Spotlight: Powercat 3000 Cabriolet

Power of the Cat

PowerCat Marine Australia is a family business that says is dedicated to providing world-class fibreglass, powered catamarans to boating enthusiasts both in Australia and overseas.

The business is owned and operated by Steve and Lynda Shaw who have more than 25 years experience in marine fibreglass construction techniques, with their son Brendon now adding his expertise to the PowerCat team.

Avid boaties themselves, the Shaw's say they take pride in providing a personalised, friendly service, and believe that listening to customers' wants and also identifying their needs, is all important.

They said their philosophy is attention to detail, performance and quality to produce boating excellence, while their professional team are constantly researching and developing new models to satisfy an ever-changing marketplace.

Wherever possible, each boat is personally delivered and information provided to the customer on all aspects of the boat, including drive techniques, performance, handling and just how to enjoy the boat to its full potential, said PowerCat Marine.

The company said its PowerCats are one of the original and best renowned cats manufactured in Australia, and are known for their sleek looks and high performance. PowerCat Marine said their craft also come in a luxury finish with many standard inclusions, so that all you have to do is turn the key and go!

The smoothness and dryness of their ride, particularly in rough seas has to be experienced to be believed, said the boatbuilder.

AWARD WINNER
PowerCat Marine said it celebrated 25 years of PowerCat Boats by taking out the AMIF 2005 'Fishing Non-Trailerable Boat of the Year' with the 3000 Sports Cabriolet.

The 3000 Sports Cabriolet, said the company, is a sporty weekender with plenty of features to ensure a comfortable stay, and it is the most popular weekend model providing the versatility of a fixed hardtop with an open sports windscreen.

PowerCat Marine said the 3000 Sports Cabriolet has a long inventory of standard equipment.

Starting with the hull and deck, you will find a rear swim platform, stainless steel grab and support rails, electric anchor winch with plough anchor, deck hatch, moulded acrylic windscreen, a full set of camper covers, front and side clears, and a fully lined and carpeted open hardtop.

The full-headroom cabin is fully lined and carpeted, and features a large electric marine toilet, side storage and storage pockets on each side, two storage lockers, large double bed, scatter cushions, plus a cabin and two reading lights.

The cockpit has an upholstered helm and passenger seats that fold up for standing at the wheel with hydraulic steering, an instrument console with glove box and switch panel (circuit breaker), a removable moulded table with padded infill cushion folding to form a double bed, an upholstered moulded rear lounge with storage underneath, a cockpit and two courtesy lights, and a moulded centre console with grabrails, sink, and fridge with storage cupboard below.

Other standard equipment includes two 200lt underfloor fuel tanks and 120lt freshwater tank, dual batteries and switch, stainless steel eight-rod rocket launcher, deck shower, marine radio (27MHz), four by 400gal/h bilge pumps, and AM/FM stereo/CD player.

THE OPTIONS
Among the optional extras are a deckwash kit, forward loading bow ladder, 240V or heat-exchange hot-water service, fitted marine BBQ, livebait tank with auto aerator, underfloor compartment with bilge pump, 300lt fuel tank upgrade, and a solar panel.

PowerCat Marine claim a significant difference between its catamaran and an equivalent mono hull in fuel efficiency, with the company's figures claiming half the fuel needed with the shallower draft and lesser water displacement of its vessels.

With the minimum power-rated twin outboards (Yamaha 150hp each), the company claims a cruise speed of 48kmh at 4200rpm and a top speed of 76kmh at 5800rpm.

Another feature of the company's cat design is in its hull construction method.

PowerCat Marine said that a series of fibreglass bulkheads forming several watertight compartments are fitted into each sponson, providing great structural strength.

A series of solid glass cross-bearers are then placed across the hull to support the floor and deck, followed by the fitting of fuel and water tanks between the bulkheads, and foamed into position to prevent movement.

Safety should be paramount in any boat purchase and PowerCat Marine said the above mentioned construction method creates positive buoyancy, so that if the worse happens and the cat finds itself upside down, the hull will always remain afloat instead of sinking to the ocean floor.