January 2007 |
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Featured Boat Of The MonthFeatured Boat Of The MonthAksano Mini-Cat Provides Perfect Platform For Family Fun The latest, hottest entry in the sportboat and yacht tender arenas is a feisty, 13-foot catamaran that can run 45 mph with a 50-hp engine. Introduced in 2005 and built by Aksano Catamarans, Inc. (AC), of Monroe, Wash., the Aksano F-3 promises to give competitors a run for their money. "We think there is a market for a fast, family watersport boat that can be pulled by a small car and still have big fun," said Oz Aksan, CEO and president Aksano Catamarans. "The cats are small, efficient, economical, and loaded with features that you won�t see on other boats this size. They also make great fishing boats and yacht tenders." Sportsmen such as airline pilot Bill Sleeper of Bainbridge Island, Wash., purchased his Aksano as a runabout that gives him crabbing, fishing, and trailering versatility. He has equipped the 13-footer with a manual downrigger, color video fishfinder, and a color chartplotter/map. "When I get the urge, I can blast off salmon fishing in Puget Sound," explains Sleeper, who appreciates the cat�s lateral stability and high gunnels when it comes time to fight the fish. "I�ve had it out in 2- to 3-foot seas and 25 knot winds, and while it�s bouncy, I feel safe and secure that I can run back to shore." Currently, AC offers a line of three models that utilize the same hull design. They vary only in the engine size and the colors/graphics. All Aksano F-3�s come" turnkey," with trailer and motor standard. The white boat or "Fun Cat," is equipped with a 30 mph engine. It is targeted toward families and newcomers to boating. The yellow "Fast Cat" boasts a 40-hp engine that promises lots of "zip." Blasting about with a 50-hp engine, the red boat or "Type R," maneuvers like a mini-hydroplane! These four-passenger "fireballs" come loaded with fun, fishing, and diving features such as dual swim platforms and a swim step. The driver sits on a molded, sliding seat, and the aft passenger seats are bucket-shaped to hold passengers in place during the "blasting" around. Some of the notable options include a boat cover, trailer, Bimini top, stereo, color GPS chart plotter/fish finder, and ski tower. One of the most innovative features on the AC is a new product called a "pop-up bollard" cleat. The beauty of these stainless steel cleats, which "pop-up" when needed and disappear when not, is that they serve various functions. They can hold mooring lines or as a feed for a bridal for water skiing, hoisting, or towing. Of course, the real beauty of these small boats is their performance. The gas tank holds 7.5 gallons of fuel. Running a 30-hp, four-stroke engine, that is enough gas to run a family of four around all weekend. And, For More Information, Contact �
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