I've been following the Manta 44 powercat development for several years. I was first attracted to it by its modern, efficient underwater profile, particularly compared to the Endeavour powercats which we were considering at the time. The Manta does appear to have promising lines -- but so far, it's all promise and no delivery. Their website, which Pat Rat Reischmann mentioned, hasn't changed in almost two years! (Compare that to PDQ which adds something new nearly every month). Progress at Manta on this project has been VERY SLOW. As far as I know, hull Number One has yet to hit the water. I'm still waiting to hear actual performance figures on the design. I'll bet the 8 -10 customers who have put down $15,000 for delivery spots -- starting in March of this year -- are anxiously awaiting this too! Henry .............................................................................. ....................................... Henry M. Clews 22 School Street Home: (603) 643-2181 Hanover, New Hampshire 03755 USA Mobile: (603) 443-2781 .............................................................................. .......................................

>Henry Clew wrote: >The Manta does appear to have promising lines -- but so far, it's >all promise and no delivery. Their website, which Pat Rat >Reischmann mentioned, hasn't changed in almost two years! (Compare >that to PDQ which adds something new nearly every month). Progress >at Manta on this project has been VERY SLOW. As far as I know, hull >Number One has yet to hit the water. There are photos of the boat in the water on the site now. http://www.mantacatamarans.com/powercat.html No date for the launching is cited, The accompanying text reads in part: >The new 44 PowerCat just launched!Hull #1 Manta 44 PowerCat, hit its >lines perfectly, and looks great. Initial seatrials, with the >optional Volvo D-4 210hp engines, show a top-end speed of 23 knots, >and a very comfortable cruise speed between 14-16 knots with 8.5 to >9.7 gals per hour total fuel consumption! If anyone see the boat in person, they should post their impressions here, please. --Georgs