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General Spearfishing & Diving Discussion This is where you post to discuss general spearfishing topics that could apply to any region. |
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11-22-2009, 05:16 AM | #1 |
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Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Big Island
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Building a Small 'Cat' Runabout any examples?
Hi, I'm hoping to build a small Cat Style Runabout to use as a little dive platform. Does anyone out there have a good example, advice, a link to a website, that could help me avoid making some mistakes. The general idea is a lightweight Catamaran Hull much like a Hobie Cat, but perhaps a little more robust and shorter ie @10-12ft long. My hope is that this craft will move well with a 6hp engine with 1 or 2 other divers on board.
Here our issues are: -Weight. We often need to carry the engine up and down cliffs. -Weight. We often need to carry the hulls across stretches of beach or reef. -Speed and Durability. Here are some of the ideas I'm thinking about: -Fiberglass Hulls, hollow, sealed, but with some kind of drainage hole incase water does get in there. -Aluminum Braces and Center Beam -Teak wood, Fiberglass, or Marine Canvas Weave for the "deck" Any advice is appreciated. Last edited by Behslayer; 11-22-2009 at 05:27 AM. |
11-22-2009, 08:22 AM | #2 |
Memeber What?
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: In the Middle of Fl
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Re: Building a Small 'Cat' Runabout any examples?
This may give you some ideas, its called a Craigcat - they have all kinds of configuration for these.
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11-22-2009, 09:06 AM | #3 |
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Sarasota, FL
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Re: Building a Small 'Cat' Runabout any examples?
I have seen people use a 14' and 16' Hobie cat and put a small outboard on it, and it worked fine. That would be easiest if you can find one. Instead of the trampoline, they had plywood on top.
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11-22-2009, 09:25 AM | #4 |
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Join Date: Nov 2007
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Re: Building a Small 'Cat' Runabout any examples?
check out "wharram catamarans" google it. go to the self build part. they sell plans for polynesian style cats. they have a sweet little 14' and a 17' called the "hitia". teak deck and the hulls are easily reattached at the launch site. set up for sail but people regularly put small motors on them
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11-22-2009, 12:13 PM | #5 |
Spearbot
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Vancouver, BC
Age: 50
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Re: Building a Small 'Cat' Runabout any examples?
thundercat, super duxx, dux, hammerhead, all models of inflatable that fit the bill. Light and fast. I use one for spearing.
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11-22-2009, 01:38 PM | #6 |
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Location: West Virginia
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Re: Building a Small 'Cat' Runabout any examples?
Not DIY but a choice ~70lbs and could be rigged for an outboard and remove rowing seat and cover frame.
http://www.aire.com/aire/products/default.aspx?id=178 http://outside.away.com/outside/gear...ction=showgear You may be able to buy just the hulls. |
11-22-2009, 06:10 PM | #7 |
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Location: Big Island
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Re: Building a Small 'Cat' Runabout any examples?
Thanks for the links and ideas. Interesting hull shapes on the Dux and Thundercats which look like they would turn on a dime and be great in our often swell ridden entries.., the idea for the Sun Shade, the frame of the Aire Raft, are good for us too.
A friend built one of those Wharram Cats in Thailand and has been sailing around Indonesia all year in it. Beautiful boats. Thanks, |
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