Packcat Development

      Bill Munson developed the Packcat LC hull design in 1998 as an alternative to Packman mono hull design. Its patented twin hull design combines tunnel hull catamaran performance and landing craft capability for the first time. It all started when the owner of a Packman LC needed a second vessel for an upcoming job on the set of a major Hollywood film project. The client required a larger workboat with more stability and shallower draft than was offered in the mono hull design. The boat would be used as a filming platform and maximum side to side stability and shallow draft capability were very important.

Bill did not want to utilize a flat bottom or shallow vee hull design to accommodate his client's request, as this would result in a boat that would perform poorly at speed. Rather, he developed a tunnel hull catamaran design that would offer more stability and shallow draft than the mono hull, as well as increased performance chacteristics. In essence, he narrowed up the geometry of the Packman mono hull and incorporated a tunnel in between the two sponsons, creating the first tunnel hull catamaran landing craft. The Packcat LC soon became a reality and the first one was built for that client. Munson was later granted a US Patent for the Packcat LC design (Pat. No. D438,506S).

Vessel Capabilities

The Packcat LC offers shallow draft, a very stable working platform and high performance levels. Symmetrical hulls create port and starboard buoyancy points for increased stability and allow the hull to sit level on the beach if the boat goes dry on a falling tide. The tunnel starts high out of the water at the bow to provide a smooth cutwater entry on each sponson. The tunnel then transitions downward, moving aft, and exits at the transom. As engine power is applied, the tunnel generates tremendous lift that helps the boat up on plane. At speed, the tunnel traps air between the sponsons, decreasing drag on the hull. This trapped air is pressurized at high speeds and is forced out the transom, providing an air cushion effect. The Packcat's unique tunnel hull design is much better suited for a landing craft than a conventional catamaran design, as the wetted tunnel surface better supports weight forward                                                                                             cargo, and takes less power hold plane with a heavily loaded boat.

Propulsion Options

The PACKCAT LC requires two main engines. Twin outboards or sterndrives can be accommodated. It cannot be powered by water jets or single engines due to the amount of air captured in the tunnel area.

Our clients say it best…

"In my lifetime, few products have truly exceeded my expectations. I'm guessing that this is true for most of us. Your PACKCAT is one of them. The functionality and rough water performance of my new 30' x 10' is nothing less than superb. I thought I'd have to give up some comfort and handling in trade for beachable cargo hauling capability. However, I am delighted with every aspect of this vessel's performance in nasty, real world conditions. Your claims are true, if not understated. I now own a boat that is superbly built and a pleasure to operate. Your team's professionalism and pride are reflected in your product! I've never worked with a finer group of people."

Murray
LaConner, Washington

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