From the classifieds: Kevlacat 2400 Offshore
This classic maxi trailerable catamaran is the perfect coastal craft for running wideThere’s nothing quite like a competent offshore catamaran. Safe, stable and soft-riding, they offer a tempting alternative to single-hulled boats – if the budget can go far enough.
One of the biggest names in Aussie born and bred cats is Queensland-based Kevlacat. Sitting almost in the middle of Kevlacat's range is the 2400, a 6.5-metre trailerable twin-hull model.
Despite its classy, timeless looks, the Kevlacat 2400 traces its origins back to 1998 when the brand was something of a powerhouse in the powered multihull market.
The Sunshine Coast-based company has since expanded its model line-up to build boats ranging from the 5.1-metre Suncoaster up to the 9.8-metre 3700 that can even come fitted with a flybridge.
The Kevlacat 2400 Offshore is regarded as something of a serious pocket boat, optimised for sport and game fishing, and has grown to become one of the brand’s best-selling models.
It is a quick boat when fitted with the most powerful 150hp outboard engines, pushing past 42 knots at WOT on test. Button off to a cruisy 4000rpm and the Kevlacat 2400 Offshore will lope along at more than 26 knots for a range of more than 280nm.
New, the Kevlacat 2400 Offshore fetched just shy $160,000 in base 140hp specification and featuring a hardtop with clears, but nudged $190,000 when richly equipped and packing twin 150hp punch.
This particular one listed for sale on boatsales.com.au caught our eye. It’s based up at Mackay, so you can pretty much guess it was used exactly as its maker intended.
What we like about this 2003 model is the fact it is now priced at $95,000. While that is a bit rich for a boat that cost not much of a stretch more when new, bear in mind the engine hours on this boat mean the twin 140hp Suzukis are barely bedded in, not to mention a decent suite of electronics.
Standard features included re the moulded helm seat boxes with deluxe pedestal bucket chairs and aft-facing squab seats; a large, uncluttered self-draining rear cockpit with centre and side scuppers (non-feedback in the centre so you can back down on a fish without water flooding the cockpit); dual elevated battery lockers; twin live bait tanks (one plumbed); deck wash; boarding platform; rigid fibreglass hardtop with rocket launchers; four stainless steel deck rod holders; hydraulic steering; and a twin-berth cabin (an infill converts it to a double bed) with carpet lined ceiling.
The other big benefit with this boat is a huge cockpit space that’s largely uncluttered and almost absolutely usable with deep coamings and good under-toe space to fish right up against the sides.
On the water, the Kevlacat 2400 Offshore has a soft and dry ride, with an extra chine added to the sponsons in 2003 to help with lift to keep the tunnel clear of the water.
It cost a bit when new, but the versatility of the Kevlacat 2400 Offshore still makes resounding sense, even today.
Specifications
Model: Kevlacat 2400 Offshore
Overall length: 7.68m
Length: 6.5m
Beam: 2.5m
Weight: 1460kg (est, hull only)
Towing weight: 3000kg (est)
Height on trailer: 3.3m
Length on trailer: 8.4m
Deadrise: N/A
Engines: Twin 140hp (rec)/twin 150hp (max)
Fuel: 2x225L
Water: 60L
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