I am thinking about building a small cat.....with Diesel power.
I know, I know........

I read a lot of posts about cats, but everyone is allways talking about 100+ mph.

For a machine that is 24-30 feet in length, with a top speed of maybe 55mph, what woul dbe a good hull to look for?

I have seen these thins putting along next to me in the sound. As I lose kidneys, these guys could have a record player on borad without skipping the needle!

Any suggestions? Anyone got a solid hull ou tthere?

My freind works at Cat in the marine division here in Orlando. They had a deep V running 3 Cat 6 cylinders with surface drives. I think they just rerigged it with 2 V8 Cats.

Gumby, Got to my site www.sharkeymarine.com and click the "BOAT BUILDING" page. Use the link for New Vee Hull Design. This company has alot of experience in building custom boats. Cat or Vees. They have outfitted cats with Diesels as well. Check them out. All their info is on that page along with links to their site.

Steve1 would be another suggestion, but he is on a mission right now...

Yeah , A 3406E ,600hp Cat with 2000 ft lbs of torque would be nice hooked to a 3 speed gear box ! It might sink though .How about a nice little kabota diesel or the Ford Laman 200hp .

As for the hull , How about a pontoon ? Make a nice party barge !

gumpy check with ocean express just spoke to him this week about cats with yenmar or sea techs mtrs

How about a 25' Daytona Cat with a Merc v-8 diesel with 300hp and a bravo drive and 1.12:1 ratio and 30" prop and be able to do 80-mph!

Boot, you are a funny guy!
My houseboat has enough "pontoon" already!
I want something a bit more slippery-er

I was thinking about a set of used Hinos actually. They weigh in at less than a small block and I think I can get them to put out 270 HP running Alpha drives. (Light little things)
A fresh set of bearings and rings.........PRESTO! (Perhaps a little work on the pumps and a little turbo tweak...hehehe