Disclaimer: this is posted by a (power and sail) catamaran dealer. The first Coastal Cat 34 (34' x 16') was launched a few weeks ago in New Zealand (where this cat is better known as the "Prowler".) This economical, outboard-powered cruiser (2 x 60 HP 4-cycle outboards, max speed approx. 20+ knots), will make its North American debut (with the "Coastal Cat 34" name) at the big Seattle boat show in September. As fuel prices spiral ever higher, it's highly appealing that the CC-34 cruises at just 1.25 litres per nautical mile (that's barely one-and-a-half QUARTS of fuel per mile at 17 knots). And, an oddity for those of us who remember when diesel used to be the "cheap" fuel, gas now costs appreciably less than diesel. As the dollar continues to diminish in value, there's a question as to how long the Australian builder can hold the currently posted price: $299K, including delivery to the U.S. west coast. Especially when you consider that's about $100,000 LESS than I've been told that the new, New England-built PDQ 34 will be priced for U.S. west-coast delivery. (Note: the flybridge is standard on the PDQ, while it's an option for the CC-34...but it's not an expensive option.) The "American version" of the CC-34 will have many upgraded items compared to the Australian version (holding tank, double-sink in galley, 110V wiring, helm-station ventilation, i-Pod-ready stereo installation, etc.) The CC-34's web site -- www.prowler.co.nz -- has been updated with some fresh photo's of the recently launched hull #1, plus a narrative about the boat's maiden voyage. It's comforting to learn, too, that this isn't some all-new venture. Previously there was a successful 29' model that enjoyed great success. (In fact, one of those fared extremely well just a few weeks ago in one of Hawaii's big fishing tournaments, providing a stable platform and plenty of "get-there" capability in the boisterous, deep-water ocean conditions off the Hawaiin islands.) The CC-34 coming to Seattle (hull #3) will be berthed here for at least a few weeks before and after the Sept. boat show. Reservations already are being taken for seatrials to be conducted on Puget Sound. I'm curious to see how the aft-mounted outboards fare in short, choppy seas. Then again, this model's similar-design "little sister" has proven itself in some remarkable rough-seas situations in previous years. In like manner, cats such as the Glacier Bay 30 and 34 have demonstrated GREAT performance for long-range, offshore cruising with similarly aft-mounted outboards. So have the outboard-powered C-Dory cats, and the new Arrow-Cat 30. Most of the power cats my company reps are diesel powered. But I'm becoming increasingly convinced that the benefits offered by the latest 4-cycle outboards make them a real (and serious) propulsion contender -- and arguably even superior to inboard diesels when used in 'pocket-cruiser' catamarans. Consider these benefits: -- Cost less than diesels -- Quieter & smoother running than diesels -- Well proved (currently powering about 85%-to-90% of all power boats in use) -- Elec.-tilt for easy beaching (this is no small thing for a pocket-cruiser -- how nice to be able to just nose up to a sandy beach, tilt up the motors, and then you and your pets or kids or grandkids can, with a small ramp or step ladder, disembark off the bow directly onto the beach, with no need to go through the whole dinghy-launch procedure) -- Easy repair, & loaner replacement -- More interior room for you (taking the engines out of the hulls frees up a LOT of room in a small cruiser) -- Easier access (what a difference from other small cat-cruisers fitted with inboards, in which the engines are stuffed under berths, or crammed into narrow, hard-to-get-to bilge compartments, etc.) -- Outboards also are superior at operating at slow, fish-trolling speeds -- No diesel odor inside the cat, nor those noxious exterior diesel-exhaust fumes. Alternatively, the 'plus-factors' for diesel engines? -- Their larger alternators provide more electric/battery power. (Conversely, an outboard-powered cruiser, pursuing long-range coastal cruising, benefits from the addition of 1 or 2 solar panels.) -- Diesel engines have a longer life than outboards (which helps justify their greater expense) In cat-cruisers of the 32' to 36' length, price is often a more important consideration than with larger cats. As such, the cost/value/performance combination offered by the Coastal Cat 34 may make it an especially popular addition to the growing list of similarly sized cat cruisers. Rod Gibbons Cruising Cats USA Seattle - Portland - San Francisco Bay - Hawaii (206) 297-1330