Power Cat..... One or two drives

Discussion in 'Boat Design' started by 58Fireflite, Feb 8, 2015.

  1. 58Fireflite
    Joined: Feb 2015
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    58Fireflite New Member

    Hello! Just registered, first post. Am gathering info on building a power cat. Looking at asymmetrical hull design similar to a Skater. Would like it to bank a little when turning. Possible size 7.5' beam x 22' LOA, give or take. Thinking of a SBC turning a Berkeley jet in a center pod or possibly belt driving two PWC jets, one in each hull. Another possibility would be a jetski powertrain in each hull. Any thoughts on performance of one big jet vs two smaller ones, and the potential handling of the boat. Put a Subaru SVX motor and Mercruiser 1 in a 1958 Glastron Fireflite 9 yrs ago, so not my first crazy thought! Ha. Appreciate any experience with this concept! Thanks!
     
  2. Mr Efficiency
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    Mr Efficiency Senior Member

    Why jet(s) ?
     
  3. Richard Woods
    Joined: Jun 2006
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    Richard Woods Woods Designs

    How fast do you want to go? What do you want the cat for?

    RW
     
  4. Mr Efficiency
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    Mr Efficiency Senior Member

    I expect he wants a fast boat, 30+ knots cruise, the PWC jets will struggle for size. Or the Berkeley may struggle to get clean water .
     
  5. gonzo
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    gonzo Senior Member

    Fast starts at 70 or so. It subjective though.
    58Fireflight: what is you target speed?
     
  6. Mr Efficiency
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    Mr Efficiency Senior Member

    I suppose I am used to more open waters, where 70 knots would be suicidal in a 22 foot boat, a lot of the time.
     
  7. gonzo
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    gonzo Senior Member

    You just go airborne ;)
     

  8. 58Fireflite
    Joined: Feb 2015
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    58Fireflite New Member

    Hey thanks for the fast responses! Some more info.... Would like to get to 50 mph plus realistically. We are on a small 875 acre lake that never gets very rough, so big waves aren't an issue. Use it to just cruise and pull some water sports. Reason for jets.... The 225 SHO 4 stroke on my Premier is an awesome motor but that would go with the pontoon. To replace that with equivalent or more, or twin 150's say, would be probably $25K. Figured I could set up a new jet or two used ones for under $4k. Add another maybe $6K for a 400hp small block. A little novelty with function, plus all the jet advantages. (Draft, safety, maintenance, etc). Fuel efficiency isn't a huge thing for the hours it gets. Also lake is clean and virtually weed free. Any opinions on performance or handling with such a setup. Also if it were a single with center pod, bottom of pod would be at or slightly lower than outside sponsons to guarantee water, I would think. Thanks!
     
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