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Print versionThai Cats TT Boat Review
The Thai Cat TT from Hamble, Hampshire based Osmotech is the sister ship to the CC version we recently reviewed. However the TT is an open console vessel with a completely different topside design that suits a different market to the cabin cruiser version originally tested.
The TT is built in Thailand under the careful eye of the Australian owners and this centre console is one of the most popular sellers in the Catamaran sports fishing market down under.
DESIGN FEATURES
The helm position is on the starboard side with the helmsman sat in a really comfy upholstered seat. The seat console hides a large storage locker, and when sat in the seat the twin throttles are within a comfy reach for maximum control.
The helm console carries a slim diameter round wheel, but the wheel is covered in a brilliant matt grip material that proves excellent even in wet and cold conditions. The instruments are arranged over the console rear of the wheel for maximum vision. The switch panel is to the left side for easy access.
The helm console towards the bow also encompasses a large toilet with hatch/hinge door access, and the deck was teak finished on the test boat.
The port side passenger position is again a seat console with an upholstered seat, but you also have access to a built in tackle drawer on the gunnel side, plus stainless steel foot rest.
In front of the port side passenger seat is a full sink console with locker access. The test boat was fitted with a stainless work board, but this can be removed and a single burner stove added.
The helm area is protected by a full hard overhead canopy supported by a super tough stainless steel frame. Above the canopy the Navigation lights are good and high for easy identification. There are also five rocket launchers positioned rear of the canopy for additional rod storage.
Moving forward the inner bow section carries a full U shaped upholstered bunk seat with seating for at least half a dozen people, which hides three large storage lockers. In the middle of the U seats is a push in table that can be removed and stored for additional space. This seated area is protected by an all round see through visor for wind and spray protection.
The bow was fitted with a power winch, an optional extra, but useful, plus twin rope lockers, half stainless steel safety rails and pull up stainless steel cleats.
Access through the two helm seats up to the bow is unrestricted and working from this forward section is easy.
Coming on to the working deck proper, the gunnel tops are teak finished and carry a stainless steel cleat amidships, plus a single rod holder and T cleat. The inner gunnels also have built in lockers in them giving access to battery isolator switches etc, and more storage
The stern is designed with an upholstered double bunk seat with a reversible back rest that allows you to face either in to the boat when travelling, or towards the sea when fishing off the stern.
You also have a shower/wash well on the port side, and a large live bait well on the starboard side.
The rear deck is finished in a high pattern, non stippled finish to minimise any chance of slipping on deck, plus you have fish lockers at each side. The deck is obviously self-draining.
Other features include a central stainless steel dive ladder in the middle of the splash well. The TT is also fitted with a 50-litre freshwater tank and twin 15—litre fuel tanks.
ON THE WATER PERFORMANCE
The test TT boat was fitted with twin Mercury 100hp 4-stroke outboards, though you could fit smaller 50hp engines if out and out power is not essential. I’d stick with the 100’s myself as the engines give great performance without working hard.
The TT has an all in weight of 1650kgs including the engines, that’s some 170kgs lighter than the CC version, so she obviously feels lighter in the handling.
Up through the power range the pause before the boat lifts is minimal and you’re up and off. Push the throttles all the way and the boat responds instantly to the power leaping forward.
Swinging the boat side to side under power she stays rock steady with no real lean, so your passengers get a really comfy ride during manoeuvres.
Pushing on at speed in to the wind a little spray did get back inside on to the forward seated section, but it was just the odd spot, and we were pushing it a bit.
Keeping the power on but putting the boat through tight turns, again the Cat hull sits almost bolt upright with little if any lean in the direction of the turn.
At speed you can also walk around on deck without the helmsman even noticing any difference. On the drift several people can pile on to one side without the boat tipping, so you can work big fish, such a sharks, off this boat with ease.
Out on deck the gunnels are high and you feel totally safe when working on deck, even in lumpy seas.
Performance figures on the day saw a speed of 45mph at 5500rpm. Fuel consumption figures are given as approximately 18-litres per hour cruising at roughly 20mph, and 28-litres per hour cruising at a little over 30mph. That’s for both engines together, not separate!
THINGS I’D CHANGE
The company are looking at adding an electronics box which will bolt on to the stainless frame above the helm seat. This would be the best way of supporting your electronics for easy viewing and storage given the open easy working design of the topside.
When fitting out, I’d add two or three extra rod holders to the gunnels.
OVERALL CONCLUSION
Looking round the boat she’s very well finished utilising quality stainless steel fittings throughout.
The boat is very easy to work from being an uncluttered design with masses of storage to hide loose items in. She will easily accommodate four anglers on deck and two more up on the bow, or vice versa with comfortable space between each individual.
On the water the boat behaves impeccably being both quick to get out to the fishing grounds, but stable when fishing at both anchor and on the drift. She’s also highly manoeuvrable for her size. She is a real sea boat and capable of fishing far offshore when required.
Having the overhead canopy, we can see the TT version being very popular with UK anglers who like an open topside design for maximum working space.
STATISTICS
Length: 6.60-metres
Beam: 2.20-metres
Draft: 0.28-metres
Displacement weight: 1650kgs
PRICE
The Thai Cat TT retails for £45,600 including VAT as tested, and comes with a full 5-year hull warranty. Optional extras include a clear, full all-round helm position cover and a sun shade for the deck area. A trailer for the Thai Cats TT open console boat retails for £2,300.00 plus VAT.
CONTACT
Jim Hurst or Tim Leroy at Osmotech UK, Hamble Point Marina, School Lane, Hamble, Hampshire SO31 4NB. Tel: 02380 456450. E-mail: info@thaicats.co.uk Website: www.thaicats.co.uk.
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