At long last here is a "walkthrough" of the Chat 18 catamaran. Slightly modified, with wheel steering for the outboard. Which makes it pretty much the same as the Skoota 18. Obviously the latter doesn't have the keels and also has a slightly deeper transom. I apologise for the poor paint job - it hasn't been touched since launching 4 years ago.
The engine uses the "old fashioned" rope steering rather than a push pull cable - mainly because I had most of the bits in my spares box. It's a 6hp which gets us to 7 knots but we usually cruise at around 6. Mounted on a lifting bracket - on the Skoota 18 its fitted in a nacelle.
The cockpit has very comfortable seats, long enough to lie down and sleep. So a cockpit tent would mean a couple and two young children could (just) sleep on board. For privacy the forward windows are fake, the aft cabin entrance is a roll up curtain rather than washboards, which are always a pain to stow when removed. Two deep cockpit lockers for sail bags etc. Plus several smaller ones for fuel tanks, pumps, spare rope etc.
The cuddy is similar to a two person backpacker tent. 2.4m wide and 1.2 m fore/aft (8ft x 4ft) means there's room for a small galley and a double bunk. Although only a single airbed is on board, plus the rolled up cockpit cushions. Headroom is limited of course - 1100mm, 40in - just as in a tent. Apart from the space inside it also gives a lot of protection for the crew in the cockpit - no spray on board!
More on the Chat 18 here www.sailingcat...
and Skoota 18 here www.sailingcat...
(as always, no audio on this short video)
12 сен 2024
