The June 2010 issue of Motorboating magazine had a brief review ("Test
Drive") of a new-to-me power catamaran called the Havana 38 built in South
Africa by a company called Cruiser Cats. The Havana 38 is a bit unusual
looking, with a sloping cabin and quite low windshield. However, it seems to
have decent performance with a pair of 150 hp Yanmars - cruising speed
around 12-14 knots - and comfortable accommodations
A more detailed article with photos on the Motorboating web site explained
that Cruiser Cats was founded by a Texan who was purchasing a power cat from
Prowler Power Cats when the company ceased operating. He ended up buying the
Prowler Cat assets and started building the Havana 38 and one of the old
Prowler Cat models.
From lessons learned with the first Havana 38 built, the company is
revamping future production units by increasing the height of the bridge
deck 18" , and increasing the height of the bridge deck 4" which will
increase the size of the too-low bridge windshield.
I have no connection to Cruiser Cats, but I am glad to see a new power cat
on the market after the demise of PDQ, Manta, and Prowler. More info
available on cruisercats.com and on motorboating.com.
John S.