Introducing the new C108S Sports Package
by Aspen Power Catamarans 23 Jun 10:14 PDT
Aspen C108 © Aspen Power Catamarans
The new C108S Sport Package is the brainchild of Chuck P, a longtime Aspen and Glacier Bay owner who is a passionate catamaran boater and engineer.
Chuck wanted to cruise 5 MPH faster while utilizing a lower engine RPM. For his typical run from Seattle to the San Juans, he is fine with the higher burn rate (plus 10-12%) because the extra speed is worth the expense for the time it saves. His cruise speed at 4,000 RPM is now 25 MPH, and his top speeds (with 1/2 fuel and water tanks) are around 34 MPH. This gives him performance almost identical to his 2680 Glacier Bay from years ago.
To get the speed we developed a pair of small hull extensions for the Port hull that fit outside the engines lower leg, adding 85 pounds of lift for the additional weight of the larger 150 HP Mercury on the Port side. On the starboard hull we changed the standard 200HP outboard to a 225 HP Mercury, (an identical engine with different tuning that creates the extra horsepower.) After this change the boat handled and performed flawlessly. Turns were smooth with no ventilation, spray was unchanged (still none), and high-speed handling was just right. Chuck is delighted!
Prop: 15.5 x 15, 3 Blade
Conditions:
- 1/4 fuel (45 Gallons), Waste 1/8 (5 Gallons), Water 3/4 (37.5 Gallons)
- Passengers: 4, 880 lbs. + Full Gear
- Temp: 60 degrees, 10-15 mph wind, 18" sea state
Comments:
- Steering - smooth, easy, balanced
- Faster by 4 MPH, over 115 + 200 Merc
- Fuel Economy slightly lower at 18 mph than original engines,.2 MPG lower
- Very quiet at 4000 RPM and 26 MPH
- Cruise speed slightly higher at same RPM