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Random Quote: Justice is often measured in calibers
Hi-- I'm a new member looking for a good boat-- a 18 to 20 ft used single engine cat-- prokat, seacat, caracal, even a twin vee, but it would have to be a good deal. Prokat and twin vee are out of business but dealers with them are still asking original list prices. Seems to me buying one of these is like buying used with a new motor--if you have a problem with the hull, who do you go to?
Anyway, my thoughts on these-- let me know if I'm not seeing things correctly
I have a nice 2003 ProSports ProKat CC with a Suzuki 140 4-stroke motor and a custom, dual axle Magic Loader trailer with brakes. I am looking to get into a cuddy cabin or walkaround boat since my wife and I now have a young daughter. I was looking to trade with someone, but of course I would consider selling as well. For more information and pictures of my boat go to:
With the way the boat market is, I think any long term warranty is a crap shoot. I'm sure you could find a really good deal on used 20 Prokat or twinvee. I'd have a used one of those, instead of a new one. That way you know if it has any issues going into it, use a good surveyor.
Basically....test/evaluate all systems, inspect everything, moisture readings, knock tests, etc. as applicable. Kinda like a home inspection for a boat. The one and only I hired rode with a driver for the test, but would not drive. I found him here http://marinesurveyors.org/
If it's an older boat as mine is, I couldn't find insurance without it.
Sorry, I'm not sure what the cost would be, but I would recommend using one even on a newer boat. What's your budget? My caracal is for sale, but it sounds like it's out of your price range. You might be able to find an older wood model or a Catacraft. Which was the original Caracal.
140 Suzuki with Jackplate. Four bladed prop. Permatrim. Waxed hull. 3 gallons of fuel. No water in the livewell. No ice. One person on board. Bimini top down. No gear on board. Running with the current. Wind at my back...hell, I don't know.
If you re-read what I said was "it should do 40" I have never run any of my boats WOT. I have run this one 36 mph. Alan told me it would hit 40 and I believe him. I am happy to cruise at around 30.
Having had other cats I find the Caracal to be more of a semi-displacement hull than a true planing hull. Not the fastest cat hull in that size but a great riding hull.
That's my exact setup. All of the variables are the same except permatrim. I've redlined mine for short bursts to see what it could do. I trust Gavin and Alan, but I just don't see how it would be possible to hit 40mph in the liner model. Now, the unlined model is about 500lbs lighter and 30% less weight than the lined model.
Remember, until this year they thought that the liner model and the rolled model were the same weight. I could see a boat that weighs 30% less going 17% faster.
W T B--single engine cat 
