Cat Cay Yachts Review

Summary

Stephen R. Nichols, renowned yachtsman and boat builder, founded Cat Cay Yachts in Tampa, Florida after gaining 15 years of experience designing and building mega yachts for Trident Shipworks. Nichols’ Cat Cay 53 is a product of his lifelong dedication to yachting and the first prototype was five years in the making. Manufactured at New England Boatworks Inc., the Cat Cay 53 is a luxury catamaran sport cruiser that is taking the yachting community by storm.

The Cat Cay 53 is 53 feet in length, designed with a catamaran double-hulled profile utilizing carbon fiber, Kevlar, and E-Glass materials. Featuring the double engine propulsion of two 1,000 hp diesel Caterpillar C-18 engines, the Cat Cay 53 boasts a cruising speed of 40 knots (46 mph) with a maximum speed of 45 knots (51 mph). These speeds reflect the use of FASTcc Hysucat Tandem Foil System. Inside, this sport cruiser displays the fine craftsmanship of superior design features such as exotic Cherry Wood finishing, spacious living areas, and a modern, fully equipped galley.

Owners give the Cat Cay 53 high marks for excellence of handling and quick pick-up. If one of the arguments for a smaller yacht is superior responsiveness, then the Cat Cay 53 is a prime example. Without sacrificing opulent, luxurious comfort and top-of-the-line craftsmanship, this 53’ catamaran/yacht hybrid offers two-person manageability, stable construction, and the quickness of a much smaller sport craft. Since the debut of the first Cat Cay 53 in 2004, each year’s model has benefitted from refinements resulting from careful review of the previous model, and the consensus in the yachting community is that the Cat Cay 53 just keeps getting better.

Pricing

Cat Cay Yachts is a fairly new, exclusive sport cruiser design firm which produces a limited number of Cat Cay 53 models per year. As such, pricing for new models depends largely on custom features built into each particular craft, but you can expect to pay a couple of million for a new vessel. The used marketplace offers a sparse few of these beauties, with a 2004 edition of the Cat Cay 53 priced just under one million dollars.

Pros

• Double-hulled design for better handling and stability
• FASTcc Hysucat Tandem Foil System for enhanced speed
• Opulent craftsman interior

Cons

• Limited production
• Hardtop and enclosure for helm deck are sold separately
• Buyers in this class may want a larger vessel

Featured Models

To date, Cat Cay Yachts concentrates on one model, the 53. You can be sure that this focus pays off in terms of refinements.

Conclusion

The Cat Cay 53 is a quick, lightweight craft designed for sport cruising and deep-sea fishing which pairs luxurious interior design with strong hull stability and superb handling. This is a great choice for the upscale sportsman who likes to travel in style.