Functional Fatcat struts its stuff on the Waitemata

Charles Bree says his Fatcat is tough and practical.

The man who designed and built the Fatcat is quick to concede his creation is not the most beautiful craft afloat. But he is adamant it is the toughest, and arguably the most practical.

Charles Bree, the principal of Mercer-based Breezecraft, has been turning out a range of rotationally moulded boats in polyethylene since 1997.

First off the production line was a 5m dory, which is still being built. The range has expanded to include workboats, jetboats, sport catamarans, kayaks and canoes.

Now the Fatcat is doing its first sea trials on the Waitemata and creating a lot of comment.

At 13m (42ft) long and with a beam of 6m (20ft) the fat in the title is no exaggeration.

Bree says it is the biggest rotationally moulded boat built, and believes it has huge potential in several configurations.

The process differs from conventional GRP production in that the polyethylene in powder form is heated in a rotating steel mould and then allowed to form in one piece.

The prototype is in the pleasure boat and comfortable cruiser format. There are four double cabins with en suites, 500hp of twin outboard power and all the interior necessities. Power options can include inboard, sterndrive or jet propulsion.

Because the boat is created from hexagonal modules bolted together and welded, the design lends itself to a wide range of uses.

The prototype is certified to carry 50 passengers. Bree says the boat could quickly be configured for use as a ferry with airline-type seating and overhead lockers.

"Because the material is tough, and virtually indestructible, fittings can be fixed directly to the hulls," he says.

"Then there is the shallow draft at 30cm, impact resistance, no corrosion or electrolysis and the longevity of the material. At the end of the boat's useful life it can be recycled, with the plastic ground up to be used again.

"The design also lends itself to search and rescue operations and we have done the sums to show the hull can carry a helicopter with no stability problems. The options are limitless."

The present model fitted out as a pleasure boat would be in the water for $370,000 including GST. Which is a lot of boat for the money. Bree says reconfigured for use as a fast, shallow-draft and rugged ferry the price wouldn't be much different.

Helping with the project have been two business mentoring people, Bessie Nicholls of Enterprising Manukau, and John Missen of Realize Innovations in Parnell. Bree says their help has been invaluable.

* More information on www.breezecraft.co.nz (see link below).