Compact cat producers invite interested parties to get up close and personal ahead of the first launch
Nutshell Catamarans has announced a prelaunch event to whet market appetite for the long-awaited South African compact catamaran design.
Prospective buyers, marketers, retailers, or just curious onlookers are all invited to the Nutshell factory in Montague Gardens, Cape Town, on March 25 when designer Phil Southwell and builder Dylan Soares de Melo will answer questions about their new lovechild – the Nutshell.
“We will be introducing the all-new, eco-catamaran that is causing a sensation,” Soares de Melo told SABBEX. “You need to hear about this sensational micro-cat that can be towed behind a SUV, packed into a 40’container and launched on any stretch of protected water – giving you a home-away-from-home afloat,” Soares de Melo said. “A boat will be on display in a semi-complete form – all the GRP moulds are ready to go. Drawings schematics and renderings will be on display and you can climb aboard and get a feel for the living space. Be the first to view this eco-friendly, compact, affordable live-aboard platform,” he said.
The Nutshell is designed with young holidaymakers in mind, although the configuration could arguably suit any generation. It is small enough to fit onto a (large) trailer behind a SUV, and can easily fit into a shipping container.
Layout is geared for serious spare time relaxation:
- The double+ berth (1.6m) is accessible from both sides (no climbing over your partner) and forms a forward facing couch for reading or watching the world go by.
- The helmsman stands at the bed-head in inclement weather to steer in comfort
- The seating converts from dining to lounging to an occasional single or ¾ berth. Stools are used for additional seating and for helming using the rudders
- The ‘U’ shaped galley counter slides outwards to create a generous ‘L’ shaped work-area, and inwards to form a 2-man dinette. Centralised, it covers the sink and gas 2-burner cooker
- The WC and shower both open onto the side decks, handily separating noises, smells and steam from the master cabin. Doors opening onto the side decks, and a large opening window forward, provide excellent ventilation
The design also conforms to the huge swing towards ‘green boating’, with the inclusion of electric motors, solar panels, wholly contained grey and black water.
Soares de Melo said this month’s prelaunch was also intended to showcase the work done to date. “We want potential buyers to come and see the facility and witness the capabilities of the Nutshell,” he said.
