Advice with pros and cons of an aluminium power cat.

[Dave_S]

I'm considering a very lightweight aluminium, outboard powered catamaran 30-35' and under 3ton before Its fuelled and watered. I'm hoping to cruise at 15kn with a couple of mid sized outboards.

I'm wondering why they aren't more popular?

[Hope123]

Aluminium power cat is lightweight and twin hull design so that could be beneficial for you.

[Fore and Aft]

What design are you thinking of? Surely light weight aluminium is going to be harder and more complicated to build than fibreglass composite. Particularly if you want a nice looking boat. By that I mean fair and with nice radiuses. Unfaired aluminium is an acquired taste in my opinion.
I have surveyed a number of 30-35 foot custom designed power cats with mid sized outboards. I always think they're a bit of a mongrel design. The outboards are always in the way being mounted on both hulls transoms.
Cheers

[JPA Cate]

Dave, I think Margaritaville is a competent boat for sailing the east coast of Australie. I would not attempt that in a lightly built power cat such as you describe. The reason is that one time in Yamba, a power cat came in. It had been on its way to a boat show in Sydney. It was all of 25 knots against it, and the front "windows" had popped out, letting in a whole lot of green water. The people aboard managed to hire an outfit with pumps to clear the water, and the carpet. The vessel did not make it to the show. I know it is an "n" of one, but it struck me as a real warning. I think it would limit you a whole lot.

You're used to a tougher boat.

Ann