Without the requirement to laminate each individual hull from a single mould, the internal face of each 'pod' can differ from the external face and on the inside of the 'tunnel', water is forced to roll back into itself creating a soft, cushioned ride.

This delivers excellent stability in both short and steep swell conditions, in following and quartering seas.

The low surface resistance of catamaran hulls and the weight savings inherent with aluminium build provide sharp performance. The boats will cruise comfortably at 18 to 22 knots and sprint to in excess of 26 knots. The hulls range from 10.36m to 12.19m LOA and engine options extend from twin 200hp to twin 380hp. Pepe claims horsepower requirements will be 15% to 20% lower than that of a similar sized monohull.

Pepe Boats is currently building the first CatFish 38 Sports Fishing for Colin Johnson, who operates from Chichester Harbour. Featuring a 15ft beam with full width wheelhouse and accommodation within the hulls, it will be powered by twin Cummins 6BTA 5.9L engines rated at 280 hp each. Pepe Boats has also recently secured orders for another 38 with a semi-walkaround wheelhouse and a 40ft CatFish over a 17ft beam with a fully walkaround 'lantern' style wheelhouse.

MJ Information No: 18315