POWER CATS

2026 welcomes a new range of Power Cats that have been percolating in my mind and in concept models over the last two years or so. The project began as a concept focused on a 35’er but now includes a 30’er and a 42 with similar design features and styling. 

The spark for the new work was my early involvement a production power cat project actively promoted to be about fuel efficient motoring and long term live aboard cruising. But the project took a turn in a different direction, something that was not going to pump my creative juices and surely not something that was going to fit well with my overall design aesthetic.

I chose to take my leave from the project and for a couple of years the whole deal was just another forgettable chapter in my history book. But there was something that could have been. Something that should have been. A question, a raft of questions awaiting answers. What if we did set out to create a motor yacht that was fuel efficient and provided a comfortable living space for long term cruising? A practical craft with a modern aesthetic and an uncrowded style.

It’s not a new concept. It’s been approached successfully by other designers. But what might unfold if I was to apply my own personal efforts to the question and gaze into the future possibilities for propulsion systems for motor yachts . What would the hull shapes look like? What kind of styling could we use without complicating the build process too much? How much accommodation space could we incorporate without corrupting the concept of efficiency and style?

We can only measure success if we establish our goals from the outset. The keys to achieving these goals were modest weight, minimal windage and hulls that would be sea kindly and fuel efficient across a spectrum of cruising speeds. 

New technology is turning the world on its head and the shift includes propulsion systems for power boats . There is a whole world of people from sailing backgrounds who are  becoming more interested in power boats in general and power cats in particular because of the reduced physical effort required and the relative simplicity and lower cost of the ships systems when compared to sailing boats. The new range of power cats has been designed to address the increased interest in affordable power boats for cruising.

Comparing the power cat with a mono in the same size range we have ample galley space with all round visibility, good ventilation and direct communication with the helm and cockpit seating. To me this is much more appealing than a typical monohull where the galley is often very restricted in size and often situated forward below decks with compromised ventilation and visibility.

What stands out to me about the power cat concept is the wealth of living space and flexibility of the layout when compared with a monohull in the same size range.

For the power cat even at 35' LOA you can accommodate two private double cabins each with standing headroom and a private ensuite below decks. A bulkhead with sliding doors and windows can be fitted between the saloon cabin and the cockpit space to provide security and to optimise climate control in extreme climates.

 At the saloon and cockpit level we have space that can be arranged to accommodate galley, navigation, dining, lounging and under cover deck space.

Various options are available for the internal layouts and the cockpit arrangements. The standard configuration for each of the designs is two double cabins amidships in the hulls, one each to port and stbd.

Each of these cabins has access to an enclosed bathroom forward. A double berth can also be provided in the forward quarters. If only three double cabins are required then the forward area in the port hull can serve as the owners bathroom with the berth location available as an occasional berth when there are more guests aboard, or alternatively a machinery and storage space.

Note that in some of the rendered images and drawings seating is shown inside the saloon to port. In others the galley shares both port and stbd. sides of the saloon. Either arrangement can work well just depending on the preferences of the owners and crew.

The deck area has a structural beam spanning between the hulls that allows for relatively large horsepower to be used while maintaining a rigid structure. This beam structure is open to a range of seating and storage option. It can include sun beds, BBQ, refrigeration, sink and fish cleaning spaces in accordance with the owner’s requirements.

An optional duckboard that sits between the outboard motors further extends the cockpit space and makes an excellent platform for fishing, diving and tender stowage.

Some of the early concepts show a seat incorporating a structural beam across the rear of the cockpit. I felt the beam was important to maintain the rigidity of the structure without compromising wing deck clearance. On more recent models we’ve moved the beam structure forward in the cockpit and added a duckboard which provides additional deck space between the outboard motors. The duck board could extend the width of the cockpit if inboard engines are chosen.

The duckboard adds about 900mm/3' to the length overall.

The new designs are the ideal platform for the adoption of existing and emerging technologies, in particular electric outboard motors. Petrol and diesel powered engines are still the preferred choice for extended voyaging in power boats but the potential for that to change is unfolding before our eyes as we see the increasing adoption of new and evolving technologies including the design of propellors, energy storage systems and electric and hybrid engine installations, both inboard and outboard.

 New technology is turning the world on its head. There is a whole world of people from sailing backgrounds who are  becoming more interested in power boats in general and power cats in particular because of the reduced physical effort required and the relative simplicity and lower cost of the ships systems when compared to sailing boats.

Clearly the hull shapes are a defining element in terms of sea handling, speed and fuel economy. Being custom or semi custom designs we have the option of optimising the hull type for the owner's preferences but I have chosen the hull type that I believe is the most suitable for extended cruising and I have addressed this aspect of the design in a separate article here.

CUSTOM BUILDS

The new cats are available for custom and semi custom construction by reputable custom builders. Contact us direct for a chat about getting onboard with the new power cats including builder recommendations and pricing for quotation packages. Enquiries are welcome from manufacturers interested in putting the new power cats into production. email: [email protected]