New catamaran features updated hull design

Cheetah Marine’s Cheetah Number 500 enables higher pressure at the back of the tunnel hull to create a counter balanced lift which keeps the hull level when accelerating as well as producing a soft ride in head seas.

Sean Strevens, founder and designer at Cheetah Marine, commented: “We’re really pleased with this hull and how its performing. Really solid in the water and even in the swells you can turn at high rpm and the boat stays completely level.”

Straight tracking reinforced

The vessel has an inbuilt forward spray rail which reinforces the straight tracking when surfing down big waves and keeps a very dry ride even in strong cross winds and during turns in considerable sea states.

Cheetah’s characteristic ‘cushion effect’ is created from the inner chines deflecting water from the bridge deck towards the central wave break. This creates a mix of air and water which becomes higher in pressure as you go towards the stern, generating lift throughout.

The Cheetah Number 500 is powered by the new Honda 225hp V6 engines, producing top speeds of 37 knots at 5500rpm. Efficient cruising at 18-20 knots at 3500rpm consumes around 20 litres per hour per engine. This equates to around two litres per mile whilst covering around 20mph.

Steering and manoeuvrability is simplified with SeaStar’s hydraulic steering system, comprising Tournament rams, hydraulic tie bars and power steering pump coupled with Honda’s drive by wire controls.

Cheetah Marine will be exhibiting at berth VA35 during Seawork 2020.

By Rebecca Jeffrey