Email to a friend
Print versionProKat 2360
There’s a big cat on the prowl, the Prokat 2360, built in the USA and now available here in the UK.
There’s been a sudden rise in interest in the bigger catamaran designs at the upper end of the privately owned boat market over the past couple of years, triggered by more and more anglers fishing in America and seeing how effective catamaran designs are for both fishing, and for taking big seas head on. The introduction of the Prokat 2360 then, looks astute and very timely.
DESIGN FEATURES
Walking up to the vessel moored on the pontoon, it looks bigger than its quoted size, and instantly the massive amount of fishing and working space available is obvious. It’s huge!
Starting at the bow fixtures include a stainless steel bow roller, a stainless steel fairlead at each side, plus a chain roller and big stainless steel cleat for tying off. The anchor locker is on the starboard side and big.
Coming off the forward bow there’s a huge bow locker that I believe is insulated that will take a massive amount of gear, and the bow lockers base is a seat with another locker underneath. In addition there are unique cylindrical mesh bag containers for additional storage positioned either side of the bow locker seat. These are very effective making the most of the space available and a very nice touch!
The gunnels carry stainless steel safety rails running from the bow to the rear of the helm console, and feature strategically positioned stainless steel cleats, plus three stainless steel rod holders. The inner gunnels also sport recessed stacking racks for carrying rods, deck brushes etc, neatly stowed out of harms way.
The console front houses a two-man upholstered bench seat, with additional rod holders set in to the side of the console at the walkway. The console hides a spacious storage/toilet area, though looking at the size of it you have enough space to make a double bunk area for occasional overnight sleeping too.
Sat in the helm seat the wheel is on the port side with your instruments neatly laid out in a line across the top of the console for easy reading. There is also acres of room to add your Sounder/GPS etc, either flush fitted or free standing. The electrical switch board is low right by the throttle, the throttle being at a comfy height when manoeuvring. We also liked the very neat stainless steel cup holder positioned on the console.
The helm position is fully protected by a tinted splash screen, and there is a double height foot-rest making steering and manoeuvring the 2360 simple and always comfortable with good all-round visibility.
The helm seat is full upholstered with superb pull out lean-on supports that increase your all round stability when manoeuvring in big seas. The helm seat console also sports a built in tackle drawer on the port side, and at the rear has a big live well and a very handy wash basin with tap.
The whole helm console is protected by a Bimini type stainless steel framed canopy. The rear of the canopy features five gold coloured rocket launcher type rod holders for safe rod storage, plus is a fixing point for deck lights.
Inside the canopy you have a fixed strip light for console/helm illumination, plus above the console on the frame is a built in lockable electronics box.
A large hatch accessed fish locker is positioned in the deck each side of the console that will take all the fish you’re ever likely to want to take home for the freezer.
At the stern there are large battery lockers at each stern corner, additional fold up jump seats, and a very neat lift out middle door giving access to the splash well which is handy for landing big fish. There are also classy looking pull-out grab rails at each outside stern corner, and a stainless steel dive ladder.
The white self-draining deck carries a deep stippled finish giving good foot grip when wet. You also have a deck wash facility.
The whole finish on the boat is excellent with no mould markings evident, all the hinges are marine grade stainless steel, and all other fixtures and fittings top quality.
PERFORMANCE
Pick up through the throttle range was instant and smooth. In a straight line the boat was cruising at around 34mph, but achieved just over 42mph flat out. Optimum fuel consumption will be around 6-gallons per hour, which for the performance is excellent!
The cat design creates minimal noise and vibration, and little changes when you attack steep waves. I cut across the wake of another boat at a deliberately sharp angle and the 2360 just cut straight through the chop with no hard feeling coming back through the hull to your feet.
Working the boat I didn’t see a drop of water make it back on to the deck, it was totally dry!
In a following sea the boat handles without the need for constant course adjustment staying pretty much in a straight line.
Throwing the boat in to tighter turns at speed I was looking for some sideways lean, but the hull stays rock steady and virtually flat making for a very safe ride for your crew, and the stern shows no tendency to slide when turning at power.
On the drift the boat is a totally stable platform to work from and four or more of you can traverse to one side of the boat with no perceptible lean at all.
The boat is well laid out, with easy deck access allowing full freedom all around the boat for working and fishing.
I also like the lay-out with the live well and wash basin, tackle drawer, plus the big fish lockers and storage lockers for ease of use and comfort. Everything you need on the boat can be securely stowed, but is instantly available.
THINGS I’D CHANGE
Inevitably my pet hate, the navigation lights, are set low on each bow front. You couldn’t/wouldn’t see these if you’re punching home in deep swells, with mist and rain at night. Luckily the canopy frame allows easy moving of these in to a more prominent high-up position.
When on the bow and hauling anchor, you do feel a little exposed due to the low profile safety rails. It might alter the neat looks of the boat, but if you’re a person that prefers the secure feeling of high safety rails, then this is another easily changed addition.
I’m 5ft 10in and at full stretch I struggled to get the spare rod up in to the rocket launchers on the canopy. Another easy alteration to make though with a longer drop down bracket.
CONCLUSION
I think it’s important to understand that long term boat builders like Howard Williams have the experience to instantly recognise quality boats that will perform at the highest standard in all weather seas, which is obviously why they choose to sell them.
The 2360 is a superbly stable hull both moving and static, with real through the range performance for its size that is hard to better.
With just a 13” draft it can be used to fish shallow water venues for bass and flatfish, but is equally at home over offshore wrecks and reefs for much bigger game. I feel this is the perfect offshore sharking boat too, with all round gunnel and bow access, plus the stability of a safe fighting platform.
As a sea boat in bad weather cats are just incredible punching through steep waves with little pause for thought and the 2360 is a good example of this. That’s why our American cousins rate them so highly for far offshore fishing.
With the build quality and multiple features built in to this boat, it will be a main contender in the new big cat market!
STATISTICS
Total Length: 26ft 4ins
Waterline length: 23ft 6ins
Beam: 9ft 2ins
Draft: 13ins
Weight: 3,900lbs (without engine)
Engine Size: Max 400hp
PRICE
The price of the Prokat 2360, fitted out with the twin Honda 135hp 4-stroke outboards as reviewed, is £58,900.00 including VAT. The standard boat only package retails for £29,500 plus VAT. They also carry a full 5-year structural warranty.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact Howard or Ann Williams at Pembrokeshire Yachts, The Boatyard, Crossways, Honeyborough, Neyland, Pembrokshire SA73 1QY. Tel: 01646 602030.
Also check out their web site at www.pirate-boats.com
del.icio.us
Digg
Technorati
 Fishing Rods Fishing Reels Rod Rests Fishing Hooks Rig Components Accessories DVice & Leads |
Plugs, Lures Lines & Leaders Shore Fishing Rigs Feathers & Lure Rigs Luggage Clothing & Hats Deals |
BERKLEY FRENZIED POPPER £3.91 Each TIDEWATER LURE RIGS 83p Each 7" WSF Jelly Worms Get ready for the new Plugging Season, Buy 3 get one of them for free, Blue Pilchard Divers WSF NOW STOCKS SAKUMA HOOKS
SALTWATER FLIES FROM FULLING MILL FROM £1.25 BACK IN STOCK PENN CAPTIVA CV2 REELS BACK IN STOCK SALT / CAPTIVA SPINNING COMBO DEAL BACK IN STOCK ABU CARDINAL 304FD PRICE: £37.18 |
