A. Absolutely not. Though similar in appearance, the PowerCat hull design is completely different. Sailboat hulls have very different criteria for good sailing performance in light air which is counter to what a power cat requires. With the larger engines required to attain higher cruising speeds the hulls must be wider aft and employ chines to deflect spray when moving at higher speeds and rudder and keel design is totally different.
A. All things being equal power cats can be faster, more efficient, and more stable per gallon of fuel consumed than their monohull counterparts. However cats are more sensitive to overall weight distribution, so design and engineering must be more accurate. At higher speeds power cats have the added advantage of “ground effect” or “air cushion” between the hulls for improved performance and ride.
A. “Horsepower to weight” is important when it comes to fuel efficiency in any form of transportation whether it is an automobile, motor yacht or aircraft. A high efficiency power cat like the Manta is inherently lighter because smaller engines are required, however Manta uses state of the art technology to insure the Manta’s hull weight is still lighter for better fuel efficiency but strong enough to cruise the oceans of the world.
A. Like power mono hulls, power cats can be designed for speed {planning}, or sea kindliness, and efficiency (displacement). The Manta is a displacement design, offering a high efficiency offshore cruiser, with the emphasis on comfort and range.
A. While power cats don’t require as much beam for stability as sail cats, it is still important to have good separation of the hulls. Many power cat designs utilize less overall width or beam then they should in an attempt to make them more marina and transport friendly, consequently stability and efficiency can be sacrificed as well as interior and deck space.
A. Many power cat designs do not have adequate bridge deck clearance over the water for wave clearance. Additionally if the bridge deck is flat in shape it can create more pounding noise, the Manta PowerCat has a higher V shaped bridge deck to minimize these problems.
A. The trampoline saves a lot of weight forward improving ride and performance. It also is a very comfortable place to lounge without the necessity of boat cushions etc. However the trampoline for the power cat will be designed differently from the SailCat to minimize any spray from between the hulls when running at speed in choppy conditions.
A. This is a unique answer to backing into a slip. In normal use the podium is in the forward position when seated or standing facing forward. However when it comes time to back into a slip or mooring the podium can be shifted aft so the helmsperson can stand behind it facing aft and drive the boat into the slip, making it much easier than looking over ones shoulder.
A. Though the overall beam is the same, the Manta PowerCat will be roomier in the hulls because of the wider hulls aft and forward needed for good powering performance. This will allow for more spacious staterooms than the SailCat. Also because there is no mast compression post, the main salon will have more room for seating. The interior finish will still offer the beautiful choice of wood veneers, and solid surface countertops that the SailCat does.
A. The hardtop for the PowerCat will be made of fiberglass vs. the aluminum for the SailCat; it will also employ glass windshield and windshield wipers due to the potential for increased spray when traveling at higher speeds. Additionally, it will have the option for a hard cockpit enclosure.