[PCW] Aerocat Marine

[Robert Deering]

Georgs,

Have never heard of these guys before, but I like what I see on their
website a lot.  I like the attitude I'm seeing too - 'can-do' and lots of
flexibility.  Looks like they're doing some sort of panelized
stitch-and-clue construction method which makes sense for this kind of
design.   

Building with Nidacore doesn't concern me that much, especially since they
are using 100% epoxy.  The advantage in weight reduction is substantial.
The hull prices are fantastic, though of course the real expense is in the
'rest' of the boat.

A few notes of caution:

1.  The discussion of the 'air cushion' between the hulls is mostly bogus in
my opinion.  I've seen it from other cat builders too.  A boat running 25
knots simply does not pressurize enough air in the tunnel to have a
meaningful impact on the ride in my opinion - I'd ask for some proof of
their claim.

2.  The pocket trawler hull.  I'm dubious.  Looks like just a standard cat
planing hull, but hard to see from the website.  It looks like the steering
station is very far forward - in any kind of rough water you'll be taking a
beating, cat hull or not.  And cat planing hulls are not good performers at
displacement speeds in rough water - the tunnel is too low and it doesn't
track well.

3.  8'-6" is too narrow for a 26' cat IMO.  The relatively narrow beam
sacrifices many of the cat advantages in space and stability.  But a 20'
center console that was 8'-6" wide would be outstanding.

Bob Deering
Juneau, Alaska


On 3/1/09 5:47 AM, "Georgs Kolesnikovs" <georgs at powercatamaranworld.com>
wrote:

> Anyone know anything about Aerocat Marine or Ken Handman? Anyone have
> an opinion on what is offered at <http://www.aerocatboats.com/>?
> 
> --Georgs
> 
>> What do you know of AeroCat Marine? They are up in Pennsylvania.
>> 
>> They make the hulls out of Nida Core with epoxied glass over it. You
>> can get just the raw hull and finish your self or they will finish
>> it.
>> 
>> I am concerned at the use of the Nida Core for all parts of the
>> boat. This is different than most.
>> 
>> What do you think of them?
>> 
>> <http://www.aerocatboats.com>www.aerocatboats.com
>> 
>> I look forward to your response.
>> 
>> I am actually looking for an 18 to 20 ft Cat to use off the West
>> Coast of Florida around Tampa Bay and out into the Gulf of
>> Mexico.....any recommendations?
>> 
>> John
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