Boats of Interest The Blackdog Cat 6.3 Walkthrough still pushing the boundaries When Managing Editor Grant Dixon spent a day aboard Blackdog Cat s latest and biggest model to date, the Blackdog Cat 6.3 Walkthrough, he found it difficult to find a box to put it in I love it when a plan comes together: an interesting boat to test, some good weather with just enough wind to put some chop on the water, all capped off by coming home with some fresh kaimoana for the table. This proved to be the scenario early in September, when the weather gods finally played ball for the Blackdog Cat review. As we have come to expect from this Whangarei manufacturer, its latest offering was a little different from other models; I d describe it as quirky and interesting. The 6.3 Walkthrough doesn t fit any particular box, being a catamaran that offers two very different but practical fishing platforms, while the hardtop provides decent shelter. Over the years I have reviewed or been in most Blackdog Cat models, from the very first tiller-steer alloy Thundercat lookalikes to the current flagship 6.3 model. 100 New Zealand Fishing News October 2017
The Blackdog Cat 6.3 Walkthrough s hull can be configured as a centre console, cuddy cabin or conventional hardtop. Kevin Ogle tries out the casting platform for size. Left: The helm-station, which features Simrad electronics and BLA seating, is well laid out and comfortable. Above: Four anglers can comfortably fish from the cockpit, whether fishing bait or lures. Subscribe at nzfishingnews.co.nz 101
The large cockpit features full-length shelving that run right through to the helm-station. There s a lot to love from a fishing and diving perspective versatility takes you a long way! With 11 configurations, there s a perfect Blackdog Cat for everyone! Key features Casting deck with access through hardtop 1.9 m internal beam Huge deck space aft - with spacious hardtop cabin 115hp to 200hp engine info@blackdogcat.co.nz 0800 430 212 www.blackdogcat.co.nz 102 New Zealand Fishing News October 2017
Hamilton-based DMW Trailers custom built the trailer for the Blackdog Cat 6.3. The production values have come a long way over the years as the range has become more sophisticated, reflecting a change in company ownership and direction, not to mention client requirements. To be honest, I wouldn t describe the Blackdog Cat as pretty : the lines are quite angular and the hardtop is tall for the length of the boat. But from the inside looking out, as the fable relates, the ugly duckling transforms into a beautiful swan, thanks to the company s clever and pragmatic approach. For the first big tick, there s plenty to love from a fishing and diving perspective. One of the most obvious is the Blackdog Cat s signature feature: the forward casting platform, with the catamaran configuration affording maximum deck space fore and aft. Two anglers can therefore cast away to their heart s content without interfering This shot highlights the space available in the forward casting platform. Subscribe at nzfishingnews.co.nz 103
By the numbers A Honda BF 150 is in the middle of the recommended power range. Jonny Ogle holds up the writer s dinner! Length: 6.30m Beam: internal 1.9; external 2.2 Hull: 4mm Topside: 4mm Gunwale height: 750mm Hull-only weight: approx. 1200kg Tow weight: 1950kg including Honda BF150 + 100L fuel Transom height: 25 Height on trailer: 3.1m Width on trailer: 2.2m Length on trailer: 8m Recommended hp: 115 to 200 Packages start from $86,000 As tested $125,000 with each other s fishing. Access to the platform is via a unique screen and door system, where the angler makes a short step up from the hardtop to go forward. It is nice and wide (I fit through comfortably!) and there is plenty of height. At the rear is a large, marine-carpeted cockpit that can fish four people with ease or allow two or three divers to gear up without problem. Catamarans provide plenty of space, and Blackdog Cat has taken full advantage of this attribute. Beneath the casting platform, contained within each pontoon, are two large spaces accessed via hatches from under the dashboard. Fenders, dive bottles and even dive bags can fit in here. A deep glovebox is on the passenger side, large enough to easily take binoculars and bigger cameras. Above it, on top of the dash, is more storage space, with the surrounding hand-holds preventing items from falling on the deck. The area is finished in SeaDek, which provides a non-slip surface; SeaDek is also used throughout the boat to provide good grip and protection where required. Blackdog Cat s Luke Ogle says he has been very impressed with this product, not only for its practicality, but also the The customised SeaDek fit-out throughout the vessel provides durable protection and good grip underfoot. simplicity of application. We provide the drawing file, and they [Batavian Rubber Company] cut it out using CadCam and a router system, sending it back to us to fit-up, Luke says. A feature of the cockpit is full-length shelves, lined with tube-matting. Gaffs, rods, tag-poles and telescopic outriggers all fit in this area, which extends well forward into the hard-top space. (Luke s brother, Jonny, who does much of the fit-out, is working on a series of rod and dive-bottle holders that will clip onto the shelving lip.) There is plenty of height to the lined hardtop, which will obviously suit some customers, although I d consider getting them to drop it a few centimetres if ordering this boat myself. The helm station is well laid out and the view is excellent. At the heart of the electronics is a Simrad Evo III nine-inch chart-plotter/sounder, linked to the Simrad 4G radar. A Garmin GMI 20 enginemanagement system gives the helmsman all the info required, interfacing with the Honda BF 150 V-TEC four-stroke outboard bolted to the transom. A Simrad RS12 VHF provides the communication. The helm and passenger seating is provided by BLA; there is a handy flip-up bolster on the skipper s seat for support when driving from a standing position. Another neat feature is the way Blackdog 104 New Zealand Fishing News October 2017
A live-bait tank sits on the starboard side of the swim step. RAISING THE BAR On display Stand 328 at the Auckland On Water Boat Show! Hella product features throughout the boat, including spots, floods, navigation and cabin lighting. SEA HAWK XLB FORWARD FACING LIGHT BARS When bright light and proven reliability is needed to safely get you home the Sea Hawk-XLB spot lights are the preferred choice. www.hellamarine.com we Paint vehicles, light industrial & marine blackdog cats being a favourite LED IP 67 COMPLETELY SEALED UV RESISTANT 5 YR WARRANTY MADE IN NZ We take great satisfaction in watching the newly painted boats leaving our workshop. (09) 438 4110 resto@cottrellandross.co.nz www.cottrellandross.co.nz Available at all leading marine outlets. Subscribe at nzfishingnews.co.nz 105
Main electrical switches and breakers are protected in their own separate locker. Note the deep sumps and bilge pumps in the cockpit corners. Cat has incorporated the helm-operated SavWinch 1000 under the casting platform, with the bulkhead strengthened to handle the drum-winch unit bolted to it. Access is via a floor hatch, with the anchor warp and chain exiting onto the fairlead very neat and tidy. There is no shortage of rod holders: there are six in the rocket launcher, eight around the gunwales (set up for trolling), and a further four in the casting platform s gunwales. The fishing fit-out is completed by a decent sized, internally lit, live-bait tank built into the swim-step s port side. (At the time of testing, the bait-board had not been finished; it will be removable and mounted centrally on the transom.) Also set in the transom, raised as high as possible, are the house and start batteries, accessed via a large hatch. Blackdog Cat has set the battery breakers and switches into their own sealed area handily placed, but still well protected. A wash-down hose lives in the shelving, and the stern cleats are placed on the transom, as opposed to on the gunwales, to keep the working area clear of obstructions. A deep sump in each cockpit corner, complete with a TC bilge pump, collects any excess water and associated bait scraps. The as-yet-to-be-named vessel is owned by Luke and Jonny s dad Kevin, a partner in the business. While diving and bottom fishing are the main pursuits, the boat will also be used for game fishing. To this end, there are 55-litre fuel tanks set into each pontoon, allowing Kevin a decent range, given the economy offered by the Honda. It is possible to fit 100-litre tanks each side. Cruising speed is a comfortable 23-24 knots at 4000rpm, with the Honda burning just under 24 litres an hour. (The boat had only Proud to be supporting Blackdog Cat and supplying them with Custom DMW Trailers www.dmwtrailers.co.nz Easily Cut To Fit Great Wet / Dry Traction Uv Protected Non Absorbent Foam Comfortable, Durable, Eva/pe Foam Covers Surface Imperfections 3M Peel & Stick Application Customisable 12 Karewa Place, PO Box 20116, Te Rapa, Hamilton 07 849 4721 0064 6308 9337 admin@batavian.co.nz www.seadek.com 106 New Zealand Fishing News October 2017
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How the the Blackdog Cat 630 model get s its name the walkthrough from the hardtop to the casting platform. just gone into the water and there was still some work to be done around propping to improve performance and economy.) The vessel is extremely well lit, courtesy of Hella s latest Sea Hawk XLB spot and Sea Hawk-R floodlights and cabin lights. Luke says these are high-output lights that draw minimal power, which is important in a smaller craft with limited battery capacity. Both the foredeck and cockpit fishing spaces are floodlit, with the spotlight facing forward. BLA supplied the OceanLED blue underwater lights mounted on the stern. These are useful for attracting bait at night and reflect off the propeller when game fishing, which is said to replicate the flash created by a school of fish. Last, but not least, is the DMW custom-built tandem-braked trailer. Obviously catamaran trailers need to be configured differently from conventional boat trailers. DMW has done a great job for us, and it tows particularly well, Luke says. Performance-wise, there is a lot to love about this Blackdog Cat. While not particularly rough that day, there was enough chop coming back from the Hen and Chicken Islands to give a feel for its rough-water capability and all the indications were good. Steering was comfortable with no torque return, courtesy of the SeaStar hydraulic steering. The boat runs quite dry, and while it takes a little while to get used to helming a catamaran after a monohull, it is a difficult boat to trip up. At rest, it is a particularly stable vessel, making for a good fishing platform no wonder I like it! As well as the Walkthrough model, the 6.3 can be configured as a hard-top without the casting platform, a cuddy cabin, or a centre console. Blackdog Cat is also developing a twin-outboard model, at the behest of its growing number of Australian customers. Trusted to protect your boating lifestyle for more than 20 years 0800 88 CLUB (2582) clubmarine.co.nz Insurance is underwritten by Allianz Australia Insurance Limited (Incorporated in Australia) trading as Club Marine. Please read the Policy Document available by phoning 0800 88 CLUB (2582) before deciding if the product is right for you. 108 New Zealand Fishing News October 2017
SAVE up to $2772 FREE Rigging Kit with your purchase of an 80-250HP Honda Outboard * *Available until 16th October 2017, while stocks last and at a participating Honda Marine dealer ONLY. Visit us at the Auckland On the Water Boat Show, stand 107 or find your nearest dealer at www.hondamarine.co.nz *This offer runs from 20th September until 16th October 2017, while stocks last and at a participating Honda Marine dealer ONLY. Choose from the following standard Honda Marine side-mount remote control, harness and single GMI20 or standard analogue gauges dependent on your boat. Warranty registrations of the engine are required prior to midnight 31st October 2017, with the dealer providing the full retail offer to enjoy the relevant rigging kits listed in this promotion. Rigging kit upgrade requests by the customer are applicable, additional charges apply as per dealer. This offer is only available while stocks last.