LENGTH 5.1m | BEAM 2.35m | USAGE Inshore | KIT OPTIONS DuFlex Balsa/Foam, Plain Foam, Plywood
The 5.5m Rapid is well suited to fishing, diving or day tripping. The lightweight hull structure makes this design easily driven and keeps the horsepower to a minimum. Powered with twin 30hp outboard engines the performance will not disappoint. The benefits are many with a lightweight craft such as this, including shallow draft for sneaking into estuaries or if the boat does happen to dry out, it can be easily manhandled back into the water.
Design Brief
Performance
Depending on which build material option is used, will affect the final weight of the boat which in turn will vary the amount of horsepower is required. In each case this design will ride comfortably due to the twin hulls and tunnel clearance. At rest stability is inherant with a catamaran and in this size and style of boat useablity is increased whether when fishing, diving or recreation. An option is to fit a T-top for more weather protection. Estimated speeds also depend on the final weight of the boat depending on build material choice, but according to the alloy boat shown powered with a single 115hp outboard engine the top speed was in excess of 30 knots with a comfortable cruise speed of around 25 knots.
Cockpit
As already mentioned, the internal wet-deck is flat and uncluttered with high gunnels for safety offering a practical space whether fishing, diving or simply spending a day out on the water. The front bench seat provides a comfortable area for passengers to sit with good storage under the seat. The helm console is centred in the floor space with a simple fixed box seat for the driver. However being a kit boat, offers room for customization, so personalisation is an option either in the designing phase or during building. To access below the floor there are two flush mounted deck hatches which lead to further storage and also the fuel tanks. Services are also run through the hulls below the floor as well as drains for the hatches.
Construction
The 5m Raptor can be built using plans or a kit package, in a variety of different materials. If choosing the building plans option the plans include the hull parts all dimensioned for the builder to develop and cut themselves. Plain foam core is also an option for a more confident builder who feels capable of laminating the panels themselves. On the other hand if choosing a kit package all parts are cnc cut to size as well as the builder receiving all the estimated composite structural material such as epoxy, fiberglass and modifiers etc. A similar design and process shown below using Duflex panel.
If it is a plate alloy kit then all parts are cut to suit this type of construction. See below an example.
Engine Set-up
The standard set-up for this design is a single outboard engine mounted on a nacelle however another option is twin engines centred on each hull. The estimated engine size for a twin set-up would be starting at the lighter option built in foam core, would start at twin 40hp engines. Sizing the engine to this design in various weights depends on a few factors, for safety a lightweight boat shouldn’t be overpowered and generally doesn’t need to be. An advantage of building a lightweight boat is it gives you options when powering. If high speed is a priority or if the hull is heavier then more horsepower can be fitted. The plate alloy boat pictured is towards the top horsepower for this design using a single 115hp engine.
Layout
Specifications
| LOA | 5.1m / 16ft 8” |
| BOA | 2.35m / 7ft 7” |
| DRAFT | 250mm / 10” |
| DESIGN DISPLACEMENT | 485kgs / 3306 pounds |
| BRIDGEDECK CLEARANCE | 220mm/ 9” |
| PAYLOAD | 420kgs / 925 pounds |
| CRUISE SPEED | 16-18 knots (Twin 30hp motors) 20-25 knots (Single 115hp motor) |
| TOP SPEED | 20-22 knots (small motor option) 25-30 knots (large motor option) |
| HEADROOM (in hulls) | 1.9m in Cockpit 1.8m in Hulls |
| MOTORS (Large Option) | 1x 115hp 4 Stroke Outboard 2x 60hp 4 Stroke Outboards |
| MOTORS (Smaller Option) | 1x 70hp 4 Stroke Outboards 2x 30hp 4 Stroke Outboards |
| FUEL CAPACITY | 100 Litres |
| ESTIMATED BUILD HOURS | 1200 (Basic Standard finish) |
| ESTIMATED COST OF MATERIALS TO MOTOR-AWAY (basic standard finish, plywood option, small motor option) | AUD35,000 ex tax ex freight (not incl. trailer) |
Orders
To place a purchase order, or purchase a kit package, study plan or construction plan for your Spirited 7000 please visit our purchase page.