The boundaries between camping on land and cruising on water are getting blurrier with the advent of the Caracat, a state-of-the-art electric catamaran that doubles as a camper. Headquartered in Germany and manufactured in Turkey, Caracat aims to provide a versatile experience to outdoor enthusiasts, who can now enjoy the beauty of the ocean, lakes, and the open road, all with one unique vessel.
Versatile Design Features
What truly sets the Caracat apart is its patented extendable pontoon system. When on the road, these pontoons tuck in to maintain a roadable width of 8.2 feet (2.5 meters), allowing the vessel to be easily towed atop a standard boat trailer. Once on the water, the pontoons electrically expand, creating a 12.1-foot (3.7 meters) wide footprint, adding extra stability to the craft. The concept isn’t entirely new—similar designs have been seen in the past. However, Caracat’s design appears more polished and production-ready.
Interior Comfort and Amenities
The Caracat offers the comforts of a fully equipped RV, combined with the sleekness of a modern catamaran. The level, open floor plan accommodates both fore and aft sofa lounges that can be converted into double beds, allowing sleeping space for up to four adults. Moreover, an additional pop-up sleeper roof can expand the sleeping capacity to six, making it ideal for family outings or group adventures.
Dividing the lounging areas is a full-service bathroom complete with a toilet, sink, and shower. Adjacent to the aft lounge is the galley, which comes equipped with a diesel-electric cooktop, fridge, microwave, sink, and even a wine cooler. The interior is luxuriously designed with leather and Alcantara trim, and a teak floor adding a touch of elegance.
Outdoor Leisure and Power Capabilities
Designed for those who want to spend time enjoying the great outdoors, the Caracat comes with a small balcony at the bow and an aft deck. An available sundeck lounge with a deployable canopy is also an option for those looking to soak up some sun.
The Caracat is powered by an 8-hp Torqeedo electric motor when on water, sufficient for clean, quiet cruising on lakes. It’s worth noting that owners can legally operate it with a Class B driver’s license. Those yearning for more power can opt for electric or diesel upgrades up to around 100 hp.
Technical Specs
The Caracat comes in three sizes: 6.6, 7.6 and 8.6 m. The spec sheet for the largest model includes features like a Victron 220-Ah AGM leisure battery, 200-W solar panel, 32-A shore power hookup, Garmin 722 XS GPS/chart plotter, Truma air/water heater, and a Dometic air conditioner. Additionally, an entertainment system with a retractable LED smart TV and Bluetooth audio system is also part of the package.
Pricing
The company announced at the Dusseldorf Caravan Salon that prices start at €130,000 (approximately US$140,540) for the smallest 6.6-meter model.
In conclusion, the Caracat is a remarkable innovation that blends marine engineering with the amenities of a full-fledged RV. Its flexibility as both a watercraft and a camper offers an unprecedented range of options for outdoor enthusiasts. Although it comes with a premium price tag, the Caracat provides an experience that few other vehicles can offer—making it a fascinating option in the luxury outdoor adventure market.
Source: Caracat
