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DIY Cruising Catamaran: Complete Building Guide

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A brand-new cruising catamaran can set you back a hefty amount of money. However, a DIY cruising catamaran provides a more affordable way to own your own boat. While building a large boat can be an extremely challenging and time-consuming experience, nothing beats the pleasure of bringing your own boat to life. 

To build a DIY cruising catamaran, buy good design plans, determine your budget and find a working space. Next, choose your hull material, buy supplies and start building the mast beam. Build and sheathe the hull, install bulkheads, the interior, and finally, launch the catamaran boat.

In this article, you will find a complete guide to building your own catamaran. You will also find detailed information on why you may want to consider building your catamaran and approximately how much this project would cost. Finally, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of building a catamaran from scratch.

Why You Might Want To Build Your Own Catamaran

Most people might think that purchasing a used boat to repair and fix it up would be cheaper than a DIY cruising catamaran. But while building your own catamaran could be an enormous undertaking, it also comes with many advantages over buying something used. 

Other than the unique opportunity to create beautiful memories and experiences while cruising, sailing, and exploring beautiful coastlines, there are a number of benefits that come along with the DIY approach.  

Knowing Your Boat

Building your own catamaran provides you with intimate knowledge of your boat. You will know every corner, including where to find every bolt, wire, bulkhead, rib, hose, and support as you installed them yourself. This knowledge will enhance your confidence while at sea since you will have entrusted your life to a boat whose history you are aware of and deeply connected to.

Pride of Ownership

The satisfaction you get from crafting something with your own hands is immense. As a result, the knowledge that you built your boat from scratch will fill you with absolute pride and an immense sense of achievement. Furthermore, as an owner-builder, you get to keep and enjoy the boat for as many years as you wish.

Substantial Cost Savings

Building your catamaran will work out cheaper than buying a new or even gently used boat. Though you will likely require some additional labor since doing some things will require an extra pair of hands, if you are particularly good at DIY, you will save a significant amount of money on labor costs as a whole. 

Freedom To Create Your Own Designs

If you decide to buy a catamaran boat, it might not be easy to find one that meets your unique needs. However, instead of choosing from production boats that bear traditional and outdated designs, you can come up with an ultra-modern design or style for your catamaran. You also get to pick your layout, size, and equipment based on your taste and budget.

Great Learning Experience

Building your own boat will help you pick up numerous skills that will come in handy later when sailing your boat. As much as you might still require an expert to help you with specialized skills like carpentry or wiring, your new skills will serve you well. This will also be beneficial when it comes to your boat’s maintenance and fixing things for yourself. 

What To Look For in Catamaran Boat Designs

When deciding on the type of catamaran boat to build, you may want to choose a design that’s simple and easy to build. This is because doing so will allow you to spend a shorter time building the boat. 

You also need to have a set of requirements to guide you in choosing your design or what you might call an ideal cruising catamaran wish list. This is essential because, ultimately, you want to build a boat that offers outstanding qualities such as:

  • Delivers good speed
  • Affordable to own and operate
  • Agile, strong, and easy to maintain
  • Has a high resistance to capsizing
  • Great for sailing and cruising
  • Delivers a comfortable and easy motion underway
  • Good handling ability and high performance under sail
  • User-friendly embarking and disembarking
  • Provides ample living and accommodation space 
  • Presents a reasonable resale value

It’s worth noting that, in general, catamaran boats tend to offer a fair resale value mainly because of scarcity and the high price accorded to production models. So, if you build a well-constructed catamaran, you are bound to get a return that’s much higher than the cost of materials upon resale.

It’s also good to consider whether the design you settle on is from an established designer. This is significant because documentation of the building process is just as valuable when it comes to selling the boat.

How Much Would It Cost To Build Your Own Catamaran?

The cost of building your cruising catamaran will depend heavily on the size of the boat you plan to build and the skills you bring to the table. To give you an idea of probable costs, a professionally built 40 foot (12.1 m) long cruising catamaran could go for up to $300,000. 

Though building it yourself will undoubtedly be cheaper, most DIY boatbuilders tend to underestimate the expected costs. Your final costs should cover not only the cost of material and equipment but also the labor and time it would take to come up with the final product. 

If you were to build a 40-foot (12.1-meter) catamaran, your cost of materials would range between 20-30% of the total cost. Therefore, for $300,000 total, the boat’s materials would range between $60,000 and $90,000. The hull tends to range between 15-35% of the total build. Again, this depends on the finish and furniture.

But before you even start working on the DIY project, you will need to figure out where to do the work. If your home has ample space, then you can opt for a backyard building. But if you live in a small apartment, then you might want to consider renting a small garage at first and then move on to a boatyard later. This is one of the significant costs involved in building your multi-haul.  

What You Will Need

To get a clearer picture of how much the entire project would cost, let’s have a look at what else you will need to purchase.

  • Good design plans
  • Working space
  • Ground tackle
  • Matting and roving
  • Equipment such as the engine, windows, rudders, deck fittings, mast, and rigging

In addition to the above, you also need to install plumbing and electricals. You may also want to consider going electric rather than using diesel. Not only will this drastically reduce your maintenance costs, but you get to use the regenerated power for all of your housing needs while sailing. 

Some catamaran boat designs help you save costs by advocating the use of less expensive corpus materials. Most of the material goes directly into making the boat, which means there is hardly any wastage on vacuum bagging . With this method, there are few molds and temporal building forms and fewer fillers to grind off as waste. All these factors reduce the time and cost it takes to build your catamaran boat.

That said, building a boat of any kind is a huge financial undertaking. As such, you still need to have the financial ability to keep building; otherwise, your project will stall or take much longer than anticipated. Instead of enjoying yourself and making memories cruising to faraway lands, you might end up spending all your time building a seemingly never-ending boat.

To reiterate, this project is more of a labor of love, given that it involves a tremendous amount of manual work. Calculating an hourly rate on the time spent building the boat and adding this cost to that of materials may make it seem a very pricey exercise. However, it is vital to understand that your time matters, and every hour you spend working for “free” should be included. 

With that in mind, you need to ensure that you are fully devoted to the boat construction project and are sure you want to do it before you begin. Stopping halfway because it seems like too much work would be incredibly costly.

How To Build a Catamaran

When it comes to building a cruising catamaran, you have 3 main options:

  • You can buy an old boat and refurbish it.
  • Purchase a bare hull plus deck molding for a home-boat building.
  • Start from scratch and build everything, including the hull, on your own. 

As mentioned above, renovating an existing boat may end up being more costly than starting from scratch. To build a catamaran boat from scratch, follow the below step-by-step guide.

Prepare the Essentials

Before you jump into such a large project, there are several important aspects to consider:

  • Buy your plans from an established catamaran designer. You can also get inexpensive, easy-to-build catamaran designs online.
  • Get access to a large working space or build a shed . Depending on your climate, you may need to opt for climate control to avoid an excess of moisture in humid areas. 
  • Decide on your choice of hull material. This could be fiberglass, aluminum, steel, wood, or ferroconcrete. 
  • Start working on a bill of materials estimate. Include everything that you think you need to get a better idea of the initial costs.

Build the Mast Beam

Using wood and epoxy, cut and glue together the pieces of wood that will form the mast beam. Most of the work at this stage can occur in a garage since it involves building small parts. Still, the work could take up to 4 months, so be prepared to put in long hours.

Build the Boat Hull

Now, it’s time to build the boat’s hull. A catamaran comprises two hulls which are connected with a deck. Below is a short video showing how to build a hull mold:

This work requires a larger facility, so you might need to move out of the garage and into a boatyard. If you don’t have access to a larger workshop, consider building a shed where you can work as you do the construction. Make sure there’s enough room to fit the boat and also allow you to work comfortably. To cover the shed, you can use opaque white tarps. 

Sheathe the Hull

Get all the materials you require for this stage in the construction, such as lots of resin, fiberglass, and foam for use in the hull cores. You’ll also require matting and glass roving to sheath the hull . 

Sheathing helps to make the hull impervious to water and other marine borers. But first, you need to prepare the hull using a rotary sander. To make it as smooth as possible, use light, sweeping strokes. This is a very dusty task so be prepared to wear a facemask and safety goggles. 

Install the Bulkheads

Next is installing the plywood bulkheads . You might need to call in friends to help turn the hulls or use a crane. In this step, you will need to laminate the hull sides on the molded hull panels and bond them above the bulkheads. Ensure the bulkheads are snug and sealed in place.

Construct the Interior Structure

Over the next couple of months, the boat work will involve joining the hulls together with the beams that you had made back in the garage. Then, install the cuddy cabin, decks , and the cockpit . Soon the boat will start to take the shape of a catamaran.

Next, proceed to construct the major structural components such as stairs, hatches, mini-keels, and the interior. Then comes the work of fairing the boat, which is quite labor-intensive. 

Finally, it’s time to apply primer on the catamaran boat and start the paintwork. Before painting the boat, you will need to do additional sanding to finish off the two layers of primer as well as fill all the pinholes. Since it’s a large boat, the catamaran has lots of surface area; thus, the sanding could get extremely exhausting—mentally and physically—at this point.

The painting can take a while, too. The hulls are the easiest to paint, but the topsides, non-skid, as well as masking and prepping could seem never-ending. 

The final stretch involves working on the center bridge deck cabin and other final touches like installing the engines, electricals, and plumbing. This is also the time to fix the rudders, rigging, mast, windows, and deck fittings.

Launch Your Cruising Catamaran

After many months or years of hard work, your cruising catamaran is finally ready to test the waters. After lowering the boat into the water, check carefully in case there are leaks. If none, you can set up the sails and take your catamaran out for your first cruise. 

Below is a short video that takes you through the entire boat-building process:

If you don’t have deep pockets, don’t despair. It’s also possible to build an inexpensive catamaran boat, as shown in this post from the coastal passage .

The Pros of Building a Catamaran

Though it will be a costly endeavor, there are so many things to look forward to should you decide to build your own catamaran:

  • It can be lots of fun.
  • You get to have a new boat.
  • It’s an excellent hobby for DIY enthusiasts.
  • The effort is rewarding.
  • It offers a great learning experience.
  • You get the exact kind of boat you want.
  • You can alter building plans and tailor the boat to suit your specific needs.
  • It might be cheaper than buying a new boat.

The Cons of Building a Catamaran

Though there are a number of positive aspects to a DIY build, it is just as important to keep in mind that it won’t always be easy:

  • Maintenance costs can be quite high.
  • It’s both mentally and physically exhausting.
  • It might require some technical know-how.
  • It can take many months or even years to complete.
  • It requires a lot of commitment to finish the DIY project.
  • It might be challenging as well as expensive to get insurance.  
  • You will spend almost all your free time building the boat. 

DIY Cruising Catamaran Tips and Tricks

If you are new to boat building, it would be a good idea to build a small boat first. This would give you a good indication as to whether you’d enjoy tackling a more extensive project like building a catamaran. Again, if you are the handy type, fixing your own electronics could also save you a significant amount of money. 

Here are more tips and tricks to get the most out of your DIY cruising catamaran:

  • Lower your costs. Bring down your costs even further by sourcing for parts and supplies at marine surplus outlets, Craigslist, eBay, or wholesale suppliers. 
  • Enhance your resale value. Most home-built boats are not easy to sell since they tend to be too customized. To enhance your resale value, it’s advisable to work with a standard design from a well-established naval architect.
  • Follow the design instructions. Make sure to follow the designer’s instructions regarding the type of materials and tools to use during the build to avoid making costly mistakes.
  • Maintain your original budget. Avoid any additional customizations once you have started building the boat. Using good plans and sticking to them ensures that your budget doesn’t spiral out of control.

Final Thoughts

Building a catamaran is about more than saving money. It’s fun, exciting, fulfilling, and can be a great learning experience. While it might take many months of back-breaking work, comparative shopping and sourcing for materials will help you save a lot of money. Still, at the end of it all, you’ll have a beautiful catamaran boat, all ready for your first cruising adventure.

However, if you have neither the time nor the energy to build your own catamaran from scratch, refurbishing an existing hull might prove faster and easier. It also works out much cheaper than buying a new boat.

Owner of CatamaranFreedom.com. A minimalist that has lived in a caravan in Sweden, 35ft Monohull in the Bahamas, and right now in his self-built Van. He just started the next adventure, to circumnavigate the world on a Catamaran!

One thought on “ DIY Cruising Catamaran: Complete Building Guide ”

Hello, I am a French Quebecer who is original, imaginative, creative and who finds that all boats and catamarans have a huge flaw and a very big lack of logic. I would have a brand new concept…. I am sending this message to any catamaran creator – designer to make those who have the opportunity and the intelligence to want to know about my innovative idea which will finally upset the market much richer. An idea that will totally change the concept of sailing, navigation and save so much worry!! All I would ask for is a small percentage of each sale of the new product. To be able to make me produce one when I have enough!! It is certain that like that, you just want to tell me: come on Mr. Lessard give us your idea but do not take your word to help me in return! But, if you are the kind of man to have only one word and maybe have a proof of your good faith if the realization of the project would make it… I will be very happy!! Giving it to everyone wouldn’t bother me either…. all I would like is to be able to find flax fiber (too expensive carbon) to be able to try to make my catamaran myself. Because not rich! Have a nice day and looking forward to having a message!!

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Category: Our Catamaran Build Kits

Recommended equipment.

Catamaran Kit Materials. What do I receive? Schionning Designs supply a list of the Kit Materials you will receive to start the process.

Quality suppliers & manufacturers

The schionning team have a lot of contact with equipment suppliers and manufacturers, and hear feedback on certain brands or systems from our many customers. there are many schionnings cruising the world and testing products longevity and the customer service offered by the manufacturer., on this page we will list products and companies that we know to provide above average quality and service. it is always growing, and if your company provides equipment used on our designs and you would like to be included - please contact us., engines & drive systems.

Schionning recommend equipment of Oceanvolt Ltd HYBRID AND ELECTRIC MARINE POWER AND PROPULSION SYSTEMS

Visit:  https://oceanvolt.com

Batteries, Power Management

Schionning Designs Recommend LIthium Lab suppliers of Batteries Power Management

LITHIUM POWER (VIC)

Back in 2013 I knew that my boat batteries were reaching the end of their lives, I had been researching LiFePO4 cells for a few years and decided that I should install them. Unfortunatly I was unable to find a local supplier. So Lithium Power was established.

Technical Information

The technical information page is a collection of documents (mostly in pdf format) on the materials and systems used in schionning catamarans. including data sheets, engineering information, strength comparisons of each core material and informative articles from jeff outling the design of certain system such as engine choices and main sheet systems., detailed engineering data for your research, we understand that getting your head around the process of building your own boat, or having one built, can take a little while. to gain a greater understanding of the materials used in our designs, the below data sheets have been supplied by atl composites, and contain all of the technical data you could need regarding the composites we use. in addition are articles or documents written by jeff about certain systems used on our designs and why., all technical information and data sheets on west system/duflex/durakore provided courtesy of atl composites. for more information please see the atl composites website here., documents library.

Information Sheet – CE CERTIFICATION PROCESS

  • Mainsheet Systems for Catamarans
  • Motor Choices for Schionning Designs
  • Weight and Weight Distribution Schionning Designs
  • Schionning Designs Sailing Performance and Tips
  • Hull Shapes and Performance – Power Designs
  • Outboard Engines VS Diesels – Written by Ross McCombe
  • An Outboard Installation That Works – Ross McCombe Follow up
  • Data Sheet – DUFLEX BALSA for Catamaran Kit Builds
  • Data Sheet – DUFLEX FOAM
  • Data Sheet – FEATHERLIGHT Paper Honeycomb
  • Data Sheet – WEST SYSTEM R105
  • Data Sheet – PUMP SYSTEMS
  • Data Sheet – MICROFIBRE BLEND 403
  • Data Sheet – MICROLIGHT 410
  • Data Sheet – MICROSPHERES 411
  • Information Sheet – USING FILLERS
  • Data Sheet – KINETIX RESIN Thixotropic
  • Information Sheet – DURAKORE PLANKS 413
  • Data Sheet – DURAKORE PLANKING 414

Kit Materials Contents

Kit materials' contents, so if you order a schionning kit, what exactly is going to arrive see an overview of the materials you will receive, and what each is used for during the build process. fibreglass cloth or tapes microspheres, microballoons or microfibers take a closer look and you can answer these questions., our schionning kits are a no nonsense, common-sense approach to building a boat. we offer great service, fast delivery and access to anything you could need for your boat straight from the supplier to your door. our construction plans and kits are sold with 100% professional boatbuilder support via phone and email, any time you're unsure or just need a second opinion, we're here..

plan catamaran aluminium

Our kits contain all of your basic materials to build your boat to a faired shell stage, ready for painting and fit-out. We have sail-away costing estimates available for all of our standard designs, and this will give you an accurate idea of the overall cost of your project. This costing varies depending on your level of finish, as you can imagine different options vary greatly in price.

Below is a quick glance at what your Schionning Kit will include and what each item is primarily used for, we hope this is helpful and if you should require more detailed information please don’t hesitate to contact our office.

What do I actually receive?

Superlight Balsa - End-Grain Balsa - Foam - Paper Honeycomb - Western Red Cedar - SDI - End-Grain Balsa - 150kg per cubic metre Paper Honeycomb - 50kg per cubic metre Superlight Balsa - 94kg per cubic metre Western Red Cedar - 360-380kg per cubic metre - Foam

DUFLEX PRE-LAMINATED PANELS

DuFlex pre-laminated panels are the main and most important material used in our kits, predominantly in the flat panel designs, however they are used in Strip-planked designs also, though to a lesser extent. These panels are 2400mm x 1200mm and are CNC routed to speed up build time on our Wildernes X Series, as well as some of our power designs. For internal furniture, a paper honeycomb core is used instead of the end-grain balsa wood core that is used for main structural areas. The use of this is purely to save weight in the shell and therefore produce a faster, more responsive catamaran.

Schionning Catamaran Kit Materials contain Kinetix Laminating Resin & Hardener Kinetix Laminating resin is used on all of our designs and is used for laminating the strip-planked areas, so round-bilge designs will use it more often whereas our flat panel designs not as much.

KINETIX LAMINATING RESIN & HARDENER

Resin Choices for Catamaran Kit Building by Schionning Designs SDI - We choose ATL Composite's resin systems for their superior quality, reliability and value for money. West System Epoxy Resins

WEST SYSTEM EPOXY RESINS

Fibreglass Tapes (Double Bias) These double bias fibreglass tape rolls are used for the joining of panels in our flat panel designs, or in round-bilge designs to a lesser extent. Anywhere that DuFlex panels need to be joined, tapes will be used. The smaller rolls come in different widths for ease of use and to save time on cutting larger rolls of cloth.

FIBREGLASS TAPES (DOUBLE BIAS)

Schionning Designs Catamaran Kit Materials Carbon Fibre Cloth Carbon fibre is used on a number of our designs and can be incorporated into any design to save on weight and increase the performance capabilities. Carbon comes in unidrectional and double bias, however is much more expensive than standard fibreglass (as one might expect). It is very similar to work with, however the resin choice may change when using carbon.

CARBON FIBRE CLOTH

Schionning Designs Catamaran Design Kit Materials Fibreglass Cloth Fibreglass cloth is the strength and stiffness that holds your boat together, this is used in most areas for strength and is used in a variety of techniques depending on the area or job that is being performed. Fibreglass is one of the most widely used materials for low weight and high strength properties.

FIBREGLASS CLOTH

The kit process, building your own boat can be a daunting prospect, however to demonstrate each step in the kit assembly process, we've created this guide for you to study. as you can see our kits are the ultimate in building efficiency and have been streamlined over 30+ years to ensure that you're on the water faster and with less effort., how does it all go together.

Schionning Designs Catamaran Kit Build Process - Step 1 The first step to building your dream catamaran begins with a strongback - this is a square frame used to position the temporary frames that will be used to form the hull shape. This frame will be set up and must be square and accurate, a string or laser level can be used to achieve this.

The first step to building your dream catamaran begins with a strongback – this is a square frame used to position the temporary frames that will be used to form the hull shape. This frame will be set up and must be square and accurate, a string or laser level can be used to achieve this.

Step 2 pre-cut frame panels are erected along the strongback in sequence - catamaran building step 2 SDI

The forebeam is now installed along with the striker attachment fitting, as shown above. The bridgedeck is installed shortly after and taped onto the bulkheads with webs installed, this now completes what is a quite stiff and strong platform to work on.

Step 8 catamaran kit building - forward webs and dash will be fitted - SDI

Now that the bridgedeck is in place, the forward webs and dash will be fitted. At this stage, all furniture and internal work begins, with the main panels left off for ease of access when working.

Catamaran Kit Building Processs by Schionning Designs SDI -Step 9 The internal furniture is now installed, if you chose Kit Option 2, this furniture will be pre-cut to your previously decided upon layout. If you chose to receive blank panels, this is the period in which your internal living areas are to be built. This construction uses paper-honeycomb Duflex panels, as these are superior in weight when used non-structurally. Cabin soles, engines and daggerboard cases are also now installed.

Material Choices

Schionning material choices, solutions that work best for catamarans & why, our designs are based on cored composite construction techniques using west system epoxy resin and knitted fabrics. but given the range of today's composite technologies, which solution works best for catamarans and why written by jeff schionning, selecting the correct materials, resin choices.

Resin Choices for Catamaran Kit Building by Schionning Designs SDI - We choose ATL Composite's resin systems for their superior quality, reliability and value for money.

It also fully protects the boat against water absorption and it can not develop the dreaded Osmosis.

We choose ATL Composite’s resin systems for their superior quality, reliability and value for money.

Having worked closely with the ATL Composites team and their products for many years, we know we can stand by their material solutions, and rely on great service should something unexpected happen.

Colan brand cloths for their quality and low resin absorption - Schionning Designs SDI - We prefer Colan brand cloths for their quality and low resin absorption, custom made for Schionning Marine at six (6) stitches per square inch for easy wet-out and rounding corners.

This may not seem important but when working with a material for an extended period of time, the small things make all the difference.

CORES Which One to Use?

Superlight Balsa - End-Grain Balsa - Foam - Paper Honeycomb - Western Red Cedar - SDI - End-Grain Balsa - 150kg per cubic metre Paper Honeycomb - 50kg per cubic metre Superlight Balsa - 94kg per cubic metre Western Red Cedar - 360-380kg per cubic metre - Foam

  • End-Grain Balsa – 150kg per cubic metre
  • Superlight Balsa – 94kg per cubic metre
  • Western Red Cedar – 360-380kg per cubic metre
  • Foam – 80kg per cubic metre

BALSA END GRAIN (150 kg/cubic metre)

Balsa  has very good values and we can produce a shell using a very light laminate. It will be very stiff and very resilient to fatigue.

It has exceptional qualities including very high compression strength, extremely good sheer capabilities and fantastic sheer stiffness.

Compressive strength is the resistance to collapsing when pressure is applied perpendicular to the surface as when pushing directly onto the material with the point of your finger. Balsa is far stronger than Foam (80kg/cubic metre) in compression.

Balsa is also very strong in shear. This is when the core sample is held flat between your hands, one hand slid one way and the other slid the opposite way, when the core tears through the middle the core has failed in sheer. The amount of stretch you feel before the core shears is shear stiffness. To compensate for sheer weakness the core is made thicker. So 13mm Balsa may be equal in sheer to 19mm Foam.

(80 to 200 kg/m³)

There are many boats sailing that are built from foam as it’s mechanical properties are good for boat building.

  • Initially one would expect this cat shell to be lighter as it is ½ the weight of Balsa. We do have to compensate for its weaknesses and will then add to the reinforcement the reinforcement on the outside to spread that compression load over more core and need a triaxial type weave to compensate for the veneer content that runs fore and aft on the Durakore.
  • Secondly, we need to increase the Core thickness to compensate for the shear value, usually neutralizing the weight advantage.
  • We only use structural foam core that is closed-cell and cross-linked.

The end result using foam core amounts to a very similar total boat weight. Professional builders can achieve a good result but usually use vacuum bagging and very good molds to achieve this.

Secondary Issues

Balsa can absorb water. It needs extreme neglect to rot (very unusual). Water soaks along the end grain quickly. It travels very slowly across the grain. We use balsa under the waterline especially because of it’s high compression strength for beaching etc. any core type must be sealed. Damage to all cores results in the same sort of repair. Notice a damp spot remaining when drying out to anti-foul… simply grind back the surface glass exposing the core, dry it out and re-glass – it’s that easy.

Timber cores are cheaper than Foam in most cases.

A light, high tech cat returns a far better (often 2 – 3 times) re-sale than lower tech materials. Often saving $10,000 on materials initially, loses $200,000 on re-sale – a serious reality.

Our boats can be built using Balsa, Foam or Western Red Cedar. Combine strength, stiffness, lightness and cost, with ease of use – it just makes good sense!

De Villiers Marine Design Logo

DVD 52 foot Aluminium Cruising Catamaran – Design #163 / #183 /#226

This is the smallest design in our range of Aluminium Sailing Catamarans. The philosophy and basic features of this design are firmly rooted in our earlier, successful  62ft Alloy Ketch Cat  design which has covered over 100000 nautical miles as an expedition charter boat.

The 525 Cat is obviously smaller and more manageable than the  62ft older sister . We have developed 2 distinct versions of the design ie. a ketch rig as well as a sloop rig and lately there is a 3 rd iteration which is essentially the sloop version with a stretched deckhouse roof for an increased solar array plus other minor modifications.  

Early concepts of this design reflected a more performance-oriented optimisation for the design. In developing the full construction plans we have chosen to accentuate capacities and features which will have more mainstream appeal to a broader spectrum of cruising sailors.

Make no mistake this design remains well above average in terms of sailing performance. Performance can be further enhanced by the sailor willing to compromise by not overloading the boat.  

Having said all that what we have here is a durable, rugged alloy cruising boat with inherent safety features (6x watertight compartments, skeg protected rudders and props, exceptional underwing clearance, easily-managed ketch rig etc) which will appeal to anyone wanting to cruise far and wide.

Our plan packages are carefully detailed and together with the comprehensive build kit information (assembly drawings and nested CNC cutting files) most skilled yachtbuilders will have no trouble putting together your perfect cruising home.

We are available to discuss any of the questions you have. Please contact us for further information on this design.  

DIMENSIONS & SPECIFICATIONS

plan catamaran aluminium

Design #163

plan catamaran aluminium

Design #183

plan catamaran aluminium

Design #226

plan catamaran aluminium

REQUEST INFORMATION AND PLANS

STUDY PLANS: – See Pricing and Stockplans BUILDING PLANS & KIT: – See Pricing and Stockplans

plan catamaran aluminium

MIKE WALLER 

Yacht design.

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WE SPECIALIZE IN BOAT PLANS FOR AMATEUR BUILDERS

We provide stock boat plans for both monohull and multihull sailing vessels, including sailing skiffs and sharpies. Our designs mainly feature timber construction, in plywood or cedar strip plank composite construction, using the W.E.S.T. system (wood epoxy saturation technique). Our designs are intended mainly as cruising boats, although several have done well in racing. All designs are suitable for amateur boat builders.

Monohull designs by Mike Waller Yacht Design.png

 MONOHULLS

 multihulls  , photos from our builders.

Waller TS 540 by Mike Waller Yacht Design -  under sail

Photo galleries are provided on each design page where available

F I R S T    I N    C A T A M A R A N S

  • 1-360-457-5752

BRIX Marine

  • RecPro | Recreational
  • PaxCat | Passenger
  • LabCat | Survey
  • Landing Craft

move beyond ordinary with brix marine

LIMITED AVAILABILITY – BOOKING 2025 DELIVERIES NOW

join the legacy

FEATURED BOAT

3814-ctc offshore, 4wd of the sea.

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Latest BRIX Videos

Safety. stability. speed., efficient. spacious. safe., stable. strong. ergonomic., first in catamarans, discover our boats.

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RECREATIONAL

Walk-around or full width cabin

Join the BRIX legacy with a recreational cat built to professional standards. Be it for fishing or cruising, each custom RecPro is distinctly tailored for adventure.

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TOUR, FERRY, DIVE

Customize For Diving, Whale Watching Or Luxury

BRIX Marine’s PaxCats deliver reliability and comfort for the most memorable excursions. Choose the sweetest ride on the water for up to 49 passengers and beyond.

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SURVEY, RESEARCH

Workboat’s Top-10 Significant Boats Of 2019

BRIX provides the most capable boats under 50′ in the marine science industry. Outfit with equipment such as a knuckle boom crane, an A-frame, or the versatile BRIX HYPR-Arm.

OUR LATEST LAUNCHES

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BRIX Marine Delivers the 3513-CTC “Sovereign One” to the Puyallup Tribe: Advancing Shellfish Monitoring Capabilities

PORT ANGELES, WA – BRIX Marine proudly announces the successful completion and delivery of the [...]

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Behind the Scenes of the BRIX 4615-HTC: Advancing Maritime Operations with Purposeful Design

PORT ANGELES, WA – BRIX Marine is excited to announce the forthcoming launch of the [...]

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BRIX Marine Introduces the 3011-CTC Survey Boat “Lugudi Barana”

Port Angeles, WA – BRIX Marine, a pioneer name in the maritime industry, proudly announces [...]

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Move Beyond Ordinary: BRIX Marine Launches the 3814-CTC ‘Hammer Cat’ with Starboard Walkaround for Unrivaled Offshore Adventures

Port Angeles, WA – BRIX Marine, a pioneer in maritime innovation, is thrilled to introduce [...]

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BRIX Marine Delivers Kamohoali’i: 4014-CTC for Haleiwa Shark Tours

PORT ANGELES, WA – BRIX Marine proudly presents Kamohoali’i, a state-of-the-art 40′ x 14′ Classic [...]

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BRIX Marine Launches The Aldebaran: The Latest Addition to the NAIAD Vessel Series

Port Angeles, WA — BRIX Marine, a renowned leader in marine craftsmanship, proudly announces the [...]

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BRIX Marine Announces Upcoming Tradeshows 2023/2024

Port Angeles, WA – BRIX Marine, a renowned custom boat manufacturer, is thrilled to announce [...]

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BRIX Marine Unveils the 3814-CTC Danger Bay: Setting New Standards in Recreational Boating

Port Angeles, WA – BRIX Marine, an industry leader in maritime innovation, proudly introduces the [...]

ABOUT BRIX MARINE

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has earned a solid reputation for pioneering and crafting the world’s most rugged aluminum catamarans and workboats since 1991.

The company was founded in Canada and moved to Port Angeles, WA in 2001. We gained new ownership under Bryton Marine Group in 2017, which fortified the company’s focus on our Core Values and strategic plan for our future.

“Our team has developed strong momentum with our boat portfolios and customers. As we look to the future, BRIX Marine will honor the legacy we have built and move beyond to deliver exceptional custom boats,” said Perry Knudson, Managing Director.

BRIX literally means the scientific measure of sweetness in liquid. This translates well to the high-performance boats the company is known for. “BRIX is more than a sweet riding hull,” said Knudson. “Our custom projects begin with the first communication and the relationship continues after the boat is delivered. BRIX is committed to an owner-centric approach.”

BRIX Marine has another important target. “We want to be the best place to work in our community,” said Knudson. BRIX employs master level craftsmen in the disciplines required to build welded aluminum boats. The company invests in defining career paths and training employees to gain the skills needed to advance in their fields.

The BRIX team will broaden and diversify its portfolio of welded aluminum boats, known as being “first in cats.” The newly redefined custom recreational portfolio is in high demand, and BRIX Marine is bringing this same innovative approach to other key markets.

“Our luxury water taxi designs are raising the standards for passenger vessels as seen with the recent launch for Liberty National Golf Club. The research vessel  Bob & Betty Beyster  we delivered in 2019 earned a Workboat Magazine award as a Significant Boat of the Year. That design is reshaping our research vessel line-up,” commented Perry Knudson. “We have a lot of exciting things on the horizon. This new identity represents who we are and where we’re going.”

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Your Vision. Our Expertise.

We believe solutions exist to unique vessel demands, and we provide solutions to our clients every day, giving them the best possible opportunity to succeed on the water.

Let’s build your boat.

Our Core Values

  • Quality Craftsmanship
  • Financial Responsibility
  • Accountability

SOME OF OUR VALUED CLIENTS

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Adventure to feel free

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The future of sailing

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Comfort & Luxury

Eyecat offers everything that a true sailor's heart needs! But it also has all the luxury and comfort for friends and family. So together you can sail over the horizon in style.Why settle for a five star-hotel if you can sleep under a thousand star sky on the open ocean. Imagine waking up on your own boat and fully enjoying a 360 degrees view and fully enjoying all the luxuries you can imagine. With our Sailing Island package you'll have a spacious cabin that can be customised to all your wishes and needs.

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Performance

The Eyecat is a catamaran built in aluminium, a material that is the future of boat building. The light weight and strength of aluminium will last longer and is strong enough for off-the-beaten path sailing, giving you a sailing experience as closed to a performance monohull as you can get. We've taken into consideration the environmental challenges of our planet and made the eyecat as future proof as possible without compromising on quality, materials and performance. With two electric motors, an aluminium hull, solar panels and a water maker you can sail with peace of mind on the free energy of the wind.

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Adventure & Fun

Most important thing on the water is: enjoying the ultimate feeling of freedom! With your friends and family, surrounded by nature, breaking all the limits.

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“After 40 years of sailing in a monohull, I wanted a boat with the same sailing performance, but with more comfort and at the same time a smaller footprint. Eyecat 55 is the result: exploring the world in luxury and in a sustainable way!”

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We are Eyecat

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Latest news

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Video update: transport to the harbor

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Call us on +31 (0)6 36543848 , or write your name and email address below and we'll be in touch with you

Messing about in boats since 1975.  Online Since 1997.

Home   |  Intro   |  Our Design Process   |  Stock Design Info   |  Motor Yacht Designs   |  Sailing Yacht Designs   |  Prototype Designs Plans List   |  Articles   |  Our CAD Design Stream   |  Maxsurf   |  News..!   |  SITE MAP..!   |  Site Search   | Design Team   |  Contact Us Please see the  AVAILABLE BOAT PLANS web page
Power and Sailing Yacht Plans List Copyright 2023 Michael Kasten Updated April  2023 This page provides a list of our currently available boat plans, a link to the web page for each design, and a price for each design.  What Do Plans Cost..? Below is a list of prices for each plans package that we offer. The first group lists our Sailing Yacht Designs and the second group lists our Power Yacht Designs .  Some designs are COMPLETED and others are INCOMPLETE.      COMPLETED STOCK DESIGNS :  The Estimating Plans and Building Plans prices given below in BOLD BLACK TYPE are for a FULLY COMPLETED STOCK DESIGN , the plans for which can be shipped immediately on receipt of your order.   Please see our Stock Design web page for a description of what is included, and how our prices have been determined.    INCOMPLETE OR 'SEMI-STOCK' DESIGNS :   Prices given below in PLAIN TEXT indicate plans that are INCOMPLETE.  WHY , you may ask, have I even bothered to list INCOMPLETE designs below...? Since people's circumstances often change, it is inevitable that some boat design projects will be abandoned before they are finished, and in some cases after considerable work has been done.  This can occur as is so well described in the first few pages of Rockwell Kent’s excellent non-fiction sea story, “North by East” , or as the result of a change of fortune, failing health, or for a myriad of other reasons. A few of the INCOMPLETE designs listed below (not very many) have been developed on my own, in other words, with myself as the 'client'.  Others have been created at the behest of an individual client to explore an idea or a concept.  Either way, I believe all of the designs listed below have merit.  We offer these INCOMPLETE designs at a substantial discount versus what it would cost to develop an entirely CUSTOM design, the difference being that the 'discovery' phase of the design process has already been accomplished.  Even so, there is still quite a bit of WORK REMAINING in order to complete the Plans Packages for those INCOMPLETE designs.  The prices given below reflect our actual cost to complete the Estimating Plans or the Building Plans Package for each design, assuming there will be no changes to the design as it is presented.  If you take umbrage with the cost of our INCOMPLETE designs, I urge you to read our Learning Yacht Design web page.  If one of the designs below is "close" to what you have in mind but you would like to tweak it some, I will be pleased to provide a detailed estimate for any revisions you have in mind.  If any of these designs is of interest, please inquire .    CUSTOM YACHT DESIGN :  A new CUSTOM design will necessarily include the process of " discovery " which represents Stage I of the design process, during which all options are on the table including size, type, configuration, layout, rig, materials, etc.  By comparison, given that many of the INCOMPLETE designs listed below have already had a considerable amount of design work done, very roughly the cost to create a CUSTOM design can be on the order of some 20% to 50% greater than the prices listed for the INCOMPLETE designs below, in order to accommodate the "discovery" process on the way to achieving a completed set of Building Plans.  Is the added cost worth it...?   Yes , we believe so. Please see our article on Custom Yacht Design for our best answer to that question, where you will also find an overview of the design process itself.  Our Design Stream article additionally describes how we use CAD to best advantage throughout the design process. If a new Custom Yacht Design is of interest, please inquire for more information.    COMPLETED NC CUTTING FILES :  There are several designs below for which NC Cutting files are ALREADY DEVELOPED , in which case the price is in BOLD BLACK TYPE .    DEVELOPING NEW NC CUTTING FILES :  All other NC Cutting File prices are listed in PLAIN TEXT, and reflect our actual cost to develop NC Cutting Files for that design from scratch, in which case they can be developed for metric or imperial dimensioned materials as needed. Please see our CAD Design Stream article for more information about our NC development process.    ORDERING INFORMATION : All prices are given in US Dollars and are subject to change at any time.  To place an order, please see our contact information below. To order by fax or by mail, a PDF Order Form has been provided for your convenience.    What's Included...? Estimating Plans - Building Plans - NC Cut Files... ESTIMATING PLANS :  Since all the basic information about each of our designs is available here at our web site, and for free, we no longer offer basic Study Plans.   Instead, we offer a much more useful and complete Estimating Plans for each of the designs listed below. Our Estimating Plans include the following: Drawings:    Sail Plan / Exterior Profile Drawing Interior Profile & Arrangement Drawing (one to four sheets, depending on vessel size) Structure Drawings (one or two additional sheets, depending on vessel size)    Documents:    Drawings & Documents List Written Vessel Specification Detailed Equipment List Structural Scantling List Laminate Schedule (if needed) Structure Weight & Surface Areas Builder Short List appropriate to the specific design Cover Letters to Builders re: scope of project, etc.    Our Estimating Plans are useful for study, planning, commentary, or mark-ups in the event you want to consider variations on the layout or the rig.  Primarily though, the Estimating Plans are intended for Cost Estimating .   Considering the price lists given below, the Estimating Plans represent an outstanding bargain and include quite a lot of useful information. Our Designer's Cover Letter serves as an introduction to the builder and outlines the scope of our involvement.  Our Owner's Cover Letter is a template which you can modify as needed in order to provide an introduction to the builder; to outline your intended build timing; and to let them know what stage of completion you intend their quotation to cover. NOTE :  Estimating Plans do not contain sufficient detail for actual construction of the vessel.  However the Estimating Plans do provide enough information so that builders can provide a firm quotation for construction, and to allow a preliminary construction contract to be negotiated.    BUILDING PLANS : Prior to your construction contract being finalized, and in order to actually build the boat, the complete Building Plans will be required.  Our Building Plans include all the contents of our Estimating Plans as listed above, plus all the remaining detail drawings required for construction, including the following: Drawings:    Lines Drawing Offsets (if not CNC cut) Structural Sections Joinery Sections Joinery Details Construction Details (Several Sheets Including Hull & Deck Fittings; Ports; Doors; etc.) Spar Plans (Sail: Several Sheets Including Spar Dimensions; Spar Fitting Details; etc.) Machinery Plans (Power:  Several Sheets as Needed) Numerous Detail Drawings as Needed       Vessel Design Data, including:    Hydrostatics & Trim Stability Compliance Report Performance Analysis Hull Data for Propeller Calcs Endurance & Range Under Power    Building Plans also include a thorough review of and revision of the Equipment List and Vessel Specification in order to suit your specific equipment preferences. If the drawings or documents require further revision for your use, for example to make changes to the layout or the rig, we'll be pleased to provide an estimate for making those revisions. Please see our Stock Plans page for more information about what's included, and how we can customize a stock design to suit your requests.    CUSTOM DESIGN : We can modify any of our Stock Designs to suit a newly defined purpose, or we can work with you to create an entirely new design based on your requests. Please feel free to inquire about any modifications you may have in mind, or about creating a new Custom Design to suit your specific requirements.  In way of inspiration we have provided quite a variety of Prototype Designs , any one of which can be modified as needed to create a fully completed yacht design.    NC CUTTING FILES : Several of the Stock Designs listed below for construction in metal have already been developed for automated NC cutting of the metal parts. "NC" simply means 'Numerically Controlled' - a technology for creating pre-cut boat parts directly from the 3D design model. For details regarding the benefits of NC Cutting and to find out what's included with an NC Cutting File Package , check out our article on Our CAD Design Stream and the articles linked from there.    MORE INFO :  Please see our Site Map to quickly find any of our designs, to peruse our portfolio, and to find our articles on a variety of boat related topics.  

What Will the Boat Cost..?

This is the most difficult question of all, and one for which I do not have a ready answer.  However it is a question that ultimately does have an answer...!   For any meaningful cost discovery it is necessary to solicit actual quotations for construction from a short list of qualified builders. 

For that purpose, we offer completed ESTIMATING PLANS for several of the designs listed below, with their prices listed in BOLD BLACK TEXT .  For any designs listed below that are INCOMPLETE, we have also provided the cost to develop ESTIMATING PLANS for that design, the prices for which are given in PLAIN TEXT.

Please see the following articles for information about boat costs, and about the process of soliciting estimates from builders:

The Cost Question | Affordable Boatbuilding | Estimating Boatbuilding Costs | What Will the Design Cost..?   

SAILING YACHT PLANS  

IMPORTANT - Please see the Introduction above which describes the difference between  the prices given in BOLD BLACK TEXT vs the prices given in PLAIN TEXT below.

Please also see the AVAILABLE DISCOUNT information below.  

*  See notes below about Aluminum vessels. ** See notes below about Wooden Vessels. *** See notes below about NC Cutting Files .  

MOTOR YACHT PLANS

* See notes below about Aluminum vessels. ** See notes below about Wooden Vessels. *** See notes below about NC Cutting Files .  

AVAILABLE DISCOUNTS  

  • The cost of Building Plans given above includes the cost of the Estimating Plans for that design..   
  • If you order STOCK Building Plans within 90 days after purchasing STOCK Estimating Plans (for the same design), we will deduct half of what you paid for the STOCK Estimating Plans (less shipping) from your order.   
  • The cost given above to complete the Building Plans for an as-yet INCOMPLETE design includes the cost to develop Estimating Plans for that design.  
  • If you first arrange for completion of as-yet INCOMPLETE Estimating Plans, the subsequent cost to develop Building Plans for that design will be reduced by the full cost of having developed the Estimating Plans for that design.  In other words, the INCOMPLETE Building Plans prices given above already include the cost to develop the Estimating Plans.  
  • For ALL orders, if an already completed set of STOCK NC Cutting Files are ordered along with an already completed set of STOCK Building Plans for that vessel ( both paid for in full at the same time ) we will provide a discount of 10% off your entire order.  And... this discount may be applied in addition to either of the above discount options..! Note however that this does not apply to any of our designs for which the NC Cutting Files or the Design itself remain INCOMPLETE.  

For additional clarification of the above discounts, please inquire .  

IMPORTANT DESIGN NOTES

GRP or PLYWOOD : Any of our Aluminum or Steel designs can be converted for construction in GRP or cold moulded plywood. The cost of any such revisions will be quoted separately. For more information, please inquire .

STEEL : Any Steel vessel can easily be re-specified with an aluminum structure. To convert a stock steel design to aluminum, please add 20% to the cost of the Estimating Plans or the Building Plans for that design.  Conversion of NC Cutting Files from steel to aluminum will however require a completely new set of NC cutting files, for which please inquire for an estimate.

* ALUMINUM : The Aluminum vessels listed above can only be built in steel if the design is extensively modified for that purpose in order to accommodate the added weight of the structure. For more information, please inquire .  Conversion from aluminum to steel will also require a completely new set of NC cutting files, for which please inquire for an estimate.

** WOOD : Please note that our large Wooden Vessel plans are generally priced higher, since revisions will nearly always be required in order to accommodate the differing wood species that will be available for construction, and the consequent differences in scantlings and overall weight. Those revisions (within reason) are included in the prices indicated above.

*** NC CUTTING FILES : Although a complete Building Plans set is required in order build any of these boat designs, the NC Cutting Files are entirely optional . In other words, the Building Plans are required , even if you purchase the NC Cutting Files for that design. The cost of NC Cutting Files is in addition to the cost of the Building Plans. Please see above for discount options that are available...

The NC Cutting Files shown above with prices given in BOLD BLACK TYPE have already been developed , in which case they will have been created for either metric or imperial dimensioned materials, and for either steel or aluminum (noted in parentheses).

If the vessel will be built in a location that requires changing the measurement system , and / or if there is a change from steel to aluminum or aluminum to stee l structure, then additional work will be required, the cost of which will be quoted separately and in addition to the above prices. Should such changes to any of our designs be of interest, please inquire for an estimate.   

YACHT TENDERS

Our aluminum yacht tenders are the perfect companion to any of the yachts described above.

8' to 14' Prams - Building Plans: $250 . NC Cutting Files: $250 . (The Building Plans are required. The NC Cutting File is optional. The cost of the NC Cutting file includes interacting with the cutter of your choice to assure compliance with their cutting equipment.)  

PROTOTYPE YACHT PLANS

If you don't see a design here that suits your requirements, please see our Prototypes web page for links to other designs that are either under development, or that may offer a few possible ideas in way of inspiration...

Preliminary study sketches may be available for some of our Prototype Designs. If you would like to know more about one of them, please inquire .  

NACA Foil Shaped Low Drag Aluminum Paravanes

Please see our Roll Attenuation article for more information on Paravanes for Motor Yachts.

These low-drag paravanes are balanced and are adjustable for different speeds. They make use of NACA foil shaped surfaces combined with a lead ballasted NACA foil shaped bulb. They are designed to be machined out of marine grade aluminum plate and rod so that they can be shaped, and so they are lighter for a given wing area than steel paravanes would be.

The sizes given above are conservatively rated. In other words each size can be used on a larger vessel than is indicated. It is all a matter of degree. The roll attenuation will simply be more or it will be less, as compared to that of a larger or smaller wing area.

Paravane effectiveness is a function of wing area and pole length vs. your vessel’s righting moment. With a larger the vessel the poles can be made longer, achieving greater leverage, therefore a greater effect for the same size paravane.  If you have an existing vessel on which you would like to install these paravanes, but you don't have a paravane rig, we can provide a design for the rig that will fit your boat.

For more information, please inquire .   

ORDERING PLANS...

Addresses in north america.

PAYMENT OPTIONS : If you would like to make a purchase from the above plans lists, please use our PDF Order Form or please feel free to contact me for additional information. Our payment options are as follows:

  • Bank Check : For orders within the US up to USD $500 your personal check will be suitable. For orders from Canada, a money order or a cashier's check drawn on a US bank in US funds will be equally suitable. For all personal check payments we will wait until your check has cleared prior to sending out your order (for domestically issued cashier's checks or money orders, clearance takes a minimum of 7 business days after it has been deposited ).
  • Pay Pal:  For orders of up to USD $1,000 payment may be made via Pay Pal.  Please inquire for details.
  • Credit Card : For orders of up to USD $1,000 payment may also be made by credit card (Visa, Master Card, Amex) by using our PDF Order Form . The amount billed to your credit card will be the cost in US dollars. The cost in foreign currency will depend on the exchange rate applicable at the time of the transaction. A transaction fee of 5% will be added to all credit or debit card orders.
  • Wire Transfer : For ALL amounts above USD $ 1,000, a direct wire transfer is required (most secure, fastest and least costly). Please inquire by FAX or by email for our wire transfer details. See our FAX number below, or please use our PDF Order Form where our FAX number will also be found.

Please note that all prices given on this page are subject to change at any time at my discretion.  

SHIPPING OPTIONS : For standard first class mail sent to any address in the US or Canada, or for airmail sent to Mexico, please add USD $60 to cover mailing costs. For US Priority Mail to US Addresses, please add USD $75. For US Express Mail to US addresses or for US Global Priority Mail to Canada please add USD $95. For FedEx standard overnight delivery in the US and Canada, or FedEx International Economy to Mexico please add USD $175.   

FREE DELIVERY...! Delivery via email is easy, and is encouraged. It is by far the fastest and most economical way to receive your plans. If you elect this option, delivery is FREE . If you accept delivery by email, we will send you all drawings as PDF plots, and all documents as PDF's, ready for printing and / or plotting, which is easily accomplished at your nearest copy shop.  

Addresses Elsewhere Worldwide

PAYMENT OPTIONS : If you live outside North America, our payment options are as follows:

  • Bank Check : For any amount up to USD $ 1,000, if you wish to pay by cashier's check or money order, it should be drawn on a US bank in US funds. It is most secure when sending funds to use a courier service such as DHL, FedEx, EMS, UPS that provide online tracking, rather than regular postal mail delivery service. If sending a cashier's check by courier, please inquire for our physical shipping address. For all payments made by check or money order we will wait until your check has cleared prior to sending out your order (for foreign issued cashier's checks or money orders, clearance takes a minimum of 10  business days after it is deposited ).
  • Credit Card : For orders of up to USD $1,000, payment may also be made by credit card (Visa, Master Card, Amex) by using our PDF Order Form . The amount billed to your credit card will be the cost in US dollars, plus shipping. The cost in foreign currency will depend on the exchange rate applicable at the time of the transaction.  A transaction fee of 5% will be added to all credit or debit card orders.
  • Wire Transfer : For ALL amounts above USD $1,000, a direct wire transfer is required (most secure, fastest and least costly). Please inquire by FAX or by email for our wire transfer details. See our FAX number below, or please use our PDF Order Form where our FAX number will also be found. 

SHIPPING OPTIONS: For addresses in Japan, Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Scandinavia, England, or any country that uses the Euro Currency, please add USD $150 for 3 to 6 day delivery via US Global Priority Mail . For faster delivery by courier (DHL, FedEx, EMS) or by US Global Express Mail please add USD $250 (usually takes 3-4 business days).

Please note that regular postal mail service s of any kind are not offered to destinations other than those listed above. In most other locations, regular postal mail has proven to be extremely unreliable.  For destinations not listed above, please add USD $350 for 3 to 4 day delivery by courier (DHL, FedEx, EMS). We will select the best delivery method depending on your location.    

FREE DELIVERY...! Delivery via email is easy, and is encouraged. It is by far the fastest and most economical way to receive your plans. If you elect this option, delivery is FREE. If you accept delivery by email, we will send you all drawings as PDF plots, and all documents as PDF's, ready for printing and / or plotting, which is easily accomplished at your nearest copy shop.  

KASTEN MARINE DESIGN, INC. Email us for our mailing address or to arrange a phone appointment.

PDF Order Form  

Please see the  AVAILABLE BOAT PLANS web page. Home   |  Intro   |  Our Design Process   |  Stock Design Info   |  Motor Yacht Designs   |  Sailing Yacht Designs   |  Prototype Designs Plans List   |  Articles   |  Our CAD Design Stream   |  Maxsurf   |  News..!   |  SITE MAP..!   |  Site Search   | Design Team   |  Contact Us
  • All Web Site Graphics, Layout, and Written Content at this Domain Created by Michael Kasten.
  • All Graphic and Written Materials at this Domain Copyright © 1989 - 2023 Michael Kasten.
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  • Aluminum Boat Plans

Aluminum Boat Designs and Plans Plans

Please browse our selection of stock aluminum boat designs (plans) below.

Please be aware that we have several designs available that are not shown on the webpage. Additionally, we may have variants of existing designs already in hand. For example, if we show a boat with an outboard (OB) motor, we may have an I/O option already on hand. Please feel free to contact us at (503) 543-7562 with any questions you may have.

Prices shown on this website are for plans and for a one time use of CAD cutting files.

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Bear-Cat Sport

Bear-Cat Sport

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  • Description
  • Materials and Notes

a 25½’ X 10' open-cockpit power catamaran

For a PDF study plan download, click HERE

CATEGORY: Power Catamarans CONSTRUCTION: Sheet plywood/wood framing, or welded aluminum

These longer, wider power cats allow greater displacement, tankage, storage, and load-carrying ability than our WILDCAT design.  Besides the extra room, the wider beam only improves upon the superior qualities of power cats, especially stability.  Based on v-bottom planing hulls, these boats can also absorb higher horsepower motors.  Twin outboards at the higher ratings can provide speed into the 50 MPH range.  Even at the minimum power ratings, planing speeds will range in the mid-to-upper 20's depending on all-up weight.

Construction methods in sheet plywood or welded aluminum use amateur-proven techniques similar to our WILDCAT design, but with beefier scantlings in keeping with the boat's greater heft.   Full-size patterns are provided for all hull-forming backbone members and frame contours - lofting is not required.  Nor are any special or esoteric building techniques.  Instructions with hull material listings cover all aspects of the project, and include a fastening schedule with plywood hulls.

BEAR-CAT SPORT features a huge open- cockpit center-console arrangement with raised casting platform at the bow.  Plans include length options of 24'6", 25'6", and 27'10". 

Aluminum Materials PDF Plywood Materials PDF

Related Products

Bear Cat Cuddy/Sport Fiberglass Kit

Bear Cat Cuddy/Sport Fiberglass Kit

Bear-Cat Sport Bronze Fastening Kit

Bear-Cat Sport Bronze Fastening Kit

Bear-Cat Study Plans - PDF Version

Bear-Cat Study Plans - PDF Version

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COMMENTS

  1. Aluminum Catamarans

    45 FT Catamaran Workboat (1740) 44' 7" / 13.59 m. 17' 7" / 5.36 m. 16,100 lbs / 7,303 kg. 15,750*. SPECMAR Catamaran Hulls are either symmetrical or asymmetrical in design. A symmetrical hull consists of two basic V-bottom hull structures. Asymmetrical hulls are basically a monohaul craft split down the middle and spread apart.

  2. DIY Cruising Catamaran: Complete Building Guide

    If you were to build a 40-foot (12.1-meter) catamaran, your cost of materials would range between 20-30% of the total cost. Therefore, for $300,000 total, the boat's materials would range between $60,000 and $90,000. The hull tends to range between 15-35% of the total build.

  3. Bruce Roberts, CATAMARAN boat plans, CATAMARAN boat building

    Fast cruising ALUMINUM CATAMARAN . BOAT PLANS & FULL SIZE PATTERNS - Package Includes latest sail boat plans, SAILBOAT building plan updates & revisions, PLUS direct contact with the designer. This CATAMARAN was designed for personal use or charter work and the accommodation was laid out with that in mind. As you can see by the ...

  4. Bruce Roberts, CATAMARAN boat plans, CATAMARAN boat building

    CUTTING FILES & BOAT PLANS FOR ALUMINUM CONSTRUCTON. The CATAMARAN 65 MS was designed for personal use or charter work or as a people carrier and the accommodation was laid out with that in mind. There will be two basic layouts - personal arrangement as shown here plus an arrangement more suitable for charter use. The building technique is well ...

  5. Catamaran Stock Plans

    Catamaran Stock Plans. ... Plans are leased to build ONE boat, NO time limit. Tri-Star designs are proven designs, sailing the seven seas since 1964. Free consultation is provided to the original non-professional builder till he or she is sailing the seven seas. All boats may be built with flared hulls, with the exception of the TRI 25, TRI ...

  6. 28 FT CATAMARAN (2036)

    This design (plan) is a 28 FT aluminum catamaran. Power is two (2) 115 Honda outboards. At 8,466 LBS displacement with 100 gallons of fuel, the catamaran achieved 28 knots during sea trials. The above price is for the construction plans and a onetime use of the CAD cutting files. Weight in table above is the weight of the uncut aluminum sheet ...

  7. 35 FT Catamaran Workboat (616)

    35 FT Catamaran Workboat (616) This design (plan) is a 35 FT aluminum catamaran. Power is two (2) Volvo D4-225 DP I/O at 189 HP each. Gross weight and speed dependent on final arrangement. The above price is for the construction plans and a onetime use of the CAD cutting files. Hull 616.

  8. Bloomfield Catamaran Designs

    We have close relationships with a number of multihull boat builder companies around the world or we can provide design plans and support service to your choice of boat builder. Bring your ideas to life! Call Bloomfield Innovation today! for Catamaran Plans. at +61 3 9221-0883. -or email-.

  9. Aluminum Catamarans

    SPECMAR Catamaran Hulls is either symmetrically button asymmetrical include design. A symmetrical case consists of double basic V-bottom hull structures. Asymmetrical hulls are basically adenine monohaul trade split down the middle and spread apart. A fOIL assisted cat has a raising foil bet the two hulls the raise performance. Advantages of a sea is great initializing stability.

  10. Kurt Hughes Multihull Design

    Order the Latest Design Portfolio today to see over 85 multihull plans in stock.Besides illustrating my stock designs, for which I sell study plans and full construction plans, it also contains my design philosophy of multihulls; an article on the rapid Cylinder Mold(pdf) or Cylinder-molding (in html) multihull construction; examples of drawing sets; photographs; fact sheets with dimensions ...

  11. PDF 52ft Aluminium Catamaran

    52ft Aluminium Catamaran. Offshore Performance I Aluminium Construction. van ZHa1K DESIGN BROCHURE. Offshore Performance I Aluminium Construction " DESIGNED FOR WORLDWIDE CRUISING" "SAFE, COMFORTABLE AND FAST" KEY FEATURES - ALL ALUMINIUM CONSTRUCTION - RUGGED AND L aw MAINTENANCE STRUCTURALLY COMPLIANT WITH CE/ISO 1 22 1 5 STABILITY COMPLIANT ...

  12. Our Catamaran Build Kits

    Our construction plans and kits are sold with 100% professional boatbuilder support via phone and email, any time you're unsure or just need a second opinion, we're here. ... The first step to building your dream catamaran begins with a strongback - this is a square frame used to position the temporary frames that will be used to form the ...

  13. 52 foot Aluminium Cruising Catamaran

    DVD 52 foot Aluminium Cruising Catamaran - Design #163 / #183 /#226. This is the smallest design in our range of Aluminium Sailing Catamarans. The philosophy and basic features of this design are firmly rooted in our earlier, successful 62ft Alloy Ketch Cat design which has covered over 100000 nautical miles as an expedition charter boat. The ...

  14. Plans For Catamarans And Monohulls

    We provide stock boat plans for both monohull and multihull sailing vessels, including sailing skiffs and sharpies. Our designs mainly feature timber construction, in plywood or cedar strip plank composite construction, using the W.E.S.T. system (wood epoxy saturation technique). Our designs are intended mainly as cruising boats, although ...

  15. BRIX Marine

    has earned a solid reputation for pioneering and crafting the world's most rugged aluminum catamarans and workboats since 1991. The company was founded in Canada and moved to Port Angeles, WA in 2001. We gained new ownership under Bryton Marine Group in 2017, which fortified the company's focus on our Core Values and strategic plan for our ...

  16. James Wharram Designs

    Affordable. Building your own boat with Wharram Designs is the easiest and most cost effective way to fulfil your sailing dreams. Wharram Self-build boat plans start from only £120. Wharram designs are based on years of practical, hands-on experience of building and ocean sailing catamarans. They are renowned for their seaworthiness, stability ...

  17. CATAMARAN Boat plans Power Cat 60 Aluminum

    STUDY PLANS CAT 60. ALUMINUM. £69. 00 - $85. 00 - €79. 00. To order STUDY PLANS go to SPECIALS PAGE and click on €79.00 BU Y NOW BUTTON. SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY OFFER: COMPLETE BOAT PLANS & FULL SIZE FRAME PATTERNS ... Delivered by DOWNLOAD to your computer within 12 hours of you placing your order.

  18. Eyecatamaran

    Performance. The Eyecat is a catamaran built in aluminium, a material that is the future of boat building. The light weight and strength of aluminium will last longer and is strong enough for off-the-beaten path sailing, giving you a sailing experience as closed to a performance monohull as you can get.

  19. What About Aluminum Catamarans

    What About Aluminum Catamarans. At the basic level, an aluminum catamaran (indeed all catamarans) is a boat consisting of two parallel hulls of equal size. Additionally, they can have either symmetrical or asymmetrical hulls, each with their own unique advantages relative to the other. Our aluminum catamarans are most frequently used in various ...

  20. Our Plans List

    Catamaran: Aluminum * $950: $4,750: $4,750 (imperial - aluminum) Greatheart 36: Trawler Yacht: Aluminum * $650: $23,500: $23,000: Drifter 36: House Boat: Fiberglass & Wood: N/A: ... LARGE NACA FOIL ALUMINUM PARAVANES. Plan square area is 383 square inches for the wings, not counting the bulb. Weight is 79 lb., of which approx. 19.5 lb. is lead ...

  21. Aluminum Boat Designs and Plans Plans

    Please feel free to contact us at (503) 543-7562 with any questions you may have. Prices shown on this website are for plans and for a one time use of CAD cutting files. All SPECMAR welded aluminum hulls have been specifically designed for welded aluminum construction and computer guided cutting. Each design is intended to speed production ...

  22. Bear-Cat Sport

    SKU: G-005. $15.00 - $1,890.00. Please Choose From The Options Below: Bear-Cat Study Plans Printed Bear-Cat Sport Aluminum Plans & Patterns Bear-Cat Sport Aluminum Plans & Patterns plus One Extra Set Bear-Cat Sport Plywood Plans & Patterns Bear-Cat Sport Plywood Plans & Patterns plus One Extra Set Bear-Cat Sport Bronze Fastening Kit Bear Cat ...