Thaicats in PBO
Date: 2008-11-06
Nice little feature in the New Boats section of Practical Boat Owner this month, with a review to follow shortly.
"Thaicats - two trailable power catamarans
Power catamarans designed for recreation rather than commercial use have been growing in popularity in recent years, but at the trailable end of the market there are still relatively few to choose from.
That's where Thaicats hope to make their mark. At just under 221ft (6.4m) long and a beam of 7ft 3im (2.21m) they should be relatively simple to trail, yet the TT (tough top) version can accommodate eight or nine people far more sociably than a RIB and even incorporates an enclosed heads compartment. For overnighting or weekending, the CC (cabin cruiser) gives you a large double berth, a separate heads and plenty of stowage.
In terms of handling and performance, the Thaicats fit between slimmer-hulled cats that place the emphasis on fuel economy and a comfortable motion, and a conventional planing monohull. The boats I tried were powered by twin 100hp outboards with a maximum speed of 40 knots in flat water, but smaller alternatives are offered.
Despite the emphasis of family use, skiing, fishing and diving, the cats can also be fitted out for commercial operators."
