Zapcats Warning.

Biggles · 09 September 2006, 20:17

Today I was showing my mates how fast Zapcats go. So I pulled paralell to a Zapcat in Southampton water giving it a 100 meter gap.
I'm glad I did because all of a sudden the Zapcat hit a wave and turned 90 degrees instantly. Very dangerous if your too close.

Just a word of warning as I'd never seen this before and I don't know how many of us are aware of the characteristics of those boats.

craigdavis · 10 September 2006, 17:47

The boats are very stable and more than capable of turning 90 degree turns at full power. What colour was the boat that you saw

BogMonster · 10 September 2006, 20:39

I should think if it did a sudden snap 90 degree turn at full speed it was probably brown inside?

Biggles · 10 September 2006, 20:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by craigdavis

The boats are very stable and more than capable of turning 90 degree turns at full power. What colour was the boat that you saw

A white boat.

prairie tuber · 11 September 2006, 03:04

Did the driver do that intentionally?

craigdavis · 11 September 2006, 09:18

If it was i white boat that would have been one of the vortex racing boats. They operate just off western shaw doing activity experiences for punters so that would have been intentional.

Searider · 11 September 2006, 11:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by craigdavis

If it was i white boat that would have been one of the vortex racing boats. They operate just off western shaw doing activity experiences for punters so that would have been intentional.

One would have thought that he would have looked out for other traffic before carrying out a turn like that.

Was involved in looking at an insurance claim where a Zapcat turned across the front of a V24. In trying to avoid the Zapcat the V24 barrel rolled and filled with water.

New engine and electrics required - ££££ claim - V24 owners not happy as the Zapcat owners dissapeared without trace.

It's a hazard when driving any fast boat. Its all too easy to believe that you are the fastest boat out there and not bother to look behind you.!

bobbyjoeufb · 11 September 2006, 17:12

I have not had my Zapcat very long and this happened to me the first time I took it out in some large waves.

I was upsetting one of my friends that thought his rib was faster than my Zapcat we were both heading in to the wind over the waves, he was only a couple of boat lengths behind me when the Zapcat went vertical and when it came down the righthand side sponson hit the water first and spun the boat 90o to the right, putting me right in the path of the Rib. Luckly I kept the power on and spun the boat back to the left 90o, narrowly avoiding contact.

Have since learnt that In big waves my crew should be right on the front which keeps the boat in the water more and improves steerage. Has not happened since, as for good practice we should be aware of other water users and kept a safe distance.

Mark
RYA Powerboat Instructor