General Concept
We have developed four basic types of Power Cat: one for planing, one for semi-displacement power boating, one for displacement trawler-yachting, and one for sailing. This one is modeled after semi-planing types, mainly in order to get the best of both worlds: i.e. fast performance when desired, and also long range for the sake of world voyaging.
The model shown here is 50' overall length, but the type can be sized to whatever beam or length is suitable to the intended use. I have called this model the 'Wave Cat' type since our Waverunner design was
the parent mono-hull which provided the primary source geometry.
The Wave Cat hulls are symmetrical, and have a 'spray-knocker' at the chine, so this model will perform
well in the higher end of the semi-displacement speed range. The semi-planing shape was chosen in order to provide a broad range of speeds: either fast power boating at semi-planing speeds, or efficient travel at slower speeds.
The Wave Cat is an excellent choice for long range voyaging - having a slender and easily driven hull shape. One engine can be turned off and the speed / power / fuel use thus made very suitable for long range under power. The overall configuration is designed to give an easy motion and of course with a catamaran there is very little roll.
The Wave Cat model shown here was given fairly 'trawler-like' house structures with a walk-around deck aft that is all under cover. There is also a full height bulwark all around the
side and aft decks. Forward of the pilot house, the foredeck is raised for the sake of maximum interior space, and for maximum reserve buoyancy forward.
Construction
The Wave Cat will be best if kept relatively light in weight. Steel is probably not a viable option until the size approaches around 70 feet. Aluminum would be ideal, as would GRP. If built in aluminum, the greatest construction efficiency would be achieved via NC Cutting of the structure.
What is NC...? It simply means 'Numerically Controlled' and implies that the plates and internal structure will be defined by computer modeling, and will be pre-cut by plasma jet or by water jet cutting. This has the potential to save a considerable number of fabrication hours, and offers the benefit of extremely accurate fit-up of the parts. Ordinarily NC Cutting is most conveniently
applied to metal structure, although it is a technology that is just as readily adapted to plywood construction.
For a vessel built of fiberglass, computer modeling can still provide an excellent advantage in terms of achieving the mould shapes. Many builders have taken advantage of this technology, where either a plug (male) or mould (female) will be cut out of foam by a large 5-axis router. This eliminates the complex and labor intensive mould-building step, entirely eliminates lofting, reduces shop
space requirements and builder lead-in time - ultimately saving labor and overall costs.
Further Development
Since it is our usual routine to work with new designs on a custom basis, we are able to develop just about any type of vessel, or any variation on a theme. As a boat becomes larger, naturally there are a much greater variety of cabin arrangements possible.
For example, the house structures could be re-configured in a variety of other ways... This is entirely up to one's preferences. In other words, the superstructure will ordinarily be given the best shape in order to fit the required accommodations.
For more information on this or other designs, please please inquire.
