Catamarans

Hi guys, I've noticed that Cats have been getting popular and I know that they
tend to ride faster than normal v-hull boats.

My questions are..
What in the design really makes them run faster ?
How much of the sponson shape is really needed to give the hull the cat effect ?
(Not sure if I'm asking ^^ correctly)
Does anyone know of any kits for making a catamaran in the 11 to 17 ft length ?

The basic question really is if anyone can teach me about catamarans and there
designs... pros, cons etc.

Thanks in advance for the help and tight lines.

 

They aren't faster for given hp, but tend to get driven faster because the ride is generally softer. I had cats and only had to back off very rarely, almost never. But they were heavy boats with substantial hp, as a rule lightweight cats are not successful, unless you want to scare the passengers.

 

Read the various threads on this site. There are hundreds of hours worth that should be of some help.
It will be very useful to you to learn how to use the search facility so you can look for your own answers for a start.

 

Alright, thanks guys.
I'll start searching.

 

Plans and Kits

are to be found here: http://www.google.de/imgres?client=...80&start=53&ndsp=30&ved=1t:429,r:71,s:0,i:301

http://www.ikarus342000.com/425to550.htm

http://www.boatdesign.net/forums/multihulls/beach-catamaran-hull-plans-41711.html

http://www.boatdesign.net/forums/mu...s-vs-little-trimarans-beachcamping-23880.html

http://www.small-boat-designs.com/planlist.htm

http://www.startedsailing.com/catamaran-plans.html

http://www.selway-fisher.com/Smallcat.htm

http://www.duckworksmagazine.com/r/plansindex/multihullsail.htm

http://www.thebeachcats.com/news/49/build-your-own-a-class-catamaran?Article49.html

http://www.reocities.com/phillbrander/

http://wharram.com/site/selfbuild

 

Alright, thanks

 

For a number of reasons, 5 metres is about the minimum practicable length for a planing cat.