Creating The Perfect Boat For The Great Loop

The provocative heading of this commentary, “Creating The Perfect Boat For The Great Loop,” would be a far fetched statement if we were building conventional boats or even conventional catamarans. Boats built from a mold are the builder’s best guess as to what they can sell into a given market. Other than choices of power, colors and accessories, builders can’t offer anything more to satisfy a client because a mold can only produce one configuration.

Aero Cat catamarans, however, are custom hand made boats.  Our unique hull design can be ordered in any length from 18 to 29 feet with an 8’6” beam, or a 32 foot boat with 10 foot beam. The deck layout and cabin configuration can be adjusted to suit almost any cruising style from plush to basic. The power/speed/fuel mileage equations are as infinite as the number of outboard engine choices on the market. The basic interior floor plans are shown on our Gallery page and you can use those as a staring point to plan the interior. Most of the interior dimensions are adjustable and the choices for the type of gear and accessories is nearly limitless. And after all is said and done, the total price of the vessel will be tens of thousands of dollars below comparably equipped production boats.

Here are some of the frequently asked questions from people planning to cruise the Loop.

Engine choices: For those who want low to moderate speed, excellent fuel mileage, and very quiet operation, we can rig the boat with the wonderful new Honda 60HP engines. This combination will provide top speeds in the low twenty MPH range and a VERY QUIET cruise in the 17-18MPH range. If you are interested in super low fuel consumption, the Aero Cat will steer normally with one engine shut off and raised when traversing long stretches at no-wake-speeds.

Ninety HP motors will produce top speeds in the low thirties and cruise in the mid twenties. One hundred fifteen horse power engines increase the top speed to about forty MPH and cruise at about thirty two MPH. We will dial-in the engine/propeller combination to suite your style. Including some innovative approaches to propeller choices that are not available on any other boat.

Cabins and interiors: Once you have chosen your cabin style we can assist with the details as to the placement of each fixture, appliance and accessory so that every item is located where you want it. Think about hatches, sinks, faucets, shower heads, storage lockers, lighting and switches all where you want them located.

Heating and air conditioning: The last year or two has seen major advancements in small marine, light weight reverse cycle heating/cooling systems and generators.  These items are not only efficient and dependable, but remarkably inexpensive for the output they achieve. We can design the installation of any of these systems.

Deck gear: We can help you design the layout of your mooring cleats, ground tackle and windless for maximum efficiency. Even an offset cabin, to give you a wider gunwale on the starboard side, to make going forward easier, especially for single handing through locks.

Trailering:  The current crop of “trailerable” trawlers on the market weigh anywhere from 7,500 to 9,000 pounds and require a heavy duty tow vehicle. Aero Cat trawlers weigh 3,500 to 5,500 pounds and can be pulled with mid size SUVs or half ton pick up trucks.

These are the most frequently asked questions. We will be happy to answer any other questions you may have, just call at your convenience and we will spend as much as you need to plan your trawler.