated c1982, Scallop boat sunk & re-floated c1982, c1980

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Essay - Essay re Pt Lonsdale Lighthouse, Point Lonsdale Lighthouse essay by Iain Dixon 1979, c1979

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• Our Vessels

17m Whale Watching Cat

Details and specifications of quick cat (this design is available for construction).

This 17m Whale Watching Cat was launched in July 2003 and is now operating in Hervey Bay Queensland. Custom designed to meet the owners specifications, using a combination of the owners many years experience in the Whale Watching industry and innovation by the designer Paul Birgan. In trials she exceeded her predicted speed by two knots and is proving a very successful vessel.

The vessel is powered by twin 430 hp Cummins engines with a top speed of over 26 knots carrying 80 passengers and 5 crew.

During the whale watching season the vessel does two trips per day and in the off season the catamaran operates as a passenger ferry between Harvey Bay and Frazer Island.

Click here to go to the new owners of Quick Cat’s web site and see what they think of their new vessel. Go to the ‘news’ section of their site.

Click here to read about the innovative design allowing wheelchair access on Quick Cat.

Specifications

Quick Cat Gallery

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Aqua Cat 14 Catamaran

The larger version of one of the world's most popular one design catamarans brings you performance, simplicity and weight carrying capabilities not offered in other catamarans this size. Featuring wide, flat bottom hulls with turned up bows and a small keel skeg, the pontoon design is unequaled in weight carrying capacity and planing speed. The small keels have replaced the daggerboards used on the smaller Aqua Cat and allow for easy beaching thru the surf. Designed for ocean sailing or inland lakes this cat has it all. The Aqua Cat 14 is ideal for four large adults or where capabilities to support 1,000 lbs. are needed.

The boomless sail rig supported by the tubular "a" frame provides simplicity and safety not found in traditional wire shroud designs. One sheetline and a simple tiller arrangement result in sailing simplicity, fun and excitement. Weighing in at 230 lbs. and with a 6-1/2 foot beam, it can easily be car topped or trailered to your favorite spot on the beach. Constructed of hand laid fiberglass, anodized aluminum tubing and stainless steel fasteners, maintenance is at a minimum. The rudder system is durable all aluminum construction with gudgeons through bolted to aluminum plates inside the hull and features wide performance designed aluminum blades. Positive foam flotation in each hull, plus the added feature of the mast flotation ball provide a measure of confidence and safety.

Standard features include spring loaded kick up rudders, 105 sq. ft. Dacron two colored sail, a 360 quick release cleat and rudder lift systems. Available with white hulls with red side stripes and four sail combinations, the Aqua Cat offers a performance fun package not to be missed. Experience the Aqua Cat feeling.

RESORT SPECIAL VERSION OF AQUA CAT 14 CATAMARAN

Exceedingly popular as a resort rental craft, the Aqua Cat 14 has proven itself as an excellent investment. Its simplicity allows use by the most inexperienced and offers a stable, safe and fun filled package for the Hotel Guest.

American Sail manufactures a slightly slower version of this popular catamaran for use in resort locations where most sailors are novices. The resort special features a smaller sail (90 square foot), a shorter mast and eliminates the 360 main sheet cleat to require the sailor to hold the rope controlling the sail thus reducing capsize possibilities.

*AquaCats Temporarily Unavailable at this time due to supply chain issues.

Contact Us for Current Special Discounts and Freight Quote

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2023 Boat Buyers Guide: Catamarans

• By Karl Anderson
• December 27, 2022

The popularity of the multihull (aka catamaran or cat) fishing boats has never been greater, as more and more boatbuilders enter this growing segment of the market. The inherent stability of the catamaran design rolls less with the seas, making fishing offshore less tiresome and more comfortable. Available from 20 to 48 feet, catamarans typically offer a large fishing platform with generous storage and fishing amenities. They are available in a wide variety of deck layouts, including center-consoles, dual-consoles, and even pilothouse and express variants.

Big Picture

The large deck area of a catamaran enables many large underdeck storage lockers and insulated fish boxes in the sponsons. This gives anglers ample room for gear and the day’s catch. The catamaran’s stability, fishability, and smooth ride in rough seas make it attractive to anglers as well as day-cruisers. A center-console version adds 360 degrees of angler access to the rail. With the dual-console design, generous seating behind a beam-to-beam windshield makes for a great family fishing-friendly setup.

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Having enough rod holders is essential to be successful for opportunity fishing. Look for vertical rod storage along the console and across the back of the T-top. Many models also have rod holders along the outboard transom wall. Having plenty of gunwale rod holders for drift- and kite-fishing is helpful. 

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Electronics

Typically choosing the largest screen or multiple screens that will fit on the console is best-case scenario for ease of use, ergonomics, and visibility. VHF radios, stereo controller, and equipment switches for lighting, pumps, and accessories should all be integrated with greatest visibility and ease of operator reach. 

A Tale of Two Hulls 

A catamaran rides on pair of hulls, or sponsons, each thinner and sharper than  that of a similarly sized monohull boat. The narrow sponsons of the cat tend to slice easily through water to deliver a smooth ride, even in rough seas. At the same time, with the sponsons positioned out to the sides of the boat, cats tend to roll less, thus providing great stability to enhance crew comfort, security and safety. However, cats tend to corner more flatly than a monohull, and some hulls (but not all) tend to lean outward versus inward during a turn.

Experts Say

Newer designs such as Invincible’s Morelli and Melvin-designed semi-asymmetrical sponsons eliminate some of the negatives of the cat design, such as “sneezing,” where water sprays out the front of the boat when hitting a wave. They’ve also controlled the uncomfortable “outboard lean” ­sensation common in older designs when in a turn. Once transitioned to a ­catamaran, many become true believers and preach the benefits of the design.

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• Australian Catamaran Forum

Older plywood cat

By rosscos , July 28, 2014 in Australian Catamaran Forum

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Somewhat new here I have come across a perfectly preserved plywood cat in a garage.

Apparently the class is a Solo 16 that was designed in the early 70's. 

Anyone know the history or if any are stil sailing?

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Share on other sites, knobblyoldjimbo.

42 view and no takers.  Sounds like your Solo might have been a one off (geddit!!).  

There are certainly good ply cats around, some Taipans are ply and Paper Tigers, Arrows and Arafura's too.  I would though suggest you take very great care if you intend restoring and sailing your 'find'.  It's very easy to overcapitalise, spending money for which there would be no or little return.  I once bought a Maricat for $600 and then spent $850 on a new sail for example.

Pics might help too.

You need to also tell that your $850 main put you up near the front of the Classic fleet, when others were paying $1500.

Googling I found this

2 sailed at my old club back in the late 70's & into the early 80's, so I'm scratching deeply into the long forgotten grey matter.....

From memory they hit the scene around the same time the A'class was getting a foothold and were an alternative to the very popular Mosquito catamaran, usualy the owners were ex Quick-Cat sailors and for some reason they found them an easier boat to sail over the mozzie....

from memory they were similar in performance to the mosquito.....

  [email protected]

for a yardstick rating, they have obviously been archived due to lack of info / sailing data over recent years (2005 was as old as I could find)

  rosscos: Googling I found this

That pic was taken at Lake Bullen & Marie (Camperdown Aquatic Club) somewhere between 1977 and 1980......

My Impara cadet is in that pic as is my Mosquito.... both are on the beach at the far left of the pic.

The impara has the red & white striped sail and white hulls and at the time of the pic it was owned by a young girl sailor that I'd recently sold it to, when I owned it the hulls were clear varnished. She had re-named it and painted it white at the end of the 1976 season 

The Mosquito was also clear varnished when I started on it but it was repainted a dark blue at the end of the 1980 season

    usualy the owners were ex Quick-Cat sailors and for some reason they found them an easier boat to sail over the mozzie.... from memory they were similar in performance to the mosquito.....   :      

Seems that they are fitted with a hiking plank rather than a trapeze so that probably explains the reason behind your comment.

Apparently there were over 100 built in the 70's, I wonder if any more still exist?

We had 3 QuickCats at one stage ..... of the 3 one guy retired and took up cycling..... pftttt , one (in the pic) obviously went to the solo and the 3rd went to a mozzie.

Interestingly the guy in the pic (Peter Wilson) sailed against me in the jnr'ss on an arafura cadet before taking on the solo 16, he left that and went to a cobra as a crew member and I don't know where / what or even if he sailed after that.

Peter's dad only ever sailed a Hartley-Trailer-Sailor and did so for ~15 odd years before he gave it and sailing away.

Back in those days...

7 ~ 10 cats sailed in the snr class every w/end with 3 jnr cats as well, there was also around the same numbers in the mono-hull-thingies.

One fireball sailor (Tony) that was a regular back then STILL has the boat he competed with back then and still sails regularly on a far newer fireball...... oddly enough, he's also my boss

Looks like an Arrow, same sort of construction anyway.

madboutcats

Flat deck like an Arrow, curved traveller track like an A class but behind the beam, doesn't look like it has flat hulls. Hiking plank could be swapped to trap if the mast has spreaders, Looks like big rocker but skinny at transom. Looks in good nick did you look at the bottom of the boat was it flat on the bottom or does it go to a point in the middle

for the right price it would be worth grabbing

The hulls have flat bottoms the same as Arafuras, Arrows, Mini Quests and Quckcats................ mast has four shrouds and no diamonds or intermediates.

With regard to bottom shape and being V'd at the bottom the only plywood cat I have been told had that feature was a Tachos V.

As I understand it early Dolphins had round bottoms, probably following the Quest shape but then for some reason changed to flat.

Would be a hoot in a breeze with a trap, the Arrow planes in big wind would love to have a crack on that one in 25kts but may be the last time it sails, is the transom as narrow as it looks in the photo? Easy to put diamonds on the mast as it should be pretty strong if it handled the hiking plate without diamonds. Lots of high profile fast wooden V bottoms or curved bottoms, like A Class, Taipan 4.9's, 1st Taipan 5.7 still racing competitively, Mosquito, F16 Blades, Tornados etc

Seems very narrow

Less volume aft, allows body weight aft, to lift the bows and reduce pitch poling.

Interesting piece of engineering to raise the traveller and be able to use the tiller under it but you would be limited to a short or collapsing tiller, no throwing it out the back, lovely condition must have been someone's pride and joy

Doing some more digging it seems it was designed by a former SA Quickcat State Champion which would explain the narrow transoms.

The "Solo 16" was designed by Jeff Miller of Adelaide and he was at the top of the Quickcat fleet in SA at the time. The "Solo 16" had 5 square feet more sail than a "Quickcat" and a swiveling plank to hick out on. These two additions made the Solo 16 when sailed by a good sailor a minute or two faster around a triangular course.  The "Quickcat" was a great cat and was around with a large fleet for many years ( I sailed in a fleet of just over 100 at Lake Bolac in a Vic States in the mid 70's) but it had a tendancy to nose dive. Center sheeting travellers were fitted to the "Quickcat" so the main could be sheeted in when it was let out for reaching and this did stop some of the nose diving but the fixed sliding hiking plank didn't allow the skipper to power up the rig by hiking on a reach. Miller developed the Solo 16 with this in mind and the swinging plank allowed the skipper to slide back as the cat was beared off the wind and even reaching. At the same time the" Dolphin" was developed by Lindsay Cuningham in Melbourne and the addition of the trapeze on this cat spelled the early end of the "Solo 16". There were several built and sailed at Kingston ( Lacepede Bay SC ) and they were good for sailors that struggled with getting out on a trap wire but were no match for the Dolphin, Mosquito and Stingrays that were also being sailed here at the time as well. They were a nice boat but really came along at the time catamaran development took off ( A Class, and the other classes already mentioned) so they never got to build a fleet of any great numbers.

The "Solo 16" also had lee boards that were a big improvement on the one swiveling center board in the middle of the "Quickcat". This along with the extra sail area made them hard to beat up wind also.

Again a bit more digging apparently around 110 plan sets were issued and around 80+ built, mainly in South Australia & Western Victoria. There must be still a few around in farmers sheds.

• 2 weeks later...

There were a couple sailing at Safety Beach in the 70's.

They must have been at Lake Boga as well - there is a couple of Solo 16 sails hanging from the Yacht Club ceiling.

After a bit more Google research have found this.

My next catamaran was a Solo 16, which I built in the early 1970s. I can’t for the life of me remember the designer´s name, except that he was from Adelaide, and the boat has disappeared without trace from internet sources. The Solo had Quickcat ancestry, with similar dory hulls but there the resemblance stopped: It had twin dagger boards instead of a central centerboard, and the heavy wooden structure connecting the hulls was replaced by aluminum beams and a trampoline. The mast was supported by twin forestays, so there was no headsail. It had a hiking plank, and was quite fast, especially single-handed. Hiking out on the plank it was easy to fly a hull, but the boat always felt under control and never looked like nose-diving. I had a few capsizes and breakages, but the boat was easy to right, even when fully inverted. The Solo seemed to me to be a much better boat than the Hobie 16, which had appeared in vast numbers by then. I sometimes wonder why the Solo never became more popular. Maybe it was eclipsed by the second generation of catamarans with stitch-and-glue construction and more sophisticated hull shapes.

By Dave Shatwell (on Outrig Media)

• 1 year later...

Dave Shatwell

The cat is certainly a Solo 16, I built one in the 1970s. It was fast and fun to sail, easy to fly a hull and never nose-dived. The designer lived in Adelaide but I have forgotten his name, does anyone remember?

• 6 months later...

The boat pictured is a sailed by myself in 1980. It was class number 166, but I think they started at 100. 166 was a beautiful boat, craftsman made by a fellow Camperdown club member. He made it in his lounge room and had to lift the hulls out through the windows! It had 135sq ft sail, more than the Quickcat or Mosquito, but a touch lower rig than the mozzie and was pretty easy to sail. I recall the rudders raked forward a little and the helm was incredibly light, I could sail upwind with just fingertips on the tiller feathering through the puffs.

I sailed it mainly around the lakes but did take it to Port Phillip a couple of times but I had trouble with the steep chop there on the hiking plank not being able to raise myself a little higher.

A lot of the competitive guys were moving out of the class by then to Dolphins/Mozzies but there were still some very good guys from Bendigo, Safety Beach, Lake Boga. I sailed the Vic champs a few times and the dominant sailor was Bob Foreman and he had won so many states he had lost count, although I won it the second time in strong winds.

The boat was very simple and you could just concentrate on sailing it well. The green boat pictured looks like in great condition and a piece of history in my opinion.

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10 Affordable Cruising Catamarans

• By Phil Berman
• Updated: July 9, 2020

So, you want to get a catamaran , sail off into the sunset, and capture some magic with your lover or family for a few years. You have no ambition to sail around the world or to live aboard forever, but think a one- or two-year sabbatical might be life-changing. You’d like to sail the US East Coast, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, perhaps the Med—or up and down the West Coast and on to Mexico and Central America. You have $300,000 or less to spend and want a catamaran you can sell at the end of the journey without consuming a bottle of Tylenol to blunt the pain. 

The good news is that this is quite achievable. The bad news is that there is a vast wave of baby boomers who are all looking for the same thing—and for right around the same price. This makes finding a good deal on a great used catamaran a lot of work, even working with a broker. But, it’s possible. You just need to keep an open mind.

The other good news, which might seem surprising, is that an older catamaran, besides being more affordable, might sail just as well—or even better—than the same-size new cat that will cost considerably more. Yes, the older model might have less room inside and lack the latest condo-on-the-water styling, but it was designed and built before the current trend to supersize the newer generations of multihulls at the expense of sailing performance.

Here’s my advice to the cat hunter on a budget: Don’t get too hung up on the length of the boat. Instead, focus on the spatial and payload requirements you seek and which can be achieved within your budget. And best not get too focused on must-have features—what I jokingly call “surround-sound beds.” Catamaran designs and interiors have gone through massive changes in the past 10 to 20 years, and most older designs simply cannot compete with the new ones in terms of space and high-end amenities.

None of the cool cats I have in mind are over 47 feet. This is not because there aren’t bargain boats out there that are 47 feet and longer, but because any larger multihull that you can buy for $300,000 or less will most assuredly need a significant refit or is either very old or very odd. Buying a fixer-upper is, to my mind, the most dangerous thing a budget-minded consumer can do. It’s just too easy to underestimate the cost of yacht refits and repairs due to the extremely high prices charged in most boatyards. 

RELATED: 20 Best Cruising and Sailing Destinations

Nearly any cat you buy over 10 years old is fully depreciated. What we were selling a Lagoon 440 for eight or 10 years ago is nearly the same as what they sell for today. The difference between a good deal and a bad deal is tied solely to a yacht’s condition and refit history. As they joke in private-equity circles, “Any idiot can buy; you deserve congratulations only when you sell.”   

So, when your search gets underway, focus on ­condition—it is far more important than the year, brand or features you might crave. And when you find the cat of your dreams, the best way to remove financial-downside risk is to get a great survey and to choose the newest, smallest cat that will work for your agenda, not the oldest and biggest.

And a word of caution: Your problem will be knowing a good deal from a bad one after the survey is over if you are not well-schooled in pricing. Besides steering you toward potential boats to consider, this is where a broker, working on your behalf, can provide knowledgeable advice. It’s been my experience that this is the point when so many yacht sales come apart: a dispute over the value of a given yacht when the survey results come in. All too commonly we see buyers reject yachts they should have accepted and purchase cats they should have rejected. Remember, a used yacht is a used yacht—not a perfect yacht. A catamaran need not be perfect to remain a perfectly good deal. Here, then, are 10 cool cats to ­consider in the ­$300,000-or-less range:

1. Fountaine Pajot Orana 44 (above)

Fountaine Pajot had the misfortune of tooling up this boat just before the global financial crisis, so not that many of them were built between 2007 and 2012. But these were the first of the larger-space charter cats in this size, but not yet so porky that they still could not sail decently. In the three-­cabin owner’s version, they designed the living space very nicely; even in the four-cabin version, the aft starboard bed was very well-done. 

During this period, Fountaine Pajot had problems with the resin it was using, which led to blistering on the hulls and undersides. Affected models therefore had new bottoms done at approved shipyards throughout the world. Make sure the one you are considering had this done or that it doesn’t show evidence of significant blistering. Honestly it is only cosmetic, but it will impact resale if not repaired. Many consumers think blisters are the end of the world; frankly, they are not.

2. Catana 431

Built in France by a long-­standing yard, the Catana 431 was always a very viable vessel because it is big enough to go anywhere, but not too large for a competent owner to handle. And because the 431 has good underwing clearance and daggerboards, it sails smartly to windward. 

That said, there are a few things to watch for. The primary bulkheads on many of these boats were not tabbed on the outer ends, and over time tended to distort. Often this led, or will lead, to a costly replacement of some bulkheads. So be careful to survey these areas properly. 

The 431′s furniture is all foam-cored and handmade, but the banding on the outer edges in some cases slowly starts to peel, which allows moisture to infect the wood veneer. This can create a somewhat unsightly appearance in the cabinets and drawers. It is only a cosmetic issue, but it can make the interior feel a bit worn out. 

During the period when the 431 was being built, Catana used a distributive electrical card system, and the boats had several modules, each a zone, to which electricity was run. If one thing in a zone stops working, the only solution is to jury-rig a wire from that nonworking item back to the main breaker panel. Replacing the modules or getting them repaired can be done, but it is getting harder by the year. For this reason, the best 431 is a boat that someone else had rewired at some point along the way.

3. Lagoon 470

If you need a larger escape pod, the Lagoon 470 is one of our favorites. This model of older Lagoons was built at CNB’s yard in Bordeaux, France, and the build quality was high. The 470 was the first design to have the more-vertical windows that are a Lagoon signature, and ample saloon headroom. The 470s are also old enough that the hulls were not so supersize that it compromised sailing performance. They have decent underwing clearance, so they are not persistent pounders to windward. Many were built with a galley-down layout, some in galley-up style. You will always pay more for an owner version of this or any model. 

The big thing you have to concern yourself with on Lagoons of this vintage is that the hulls and decks are made with a balsa core, so it is not uncommon to find moisture problems, especially around deck fittings or hatches. This can sometimes require rebedding or recoring areas, and this sort of repair, in North America, can be a costly undertaking. Make sure you get good moisture-meter readings near all deck fittings and, of course, on the hulls. Hulls, however, tend less often to have moisture issues because there are few fittings through which water can enter the core. Were that to happen below the waterline, it is a real mess that must be repaired immediately and properly.

4. Privilège 435

Back when the Privilège 435 was built, Privilège catamarans were constructed by Alliaura Marine in France, and they were truly the Mercedes of the multihull world at that time. While not a performance cat by any means, the 435 was a super-solid yacht, built with great care and the finest components. The 435 is large enough to go anywhere but small enough to handle easily. 

The largest negative of this model—and many cats of this vintage—is that the saloon windows slope dramatically, so the interior gets very hot unless the windows are covered most of the time. When they legalize growing pot on catamarans, here’s the perfect greenhouse for it! Seriously, if you should buy a used 435, you really have to get strong sunblocking external UV covers, as well as interior blinds or shades to inhibit heat buildup. 

Some of the 435s were laid out with the galley down in one hull, and these days most people want a galley-up arrangement, where cooking and food preparation are done in the saloon. A three-cabin galley-up owner version will be far more sought after and cost more than a four-cabin galley-down version. 

5. Leopard 46

This was the first of the Morrelli & Melvin collaborations with South African builder Robertson and Caine and the charter companies owned at the time by TUI Marine to create a catamaran that could be sold both into charter under the Moorings brand and also privately as a Leopard, so effort was made to design a boat with good sailing performance. Gino Morrelli did a good job creating a lot of underwing clearance, the 46 has a powerful rig, and yet its interior still offers spacious sleeping areas and nice flow from the cockpit to the saloon. These can be bought as ex-Moorings charter boats for less than $300,000 but are more costly in the sought-after Leopard owner version.

Because these are balsa-­cored boats, you must inspect deck fittings carefully for moisture incursion. Some of the earlier ones also experienced structural problems on the aft bulkhead and over-door-frame areas between saloon and cockpit. Also, during this period, the windows in the main saloon had a tendency to leak and, when they did, required rebedding or replacement. This was a costly job, so check this out carefully during survey.

6. St. Francis 44/Knysna 440

If you wish to spend under $250,000, the older Saint Francis 44 and Knysna 440 are worth a look.

Back in 1990, Duncan Lethbridge started St. Francis Catamarans in South Africa with the St. Francis 43. The boat was meant to be a fast, strong bluewater voyager—and it was. The 43 was made with foam core, keeping the structure light, and it was very strongly built, with a powerful rig. The 43 loved to sail. And so too did the St. Francis 44, an updated version of the original. 

The boat did have a couple of negatives, however, the first being its sloped windows that built up interior heat. And the boat wasn’t a great fit for tall people, having less than 6-foot-2-inch headroom in the hulls. Also, the engines were installed amidships, which made the boat noisy inside under power. It also made the amidships areas of the hulls too narrow to have centrally located heads and showers, which in turn meant the only layout available was a four-­cabin, four-head design. In the forward cabins, the heads and showers had to be far forward; in the aft cabins, the heads and showers were located far aft.

St. Francis sold the tooling for the 44 to Knysna Yachts in 2004, and Knysna raised the headroom in the saloon and moved the engines aft to each stern. The hulls remained fundamentally the same, but the design was improved nicely. 

The largest negative of both the Saint Francis 44 and the Knysna 440 is that they have very low underwing clearance. Things can get pretty noisy when pushing against ­washing-machine seas. 

But you cannot have it all and still pay less than $250,000 in a midsize cat; compromises must be made. And these boats do sail quite smartly compared with many in their size range.

7. Lagoon 440

This was the most popular catamaran ever made, and it started the catamaran flybridge craze, which helped to convert many powerboaters to sailors. 

What I like about the 440 is that it is an infinitely better sailer than some of its peers, and has decent underwing clearance, vertical windows, and nice cabins for sleeping and living. While the aft cockpit is rather small, the saloon is quite large.

Flybridges are a bit of a love-hate thing. There is no question that in a cat of this size, the windward performance suffers a bit due to the boom positioned so high off the water. When piloting, the skipper is separated from those on the bridgedeck. Part of the reason flybridges are so popular in charter is that most of the parties take place up there while sailing and at anchor. In private ownership, however, it is seldom that everyone is hanging out on the flybridge during a long passage. 

As always with Lagoons, these are balsa-cored boats, so a careful survey is in order. Pay attention also to bulkhead ­tabbing to make sure they have not separated from the hulls.

Because so many of the 440s were built to go into charter, there are a lot of four-cabin, four-head models for resale. These will sell for considerably less on the ­brokerage market than a ­coveted three-cabin, ­private-owner model.

8. Leopard 40

When you get into the 40-foot size range, a four-cabin layout can become pretty cramped and claustrophobic below, but the three-cabin owner version of the Leopard 40 is a very nice pocket cruiser. A Morrelli & Melvin design, the 40 has good underwing clearance and nicely shaped hulls. Not a large cat, per se, and less-suited for significant distance sailing than others because its payload is limited, the 40 is still well-suited for a couple and a child or two for near-coastal and ­island-hopping action.

9. Manta 42

If you are searching for a cat in the $200,000 range, the Manta 42s were well-built in Florida, and their electrical systems were very well-done compared with many other multihulls of that era. While many of the features on the boat are quite dated, these Mantas sail very well, and easily, and have been popular with coastal cruisers for two decades. 

The largest negative of the Mantas is that people taller than 6 feet will find the saloon headroom right on the edge, and the berths are not especially large. Also, forward visibility from the saloon windows is not particularly panoramic, so the interiors are a bit darker inside than current-­generation catamarans.

10. Lagoon 410

The Lagoon 410 was quite a popular cat in its prime, and for good reason. It offers lots of visibility thanks to its vertical windows, good headroom for a cat of its size, nice berths, and a workable, though smallish, galley-up design. The 410 has decent underwing clearance, can sail nicely over the waves, and its singlehanded operation is super easy. In the three-cabin owner’s configuration, it’s just a very cool little cat.

As always, a balsa-core boat must be surveyed carefully, especially on deck, for moisture incursion near fittings and hatches. It can be costly to repair rotted core and to rebed deck fittings. But find a dry one, and it should definitely be counted as a contender for a buyer with a limited budget. 

Phil Berman is the president of the Multihull Company and the founder of Balance Catamarans. He has managed the sale of more than 900 catamarans.

• More: catamaran , lagoon , leopard , multihulls , print june july 2020 , Sailboats
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TomCat 9.7. – Practical Sailor New Boat Review: Quality Construction, Unique Engineering and Stability Characterize the Father-and-Son Built TomCat 9.7.

This 32-foot coastal cruising cat, with above-average performance and spacious accommodations, delivers a responsive and rewarding ride..

Being one of the smallest cruising catamarans on the market brands the TomCat 9.7 http://www.tomcatboats.com/ “entry level,” but we find that term misleading and unfair. There’s much more to the joy of a sailing catamaran than speedo numbers. The 9.7 might not out-drag most of its rivals, but it can, we think, deliver more of what sailors are after when they turn off the auxiliary. And, in many respects, it makes shoal-water sailing safer and more relaxing. If you’re looking at a Maine Cat 30 or a Gemini 105Mc from Performance Cruising, the TomCat also deserves a look.

                                                  ****

After a career in engineering physics, Ted Strain retired in 1995. Before long, he and his son, Tom, were building catamarans. They started with a trailerable 20-footer (the TomCat 6.2). Designed around a single, foil-shaped centerboard and hulls with rocker enough to make the boat exceptionally maneuverable, she was a bit different.

In 2002, work began on developing the 9.7, a 32-foot cruiser. Ted Strain, kayaker, canoeist, and long-time owner of a McAlpine-Downie Iroquois, once again did the design. Tom, “with experience sailing everything from dinghies to 50-footers and university training in chemistry and physics,” is the builder/outfitter. Boats are built to order in the company’s 10,000-square-foot facility near Newmarket, Ontario. Owners have a great deal of input “from the type of resin through to layout, décor, and outfitting,” says Ted. They have delivered 12 of the new 9.7s since 2004.

It’s hard to design a cruising catamaran much smaller than 32 feet. People don’t get smaller as boats do.

“I began work on the 9.7 with ergonomics in mind,” says Ted. “It was important to have headroom throughout, but just as critical, I wanted people, be they 5-foot-2 or 6-foot-3, to be able to see out from everywhere.”

Anywhere you stand in either hull, you have a clear view through the side windows. Seated spots in the saloon offer water views, and there are 360-degree and cross-hull views from everywhere. With dual-companionway access, the 9.7’s interior is not only bright and open, but offers the vistas Ted was seeking.

He wanted maximum beam for stability. The TomCat’s beam is 16 feet; any more and trucking expenses start to skyrocket.

“I began with a shorter boat,” says Ted, “but I worried about pitching. By adding length, I was able to increase displacement and buoyancy in the bows and smooth out the ride.”

Owners report that their 9.7s have surfed down big waves and often deliver better than 10 knots through the water. Apparently, Ted struck the right proportions.

The 9.7 has a fineness ratio of 12:1 (length to waterline beam), which makes her quite slippery as cruising cats go. Even the hulls of performance-oriented cruisers like the Maine-Cat and Gunboat are beamier for their length. Strain placed a high priority on light-air sailing. The 9.7’s midsections are semi-circular (for maximum displacement with minimum drag). “I kept the entry relatively full,” Ted says, “to counteract pitching, but the majority of volume forward is above the waterline.” The hulls show slight-to-moderate rocker with centerlines that sweep up slightly as they trend aft to produce U-shaped aftersections. These reduce wetted area and enhance dynamic lift. “They also let us reduce the draft of the rudders,” the designer adds.

High-speed performance is governed by both waterline length and prismatic coefficient (used to quantify the fullness of the underbody). The 9.7 is lengthy (31.5 feet on the water) and comes in at about 0.58, or “smack in the middle” of the ideal prismatic range for hulls like hers.

A pivoting centerboard is the key to the boat’s behavior under sail. Pairs of foils (such as mini-keels, daggerboards, or twin centerboards) create a variable center of lateral resistance. The 9.7 has a thin (7-percent section) NACA-foil-shaped board housed beneath its bridgedeck. By pivoting the boat around this single, central point, its designer allows the boat to behave much more like a monohull. The optimal relationship between the centers of effort (of pressure in the sails and resistance beneath the water) provides her with a crisp, responsive feel on virtually all points of sail.

Perhaps best of all, the board will kick up rather than fracture, tear a hole in the hull, or fix in the mud. Multihulls have long been sold on the basis of their shallow-water capabilities; a kick-up centerboard has proven an effective means of safely exploring thin water. Also, when the board is raised, it still presents a fin that is eight feet long and draws 16 inches beneath the hulls. Says builder Tom Strain, “you can’t go to weather like you could with a full board, but you can sail effectively on all points in 30 inches of water. Her rudders draw 3 feet (down), but you can kick them up to less than 2 feet and retain steering.”

Generally, for cruising cats, the more clearance beneath the bridgedeck, the better. The 9.7’s 2 feet seem just on the edge of adequate. In addition, the centerboard box takes some space between the hulls, and we noted that even in a mild chop, the forward trampoline took a few splashes. None of the owners we spoke with, however, found pounding to be an issue or bemoaned the boat’s motion when powering into head seas. Tom, who has more time in the boat than anyone, says that when conditions are bad, he’s been able to cure the problem with a slight change of course. “The key thing is that all the water that ‘goes under the bridge’ has a place to go because clearance is consistent all the way aft to the transoms; the underdeck isn’t filled with a cockpit well like it is on some other cats,” says Tom.

“I didn’t want to have a compression post in the middle of the saloon table, so that meant that the base of the mast had to be well forward,” says Ted. To keep the center of effort low in the rig, he raked the mast aft two feet. The full-roach main is cut to raise the boom 8.5 degrees above horizontal to provide clearance above the cockpit.

“By having a boat on the wide side with a rig on the small side, we maximize stability,” said Ted. “For a cruising cat, we think that is essential.” Although the TomCat rates better than its closest competitors in terms of performance measures (see “In Context,” page 18), these numbers are still pretty far from the “top of the fleet” when it comes to cruising cats. However, given the ability to add bonus sail area (by means of cruising spinnakers, code zeroes, screechers, etc.), the priority of stability over horsepower seems an intelligent way to promote comfort and sea-keeping.

There is much more to a multihull above the water than below, so windage is an issue. Strain minimized tophamper and integrated the coachroof with the cabin house in an aerodynamic whole. The large yet attractive windows resonate well with her flat sheer, tilted stem, and curved transom.

There is no wasted space in the cockpit. From the end of the bridgedeck forward to the wheel is less than eight feet. The helm station is unique; there are wide companionways to either side of the central module, and the space above and beyond it is open into the saloon. Sociability, airflow, freedom of movement, and an “open feel” all seem well served. A unique two-part closure can be used to button up the interior, but an opening hatch just forward of the helm helps this provide “wind in your face” sailing most of the time. Controls for raising and lowering the centerboard and rudders, plus a manual bilge pump, are at the helmsman’s fingertips.

Clamped to the bow beam, the jib roller tacks the headsail as low as possible. Using an element of the bow pulpit as a “seagull striker” (or spreader) lets the builders support the headstay without using a bridle. Winches are outboard of the house and placed right for handling the aft-led controls. While an autopilot makes singlehanding simple for modern sailors, the sheet winches are a bit far from the helm for short-handed maneuvering under sail.

Sidedecks are perilously skinny. The handrail atop the house is positioned well, but getting from one end of the boat to the other still seems much too challenging. Shrouds led to the quarter do away with the need for a backstay, but they can chafe on the mainsail when the sail is eased. The standard boat comes with a fixed genoa lead. A genoa sheet track should be standard. Based on our test with eight aboard, the stern sections resisted squatting, and the design seems to function well under real-life cruising conditions, when the lazarettes are bound to be laden with gear.

Accommodations

The standard layout succeeds in several ways: It provides three generous, private double berths, all of the necessities are there in spades, and it achieves the open feel that was the Strains’ objective from the outset. Almost half the current owners have taken advantage of the builders’ flexibility, however, to make modifications of their own.

Like most builders, the Strains offer a choice of woods, fabrics, materials, and appliances. Unlike the majority, however, they go considerably further. “We can use carbon to make the boat lighter, but that adds to the cost,” Tom explains. “The boat weighs 4,800 pounds, but we have built boats as much as 800 pounds lighter or an equal amount heavier depending upon what the owner wanted.” One owner, for instance, did away with one of the cabins and made the port hull an owner’s stateroom, leaving space for a generator behind the stateroom. Some say they’re committed to “a 12-volt boat” and the simplicity and minimal weight of bare-bones cruising. Others put a priority on “the comforts of home,” despite the weight they entail. Hull No. 8, for example, was delivered to a Miami owner with custom touches including a faux-teak cabin sole, an upgraded Isotherm refrigerator, Sunbrella fabric, a custom-mounted TV, air conditioning, a 5-kw generator, Imtra lighting, Caframo fans, and a Freedom Atlantis Raritan head. “The builders went out and got everything we wanted. The hardest suppliers to deal with, believe it or not, were our sailmakers,” the customer reported.

Livability and practicality are well-served throughout. Ventilation, either via hull ports or overhead hatches (or both) is admirable. Stowage in the living areas is well-organized via cubbies, bins, and lockers that reflect not only ingenuity but thought and experience. Clear-acrylic closers for galley lockers provide an “eyeball inventory” as well as good security. Eye-level cabinet tops maintain the open feel. The head is far from cavernous, but space is organized and allotted well. Fit and finish are surprisingly good for a cat in this price range.

Given the Strains’ small workforce and close supervision, production quality is gratifyingly good. The boat has no interior liner and the brushed-white gelcoat combines with veneers and solid trim to tone down the “ice-box effect.” It is also easy to clean and self-evident when it comes to looking for deck leaks.

Performance

Powering out the channel from Miamarina into Biscayne Bay, Fla., offered us an opportunity to see what single-engine performance was like—one of the 9.9-horsepower Yamaha outboards wouldn’t start. The boat held well over 6 knots in flat water without straining. Noise and vibration were minimal because the engines are mounted on vertical tracks in their own semi-contained wells. Dedicated davits hoist them out of the water for sailing. It’s a slick and simple formula for auxiliary power, though not without its negatives. Outboards don’t produce hot water. (Many owners have installed propane heaters.) Gasoline is more flammable than diesel, and outboards have shorter lifespans than diesels. Pros include light weight, low price, and easy removal.

We’ve yet to get used to some aspects of catamaran sailing. Being isolated behind a house and/or beneath a hard top can seem claustrophobic. However, the TomCat is better than most at providing intimacy with the elements; hatches in front of and above the helm let air in and the sailor see out. In a building southerly, we set sail, and with minimum effort, settled onto the breeze at roughly half the 8-knot true-wind speed. Acceleration was somewhere between “dinghy-like” and sluggish. The TomCat is light and fine, but her rig is shorter and smaller than average. She developed just enough weather helm to feel alive. Steering response was positive and precise. She was clearly at least as weatherly as the handful of neighboring

test-boats, both monohull and multihull, that surrounded us after the 2007 Miami Boat Show. Sailing through a tack can prove challenging to a multihull in less than 10 knots of breeze, but the TomCat passed that test with ease.

At somewhere around 8,000 pounds (in cruising trim) Tom claims, “she can be expected to average over 10 knots on a reach in 15 knots of breeze.” One owner experienced double-digit surfing, while another (who has a generator and forward and aft air conditioners) says that he’s never bettered 8 knots. Our test sail, design analysis, and owner survey all suggest that the 9.7 is well-designed, slightly de-tuned, and very capable. It’s at its best short-tacking and in shallow water.

The TomCat 9.7 lacks the sail area to make the most of drifting conditions, and propulsion is not a strong suit. (Cruisers motor more than they like to admit.) While its relatively low-aspect ratio sailplan keeps heeling forces low, more modern configurations (with higher aspect ratios, greater roach, fatter heads, etc.) deliver more power per square foot. The 9.7 is a “performance cat” but not one that we would label “high performance.”

Conclusions

Being one of the smallest cruising cats on the market brands the TomCat 9.7 “entry level,” but we find that term misleading and unfair. Thanks to her central centerboard, she’s responsive and rewarding under sail. There’s much more to the joy of sailing than speedo numbers. The 9.7 might not out-drag most of its rivals, but it can, we think, deliver more of what sailors are after when they turn off the auxiliary. And, in many respects, it makes shoal-water sailing safer and more relaxing than do most its rivals.

In our assessment, the TomCat 9.7 makes good use of interior volume. Quality construction adds to its value. Clever engineering (like the rudder and centerboard assemblies) increases its capabilities. Being able to work in important ways with designer and builder to make the boat match your needs is an additional plus. Starting at $154,000, the TomCat is indeed a worthy competitor among the growing number of small, coastal cruising cats in this price range.

CONTACT: TOMCAT YACHTS www.tomcatboats.com

• Critic’s Corner: Tomcat 9.7
• Interior Notes: Tomcat 9.7
• Tomcat 9.7 Construction Details
• Tomcat 9.7 In Context

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Sorry to put this here but people need to be informed. The Tomcats boat company is No longer capable of refurbishing even a tiny Boat. Took my $2000 deposit paid May 2018 and destroyed my Boat after finally starting in September 2019, changed price demanded more money. Refuses to Complete the Job unless I remove My Complaint to the Better Business Bureau made in April 2020 and negative facebook review he has hidden from his page. Will not answer my Calls or Emails. Has started a shell company Called Encore Marine advertised on Kijiji (Canada) to get more victims without using the TomCat Boats company name. Beware!!!! He has a collection of other sport boats in his yard. There is a lot more to the Story. …. 2 YEARS!!! , 3 seasons ruined. I am out countless thousands of dollars I have invested in my boat .

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• This New 131-Foot Aluminum Catamaran Concept Can Take on a Transoceanic Expedition

CMA's sturdy new multihull will be able to navigate choppy waters with ease.

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Catamarans tend to be associated with casual coastal cruising rather than lengthy transoceanic expeditions, but Cristiano Mariani of CMA could help change that.

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The layout can be entirely customized by the owner, as can the decor and furnishings. The lower deck is currently configured with two guest staterooms, three crew cabins, and a VIP, while the main deck features another VIP, the owner’s suite, a spacious lounge, and a functional galley. Two additional crew cabins are located in the bow, while the upper deck sports a lounge, a pantry, the captain’s cabin, and the wheelhouse. The interior could be tweaked to include one epic family area or even three VIPs. Owners can also add a spa to the owner’s suite or the VIPs.

Outside, the cat offers over 3,000 square feet of deck space for alfresco dining, entertaining, and lounging. The partially sheltered sundeck is adorned with sunbeds and a bar, while the upper deck is home to an inviting Jacuzzi. Down below, the stern is equipped with fold-out platforms that can be lowered to connect guests with the ocean. The expandable area doubles as a waterside beach club and a mooring spot for runabouts or Jet Skis.

Mariani says he can further develop the project with an engineer and interior designer, meaning that the chosen shipyard should be able to easily execute the build. He just has to reel in an owner.

Rachel Cormack is a digital editor at Robb Report. She cut her teeth writing for HuffPost, Concrete Playground, and several other online publications in Australia, before moving to New York at the…

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Sea Eagle FastCat 12 Catamaran Inflatable Boat

Disclosure: I am compensated for purchases made through some links on this site. Click for details .

The Sea Eagle FastCat 12 has a catamaran hull design that lifts the boat up and on top of the water to prevent the hull from slapping on the water for a super-smooth ride. This inflatable boat is perfect for fishing, diving, hauling gear, or a fun day on the water.

The durable FastCat is one of the most rugged inflatable boats on the market, made from a double layer of PVC reinforced 1000 Denier fabric and fully constructed with drop-stitch technology for a high-pressure, rigid, dependable, stable, and high-performance boat.

The FastCat12 can be inflated and assembled in a matter of minutes and it’s easy to pack up and stow away in almost any truck bed, SUV, or RV.

Other Sea Eagle inflatable boats that might interest you are the SE9 Motormount Inflatable Boats , PaddleSki Inflatable Catamaran Boats , and Inflatable Sport Runabouts .

Table of Contents

Top, Front, and Side Views – Sea Eagle FastCat 12 Catamaran Inflatable Boat

Overview of the Sea Eagle FastCat 12 Catamaran Inflatable Boat

Specifications for the Sea Eagle FastCat 12 Catamaran Inflatable Boat

(compare all inflatable boats)

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• What Hull Materials Are Used In Sea Eagle Boats?
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Standard Features of the Sea Eagle FastCat 12 Catamaran Inflatable Boat

• NMMA & CE Certified
• Rugged, high-pressure, reinforced, drop-stitch construction
• 15 Minute inflation and setup
• Completely self-bailing
• (4) Independent safety air chambers (bow, floor, port, starboard)
• (8) Conveniently located grab handles (3 port, 3 starboard, 2 bow)
• High-strength bow ring
• Dual EZ-attachment seating system
• Non-slip EVA foam-covered deck
• Removable transom for easy storage
• Canopy attachment grommets and D-rings for use with the optional Wide Sun & Rain Canopy
• (2) Universal Scotty Pads in the stern for optional Scotty accessories
• (2) Bench seats each with four pre-drilled holes on each end to accept optional Scotty Universal Deck Mounts for four more Scotty accessory mounting locations.
• Side bumper guards and full-length, underside rubbing strakes
• Printed owner’s manual with instructions

For a wealth of additional information, check out the Sea Eagle FastCat 12 Owner’s Manual .

Key Features of the Sea Eagle FastCat 12 Catamaran Inflatable Boat

Catamaran design.

The Sea Eagle FastCat has a catamaran-style hull with widely spaced side tubes that create lift to reduce center floor friction on the water.

The catamaran design:

• Reduces drag and improves speed
• Improves fuel efficiency
• Improves balance, stability, and handling
• Provides an incredible cloud-cushioned ride

High-Pressure, Reinforced, Drop-Stitch Construction

The Sea Eagle FastCat is made from a double-layer of PVC-reinforced 1000 Denier fabric that is drop-stitched together by joining the top and bottom of the floor and sides of the gunwales with tens of thousands of high-tensile strength threads.

The drop-stitch construction allows the boat to be inflated up to 15psi. This high pressure improves performance and provides remarkable stability, buoyancy, and a rigid floor stable enough to stand on.

The reinforced double-layer of protection allows the FastCat to bounce off rocks, logs, and other objects leaving the extremely durable boat unscathed.

Safety Air Chambers

With four separate air chambers, the FastCat12 adheres to the highest safety standards. In the unlikely event of a chamber failure, the boat will easily stay afloat to ensure your safety and that of any passenger.

Protective Rubbing Strake & Bumper Guard

This rugged inflatable boat has full-length underside rubbing strakes and side bumper guards for added protection from bumps and abrasions.

Multiple Grab Handles

The Sea Eagle FastCat 12 has eight heavy-duty grab handles conveniently located to make carrying and portage a breeze.

Note: This is an upgrade from the seven handles in previous models. Both the eight and seven-handle models are shown in various pictures.

Universal Scotty Pads & Attachment Locations

The FastCat 12 has two Universal Scotty Pads in the stern for optional Scotty accessories and two EZ-Attach Bench Seats each with four pre-drilled holes on each end to accept optional Scotty Universal Deck Mounts for four more Scotty accessory mounting locations.

Easily add rod holders, triple rod holders, cup holders, an anchor lock, bait boards, a camera mount, a transducer mount, and more!

EZ-Attach Bench Seats

Attaching the EZ-Attach Bench Seats is fast and easy. They can quickly and securely be attached by fastening four easy-to-screw knobs to four designated D-rings.

Removable Transom

The custom removable transom improves the storability and portability of the FastCat12 by making it lighter and allowing a smaller folded profile.

Install the transom and attach an electric motor up to a 6 hp outboard.

Attach Up To A 6 HP Gas Motor

The transom provides the ability to attach an electric motor or gas motor up to 6 hp. You can reach speeds up to 16 mph with the pictured Honda 5S which is part of the Honda Motor Package.

Canopy Attachment System

The Sea Eagle FastCat12 is equipped with a canopy attachment system for attaching the optional Sun & Rain Canopy. Protecting yourself and your passenger from the sun and rain has never been easier.

Non-Slip EVA Foam Covered Deck

While the high-pressure structural strength of the FastCat provides a sturdy floor on which to stand, the non-slip EVA foam deck covering provides secure footing and improved durability.

Industry Leading Stability

The high-pressure structural strength of the FastCat improves balance, stability, handling, performance, buoyancy, and rigidity for standing and carrying gear and supplies.

Transportable

The FastCat12 has an incredibly portable hull that will pack into almost any SUV, trunk bed, or RV for easy transport to and from the water.

Or leave it inflated and strap it to the top of your SUV, RV, truck rack, or inflatable boat trailer .

Easily get the FastCat 12 from your vehicle to water and back with an EZ-Cart or by use of its seven heavy-duty grab handles.

Customizable Solutions

A seemingly endless list of optional accessories can transform the FastCat into the tailor-made boat of your dreams.

Whether you are out to fish or have a fun day on the water, Sea Eagle Boats has designed the FastCat 12 to be easily customizable to meet your every need.

Sea Eagle FastCat 12 Catamaran Inflatable Boat Discount Packages

Sea Eagle FastCat12 – Deluxe Package

The Deluxe Package (Model Number FASTCAT12K_D) is the way to go when you have your own motors. Its features include two bench seats, one locking swivel seat, one Quick Release Seat Mount, one paddle, a manual hand pump, a repair kit, a boat carry bag.

• FastCat12 Catamaran Hull
• Gray Locking Swivel Seat
• Quick Release Seat Mount
• Adjustable Stand Up Paddle (66″-85″)
• SUP Pump w/ Pressure Gauge
• Boat Carry Bag

Sea Eagle FastCat12 – Swivel Seat Canopy Package

The Swivel Seat Canopy Package (Model Number FASTCAT12K_SWC) provides protection from the sun and rain. It features two bench seats, two locking swivel seats, two Quick Release Seat Mounts, one paddle, a manual hand pump, a repair kit, a boat carry bag, and the Wide Sun & Rain Canopy.

• Wide Sun and Rain Canopy
• Gray Swivel Seat
• 2 Quick Release Seat Mounts

Sea Eagle FastCat12 – Watersnake Motor Canopy Package

The Watersnake Motor Canopy Package (Model Number FASTCAT12K_WSMC) includes the Watersnake Venom 34 lb. thrust dual-purpose (salt/freshwater) electric motor for quiet speeds of up to 5 mph and infinitely variable forward and reverse speeds.

This inflatable boat package features two bench seats, two locking swivel seats, two Quick Release Seat Mounts, one paddle, a manual hand pump, a repair kit, a boat carry bag, a Wide Sun and Rain Canopy, two Scotty rod holders, and Watersnake electric motor.

• Watersnake Venom 34
• 2 Scotty Rod Holders

Sea Eagle FastCat12 – 50w Solar Boat Package

The 50w Solar Boat Package (Model Number FASTCAT12K_S50) includes the Watersnake Venom 34 lb. thrust dual-purpose (salt/freshwater) electric motor for quiet speeds of up to 5 mph and infinitely variable forward and reverse speeds.

This inflatable boat package features two bench seats, two locking swivel seats, two Quick Release Seat Mounts, one paddle, a manual hand pump, a repair kit, a boat carry bag, a Wide Sun and Rain Canopy with a self-charging solar panel, two Scotty rod holders, and Watersnake electric motor.

• 50W Solar Panel
• Wide Solar 50 Canopy
• Trolling Motor Power Center

Sea Eagle FastCat12 – 110w Solar Boat Package

The 110w Solar Boat Package (Model Number FASTCAT12K_S110) includes the Watersnake Venom 34 lb. thrust dual-purpose (salt/freshwater) electric motor for quiet speeds of up to 5 mph and infinitely variable forward and reverse speeds.

• 110w Solar Panel
• Wide Solar 110 Canopy

Sea Eagle FastCat12 – Honda Motor Package

Looking to have fun out on the water or get to your fishing spot fast? The Honda Motor Package (Model Number FASTCAT12K_HM) is the way to go! This package comes with the reliable Honda 5 hp four-stroke outboard motor for speeds of up to 15 mph and over 30 mpg.

This inflatable boat package features two bench seats, two locking swivel seats, two Quick Release Seat Mounts, one paddle, a manual hand pump, a repair kit, a boat carry bag, two Scotty rod holders, and the Honda 5S motor.

Sea Eagle FastCat12 – Ultimate Package

The Ultimate Package (Model Number FASTCAT12K_U) is aptly named. It comes with the incredibly powerful Torqeedo Travel 1103CL electric motor. This electric motor is 3 HP equivalent with instantaneous throttle response. That’s a lot of get-up-and-go from an electric motor!

This inflatable boat package features two bench seats, two locking swivel seats, two Quick Release Seat Mounts, one paddle, a manual hand pump, a repair kit, a boat carry bag, two Scotty rod holders, and the impressively powerful Torqeedo Travel 1103CL electric motor.

• Torqeedo Travel 1103CL

Sea Eagle FastCat 12 Catamaran Inflatable Boat Instructions

Instructions and owners manual.

Looking to buy a FastCat? Checking out the Sea Eagle FastCat instructions and owner’s manual will give you valuable information for making your decision.

Instructions and Owner’s Manual for the Sea Eagle FastCat

Sea Eagle FastCat 12 Catamaran Inflatable Boat Instructional Videos

These Sea Eagle videos demonstrate the ease of operating a FastCat12 . The boat’s inflation, setup, operation, breaking down, deflation, storing, and more are covered.

Sea Eagle FastCat 12 Video Instructions

Certifications

The Sea Eagle FastCat12 Catamaran Inflatable Boats have met the manufacturing standards of the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) for design, construction, and safety and have been certified by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) .

Who Are Sea Eagle Boats?

Sea Eagle Boats is a family-owned and run company located in New York. They have had a stellar reputation for making high-quality inflatable boats since 1968 and each of the boats in their lineup is a testimony to their excellence in the inflatable boat industry.

Sea Eagle Boats are lightweight, extremely durable, compact, easy to carry and transport, and above all fun! These inflatable boats pack down into carrying bags and can be stowed as luggage when traveling or stored in a car, SUV, van, truck, RV, or yacht. You can get Sea Eagles to almost any body of water for leisure, recreation, fishing, tending, rescue, and more.

Sea Eagle Boats Guarantee and Warranties

Sea Eagle Boats 4-Month Trial Guarantee: Try a Sea Eagle Risk-Free for 120 days! “If you’re not totally happy with your boat, just return it in good condition for a full refund of your purchase price .”

Sea Eagle Boats 3-Year Limited Warranty: 3-year limited warranty against any manufacturing defects.

Sea Eagle Boats 3-Year Extended Hull Warranty: In addition to the limited 3-year warranty, Sea Eagle offers a 3-Year Extended Hull Warranty to give you 6 years of total warranty against any manufacturing defects.

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Sea Eagle PackFish 7 Frameless Inflatable Fishing Boat Review

The PackFish 7 is Sea Eagle’s smallest fishing boat. At 7′ x 3′ 3″ and 22 pounds, this ultralight, inflatable boat is extremely portable. When deflated, it packs down into a compact 5″ x 20″ x 20″ to easily fit in its own backpack. You can carry the PackFish anywhere even stow it as luggage on a plane.

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The Sandie Cat

Key west's newest luxury catamaran ⛵.

The “Sandie Cat” is a brand new state of the art 65 foot catamaran that can accommodate up to 149 passengers. This sailed catamaran promises a unique venue for your wedding, private charter, or other event. With plenty of room for guests and festivities, this sailboat always delivers a memorable experience!

This triple level catamaran gives its guests plenty of room and options to get comfortable as you sail through the Key West waters.

• Key West’s newest luxury sailing catamaran. Climb aboard the 65ft Sandie Cat for an incredible boating experience. This triple level catamaran gives it’s guests plenty of room and options to get comfortable as you sail through the Key West waters. Equipped with a fully stocked bar, your guests can enjoy craft cocktails and a selection of beer, wine & champagne. The Sandie Cat is uniquely equipped with 2 above deck modern restrooms.

This boat is equipped with a fully stocked bar so your guests can enjoy craft cocktails and a selection of beer, wine & champagne, 2 above deck restrooms, an illuminated dance floor with cocktail tables, state of the art sound system, front deck that is perfect for a wedding ceremony, and a top deck with the best view in town. Click HERE for a 360° view of the boat.

BOAT PACKAGES INCLUDE:

Open well bar, unlimited draft beer, DJ or live music and a great selection of appetizers. Call us and ask about our bar and menu upgrade options.

QUICK DETAILS:

Sailboat 65 foot catamaran

Users Accommodates up to 149 people

Wine Full bar

Food Premium food menu available

Sunset Top sun deck & lots of seating

Star Outline Sound system, illuminated dance floor with cocktail tables, and 2 bathrooms

RESERVE YOUR DATE NOW:

Call us today to reserve the boat for your wedding, charter, or event: (305)-296-2554

The ‘A’ Class Catamaran – Its place at the top table.

At 18ft long with a total allowed rig area of 150ft2, but weighing in at a mere 75kg, the ‘A’ Class is very much a Formula One car in catamaran form and in the last few years, developments have seen this class take off more than ever before, quite literally.

Anyone with an interest in the hi-tech aspects of sailing will probably know something of the ‘A’ Cat.  They are spread worldwide with large fleets in Australia, USA/Canada, throughout Europe and there is even a growing fleet emerging in Argentina.  They have had some 55+ years of open design resulting in them now being amongst the most highly developed small sailing boat classes on the planet.

Some History.

Originating from a desire in the late 1950’s by the IYRU (Later renamed ISAF and now World Sailing), to encourage racing and design development of catamarans. They proposed four classes with simple size criteria based on length, beam and sail area, and crucially, with minimal design rules.   The A-Class logo was chosen by the IYRU when their committee decided in 1956 to classify the catamarans into those 4 categories. A, B, C and D as construction classes. To symbolize the two hulls the letter "A" had a double underlign, same  as the B's,  the C's and the D's. From the beginning the A-Cats had the double underligned letter "A" on the sails and it was used on the letter heads. (Examples were the A-Lion, Australis, Unicorn, Quest A, Catalina, Rhapsody a.s.o.).  The ‘A’ class is by far the largest remnant of the four classes.  The ‘B’ class was a 20ft twin hander with 235ft2 of sail and developed into the Tornado and a few offshoots such as the F18.  The ‘C’ class was another twin, but at 25ft with a 300ft2 rig, has become a super sophisticated monster and the pinnacle of small cat design that races for the Little America’s Cup.  The ‘D’ Class was 32ft and a sail of 500ft2 with three crew, but rapidly dwindled away. 

Various designs for the ‘A’ bubbled away until the IYRU held trials to seek out the best designs in the ‘A’ and ‘B’ classes and to award them international status.  At the Catamaran Club on the Isle of Sheppey in 1967, the Tornado won the ‘B’ class, and in the ‘A’ class category the British Unicorn competed, along with with several other boats, against Graham Johnston’s Australian Australis design.  At that time the spec was simply to be a single-handed cat with sliding seat or trapeze restricted only by length, beam and sail area.  The Australis design won and gained international class status.  However, the Unicorn design still gained popularity in the UK and Europe. It eventually became a strict one-design class with rules on hulls, weight and mast diameter, which accounts for the vastly different sail shapes now seen on the two boat designs.  Today the Unicorn still measures and is still accepted as an ‘A’ Class cat.

So, the free reign given within the ‘A’s development class spec allowed several other designs to arrive, each an attempt to improve on the other.  All modern designs can trace their evolution back to these early boats in one way or another.  Many home built designs turned up, and home building of ‘A’ Cats continues today, particularly in the USA, where home building tends to be more popular.

As building and materials technology improved, the stitch and glue plywood built and the glass fibre built boats, in order to save weight and get down to the absolute minimum, needed to be made with the strength only in certain high load areas – shroud plates, beam mounts, foil cases etc., This resulted in the class getting a bit of a reputation for being fast but rather delicate.  Gradually these materials gave way to the carbon foam and carbon nomex sandwich construction.

Fast Hull Shapes

The Australis hulls were pointed at both ends similar to a canoe, in an attempt to produce a drag-reducing hull.  The designs were often determined by the materials available and nowadays space age construction techniques are possibly one reason that the modern boat is now becoming increasingly popular, as it is producing immensely stiff and strong yet light boats, capable of withstanding hard racing for several years. 

Currently, the modern ‘A’ cat bears a striking resemblance to its rather higher profile cousin, the AC45 .  The distinctive Dreadnought shaped bows of the  ‘wave-piercing’ hull design reduces the pitching moment when in waves.  The hull is essentially upside down when compared to many boat hulls.  The widest part is towards the bottom with the result that the hull won’t sink as far before the buoyancy starts to push it up again so floats higher. They also tend to have the beams bonded in making it a very stiff one-piece unit.  Hull sections and profiles continue to change.  The requirements of a boat designed to foil mean that the underwater hull shapes are starting to be optimized for lighter wind sailing, as the hull should be out of the water when it is going fast in a higher wind. 

On the latest 2016 boats, aerodynamic drag is now recognized as increasingly more important as the airflow over the boat, with the added apparent wind, can sometimes be as high as 30 or 40 knots.  Beams are now aerodynamically streamlined, smoothing the airflow over the drumskin tight trampoline.  Double skin trampolines are also a new design feature.  Previously the underside of the tramp was a mass of ropes, chords and bungees.  Now these are sandwiched between two airtight skins.  On one new design, the Holland Composites DNA, even the tiller bar is now streamlined to match the rear beams curved profile!

There are several elements key to the ‘A’ cats speed and success.  Over the last 15 years much work has been done on the design of foils (rudders and daggerboards).  Initially the foils were all straight as the technology to make them anything else, without risking failure, was simply not available.  However, they could be put in at an angle and canted towards the centerline.  This seemed to give a little lift to the boat, thus making it faster by reducing the drag of the hull when the boat was heeled and flying a hull. They were also made slimmer and longer, and this higher aspect ratio vastly improved the drag effects over a broader chord foil.  Then in 2005, Dutch composites expert and sailor, Pieterjan Dwarshuis, raced in the Worlds with a C shaped foil. This supplied much more lift and helped in getting the windward hull flying when going downwind – doing ‘the Wild Thing’ as it is known in cat circles.  And, as the leeward foil curved under the boat more, it produced much more lift as the angle of attack (Rake) could be adjusted also.  Result – particularly when combined with small winglets on the rudders was that the boats went faster. Within a couple of years these foils became more commonplace and by 2008 German sailor, Bob Baier, had won the European championships using a set. 

However, some feared that complex hydrofoils could possibly be fitted to the boat, rendering it fast but impractical and expensive.  So in 2009 a rule was brought in with the intention of preventing this hydrofoiling from happening.  The now famous ‘A’ class ‘Rule 8’ stating that all foils must be inserted from the top of the hull, and that there must be a minimum distance between the tips of the bottom of the boards of 75cm from the centreline.  That seemed to do the trick and for a few years things went along nicely.  But the foil building technology steadily improved and a consistent way was found of producing extremely strong shaped daggerboards from carbon composites. In 2013 the foils had developed from a C shape into a J shape and as a result of redesigned rudder winglets, positioning them at the bottom of the blade, the boats started leaping about like salmon. So the next logical move for this development class boat was obvious and was to make it fly. The boat has about the same power to weight ratio as a foiling Moth so it was assumed that it should be able to fly, but for one crucial potential problem – Rule 8.  This meant that conventional L shaped boards, similar to the AC boats foils, are not class legal.  But thinking around corners is what designers and sailors like to do and before long, designs for foils emerged that complied with the top insertion, limited span restrictions and provided enough lift to get the boat clear out of the water. A movable rake system allowed the angle of attack of the boards to be varied combined with fore and aft movements of the crew weight.  The real turning point came in 2014 before the Worlds in New Zealand. 

Many of the America’s Cup crews are also ‘A’ cat sailors.  In fact the most successful ‘A’ Class World Champion is the ETNZ skipper Glenn Ashby.  

The ETNZ America’s Cup team took delivery of half a dozen ‘A’ cats and set about with gusto seeing how far they could be pushed.  Improved, redesigned and strengthened boards and rudders started flying around the world on express carriers as they broke and re-broke the foils in an attempt to push the boat to it’s limits.  It worked and the boats started to fly, albeit in the hands of these sailing superstars, but techniques were discovered for getting the boats foiling for longer each time.   As a result of this, Glenn Ashby won yet another world title.  This paved the way for the current developments. 

Optimized designs, where daggerboard positions and beams are moved slightly, and newer, more stable foil sections that have lower drag are now arriving, with a Z and J/Z shaped board proving more stable when combined with T or L shaped rudder tips.  However, the holy grail of upwind foiling is still being worked on.  And this is all still done within the restrictions of Rule 8.  The top insert only rule has prevented earlier, more stable, and probably easier foiling to happen if an L shaped main foil were to be fitted.  However, the very fact that it is less stable probably results in a faster boat and the need to raise windward foil, as would be the case of the higher drag L foil, is unnecessary and something a single-handed sailor’s workload can do without.

Fast Rigs .

The ‘A’ class rules allow you to do anything as long as the total area, including the mast, does not exceed 150ft2.  This area has traditionally seen the greatest developments in the past.  Shape is entirely up to the sail maker based on mast shape and flexibility.  The original masts were flexible tapered affairs as still seen on the Unicorn today.  But in the early 1980s the ‘A’ class moved more towards an untapered wing type mast which was able to be rotated, somewhat like the leading edge slat on an aircraft wing, and thus create the sail shape more efficiently and to adjust it to cope with the windspeed changes created by the apparent wind.   Techniques developed and composite masts began to appear in Europe about 25 years ago.  The sails design paralleled the mast designs. 

Initially they were fully battened but conventionally tapered towards the head.   Then, in the mid 1980s the ‘Fat Head’ sail appeared on the ‘A’ cat for the first time.  This lower drag high-aspect ratio rig, much like a glider wing, allowed and helped the boat to fly a hull much earlier downwind with the resultant reduction in drag.  Upwind, powerful 12:1 downhaul and 9:1 mainsheet systems could flatten the sail and when the carbon mast arrived, this was even more efficiently achieved.  As the sail area is the determining factor, not the shape, variations were tried at various times.  Really ‘Fathead’ sails, with the heads at over 1000mm were the thing for a while.  These required the leech to be cut away in a concave manner to conform the area rule, but now the more popular ‘800’ head offers a good compromise of power and heeling moment. Rigid wing type rigs were also seen occasionally.  Back in 1978, at the European championships, a wing sail proved unbeatable in light winds.  More recently designers, such as the US mast maker and ‘A’ cat ace Ben Hall, have experimented with a wing sails.  But, their practical handling off the water still proving troublesome.

The most current sail development is the ‘Decksweeper’ sail.  This is a sail that uses the trampoline as the end plate, making it more efficient, similar to winglets seen on airliners.  The sail has its centre of effort lower down, and thus reduces the heeling force created by the fatter head sail and is ideal for a foiling design.  The byproduct of this is that going upwind, where any heeling force, above just flying a hull, is not wanted with either foil design, is that it feels like you have another gear.  Now much more of the power is pushing you forward.  And this is usually sufficient to compensate for the higher drag created by the more complex shaped foils with their higher surface area.  So, faster uphill, faster downhill, what’s not to like?  However, the downside is that when it’s not foiling conditions, the decksweeper is less powerful and thus the C board, or ‘Classic’ boat is still king.

The decksweeper was first tried on the ‘A’ cat in 1987 in Australia but proved to be unbeneficial compared with more conventional designs.  It was tried again a few years ago, by former World Champion Mischa Heemskerk, who was interested in exploring it again on a more modern boat design.  The trials were inconclusive and the project was shelved for a while.  Then 2015, in the search for more power but with less sideways pressure, as required by a foiling boat’s need to be sailed flatter, he reappeared with one at the 2015 Dutch Nationals and wiped the floor with everyone, including Glenn Ashby, who was there getting ready for the Worlds a few weeks later.  But you can’t keep that friendly little Aussie down for long.  When he arrived at the Worlds, he’d simply chopped one of his older sails down along the leech, and sewn an extra bit onto the bottom to reach the tramp.  This was enough to get him back on track speedwise, and in a variety of conditions, he managed to beat Heemskerk by an increasing margin each race to retail his World title.

Much design work was done over the winter of 2015/16 and two of the major manufacturers both produced more optimized designs.  The Polish Exploder came out with their Ad3, with a design input from the Spanish based D3 Applied Technologies design team.  The other was the Holland Composites DNA F1 design.  A radical looking boat with advanced aerodynamic features and a fully carbon fabric stiff trampoline.  Both designs have proved to be game changers and with little to choose from as regards performance.  Misch Heemskerk won the 2016 Worlds on the F1 with Darren Bundock 2nd on the Ad3.   Both designs foil earlier and are more stable when doing so making them easier to control.  It would appear that the design curve is starting to flatten out again now as regards hull and foil design with these two boats setting the standard of performance. 

The ‘A’ Class Future

The two foil types are causing a little debate within the class though.  Although all the boats measure as ‘A’ Class cats equally, the foiling/floating thing appears to irk some in a few national class associations.  Some want separate races for foilers, claiming that is not fair now to race both on the same course.  A movement to start a ‘Classic’ class of non-foiling boats has been suggested.  But, most associations simply prefer to split out the results and run a parallel results system.  And, at those lighter wind events, or in areas like Southern Germany, you don’t hear many complaints. 

New foiling boats arrive and older second hand straight or C board boats find ready new homes with some being converted to a foiling configuration with new foil cases and rudders, whilst others are sold to the encouraging number of new sailors entering the class.  This is often the best place to start, as it’s not actually a hard boat to sail initially. (The class has a minimum of 5kts and max. limit of 22 kts of wind for racing)  Beautifully fast and responsive yet without many of the unpleasant characteristics that some other cats will catch you out on, e.g. the long bows tend to reduce pitchpoling. The added benefit of being 75kg makes it really easy boat to handle ashore; a true single hander, the only thing where you might need someone else’s help for 2 minutes is with stepping the mast.

The next jump looks like it will be in rig design.  It’s open design rules means that it will continue to see innovation and development within its rules as yet more ways are found to make them go even faster. Their ability to be altered, modified and improved will also continue to see the ‘A’ cat being used as a test vehicle for design ideas on larger boats.  Who knows what is around the corner designwise, but the ‘A’ cat should be able to meet the challenge.

Happy Cat Spring Sail Sale Going on Now! SAVE UP TO 20% OFF HAPPY CAT SAILBOATS LEARN MORE

HAPPY CAT INFLATABLE CATAMARANS

Happy cat inflatable catamarans are lightweight, fast, versatile and extremely portable. there are other portable sailboats on the market, but none perform as well as the happy cat line of sailboats. they are faster, boat-for-boat, than any other portable sailboat on the market and the hurricane carbon has seen speeds greater than 20 knots.

Happy Cat inflatable catamarans are dynamic on the water, and can handle anything from high speed races, to all-day family fun. The ultimate open water journey. Happy Cat boats are constructed from the highest quality materials like eco-friendly rubber hulls instead of plastic, and anodized aluminum frames and mast. The innovative materials and attention to detail will ensure your Happy Cat is built to outlast many adventures for many years to come.

Innovative features that make Happy Cat one of the finest inflatable boat companies in the world.

Designed with performance in mind, the Happy Cat’s inverted bows pierce through waves with little resistance while also allowing for maximum waterline length. The rotating mast allows you to amp up the power like any good high-performance beach cat. The innovative performance sailing designs ensure that when you’re at the helm of a Happy Cat, you’re in for a one-of-a-kind sailing experience.

Fully Battened Square-Top Mainsail: Plenty of power for these lightweight catamaran boats.

Tilt-Up Mast: Happy Cat Sailboats have a tilt up mast for easier stepping of the mast. No need to pick up a heavy mast in order to get it vertical.

Inverted Bows: Tapered and inverted bows keep buoyancy low to prevent pitchpoling as well as maximize waterline length for maximum potential speed in both light and heavy winds.

Traveler Equipped: A traveler provides improved sail shape control. Travellers open and close the top of the mainsail for improved upwind and downwind performance.

Bolt Rope Trampoline: The trampoline has boltrope installed on three sides for quick and easy installation and tensioning quick-release clips along the front edge; no lacing required!

Kick-Up Centerboard: Anodized aluminum centerboard provides superior upwind performance. Also equipped with automatic kick-up feature for peace of mind when sailing in shallow waters.

The entire catamaran can be packed in only 3 bags for transport and storage. Two long bags (70 in x 11.8 in x 11.8 in) and a packing bag (31.4 in x 15.75 in x 9.8 in). The small portable footprint is perfect for many cars, SUVs, hatch backs and RVs, and can be stored in a closet, garage or shed.

Find the right Happy Cat inflatable catamaran for your next adventure.

The Happy Cat inflatable sailboats are well suited for multiple uses, such as family day sailing, solo sailing and racing. Each one of these boats can do it all, but some are better suited for different activities. Learn more below to find out which boat suits your needs best.

For those who like to sail solo.

Simple controls and forgiving stability

Race in open or handicapped classes

Solo Sailing Adventures

Sailing solo on a beach cat can be tricky, as you typically need enough weight to counter the winds. The Neo is the perfect portable replacement for a high performance sailing dinghy with similar handling characteristics. This is our go-to recommendation for any sailor looking for high octane solo sailing without being overpowered.

HAPPY CAT BOATS IN THIS CATEGORY

Neo shop this model, family-fun catamarans.

These Happy Cats are well suited for family fun on the water and are perfect for teaching young sailors. Equip an outboard and a sun awning for an afternoon on the water as a skiff or hoist the sails and get the kids inspired by a sport that they can enjoy for their whole lives.

Evolution SHOP THIS MODEL

Hurricane shop this model, high-speed racing cats.

Get the adrenaline rush you crave. The Happy Cat sailboats are the fastest portable boats on the market. This tends to get people excited about racing, and rightly so, these cats are well suited for racing! You can race these boats up against Hobies, Prindles, Nacras, Wetas and many other small crafts without feeling outclassed. Happy Cat fleets are coming to your local waterway!

Hurricane Carbon SHOP THIS MODEL

Happy Cat Boat Specification Comparison

SAILING INNOVATION SINCE THE 1960s

Since the 1960s.

With the purchase of the Semperit inflatable boat production in 1986, the Grabner company also took over the production of the first demountable catamaran – the Semperit Kat. This catamaran has been in production since the 1960s.

In 1986, Grabner purchased Semperit, which included taking over the production of the first demountable catamaran, the Semperit Kat, a boat that was eventually renamed to the one we know and love today, the Happy Cat.

The Happy Cat Story

In production since the 1960s, Happy Cat’s innovations are backed by decades of research and insights from recreational and professional sailors alike. The first catamarans were made of wood, but today’s models include parts made of aluminum and rubber, providing a lightweight and optimized sailing experience.

The most recent upgrade of the Happy Cat Evolution and Hurricane to a high-tech carbon mast shows that the innovative DNA of the Grabner brand will continue to push what’s possible in the inflatable catamaran space.

SHOP HAPPY CAT BOATS

The Finest Handmade Inflatable Boats

Happy Cat boats are made from high quality, eco-friendly materials, and are handmade in the Grabner factory in Austria. The catamaran boats and hulls are made of a special EPDM/natural rubber boat skin that is easy to repair, The inner coating of natural rubber offers maximum airtightness so the air stays in the hose longer and you can do more sailing, and less pumping. Also see our hand pump .  

It’s one thing for a boat of Happy Cat’s caliber to fit in two to three bags, it’s another to only need 30-40 minutes to set up and hit the water. Once you’re on the water, the right conditions can produce speeds of over 20 knots. A piece of paradise that only a sailor knows. Clear skies and a strong wind await.

Happy Cat Warranty

Grabner provides a 24-month total warranty on all boats and a 7-year warranty on the boat-skin. For full details on what is covered in the warranty, reference the Happy Cat Owner’s Manual here.

24 months total-warranty / 7 years boat-skin-warranty

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AXA MARINE - NOT SO USUAL MARINE PRODUCTS

AQUARIUS AQUACAT - MORE FUN THAN HUMANS DESERVE

CATAMARAN DESIGN - TUNNEL HULL STYLE

EXCELLENT MANEUVERABILITY

GOOD ROUGH WATER HANDLING

EXTREMELY FUEL EFFICIENT

HIGH PERFORMANCE

SAFE & FUN

CUSTOM  COLOR & GRAPHIC OPTIONS

The Aquarius Aquacat Inflatable Race Boat offers you a craft of fantastic speed, manageability, stability and handling at an extremely competitive price.  The Aquacat is small, easily stored and launched family craft as well as being a world championship winning race boat.  It is capable of taking up to 4 people and able to tow water skiers, wakeboards and other tow toys.

The Aquarius Aquacat has won most major titles, including the Constructor's Championship for the past 10 years.  Aquarius has 5 established World Speed Records, recognized by the UIM.

Our Race Boats are manufactured from German fabric using the latest thermo-welding technology

Length: 4,05m

Beam:   2,10 m

Internal Length: 2,4 m

Internal Beam: 1 m

Bottom Configuration: Asymmetrical Catamaran

Tunnel Height : 0,3 m

Tunnel Width :1,2 m

Weight : 85 kg

Transom:  Stainless Steel Wash Through 

Recomended engine 30-50 HP short shaft

No. of Air Compartments:4+2 Hi-Jackers

  INCLUDED IN PACKAGE

Co-Pilot Rope

2 x Bags (300 x 300)

Tank Tie Downs

Valve Inflation Adaptor

Valve Spanner

Spare Valve

Circuit Class S750 91.41 km/h56.80 mph Roland Sjogren

P750 Blueprint 110.38 km/h68.59 mph Sigurd Mollestad

P750 Standard 100.23 km/h62.28 mph Roland Sjogren

P750 Modified 119.31 km/h74.14 mph Roland Sjogren

Class PF 750 103.35 km/h64.22 mph Jason Wyatt

CONTACT - ORDER FORM

Aquarius aquacat - original race boat, price: 3 990 euro* , *shipping included to your local international airport, *price for informational purpose only., *because of recent transport cost increases, price can wary. .

Price do not include any local cost  

We do not deliver  to North America, Australia and some other countries

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