This 18.3m powercat is the first of a new series, designed by Roger Hill Design and being built by Nic de Mey Yachts.
Based in Tauranga, Nic de Mey Yachts is one of New Zealand’s leading advanced composite boat builders, specialising in both race and pleasure craft. While a semi-custom build, with moulded hulls and decks, the new powercat is definitely a bespoke production boat. “We are creating a brand around this model, over time plans are for 16m, 18m and 20m versions”, says de Mey.
As a recognised advanced composite boat builder, it was only natural that the boats are infused carbon fibre, giving both exceptional strength alongside a superior weight advantage.
Overall displacement will be around 27,545kgs. LOA is 18.3m, with a beam of 6.88m and a draft of .89m. She has a 10,000 litre fuel and 1800 litre water capacity. Powered by a pair of 550hp diesel engines, the hull design allows variable speeds with efficient running. At 28 knots, the range is around 1400 nm. Drop that to 18 knots and therange is an impressive 1900 nm and if you are happy to cruise at 11 knots, then you canexpect around a huge 3200nm range.
“Roger Hill has designed the boat as a genuine passagemaker that offers the range, handling and comforts people expect from a cruising boat. Also, being a catamaran there is the benefit ofexceptional stability both underway and at rest”, added de Mey.
Features include the equivalent toy storage volume of an 85ft monohull, a tender garage for a custom 4.0m carbon tender (eliminating the need for a crane), and a hydraulic swim platform.
Inside there are large living spaces based on an open plan but with different living zones. There are four accommodation cabins with generous space and en-suites.
de Mey says that the boat will be a technical and engineering showcase with particular emphasis on self-sufficiency and intuitive operation. The first two are currently under construction in Tauranga and scheduled for a Dec 2023launch date. Appointments to view construction are welcome with the next available build slot to open mid-2022 www.nicdemeyyachts.com
