For anyone's amusement: a new "cat"

Ron Bennie

Anyone out there want to talk about boats? I really respect the knowledge and opinions from all the members here. While I know the subjects should stick to C-Dorys, I'm interested in any opinions about this new design, http://www.aviadesign.com/MC29/. Let it rip...anyone out there. I just found this today and thought it might give someone else some enjoyment, looking over this design. It looks nothing like the incredible TomCat 255, yet the goal of the two designs seem quite similar. For the record: C-Dorys are the best boats out there.

Ron B.

Salty-Cs · Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2007 10:22 pm Post subject:

...seems like an ad to me...

Ron Bennie · Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2007 10:34 pm Post subject:

This is absolutely NOT an ad. I've posted here off and on and I enjoy the site a great deal. If this is an unsuitable topic I respect the choice to ignore it or remove it. I'm just hoping for some lively discussion, and besides the TomCat looks even better in comparison...

Ron B.

B~C · Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2007 10:37 pm Post subject:

interesting boat but the modern, sleek styling doesn't do it for me.......they don't say how much they want for the demo, I see it does come with a kettle, that's a good option

Doryman · Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2007 10:46 pm Post subject:

It actually reminds me more of a swoopier version of the old 24' Tom Cat.

Warren

Zydecomo · Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2007 10:48 pm Post subject:

If you like unusual looking cats check out this boat http://shellboats.com/sbcrabclawcat.html

Phil

Doryman · Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2007 10:50 pm Post subject:

That looks like a Phil Bolger boat! Anyone remember the late, lamented Small Boat Journal? I lost a complete collection 10 years ago, and I have never fully recovered.

Warren

thataway · Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2007 11:21 pm Post subject:

I have a friend whose opinon I highly respect who sea trialed the MC 29 and I believe the 30. His opinion after driving my TC 255 was that the Tom Cat rode much better, had a better layout and was a functionally much better boat. Am I biased--you bet!

Ron Bennie · Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2007 12:27 am Post subject:

That's interesting Bob. When you compare the video of the TomCat on boatTest.com to their video here, the TC seems far more stable. I noticed that the more displacement style hull of the MC29 also causes it to pitch and roll a lot while underway and at the dock. The MC29 really lifts out of the water as it gains speed...these catamarans are fun to watch. I've read every post concerning Thataway...it's been great for me to glean such fantastic information from such a master as yourself. Thank you!

For anyone wondering, PassageMaker has an ad for this boat on page 223 in the Jan/Feb issue. It's listed at $99,900. Looks like they haven't developed a trailer to use with the boat and are hauling it around on a flatbed. They're also claiming it weighs 4400 lbs! I wonder how many have been produced...

Brock · Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2007 8:44 am Post subject:

Ron, thanks for posting this. The overall look and the cockpit design are not my cup of tea, but I'm amazed that a 29 foot cat hull can be built (apparently) with so little weight. Not to mention the low horse power requirement. Does anyone know what the top speed is with the 160 hp maximum? I also think it's interesting how they made the bow have a V-hull look. That might appeal to some who think that cats are odd looking.

If they redesigned this with a more fishing friendly cockpit and less of a space ship yacht look, this boat might compete with the TomCat for fishing/cruising purposes (my opinion). Also, it looks like the cabin windows cannot be opened. That would never fly with us warmer climate folks.

Brock

Alasgun · Guest

While your out there in left field go to www.mecat.com and look at a real nice boat. You can't trailer it either and it's cost is 5 times that of our Tom Cat's but what the heck were in left field!
Mike on Huda Thunkit

Not For Hire · Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2007 10:08 am Post subject:

Hi Mike,
I was just going to post a link to the Maine Cat site and see you already did. Prototype under construction. They are predicting 5 mpg on diesel for a 40 foot (overall) boat. Runs on electric motors with generators.
So you gonna fab one up as your next project?

Mark

SEA3PO · Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2007 1:31 pm Post subject:

I can't tell if you foks are just being nice or what...but I think that is a real pig... If I wanted a cat I would buy a cat... but it looks like one person wanted a cat and one a mono hull and they could not agree...
This is a C-Dory site....if I wanted to look at plastic shoeboxes I would look at a bayliner site... I don't like those either!!

Joel
SEA3PO

rogerbum · Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2007 1:50 pm Post subject:

I also think its ugly and I believe many others have expressed the same with the "not my style" comments. However the size/weight/claimed fuel mileage are interesting. I'd be willing to bet that if the boat ever gets into production, the fuel mileage in practice won't be as good as is claimed, or the boat will get heavier to solve some design issues that turn up in real use or something else will change. The numbers on that site seem to good to be true in practice.

Joel - The great thing about web links, is that you don't have to click on them if you don't want to..... Idea

Sea Wolf · Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2007 3:12 pm Post subject:

Ditto- The Maine Cat (latest one) is beautiful, but the original and second one mentioned are uglier than sin! The first one has incredibly high windage, too. Lots of folks think they can design a boat, but only a fery few can create a masterpiece. Joe.