HOWARD 26 Cat Open Bow
		Howard 26 Cat Open Bow

26 Cat Open Bow

This CAT was bred to perform. 26 feet of pure muscle, speed, and agility! Equally at home on large lakes and unprotected bodies of water, this CAT epitomizes custom high performance booting at its finest, Utilizing the most up to date advanced stepped multi-hull technology available, this CAT easily attains triple digit top end speeds (with optional power), yet is docile and tame at skiing and cruising speeds. This CAT also turns! Our unique bottom design allows this CAT to bank towards the inside of a turn, not the outside like most conventional cats, thereby providing a flat stable platform giving you a safe exhilarating experience. We have designed on ergonomic cockpit and bow section, which has more interior space, and then some, than any other cat in its class. Race design bucket seats, with built-in lumbar support and throttle and shift controls, hold you comfortably in place regardless of water conditions. Standard seating for ten is accomplished in unparalleled comfort. Under deck storage abounds. An optional rear seat incorporating three individual buckets, with built-in headrests on the sundeck, is also available. Howard's innovative styling and technology allow for a full fiberglass sundeck presenting a flush molded-in look, while housing motors up to the MerCruiser 525! This design eliminates protruding scoops from the center of the hatch, so that nothing detracts from the clean sleek styling (supercharged motors, obviously, are an exception).

Construction:

The HOWARD 26 CAT OPEN BOW is constructed utilizing only the finest materials available. We start with a separate open bow deck mold to insure maximum strength (this is not a cutout version of the closed bow) then we begin the lamination with full-blown 100% vinyl-ester resin and Knytex knitted Bi and Tri directional glass fabric. The entire hull is cored with 3/4" end grain Baltek Balsa and Baltek Foam. The outside sponsons feature full-length stringers. The hull and deck are joined together with Knytex 1708 Bi-directional glass fabric, Our floors are molded one piece (balsa cored) fiberglass. Our seat bases, front and rear, are molded fiberglass. All stringers, bulkheads, floors, and fuel tanks are installed while still in the mold to insure a perfect fit. Like all Howard's, the mold cure time is two weeks to insure proper curing and strength with no distortion. All hardware is Grade A aircraft quality stainless steel. Howard's absolute insistence on quality and meticulous attention to detail has produced the finest CAT available.

Performance:

Exhilarating, Fast, Stable, and Smooth Riding! One ride, and you will be saying all of these things. Ocean race proven at 117 mph, this CAT is afraid of nothing! Our unique hull design allows this CAT to run regardless of water conditions. 76 mph speeds with the MerCruiser 502 EFI to over 125 mph with optional power. THIS CAT ROARS! Listen to what the pros have to say "quotes".

Specifications:

Standard Equipment/Features:

• 100% hand laminated deck & hull with pure vinyl-ester resin and knitted Bi & Tri-directional fiberglass
• Aircraft quality stainless steel fasteners throughout
• MerCruiser 6.2 with MerCruiser Bravo One (320hp)
• Full Gaffrig instrumentation including dual lever shifter built into driver seat and polished Dino steering wheel
• 80 gallon fuel capacity
• S.S. Propeller
• Custom color coordinated genuine naugahyde interior with double stitched French flat seams and 40 oz plush marine carpet
• Custom gel coat design with up to 7 colors including fade
• Fiberglass floors, seat bases and engine lid with hidden hinges
• Electric hatch actuator
• Custom finished engine compartment
• 3 Automatic bilge pumps and bilge blower
• Custom interior lighting package & navigation lights
• Fusion coated billet hardware: grab handles w/vents, ski tow, gauge bezels, fuel fills, cleats, cup holders, battery box and custom switch panel with illuminated rocker switches
• Ellis tandem trailer with brakes, ladder, diamond plate and walkway
• Built in ski locker, ice chest & bow storage compartment
• Matching swim steps with stainless brackets
• Separate one piece mold for open bow model (not a cutout)
• 4 stainless pop-up cleats with fusion coated bezel

Power Option Upgrades:

Additional Views:

Additional Views (Click on an Image for a Larger View)

Performance Reviews:

Performance Reviews (Click on an Image for the Article) Hot Boat Nov./Dec. 2004 Hot Boat January 2003 Powerboat June 2000