Tauranga-based Kingfisher Powercats showcases three boats on its pavilion at the Hutchwilco Boat Show. The 510, the 670, and the 730. All catamarans, though two different types.
The 730 and 670 are symmetrical hull cats, both hulls identical in shape, which is the strict catamaran definition. The 510 is an asymmetrical cat, a single-engine centre console with excellent walkaround access. Across all three, the twin-hull format delivers more volume, more deck space, and more side-to-side stability than a mono of equivalent length. In a swell the ride is softer than a mono, with less roll and more of a stepping motion. Get on one and find out.
The Kingfisher 730
The 730 is at the Hutchwilco Boat Show for the first time. Most production has gone to Australia and New Zealand buyers have not had a chance to see one until now.
It is a weekender, with a forward cabin carrying a double berth and a table that drops to a second sleeping area, enough for two adults and two kids up front.
The cockpit is larger than the 670’s. Twin stainless kill tanks sit in the cockpit. They were filled with two bags of ice that morning and the boat has been in full sun all day. The ice was still there.
A saltwater sink, livewell, fridge, and 12-volt pie warmer (small oven) are fitted. Beam is just under 2.5 metres, road legal in both New Zealand and Australia.
The Kingfisher 670
The 670 has been redesigned, nearly every panel changed. The front windscreen is now a single curved piece of glass, replacing two flat panels. Full glass side windows, a new hardtop and roof profile, and a set of structural changes required for US and EU market compliance. Both markets require foam buoyancy above a certain length and do not recognise air-pressure tested floors, which are common in New Zealand-built boats.
Kingfisher changed the floor construction to meet that, which freed up storage in the cockpit and under the forward bunks. Fuel tanks are separately mounted. The 670 comes pre-plumbed for a toilet as an option. A 12-volt hot water system and pie warmer (small oven) are fitted. Garmin is the preferred electronics brand, Honda or Yamaha the preferred engine choices, though customer and dealer preferences vary. Beam is 2.49 metres.
Safety is not an afterthought
The bow rails on both the 730 and 670 are set higher up the leg than is typical for boats of their size. The design is deliberate: if the boat is disturbed while someone is working at the bow, the rail catches them at a height that gives genuine support rather than catching at the knee and tipping them forward.
The Kingfiser 510
The 510 is the entry model, asymmetrical hull, single engine, centre console.
Great Barrier snapper mission aboard the Kingfisher 510 Powercat
