New Zealand builder FatCat Boats has unveiled what is believed to be a world-first: a twin outboard jet-powered catamaran, built on its proven FatCat 4500 platform and delivered to a customer in Far North Queensland, Australia.
The vessel is configured as a twin console FatCat 4500, combining the brand’s signature wide, stable catamaran hull with a highly specialised propulsion setup – twin 60hp Suzuki outboards fitted with jet units. The result is a shallow-draft, highly manoeuvrable platform designed specifically for operating in remote and challenging environments, specifically a large lake just outside of Cairns.
FatCat Boats CEO Blair McLay says the concept was driven by a clear customer need. “Our client wanted the safety, space and ride of a catamaran, specifically twin engines and also with the ability to run in extremely shallow and debris-prone waters. Jet propulsion was the obvious answer, but no one had done it on a small production cat like this before.”
The FatCat 4500 hull lends itself well to the configuration, offering inherent stability at rest and underway, along with a soft ride in chop. Paired with jet outboards, the boat achieves impressive shallow-water capability, with no exposed propellers and significantly reduced risk of damage from sandbars, rocks, or floating debris.
The twin console layout provides excellent fishability and versatility, with clear access throughout, elevated helm position, and ample deck space fore and aft. The targa cover adds protection from the elements essential in the Queensland climate while maintaining visibility – important when navigating tight or shallow waterways. A further feature is the high-powered remote control LED spotlight with 360-degree functionality.
Despite the unconventional propulsion system, performance remains strong, with responsive handling and redundancy from the twin-engine setup – an important consideration for remote-area operation.
This project highlights FatCat Boats’ willingness to push boundaries and tailor solutions for specific use cases. “It’s a great example of Kiwi innovation from not only FatCat, but our many suppliers who helped create something special”, says McLay. “We’re not just building boats, we’re tailoring them to solve the specific challenges people have.”
With increasing interest in shallow-water access and adventure boating, this unique FatCat 4500 may signal the beginning of a new niche in the market.
www.fatcat.nz
