Just nine months ago, Briland Hays, a seasoned professional and engineer from the marine industry formerly associated with Contender Boats, along with an investor, acquired the assets of Hellkats Powerboats, a growing company based in Miami that was established by the late Rey Marino. The assets included tooling for high-performance catamarans measuring 30 and 32 feet, in addition to tooling for a 40-foot catamaran hull-based center console, which will be available in both fishing-specific and poker-run configurations.
The new proprietors of Hellkats Powerboats are eager to showcase their 32-foot catamaran in Fort Lauderdale next month, with photos provided courtesy of Hellkats Powerboats. Currently, the company is set to reveal its first 32-foot catamaran under the new management at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, taking place from October 30 to November 3.
As part of the company’s new team of eleven, Hays recruited Chris Thorpe, who has extensive knowledge of vacuum-infusion lamination gained from his previous yacht-building experience. Additionally, he appointed Conner Berg, a marketing expert from outside the marine sector, to serve as the company’s vice president.
Since the acquisition, the company’s primary focus has been to enhance its vacuum-infusion process, referred to as “HK Vacuum Infusion” by Hays and Berg. In a telephone interview earlier this week, they noted that adding Thorpe has been instrumental in strengthening this process.
Hays stated, “We vacuum-infuse every component, not only the hull and deck but every individual piece, utilizing Pro-Set epoxy. It’s a labor-intensive method, but vital to our operations.”
A closer inspection reveals some of the exposed carbon-fiber lamination work by Hellkats Powerboats. Moreover, he elaborated that the hull, stringers, and bulkheads are infused collectively as a single unit rather than as separate pieces that are bonded post-lamination. They are encapsulated and vacuum-infused together as one large entity.
Under new ownership, Hellkats Powerboats has secured certification from the National Marine Manufacturers Association and has been assigned a distinct Coast Guard identification registration number, different from that of the company’s former owner.
Berg emphasized, “Our objective is to construct the strongest possible boat through the HK Vacuum Infusion method. Additionally, we will offer the 32-footer in a canopied version that complies with specifications for the Super Stock offshore racing class. We aspire to have a Super Stock team operating one of our 32s next season.”
Julian Maldonado and the Manatee Marine Unlimited team in Palmetto, Florida, are currently rigging the first 32-footer with dual 500-hp outboards from Mercury Racing. Hays expressed his intent to “forge a long-lasting partnership” with the company.
“So far, the experience has been positive,” stated Maldonado. “They are serious individuals. I believe they will be successful.”
Both the poker run and fishing variations of the company’s center console will be built on a 40-foot catamaran hull.
Related stories include:
– Hellkats Powerboats Founder Rey Marino Missing After Tuesday Night Accident
– Torrente To Attack Electric-Outboard Watercraft Speed Record In 32-Foot Hellkats Catamaran
– Sneak Peek: Hellkats 32 Super Sport Widebody Catamaran No. 2
– Sneak Peek: New Hellkats 32 Catamaran Debuting In Keys Island Runners Event
– New 32-Footer From Hellkats Powerboats A Team Effort