Tunnel/Cat hull power boat design for newbie?

[Armoured]

Hi am new to this forum. Have not built a boat before but have been around and owned a couple over the years. Have decided to go ahead with a build. Having made this decision i would like to go with something a little different from the norm or what i have owned before.
I Recently saw a aluminium rib or cat style recreational boat while on holidays. A Blackdog Cat 4.0XL just something about the design that I like that is all i can say. This got me looking into deck boats and other twin hull designs. I would be using the boat as dive platform, fishing boat, and runabout on the bay. 4-5 in length?
I realise the Blackdog is aluminium boat and not quite ready to commit to a welded hull just yet.
Ply and Fiberglass for me.... so is there any designs ideas that might be recommended?

Thanks D.

 

[FMS]

Can you specify how many passengers you wish to carry and how much open deck area you require.

Consider the efficiency of Richard Woods' Skoota 20 instead http://www.sailingcatamarans.com/index.php/designs/6-powercats/190-skoota-power-cats

 

[Armoured]

Thanks for your reply 4-6 seated passengers. Was looking at a vessel 4-6m in total length with a maximum width 0f 2.5 m
D

 

[Mr Efficiency]

Thanks for your reply 4-6 seated passengers. Was looking at a vessel 4-6m in total length with a maximum width 0f 2.5 m
D

There is a world of difference between a 4 meter cat and a 6 metre one. One is little more than a toy, and the other is potentially a very capable vessel. How much money are you prepared to expend on this exercise (boat, motor, trailer) ? That will determine what you can realistically aspire to.

 

[Armoured]

Size matters $$$

Gave a size range of 4-6 meters to give me a choice of options. The original concept i came up with was a 5.0 meter long vessel. So will stick with that.

Thanks again D

 

[Village_Idiot]

Not exactly what you're looking for, but this may interest you:

http://www.bateau.com/studyplans/XF20_study.htm?prod=XF20

 

[Armoured]

its a start

Thanks...have to start somewhere....will grab a coffee and have a read

 

[Armoured]

Thanks Village, not what i after but yes interesting. Thank you also to FMS... Skoota 20/24...different, I like the possibilities.
D

 

[FMS]

Here is one additional different option to consider:
http://www.boatdesign.net/forums/bo...e-build-6-5metre-rib-cat-very-nice-42010.html

 

[Armoured]

ideas

Yeah had that idea too. Mold from the U.K a bit far. Found these up in Brisbane.... http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/331113036496?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 ... will probably go for next to nothing but still waiting on transport quote. Keep the input coming....greatly appreciated.
D

 

[Mr Efficiency]

Why does it have to be a cat ? Unless you are traversing long distances through lumpy water, they may not be the best choice, especially as they usually need twin engines, with the attendant extra costs.

 

[Armoured]

Prefer the stability of the Catamaran, the usable beam also. Doesn't have to be a cat ....just thought if i was going to build it would be something that i like the look of also.

 

[Mr Efficiency]

You want a single engine set-up ?

 

[Armoured]

Preferably to keep costs down, but open to suggestions
D

 

[kerosene]

how much is you budget? Give us at least a range of what you are prepared to spend - on the whole boat: hull, engines and fittings and all.

This is important. Buying a used boat is likely way cheaper than a mold - even if it was for free.