Outboard first for powerful catamaran
The first catamaran in Europe to feature two of Yamaha’s new XTO 425hp outboards has been launched.
The 10.2m Cheetah Marine vessel FriendShip is the most powerful Cheetah built to date. FriendShip travelled from Cheetah Marine’s Isle of Wight base to Nieuwpoort, Belgium in December last year and will be used by owner Steve Rosseau in the Channel and North Sea.
Commenting on the role of outboards in the development of Cheetah’s designs, Sean Strevens, Cheetah Marine’s founder and designer, said: “We’ve always built and developed our hulls so they can accommodate emerging outboards as the manufacturers battle it out to produce larger and even more powerful units. Yamaha’s investment into the new XTO has been extensive which is shown in the build quality and design features of the new 5.6 litre model.”
High-speed but fuel efficient
FriendShip has a top speed of 48 knots. Cruise speeds of 25 knots are achieved at just 3000 RPM using 65 litres per hour or 2.6 litres per mile during sea trials.
Mr Strevens commented: “On a vessel of this size and power, this fuel economy at 25 knots is very good.”
On arrival in Belgium, a detailed electronics package was fitted and customised by Paul De Lange of Marine Electronics, a Simrad expert from Nieuwpoort.
Cheetah Marine’s 2021 orders include a police boat for Scotland, Wetwheels 7 for disability boating and many returning commercial fishing owners.
The new 11.5m x 4.3m series will be launched later this year. Mr Strevens added: “Our new 11.5m which is currently in the plug building phase will be powered by a range of outboards including the Yamaha XTO, COX diesel, Mercury’s new 600hp as well as smaller units down to the Honda’s BF135 and Selva’s 100hp Sei and Killer Whale.”
By Rebecca Jeffrey
