Questions about smaller cats..

**lucidphreak** · 12-12-2017, 07:10 PM

What is a good early model, short (18-21) cat that came in either and outboard or an I/O setup that has higher freeboard - similar to a Skater 21??

Seems like most of them were quite low profile and therefore I would assume suited mostly calmer water..

Is that assumption correct or no? Or is it just a matter of how much of a beating you can take if you run one in rougher water?

Thanks.. Cat newb here..

**Davidlake** · 12-12-2017, 10:06 PM

Had a 21 Cougar for 3 months on a flat lake. Never got used to it. Was fortunate to be able to buy a 28 Skater and never looked back. Did not like the thought of swamping or stuffing the small boat at + 100 MPH JMO

**engineermike** · 12-12-2017, 11:32 PM

25-30 year old 23' eliminator daytonas had more freeboard that the stv's and mirages, are relatively easy to find used, and will save a lot of money vs a skater. They work pretty good in rivers and smaller lakes. Liberator and cougar are others that bridge the gap between the fast river boats and the offshore style hulls.

**AZMIDLYF** · 12-12-2017, 11:47 PM

What do you mean by early model?

**lucidphreak** · 12-13-2017, 10:42 AM

Early model = older = likely less expensive or more likely found wasting away but maybe in good enough shape to bring back to life more cheaply than buying something already running.. and yea, i know thats a very fine line - but cats command way more money than V-hulls, but I don't know that they are any more expensive to repair..

Just sniffing around as I know this forum is likely the best to ask since I am looking for something that will likely be a single outboard..

Thank you for all the answers.. And - my goal is really not to run 100mph.. 70mph but looking good is just fine with me. Too old to be pushing any limits but I do prefer the look of a cat/tunnel.

lp

**gorillapowered** · 12-13-2017, 11:54 AM

I have a 21 Armstrong cat.... love it!!!! i redid the whole thing and brought it back to life. It is great boat if you ride in chop conditions and wanted to stay in that size range with a single engine. Every boat has its pros and cons. Its fast and handles chop great for a single engine 21 foot boat. If you travel with a lot of people aka weight, dont buy a small cat.

**XstreamVking** · 12-13-2017, 12:11 PM

I love these things. Wish there were more available in the US. Warning! Open the link and be spoiled forever!
http://www.powermarine.ie/page.php?pid=124

**AZMIDLYF** · 12-13-2017, 12:14 PM

I know you said 18-21 but this is a lot of Cat and a single will push it into the range you are talking. Not far from Dallas either. It will need some attention to get it in shape though.
http://www.screamandfly.com/showthre...RCURY-S-12-000

**wickedwitthestix** · 12-13-2017, 12:24 PM

Originally Posted by lucidphreak

What is a good early model, short (18-21) cat that came in either and outboard or an I/O setup that has higher freeboard - similar to a Skater 21??

Seems like most of them were quite low profile and therefore I would assume suited mostly calmer water..

Is that assumption correct or no? Or is it just a matter of how much of a beating you can take if you run one in rougher water?

Thanks.. Cat newb here..

Me personally wouldn’t do a single on a cat. The lower unit takes a beating. You can do a 21 skater w twins but 120+ on that lil boat is quite hairy. I’d save n buy a 24 skater or whatever a sob vee imo u can still get into the 90s w 1 motor and trust me 90 + on a 21 ft boat is pleanty fast imo

**Brad Zastrow** · 12-13-2017, 12:27 PM

Originally Posted by engineermike

25-30 year old 23' eliminator daytonas had more freeboard that the stv's and mirages, are relatively easy to find used, and will save a lot of money vs a skater. They work pretty good in rivers and smaller lakes. Liberator and cougar are others that bridge the gap between the fast river boats and the offshore style hulls.

I agree 100%. One of the better boats for the money. Handles rough water much better then the smaller 18-20 foot boats by a long shot and has decent freeboard so you feel secure sitting in the boat. Do not waste money on the 21 Skater. Scary boat. The 22"Talon or 22' Cougar is a very good choice also.

**engineermike** · 12-13-2017, 12:49 PM

Originally Posted by Brad Zastrow

I agree 100%. One of the better boats for the money...

I hear a couple are being put together with single 400r power...

**Dave Strong** · 12-13-2017, 03:37 PM

Originally Posted by Brad Zastrow

I agree 100%. One of the better boats for the money. Handles rough water much better then the smaller 18-20 foot boats by a long shot and has decent freeboard so you feel secure sitting in the boat. Do not waste money on the 21 Skater. Scary boat. The 22"Talon or 22' Cougar is a very good choice also.

DCB did a 22 that was very close to the Cougar.

Dave

**AZMIDLYF** · 12-13-2017, 07:46 PM

Originally Posted by engineermike

I hear a couple are being put together with single 400r power...

They have a 22 400R coming together but the tag on it is 130+...

**engineermike** · 12-14-2017, 07:58 AM

Originally Posted by AZMIDLYF

They have a 22 400R coming together but the tag on it is 130+...

Wow. I'll sell you one for half that.

**mrcrsr** · 12-14-2017, 08:47 AM

Originally Posted by wickedwitthestix

Me personally wouldn’t do a single on a cat. The lower unit takes a beating. You can do a 21 skater w twins but 120+ on that lil boat is quite hairy. I’d save n buy a 24 skater or whatever a sob vee imo u can still get into the 90s w 1 motor and trust me 90 + on a 21 ft boat is pleanty fast imo

450 hours on my lower on our 21 skater and still going, it's been as fast as 114 with a single engine. I wouldn't trade in for anything else (and like having one engine to deal with). As usual the ill informed people come out of the closet. https://m.facebook.com/groups/437414...51905428316944