Q. What is the difference between pontoon boats and
catamarans?
A. The biggest difference
is the stability and performance. Pontoons are ordinarily round or "U" shaped which offer no planning surface
or "chines", the result is they offer no lift as they move through the water and are more easily blown about by
winds. Our catamaran fiberglass hulls have a planning surface and design which allows them to lift up & over
rough waters. The hard "chines" of our hulls help stabilize the boat in crosswinds.
Q. What advantages do catamarans have over mono-hull cruisers
and houseboats?
A. There
are many advantages including: no bilges to collect water or gas fumes, smoother ride & more stability. Mono-hull
houseboats are virtually flat bottomed which seems to float on the water's surface, as the water gets rougher so does the
ride or motion of the boat. Catamaran twin hulls cut the water in two places thus smoothing out rough water and considerably
reducing "bobbing" motions.
Q. Why are Catamaran
Cruisers fiberglass hulls better than aluminum or steel?
A. Fiberglass,
unlike aluminum or steel, will not corrode or rust, even salt water will not affect it. Fiberglass is easily repaired
if it is ever damaged. Additionally, fiberglass can be molded into desired shapes thus producing the desired performance
characteristics. Furthermore, fiberglass is stronger pound for pound than aluminum or steel.
Q. Why doesn't Catamaran Cruisers offer inboard motors?
A. Today's outboard motors are more reliable, lower cost, offer lower operating and maintenance cost and unlike
inboard motors they require no winterizing. The "kick-up" safety feature make them ideally suited for shallow
water use. We install our motors on motor pods separate and behind the boat to help reduce noise and vibration unlike
built in motors.
Q. How do Catamaran Cruisers perform in comparison
to other cruisers and houseboats?
A. Our unique hull shape
and low overall weight mean good performance even with lower horsepower motors. Cruisers are generally faster but at
the expense of high fuel consumption. As far as stability, Catamaran Cruisers are much more stable when underway or
docked.
Q. What about safety?
A. Catamaran Cruisers offers multi-compartmented hulls. They can not be swamped. The danger from
sinking due to knocking a hole in the bottom is virtually eliminated.
Q.
How do Catamaran Cruisers compare with cruisers as far as passenger comforts?
A. Our boats offer more usable space, flat open front and rear decks, as well as an upper
sun-deck. Cabins are designed to get the maximum use out of the space available. Single level floor design eliminate
space wasting stairs.
Q. How does Catamaran Cruisers cabin
construction compare to other cruisers?
A. All of our standard
models utilize a bonded gel coat fiberglass interior and exterior. All exterior decks and roofs feature hand rolled
fiberglass with a nonskid surface. Some competitors utilize stretched rubber on roofs and carpet on decks which will
deteriorate and require periodic replacement.
Our exclusive "three deck"
construction means the cabin walls are on the outside of the floor and the cabin deck is separated from both the front and
rear decks. The roof is set down over the walls (like a shoe box lid). The result is a sealed seamless cabin with
maximum strength and weather tightness.
Q. Do I have to have
a generator?
A. No, but it is a convenient optional feature.
When underway the onboard batter power provides lighting and water system pressure. Gas is used for standard cooking
and heating water. Dockside hookups allow use of 110v appliances and air condidioning when in a marina or an optional
generator can provide power anywhere.
Q. How can Catamaran
Cruisers be priced so much lower than comparable size cruisers or houseboats?
A. We manufacture on a low overhead production line basis. We laminate our own cabin walls, produce our
own cabinetry, molded fiberglass parts and boat trailers. In addition, all aluminum, wood & steel components are
designed and built in-house. This assures high quality components and helps reduce production cost. The results
are true value and a better product at less cost.
