The Pathfinder M Series
Introducing the Pathfinder M Series, developed from experience, showcasing the future.
Under construction in Pacific Power Cats yard in Brisbane Australia is the first of a new and exciting Pathfinder “M” range of displaning power catamarans between 41 and 49ft (12.3-14.7m). A further development of a well proven design with 10’s of thousands of sea miles of testing behind it, the “M” range will be constructed in a variable dimension hull mould with custom deck styles and interior arrangements in a similar manufacturing philosophy to what the motor vehicle industry call platform engineering. This will provide clients with confidence in the performance and seaworthiness of a proven the hull design and the economic advantages of a moulded hull, yet allow them to have a style, internal arrangement and equipment list that suits their personal requirements and taste. One of the downsides of the development of mass production boats being marketed all over the world is that they are such a compromise in features and layouts so they will appeal to everyone that they unfortunately end up not suiting any owner or client much at all. It is a recognised fact that as the flexibility of a design increases to try and suit all markets the usability and performance of the design decreases to suit any particular user. Rather than building a so called “world boat” then expecting the owners to compromise their lifestyle and fit the boat, Peter has developed a proven hull platform and a number of different styles and layouts that can be adapted to fit each customer as closely as possible using a “form follows function” philosophy. He has designed, built and operated so many power catamarans over his career that he is very comfortable about how to get the functionality right and with this new range he is wrapping this functionality in a number of styles that appeal to different client’s ideas of form. Peter’s power catamaran designs are deliberately classic power boat in style as many of the features like raked bows that define power boats are there for a very good reason. Just because a power boat uses a catamaran hull form does not mean we should throw away 100 years of experience to follow a current fashion as many designers do.
The “M” range is constructed at either 41, 45 or 49ft (12.3, 13.4 or 14.7m) in length and will begin with 4 different styles and multiple accommodation layouts. These include a full width owner’s stateroom with walk around king-size bed and en-suite on the Offshore and Flybridge 49 models, with a range of different power options starting from 2 x 240hp Yanmar 4LHA-STP engines up to the ground breaking Express 49 versions with 2 x 440hp Yanmar 6LY2A-STP engines providing a top speed of over 30 knots.
To achieve this jump in speed with the Express versions of the 49 range, it has not just a been a case of fitting more horsepower in the form of larger, heavier engines, as this would have reduced the bridge deck clearance and reserve buoyancy. Instead, the construction of the Express versions will be upgraded to a higher tech laminate using S-glass and Kevlar on the outside and Carbon fibre skins on the inside, plus composite bulkheads and internal structures. These upgrades will increase the strength and impact resistance required for higher speeds while maintaining the same overall weight of the vessel even with the larger engines so there will be no reduction in its midrange fuel economy.
The Express versions higher power to weight ratio and some small modifications to the aft hull and keel sections in combination with Peter’s unique displaning hull form allow a seamless transition between displacement and planing speeds providing a range of 3,000nm at 8 knots, 1,800nm at 12knots, 1,200nm at 17 knots, 900nm at 21 knots and 650nm at 25 knots. This blend of range and performance in Australian terms translates to a non-stop run from Sydney to Brisbane or Brisbane to Hamilton Island in 24 hours, Brisbane to Noumea in under 3 days, Sydney to Auckland or Auckland to Noumea in 4 days and most of the Pacific Basin or Asia at 8 knots without having to refuel or breaking the bank!
All models are able to cruise economically in the mid-teens, which effectively halves the travel time to long-range cruising grounds of traditional displacement vessels or yachts, delivering more time at the destination and less chance of seasickness. This higher cruise speed also means that passages can be planned to take advantage of favourable weather patterns and to avoid unfavourable ones. The ability to trans-ocean or coastal long-range cruise at higher speeds in vessels of this size is a genuine breakthrough with the “M” ranges combination of speed, range and trans-ocean cruising capability absolutely unique for a vessel of its size.
The technical leap that has been achieved in the Pathfinder “M” range would be in motor vehicle terms be a “luxury motor home, with the performance ride and handling of a family saloon car, the off road ability of a 4 wheel drive, the carrying capacity of a light truck, yet have the fuel efficiency of a hybrid”. To put it in perspective, in over 100 years of continuous development and with some of the largest R&D resources in the world, the motor industry has not been able to develop anything like this.
Twin engines in separate hulls with multiple watertight compartments along with full length keels protecting the stern gear and provide unmatched safety and mechanical reliability. Peter’s proven Controlled Vapour Dampening (CVD) ensures a soft ride in even the most testing conditions and when combined with the new tank position and the catamarans natural stability, it makes for a comfortable passage without the need for stabilisers, flopper stoppers or steadying sails. When the destination has been reached, the power catamarans stability, shallow draft, manoeuvrability and deck room guarantee an unmatched lifestyle on the water.
The interior
In developing the Pathfinder “M” range Peter has also built on the success of his new tank and structural arrangement that was trialled on the Pathfinder Pilothouse 17.4 in opening up the hull accommodation spaces more. The layouts for the ‘’M” range feature more spacious cabins with more light and ventilation, the bathrooms are larger and particular attention has been paid to get all the small details right, from the safety and comfort of the stairs to the amount and types of storage. All models in the range have large galleys with room for all the appliances found in a small apartment and plenty of bench space and storage. The lounging areas are comfortable and it is possible to see out the windows when seated so an eye can be kept on other boats nearby when dining and on the models with lower helm stations the open plan saloon-galley-helm area is very inclusive when passage-making.
Having driven his power catamarans for thousands of miles the helm layouts on all models demonstrate this experience, with all the controls falling easily to hand and the instruments are both easy to monitor and to operate whether standing or sitting. He even specifies 2 separate helm chairs for better support in rough conditions and for ease of access to the controls when docking.
Visibility and ventilation are a top priority even on the more contemporary styled Cabriolet model where Peter has resisted the current trend towards wedge shaped windows and minimal or no natural ventilation. If visual contact with the horizon can be maintained at all times and there is a steady flow of fresh air through the boat the chance of motion sickness is greatly reduced. If a boat is comfortable and intuitive to use, then it will be used more often, and the Pathfinder M range reflects Peter’s unique situation of being a designer-builder in that he has the real thing right in front of him to test dimensions and ideas. He feels that one of the problems with boat design these days is that the designers are all too often totally separated from their designs during the building and therefore have no feel for what works. 3D computer generation will give the designer an idea of how an interior will look but it cannot provide the feel that real sized mock ups can.
The “M” range has also been developed with family groups in mind with a variety of sleeping arrangements including family rooms with a single for a young child along with the adults double. There is no reason why 3 generations could not happily holiday on the M range as there is both plenty of facilities and room plus privacy if someone just needs some time to themselves. Not being restricted to the monohulls tube type layouts where people are forever pushing past each other is one of the catamarans greatest assets. Peter has been able to use this asset to the fullest extent to create liveable, relaxing interiors that just make you want to stay.
The Exterior
The Pathfinder “M” range also features large shaded aft decks as feedback from owners of Peters power catamarans demonstrate that this is where they do most of their dining and entertaining. With its stability the catamaran is the natural meeting place at every anchorage and a large back deck allows everyone to stretch out and relax with even enough room to move around to avoid the sun or wind. The aft beam forms a natural seat back from the cockpit side, and from the duckboard side 5 hatches reveal a large sink, a barbecue area, a hand bilge system that doubles as a manual fire pump and 2 large storage bins that can be used for ropes, fenders, fishing gear or even a kill tank or ice box.
Mechanicals
For the mechanically minded the enginerooms are large and comfortable to work in with all equipment laid out logically with both operation and maintenance in mind. The drive trains use conventional shaft drives with the underwater gear protected by long keels. There is access to both ends of the engines for servicing and the engines can be removed through the aft deck hatches should the need arise. There is room in the enginerooms for gensets, water makers, dive compressors, hydraulic power packs for davits and refrigeration compressors and even spare parts and tools.