Castlerock Carbon Cat - The Ferrari of Rigid Inflatable Boats
Australian rigid inflatable boat company Castlerock Carbon Cat is entering a new phase with the introduction of the new 5.3m F1, which welcomes a new era to superyacht tenders.
Australian designed and built, the Castlerock Carbon Cat is the brainchild of Dan Oatley, a member of one of Australia’s most well-known boating families.
Dan is no newcomer to the world of boats, large and small. After being on the water in small sailing dinghies and runabouts as a youngster he went on to be one of the youngest commercial mariners. Dan’s maritime studies started with his recreational boat license when he was 12 years old moving onto completing the highest Captains qualification, an Unrestricted Ship Masters.
What are the latest, most exciting developments and why with the Carbon Cat, the Ferrari of RIBs?
I am so excited with the design changes we have in the pipe line for the Carbon Cat. We are back working with Guirt composite to enhance the performance of the boat. The latest change will be adding a meter length onto the 5.3m hull to allow for additional seating, more horse power, better longitudinal centre of gravity through weight distribution and greater wind deflection to reduce drag.
Working with the world renowned McConaghy yachts on the last build was a privilege. My design vision really came to life with the skills that the boat builders bring to the table and I could not have been happier. I will continue to build future hulls with McConaghy yachts.
Where are you seeing the most traction and where do you have your sights set for expansion/growth?
The greatest traction for sales is the USA and UAE market. Eighty percent of my enquiries are from both these markets together. I am currently exploring locations to set up a dealer ship in the USA and ship a demo boat within the next six months.
I am also looking at increasing production in 2025 using the McConaghy factory in China. The owners will still be working with me directly to choose all style and power options to custom the boat to make it a limited edition boat to their specification.
Each Carbon Cat is for the elite and hull numbers are limited as we build to order.
Are you seeing strong interest from and sales with yacht, superyacht, megayacht owners in having Carbon Cats?
The superyacht industry has strong interest due to the high quality build and stand alone handling and performance. As described by the owner of the last hull I sold “its better than my convertible sports car”
With my experience as a Chief Officer and Captain in the superyacht and megayacht industry The owners want the best of the best regarding quality of build and performance and that we have created in the six meter RIB range.
What continues to inspire you with your amazing creation?
My inspiration for performance on the water has come from sail racing. Following the SailGP and Americas Cup campaigns.
What are the next innovations for the Carbon Cat you have on the radar?
I am still working on the eleven meter chase model to target the superyacht support vessels. The new larger Carbon Cat will have High speed offshore race performance with superyacht comfort and attention to detail.
For more information, please visit www.castlerockcarbon.com
Follow on Instagram: @castlerockcarboncat