KEY POINTS:
A9M (30ft) power catamaran designed by New Zealander Roger Hill has been creating a stir in the United States, Australia and New Zealand.
The ArrowCat 30, which Hill originally designed to cope with New Zealand's demanding sea conditions, made its debut in San Francisco in November last year.
According to Trevor Lawson, of ArrowCat NZ, the power cat was an immediate success.
Attracting the attention of local marine media, the ArrowCat featured in two detailed reviews in leading boating magazines. As a result, dealerships across the United States made inquiries and Lawson says several will soon be on board.
The ArrowCat 30 is manufactured in a purpose-built factory in China. The engineering has been done by New Zealand's High Modulus, another Kiwi, ex-Nelson boatbuilder Hugh Grew, is in charge of production, and materials are being sourced from Europe, the US, Australia and New Zealand. The boat is ABYC-compliant and targeted production in year one is an impressive 42.
According to Lawson, the reason for the ArrowCat 30's success is simple: an ability to travel fast while remaining economical. In other words, those who like to go fast can do so without having to mortgage the family at the fuel dock.
Capable of speeds of around 40 knots with twin 175hp outboard engines, the ArrowCat's high-technology composite is responsible for her good fuel economy (in the US she achieved 2.2mpg at 19 knots, 1.9mpg at 29 knots and at 40 knots was still getting an impressive 1.4mpg).
High Modulus have engineered the ArrowCat to be as light as possible without compromising strength and safety. The engineering specification of 50 knots working speed, 2.5Gs of force and 500hp probably far exceeds any conditions likely to be experienced by ordinary boaties.
The design features the extensive use of Airex foam core and precisely hand-laminated bi-axial and unidirectional fibreglass.
On board, there is accommodation for up to six berths, a large dinette and a private head and shower. The cat has a spacious interior with almost 360-degree visibility from the saloon and the amidships helm. For overnight cruising, there is a master stateroom, two adult-sized mid-berths and a saloon dinette that converts to an additional double berth.
The roomy cockpit and spacious swim platform are an obvious prerequisite for a boat clearly designed to accommodate sports fishing and diving.
An unusual addition is that every new ArrowCat 30 comes with a Fusion iPod Marine Audio System. This innovative system is the world's first marine stereo unit to feature internal iPod docking with the iPod sitting inside a waterproof drawer in the stereo unit.
The ArrowCat 30 debuted at the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show this month and, in Australia, she made her first appearance at the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show. Lawson said interest was high and he had a "surprisingly large" number of inquiries to follow up.
