Lightwave 46 Powercat

Speed, comfort and economy are all things we like to have in bigger boats when they are destined to be the second home or the vehicle for extended holidays at sea.

It's pretty hard to get it all in one boat. The vessel is either over built and cannot cruise with acceptable fuel consumption, or to keep the weight down the structure of the hull is compromised.

Lightwave's Powercat 46 appears to have bridged the gap with these three necessities with a sleek, slick, light and agile hull that will make long ranging a reality for those watching the fuel dollars.

While there is an optional flybridge version of the 46, the one that we tested featured the 'stepped' flybridge configuration. This well thought out helm position offered a 360-degree view of the boat with both hull bows and sterns visible while viewing into the open saloon and across the spacious cockpit deck. As far as partying underway, this position keeps the skipper in the circle, as well as allowing him to maintain a watch on passengers as they move around the decks. Access to the portside walkaround from this stepped-up position is as simple as stepping through the zipped back clears and over a coaming to assist in one-man docking operations.

The helm is well laid out and a double seat with a collapsible base is fitted. Under this elevated platform a refrigeration unit is installed and may be accessed by others while the skipper is seated and his feet are up on the support moulded to the bulkhead.

The rear cockpit would easily accommodate 15 people, both on padded seats and rebates in the top liner that act as stairs to move about the hulls. Tucked in the corner across from the helm an L-shaped lounge is fronted with a breakfast type table. The saloon features a wide, lockable sliding stained glass door, and the entire layout will see large gatherings remain in contact whether they are in the saloon, on the rear hull decks, in the cockpit or slaving away in the galley preparing hors d'oeuvres!

The central console across the aft of the cockpit deck stops at the companionway leading down onto the rear of each hull. The forward section of this structure has padded seats and backs with stowage under the cushions. The aft end of the console features two massive cupboards that open to the owner's tackle supply. All of the external stowage compartments have plate and pin attachments as a standard fit and a dozen padlocks keyed alike offers the necessary security when the boat is left unattended. A stainless steel BBQ is mounted on a swivel at the starboard end of the console and opposite is an installed livebait tank with a window to view the occupants. The rear platform between the hulls is wide enough to accommodate a rubber ducky that is craned over the back with a 200kg boom and electric winch.

ACCOMMODATION
Walking into the saloon, a three-sided inlaid timber table is serviced with a long lounge. This can be converted to a double bed when not used for dining or watching the flatscreen TV mounted above a serviceable bar. A fly-screened hatch is installed in the floor under the table and is covered by a ventilated removable lid. This allows for cool air from the shaded void between the hulls to pump through the cabin.

The galley is set low in the starboard hull and aft of the companionway a double bunk cabin also seconds as a food stowage area with the bunks collapsed. Working in the galley is a breeze with the sink and fridge on one side, bench top and cooking appliances on the other, and dispersed with plenty of drawers and cupboard space. The companionway through the galley leads to a double bed berth which one steps up onto and is accessed from one side only. There are blinds covering footlockers at the foot of the berth and a sizeable ventilation hatch in the cabin. Due to the height of the berth, one has to crouch to crawl on top. A head and shower behind an opaque glass door services this section.

In the port hull, after passing the inviting bar, one steps down to an office area. The owner of this boat has his communications on one wall and his weather facsimile machine on a bench opposite. Hanging robes are located here and aft of this section is a bright and airy ablution area with a cloths dryer mounted in the wall.

Forward of the communications area, the main double berth is also mounted high but with access from each side of the queen-size mattress. At the front of the hull, further hanging space and a draw set occupies a small section that could be turned into a computer room perhaps.

Movement around the Lightwave is easily undertaken with plenty of steps and non slip. There are seats right on the bow point and others rebated into the cabin roof. The foredeck area could easily hold two dozen people and, naturally, a lot of sunbathers. The winch assembly runs total chain and a saltwater wash down allows you to clean the mud from the ground tackle as it is retrieved from a soft bottom.

IN ENGINEERING
Down in the aft section of each hull are installed the Volvo Penta five-cylinder 160hp diesel engines. Initially dubious about the total lack of sound proofing, this proved to be unfounded and the addition of same is unnecessary. Each engine is in its own compartment with a bulkhead isolating it from the rest of the hull. This keeps bilge and engine smells from permeating the living areas. The water strainers and diesel water separators are easily accessed near the steps leading into the engine room and, with a cool engine, the belts and pulleys can be reached from over the flat engine cover. The steering rams are sitting on their purpose built shelves in the aft of the compartment and there is stowage space here also.

A low maintenance, self servicing Spectra watermaker system is attached to the inside of the hull on the port side.

The entry steps into the starboard engine room are removable and clip onto the rear of the hull as the boarding ladder. They also protect the Kohler 6.5kVa genset tucked in the aft end of the engine room.

Manoeuvrability of the Lightwave for docking is excellent. It is responsive at the helm at speed or idle and, manipulating throttles and transverse thrust, it can be spun in its own length with ease. Unless you had constant abeam wind issues in your area, this rig is in no need of bow thrusters for docking. High speed hard turns are a flat affair and pulling off the power suddenly the Lightwave maintains its composure as well.

Acceleration is good also and, as mentioned, the Volvo's hum away quietly in no need of further sound proofing.

MISERLY
One of the Lightwave's claims to fame is its exceptional fuel economy. Its maker boast a consumption of 1lt per nautical mile at 8kts and 2lt at 15kts. Perusing the fuel flow instrumentation at various speeds during the test supports this claim. With such figures to hand this gives the boat an effective 1400nm range. With all these fine attributes it is only a matter of asking yourself and crew, 'where do you want to go to today?'