Finding an alternative to monohull sport fishing
StellarPM, an American company based in Fort Lauderdale, has been building, refitting and refit yachts for over 20 years. In late 2021, it announced the launch of a new brand of aluminum-hulled motor catamarans called StellarCat. The shipyard presents a new model, still on two hulls, but designed for sport fishing.
Chris Holmes, director and founder of StellarPM explains: "The SF2603 was developed in collaboration with an experienced coarse fisherman who wanted a more stable and comfortable boat than a traditional sporty Fishing monohull. His main requirements were safety, solidity, the luxury of a superyacht and the means to navigate between the major fishing grounds off Florida and the Caribbean, Belize and Nova Scotia. The aim was also to explore much more remote cruising areas on long cruises with family and friends. We're currently working on the development of a foiling solution that could well take top speed up to 35 knots+."
An exterior cockpit designed with fishing in mind
The SF2603, with a length of 26 m, is based on the StellarCAT AL2503. It offers the same three-deck design, but features a power option for greater speed, a beautiful fishing tower and large cockpits on each skirt for fishing, with reinforced floors and hydraulic tilting transoms.
The SF2603 is built entirely in aluminum, and reaches a top speed of 21 knots and a high cruising speed of 19 knots. The engine is a twin Volvo D13-IPS 1200 IMO Tier III. The manufacturer claims a range of 2,400 miles, thanks to a huge fuel capacity of 19,680 liters and an IPS transmission, said to be 30% more efficient than a conventional shaft drive. In addition, the hulls are planing.
The large 44 m2 aft cockpit offers ample space for fish tanks, refrigerated livewells, ice machines and more, with a water mix. There are also cutting surfaces for baits, freezers, and storage space for rods, reels and tackle. Other storage spaces and freezer compartments are also provided on board. Inside, the motor multihull will offer between 4 and 7 spacious cabins and up to 3 crew cabins.
Dutch design, Asian construction
The hull construction is certified to Lloyd's Register +100A1 SSC, Yacht, Mono, G6. Other conformities are available to customers. Hull and superstructure construction, assembly and finishing are carried out at the StellarPM shipyard in Hai Phong, Vietnam. Modular interiors are built at the StellarPM factory in Zhuhai, China. Naval architecture was entrusted to Ginton Naval Architects in the Netherlands.
The SF2603 catamaran in 3D images
