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Advanced catamaran with a Honda 20 HP outboard

Our tender is an 11 foot inflatable catamaran with an air floor. We have chosen the Honda 20 HP outboard for it's reliability and the Minnkota electric for use while trolling for fish or wildlife viewing. These Advanced Cat Boats are stable, high-performance inflatable boats and very suitable for diving. Because of their unique Catamaran Tunnel Hull design and oversize main tubes, the Advanced Cats will plane quicker with smaller motors, turn tighter at higher speeds, safely carry heavier loads and generally out-perform other inflatable boats costing much more.

Advanced Cats and their close relatives, the Sport Cats were developed from the high-speed surf rescue boats first used off the coasts of South Africa in the early 1980’s. These boats and their descendants were capable of extremely high speeds (up to 65 mph!) in rough water and began to be used as race boats, workboats and pleasure craft.
 
The Catamaran Tunnel Hull is created by using two high-pressure foil tubes, covered in thick PVC fabric and custom molded, high-density rubber, to form two wedge-shaped sponsons. The tunnel hull creates lift for efficient planing and also provides a cushion of air for a smoother, high-speed ride (See video below). The sponsons are wedge-shaped, providing a good “bite” on the inside of a sharp turn while the outside sponson slides over the water, preventing tipping or flipping. As a result, the boat can perform extremely tight turns, even at high speed. Oversize main tubes and increased beam (width) allow for greater load bearing and stability.
 
Added benefits of the Tunnel Hull design include higher efficiency at speed (smaller engines, less fuel), precise maneuvering in reverse (very unusual for most inflatable boats), and the ability to row effectively. The Advanced Cats also tow very cleanly behind power or sail boats. Tunnel Hull sponsons are formed with completely enclosed, high-pressure foil tubes providing lateral stability, efficient planing and excellent protection when beached. Maneuvering in reverse is also much more precise.