South African bass boat identification

Discussion in 'Boat Design' started by jakeeeef, Jun 29, 2023.

  1. jakeeeef
    Joined: Sep 2009
    Posts: 198
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    Location: Hamble

    jakeeeef Senior Member

    Anyone able to identify this hull? I owned it many years ago and recall it was called a Wildcat, but can't remember the manufacturer name. But I'm pretty sure it was made in South Africa. I had another one of their boats years before- a more conventional monohull but similarly challenged in the freeboard at rest department. That was in awesome retro looking metalflake gelcoat too!
    I'm interested in finding out more about this Wildcat hull, which had a narrow central hull with small steps and a degree of air lift from deep channels. Are there any similar hulls I can research? What would this hull type be called?

    I only had it a few weeks and sold it as it was a deathtrap with its wholly unsuitable XL shaft???!!! Optimax. Once it got to about 50mph you could really feel the air lifting it, and it was propped wrong, hitting the rev limiter at 75 mph, which arrived seemingly about 2 seconds after 50mph. The previous owner, who must have had balls of steel, got 98mph out of it with a 200hp motor, presumably propped correctly and short shaft.
     

    Attached Files:

  2. jakeeeef
    Joined: Sep 2009
    Posts: 198
    Likes: 36, Points: 28, Legacy Rep: 16
    Location: Hamble

    jakeeeef Senior Member

    More pics!
     

    Attached Files:

  3. messabout
    Joined: Jan 2006
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    Location: Lakeland Fl USA

    messabout Senior Member

    Pretty boat. 98 or even 75MPH in that boat would be a thrill , a thrill built from a state of questionable judgement. The first picture seems to show that the motor was tilted under. Maybe a quirk of the photo or maybe it had to be tucked under so as to help hold the bow down when at speed.
     

  4. jakeeeef
    Joined: Sep 2009
    Posts: 198
    Likes: 36, Points: 28, Legacy Rep: 16
    Location: Hamble

    jakeeeef Senior Member

    Yes, it was trimmed right in to pootle about at 40 mph or so in those pics. Trimmed out and with a bit more throttle it was a very frightening proposition as it started letting air through the channels and creating an lot of lift.
     
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