This is predominately an open boat ideally suited to tropical conditions and outdoor living. The open cockpit design is spacious enough for groups of up to 6 to 8 people with comfortable seating around the table for 5 adults.
The companionways into the hulls are accessed from the safety of the cockpit and are designed with off-the-shelf deck hatches to reduce the work and complexity typically involved in building a secure watertight hatch. An integral box beam creates the back of the cockpit area and is the division between the cockpit and the aft deck. The box beam doubles as a seat the full width and also for the helmsperson each side.
Open aft Deck A unique feature of this design is the open aft deck directly behind the box beam. The well-powered 9.9hp high-thrust outboard engine is mounted centrally nestled into the deck and box beam for maximum protection. The aft ends of the hulls have convenient low-set steps for easy access to the water.
Socialising Socialising and recreation have been well-considered even on this compact design with a stylish hard shade top sheltering the cockpit seating area. This could include all-weather side and front screens for rain and spray protection. While at rest a boom cover would provide shelter for the entire cockpit.
Extra berth The dinette could be easily converted to an extra double berth if required providing sleeping arrangements for 4 adults. The foredeck and tramps are also a spacious area to relax and lounge with a moulded two person seat set into the deck area in front of the mast.
Build System The build system has also not been forgotten with simple surfaces and shapes to this design. Only flat panels are used in the construction with no complex shapes to contend with. If a kit system is chosen this boat is very quick and easy to assemble with all parts cut to size. Material options include cost-effective Gaboon plywood, plain foam or Duflex (choice of balsa or foam core).
If on a budget, most 16 to 18ft off-the-beach catamaran rigs will suit this design or could be customized to suit. These can be bought cheap and could even be a temporary rig to get you on the water in the interim until a new rig becomes affordable.
