Introduction
NOTES FROM DESIGNER/BUILDER, TOM MESTRITE: SkeeterCat 33 is the most modern hull design that was built to test a new concept for a larger diesel-powered production model. This boat has gone through extensive sea trials (logged over 5000 miles), two propulsion systems and other modifications to achieve the most fuel efficient, practical and comfortable power catamaran for cruising and fishing--offshore and flats!
Exceptional fuel efficiency of 3.25 MPG at 4000 RPM / 18.4 MPH! At trawling speed, consumption is less than 1.0 GPH! Top speed is 25 MPH. To understand why this design is so radically different and why it is so efficient, you have to understand the concept behind the design.
Weight is the most crucial element in producing an efficient vessel. Weight determines the hull shape, how much water the vessel displaces, amount of vetted surface, wave making and all these factors create resistance. Heavy boats need wide hulls and blunt bows to support all the weight. These shapes plow the water and that consumes a tremendous amount of wasted energy. When colliding with a large wave, it's like hitting a wall that practically stops the boat. For this type of vessel, it is necessary to use a large propulsion system to overpower this large resistance force to maintain a steady speed.
SkeeterCat's slender hulls and wave-piercing bows just cut through the water and waves like a knife, drastically reducing impact loading, wave-making, stress on the structure, and creates an exceptionally smooth ride. These hulls are very easily driven, so it can maintain her cruising speed with much smaller engines. This boat does not create a wake like conventional boats. When you see a huge wake behind a vessel, that is all wasted energy. It is gross inefficiency that creates shore erosion and wake damage in marinas!
Simple Question: What floats better--a piece of bamboo or a heavy hardwood log ballasted with a bunch of bricks? This is a good comparison between SkeeterCat and conventional production power boats. Traditionalists will say, "for offshore it must be built heavy duty and strong." Building heavy does not necessarily mean strong. Heavy boats will fight the elements, have more stress loads and slower recovery when driven under in large waves. Heavy boats use a lot more raw materials in construction. Modern composite construction is light and super strong. SkeeterCat is built with the same materials as Space X shuttle! Hull construction: CoreCell, ProSet Epoxy, vacuum bagged, outside skin QuadX cloth; double on bottom with Kevlar 49 in the laminate, TriX inside with 10 oz. satin cove; Awlgrip paint.
Another very important boat design feature is SAFETY! Boats sink if holed! By using crash bulkheads and buoyancy chambers throughout the hulls, this major problem can be avoided. SkeeterCat has FIVE buoyancy chambers in EACH HULL, with crash compartments in bow and stern. Kevlar 49 is laminated into the hull up to the waterline for puncture resistance. If all boats would use this simple solution, it would save on insurance costs and avoid the environmental damage caused by fuel and oil spilling when a vessel sinks. In my opinion, this safety feature should be mandatory on all boats!
Disclaimer
The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.
Please note: Engine hours shown here are as of the original listing date and are an account of what the Listing Broker was told by the Owner and/or actual reading of the engine hour meters. The Broker cannot guarantee the accuracy of engine and/or genset hours. It is the responsibility of the Buyer and/or his Agent/Surveyor to verify engine/genset hours, as well as all other representations noted on the Listing Brochure.
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