L925 Semi Displacement Power Cat

The return of amateur construction?

Since the end of the 1980s, home-building a boat has gone a bit out of fashion... It’s really only seen in Australia and New Zealand with much enthusiasm nowadays. But in those waters, small multihulls are very popular! What if the rest of the world followed suit?

Published 07/07/2020

By Emmanuel van Deth

Issue: 14

Published: aug. / sept. 2020

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New Zealand-based naval architecture firm Dan Leech is offering a number of power multihulls for amateur or professional builders. Among them, the L925 is the perfect choice for relaxed cruising for a couple. This model is built in ½” (12 mm) plywood - the panels can be digitally cut - with glass/epoxy reinforcements. Its limited beam will allow you access to a marina slip without any noticeable extra cost. On the other hand, the gain in habitability and stability is considerable compared to a single-hulled motorboat. This kind of construction is very accessible to an enlightened amateur (4,000 hours of work were counted for the first model) all the more so as having outboard motors for propulsion considerably simplifies the technical aspects. Despite its semi-displacement hulls, the L925 is capable of making than 20 knots with two 90 hp engines.

Construction: Amateur or porfessional (MG Composites NZ)
Architect: Dan Leech Naval Architect
Length: 30’4” (9.25 m)
Waterline length: 24’9” (7.55 m)
Beam: 11’ (3.35 m)
Draft: 19” (0.48 m) - engines up
Recommended engines: 2 x 90 hp outboards
Cruising speed: 17 knots
Max speed: 22 knots
Fuel capacity: 79 US gal (300 l)
Water: 52 US gal (200 l)
Number of cabins: 2