Most of the boats and yachts in the world employ a single-hull design, with the classic shape offering merits via the huge enclosed living space they can provide.
But every bit of hull displacement becomes extra problematic over rough waters.
These videos show:
-
a wakeboarding trial with the red Helicat22
-
a rough-water scenario at speed.
Watching some of the bone-jarring impacts suffered by James May and the TopGear team over the years is proof enough — and reason enough — to slow down to a crawl in any rough seas.
But how un-fun is going slowly in a fast car? Even worse on the water, with the throttle only a tease away.
Even so: After a few 2.5-G spinal crushes on impact, even the wildest of wild-men will back off the throttle of a single hull boat.
These are seriously huge impacts, and each one theoretically weakens the structure of any ship.
Sophisticated dampers and air-ride seating cannot solve this fundamental surface area impact problem for single-hull craft.
So the catamaran is really coming into its own. Huge catamarans are already the preferred method for SeaCat jet-powered ferries from Australia, and diving and pleasure boats all over the world.
But a lightweight, motorized catamaran has never been quite as feasible in the marine engineering world. The issue is with the net base area that generations of sailing catamarans have relied on for their extreme lightness.
Hanging on to the hammock canvas for dear life is not exactly a premium experience at 30 knots in rough seas.
The Helicat22 overcomes these issues in three ways:
— A hyper-rigid frame of nearly 1-foot-diameter tubular steel connects each outrigger
— A single-piece cabin in a teardrop shape rides atop this middle chassis
— Twin props at the back of each water wing ensure great power, without a guzzling internal V8 (or two)
But best of all: no slowing down over big swells. And no chronic spinal pain c/o crushed vertebrae, slipped disks … or worse.
The Helicat22 is new-for-2014, and on display at the Miami Boat Show this week for prospective owners.
What is the price, you ask? It is upon-request via Sandy (at ) helicat.net
The yellow 2014 Helicat22 is for sale in Tacoma, Washington for about $70,000, however, for a ballpark idea.
The red Helicat22 is also nearby for Miami scenic tours.
The Helicat22 an unforgettable way to cruise over the waves with the smoothness of a hydrofoil, but the affordability and ease-of-use of simple out-board pleasure craft.
Helicat22 Specifications, Features and Options
- Length:
- 21.5 feet (6.50 meters)
- Beam:
- 8.5 OR 10 ft (2.59 OR 3.05 meters) easier trailering vs. even more stability and room
- Draft:
- Only 18 inches (46 centimeters)
- The motors tilt totally out of water at rest, so they stay clean!
- Weight:
- 1600 lb (730 kg) without engines
- 2200 lb (1,000 kg) total dry weight with two 60-hp 4 stroke motors
- Top Speed:
- 38 mph with 60-hp motors. 30 mph in white cap waves. 43 mph with 90 hp
- Range: Over 100 miles [160km] with std. twin 12 gal. [45 l.] tanks
- Towing Weight:
- 3300 lb (1500 kg) including boat, two motors, aluminum trailer, and fuel.
- Light — it can be towed by medium SUV or car
- Foreign shipping available. See bottom.
- INTRODUCTORY BASE PRICE MERCURY 60 HPS 4sEFI & TRAILER: $CALL
OPTIONS:
- WHITE COLOR STANDARD, OTHER COLORS $2,000
- HONDA 60HP MOTORS $2,000
- YAMAHA 70HP MOTORS $6,000 [same weight as 60-hp]
- HONDA 90HP MOTORS $6,000
- OTHER MOTORS CAN BE PRICED.
- CANVAS [CLEAR VINYL] “DOORS” $1,500
- SIDE SWIVEL FISHING SEATS $200 PLUS SEAT OF CHOICE
- SIDE JUMP SEATS TBA
- REAR CARGO NET AND DECK TBA
- PRODUCTION AT 1-2 PER MONTH. RESERVE YOUR BOAT NOW.
CAN BE SHIPPED IN STANDARD 40 FT CONTAINER ANYWHERE IN THE USA FOR $5,000 AND ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD FOR ABOUT $6,000 PLUS APPLICABLE DUTIES.
Prices subject to change.
We have shipped boats and trailers several times to East and West Australia, but also to the Phillipines, Russia, and Argentina. The new HeliCat will fit in a 40ft container and can be reassembled simply in 4 hours by 1-2 people. The boat can ship with motors installed and the hulls upright on the trailer for easy reassembly of the struts and then cabin.
Equipment from Factory
- Hydraulic steering with liquid tie bar
- LED navigation lights (red, green, and all-around white)
- Padded bucket seats, Front is slide adjustable and tilt back. Rear is tight 2-seater and tilts
- 6 storage hatches, including battery compartments in each hull. Cab area behind back seat and fishing rod storage in the tail.
- Towing eyes front and back.
- Two bilge pumps & fuel gauges
Maximum power:
2 outboard engines, 60 -90 HP (2 or 4 strokes)
Colors: White is standard — Red, Yellow, Blue, or Black for additional charge.
- Clear vinyl roll up sides to keep you and your boat dry.
- Fishing / Jump pedestal seat(s) on either side of the cockpit on the steps. To be used with seat belt only below 25 mph.
- Side-facing Jump seat(s) on either side of the cockpit on the steps. With seat belts and hand holds
- Depth Sounder / Fish Finder
- ‘Rocket launcher’ fishing rod holders.
- Cargo net in rear for gear.
- Aluminum Cargo Deck in rear for scuba gear, etc.
- Please feel free to make suggestions, especially about desired options
For more information or to order your Helicat22 today, please visit:
http://www.helicat.net/
Tom Burkart is the founder and managing editor of Car-Revs-Daily.com, an innovative and rapidly-expanding automotive news magazine.
He holds a Journalism JBA degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Tom currently resides in Charleston, South Carolina with his two amazing dogs, Drake and Tank.
Mr. Burkart is available for all questions and concerns by email Tom(at)car-revs-daily.com.