by Rogers Winter
LOA 12 FT., BEAM 3 ft. 11 in.,
This “hot rod” with the hull form of a scow-type hydroplane will provide plenty of speed—and doesn’t require a monster motor. In fact, 15-hp--the safety limit—should produce speeds up to 50 miles per hour
Skat Kat is fun boat—fun to build and fun to run. She goes fast. Technically, this “hot rod” has the hull form of a scow-type hydroplane, a type that at one time held a good many world speed records. Breaking records, however, was not what was in mind when Skat Kat was designed. Rather, it was intended that this boat be something to have fun with in the water and, at the same time, not be a craft that would require an enormous motor to push it up to good speeds. Theoretically Skat Kat will hit 40 mph with a 10-hp outboard on her stern, and something in the neighborhood of 50 mph with a 15. These speeds are based on the somewhat conservative standards of the Society of Small Craft Designers, figuring the combined weight of hull, motor and pilot at 300 pounds. It is impossible, however, for any designer to state categorically that any particular boat will attain a certain speed. There are too many variables. One motor will be in better condition than another, producing more horsepower; and any hull will vary in weight according to what kind of lumber is used. In addition, two identical boats, built from the same plans, will vary several miles per hour in speed because of small variations in the hull that are Unnoticeable even to skilled eyes. In the final analysis, however, Skat Kat wifi produce plenty of speed—so much, in fact, that it is suggested very strongly that no motor over 15 hp be used. It would be unsafe.
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