Why no "production" cat deck boats?

[Mountainstone]

Baja, Crownline, Fountain and several other major boat manufacturers make production or semi-custom V-hull "hot" boats. Any theories on why no manufacturer builds a production catamaran deck boat? Are there simply no major manufacturers with their finger on the pulse of the west coast lakes, or is that market too small to enter profitably? Is there a design consideration (liability) of cats that frightens corporate boat builders?
The only thing even close is a cat deck boat made by a company named Splendor, but it bears no resemblance to any of the custom decks seen around this site.

[Froggystyle]

I think a huge part of it is viability.
Cat's aren't the greatest hulls below 60 mph. They turn weird, have some porpoise tendencies at different speeds at times and they create a ton of frontal drag until you get the tunnels moving air. Probably close to 90% of the reason you would build a cat is above 60 mph, and production boats just don't go that fast.
Below 60, the V is a better hull with less liability, more design history and clear hydrodynamic expectations. It is easier to insure, far cheaper to build and has a deeper cabin area if needed.
No payoff to build a cat IMO.

[dumbandyoung]

I think a huge part of it is viability.
Cat's aren't the greatest hulls below 60 mph. They turn weird, have some porpoise tendencies at different speeds at times and they create a ton of frontal drag until you get the tunnels moving air. Probably close to 90% of the reason you would build a cat is above 60 mph, and production boats just don't go that fast.
Below 60, the V is a better hull with less liability, more design history and clear hydrodynamic expectations. It is easier to insure, far cheaper to build and has a deeper cabin area if needed.
No payoff to build a cat IMO.
Like the Hallett?
Do you know why they decided not to go with a cat hull for their deck?

[JB in so cal]

There's one of these at Emerald Cove near River Rd.
To each his own...
http://www.splendorboats.com/img/Platinum/Platinum003.jpg
http://www.splendorboats.com/img/Platinum/Platinum020.jpg
http://www.splendorboats.com/img/Platinum/Platinum002.jpg

[RiverDave]

Bayliner used to make one.. I'm not sure why they stopped making it?
RD

[dumbandyoung]

Bayliner used to make one.. I'm not sure why they stopped making it?
RD
it was a threat to all custom boat builders.;)

[DMOORE]

Kayot also builds one now.
Darrell.

[Throttle]

magic

[caroftheweek]

There's one of these at Emerald Cove near River Rd.
To each his own...
http://www.splendorboats.com/img/Platinum/Platinum003.jpg
http://www.splendorboats.com/img/Platinum/Platinum020.jpg
http://www.splendorboats.com/img/Platinum/Platinum002.jpg
Been checking that thing out huh JB? it fits your style more than the magic:D :D Besides, everyone has a magic but a splendor....you would be one of the only ones.:sqeyes: :D :D

[JB in so cal]

Been checking that thing out huh JB? it fits your style more than the magic:D :D Besides, everyone has a magic but a splendor....you would be one of the only ones.:sqeyes: :D :D
You and Throttle can both take a hike, 'toon boy!

[Seadog]

Playcraft makes one, Tracker used to.

[CornWater]

magic
I was waiting for that...
:D

[bigblockbill]

http://www.godfreymarine.com/index_hurricane.cfm
There are a ton of hurricanes out here... mostly with V6 motors that run a wopping 40 mph.

[Lightning]

http://www.godfreymarine.com/index_hurricane.cfm
There are a ton of hurricanes out here... mostly with V6 motors that run a wopping 40 mph.
No a true cat though, more of a modified v hull design.

[DMOORE]

No a true cat though, more of a modified v hull design.
A friend has one, it's almost a tri-hull.
Darrell.

[mbrown2]

Like the Hallett?
Do you know why they decided not to go with a cat hull for their deck?
Their 28 deck is a cat bottom...

[Mountainstone]

Froggy-
Thanx for the insight into cat decks re: slow speed dynamics. I suppose if they are meant to operate over 60 MPH, liability issues would be too scary for a manufacturer to contemplate putting hundreds of these boats into the hands of novice drivers and their families.
I knew that Bayliner and Rinker had made cat deck boats (no longer), and that Splendor has one in production (they actually build to order). I didn't realize Kayot had one, though I don't think Playcraft's is a cat (at least the pic on the website makes it look like a tri-hull or cathedral from the side). Regardless, none of these bear much resemblance to the west coast custom deck boats built so superbly by Froggy and his ilk.
Thanx again!