A new Cheetah for the show

The new 2.55m wider hull has adopted elements from the popular 7.2m and 7.9m hull designs. Sean Strevens, Cheetah Designer comments “I have lowered the C of G but kept the tunnel shape similar to the 7.9m hull for the soft ride. A lower spray rail aerates the hull bottom whilst the wedged planing plank gives proportional lift and better hull efficiency. Overall, better performance all round.”

The new model, available at 6.2 and 6.9m has wider hulls accommodating larger cubic capacity outboards. Larger outboards are increasingly efficient at lower rpm whilst producing better speeds than smaller engines running at full throttle. According to Cheetah Marine, the customer benefits twice, saving on fuel costs and longer engine life.

Both windscreen and wheelhouse versions on the 6m series will be available. The wheelhouse version is still under development and will be launched later in spring. Seatrials on the windscreen version of the 6.2m with twin Honda 40hp produced top speeds of 20 knots. With a maximum beam of 2.55m, the 6.2m enjoys a large deck space of 3.5m x 2.36m wide, measuring in at just under 9m². Additional space is available between the engine pods whilst providing easy access to the stern.

“We tested the prototype 6.2m on a typical February day, with a long swell and strong south west wind. The catamaran performed very well, with perfect cushion effect when powering into waves and high volume bows surfing comfortably and safely in a following sea”, comments Sean.

Cheetah Marine currently has two orders for the 6.9m wheelhouse version. The new 6m series succeeds Cheetah’s original 6.2 and 6.9m x 2.4m series. This model will still be available if specifically required.

Visit Cheetah Marine at Seawork International 2015 on marina berths V50 and V51.

By Jake Frith