Hi all Can we have some input from owners / ex-

[will101]

Hi all

Can we have some input from owners / ex-owners / crew on this line of boats please? I would also like to get to know about the history of Kei Marine and some of the different models made to date. I have not come across boat tests or any info except one or two persons that seem to really love these craft. Thanks in advance for your input!

 

[John F]

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[Catch 22]

WHAT! Will, hitch a ride with me on my Kei and let me put the proof to the pudding.


I have heard of the bigger Kei's broatching etc, but let me tell you, my Kei rocks and for the size of my craft she does better than any other 16-17 foot craft I have been on....and I have been on quite a few.

Solid hull, nice high beam, handles k@k seas brilliantly and is 100% powered by two 40's. Ask anyone on this site thats been with me how she handles. Nepps was out with me the other day in not such great seas and he also commented on the soft ride. They are truely awsome crafts in my eyes, or at least the model I have. Very stable as well. No I guess there are lots of nicer oats out there but all I can say is I will be in tears if I had to loose this one...

Wonder why they stopped making this specific hull as I am sure it would be popular given its characteristics.

But Will, are you looking at buying one?

 

[tkei]

Kei marine was built by paddy Hart in east london. he is still around, But unfortunately when he and richard Carrol (his business Partner) split, the moulds also got split between them and somewhere along the line the moulds got burnt.
As far as modles go, he built the 24 Scorpion, 24 Kei mono. As far as I have heard, different boats. You get some without chines (not sure why). I also seem to think there was a cut down 21ft version of the mono's
As far as cats go, he did a 18ft kei cat, Very solid. You got a semi cabin and a fwd consol of this. Then in later years he built a 15/16ft Wild cat. This was done in centre, wfd, cabin (for LTB) and then for rubber ducks. I have this boat test in a ski boat mag at home.

Paddy is still in the game, but mainly in the refurb market. He is based here in el. i have his nr if you want to talk to him. Sure he can give you back ground to all the boats.
I have been on almost all the models. Very strong. safe boats. the 24's I go on both run 115 2 strokes. plenty power, but quite thirsty. The one perviously ran an inboard, and as a result has lead balast built in up front. makes the ride in following sea a bit hairy unless all crew are far aft. It alos has no chines and as a result the tail is very loose. The other one rides very nicely.

 

Sorry forgot about the one catch 22 ghas, Dont know that particular boat, but sure paddy can help you out.

I am sure in old ski scene there would have been boat tests. Just by the nr of them still around, in EL, PE, CT you can assume they are good boats. Not too many new monos in the size range of the kei 24's so they will continue to be popular with guys that like monos.

 

[Catch 22]

Tkei, geez, if you can PM me the number I would love to contact him and ask whether he still have this mould available, imagine that, I would def consider building one-or at least have one build.

There are another boat like mine down in Mossel Bay and I know there is a guy wanting to sell a hull like mine, but the hull needs a new deck etc.

Then there is the Caramia down in Mossel Bay which is the bigger Kei with a built in Volvo Penta and has been in M-Bay for years now, belonged to my Uncle Eric Hansen back in the day, also a very nice boat.

 

[dugongboy]

I fished/skippered on a Wildcat 460 some time ago in Mozambique that was powered by 2 x 30's and as I am not a big fan of small cats I was impressed!! It is a pity if as tkei said that the mould is gone as amongst all the cats that are now available (too many) that hull still stands out as one of the better ones.

 

[Patrick]

Chris, i really like the layout of your deck and console. So, so clever man. As a matter of interest, whats this other guy asking for his hull?

 

[Patrick]

Common Willie, show them your hand. Post your boat and let em comment.

 

[will101]

I'm mainly interested in the Mono's - I've said it before and I'll say it again: Catch22 has one of the best layouts I have ever seen. Very nice. We're in the process of aquiring a 22 footer. As far as I understand the 22 footer was the original and the 24' was a modified version of this one, with 2 feet being added. This is the sort of info Paddy Hart would be able to provide, so yes, I would also like to chat to him. Needless to say I'm very excited and watch this space as pics are bound to follow.
I am still also interested in doing a refurb project so if the hull for sale in Mossel Bay is still available I would love some contact details! The 22 footer in question was in fact stumbled upon due to an ad that I put in for a Kei hull. I saw one early in the year in Gordons Bay for sale for R7000. Just a hull with no deck and including trailer. It was a 24foot. But it's gone now by the looks of it - someone's busy getting itchy out there!

 

Patrick wrote:

Common Willie, show them your hand. Post your boat and let em comment.

hehe Pat this deal is SOOO close but I do not want to jynx it by getting all excited. The boat in fact is being delivered TOMORROW! I'm off to the boatyard to get the paperwork sorted and gotta still get a boatcover made.

 

[Catch 22]

Will, yes, I must say I reckon for the size she is layed out lekke leaving fishing space etc etc.I have thought however of making her a centre console but dont think its worth the effort, the side console does have its advantages.

I have just spoken to Tim regarding the hull for sale, he is going to try and get us into contact with the guy so lets see.

Geez Will, I am happy for you man,hope the deal goes smoothly without being jynx'ed!

One of our guys here at work also bought a 22 footer Kei the other day, still needs to fit motors etc.

I will give you guys a PM as soon as Tim comes back to me.

 

[Patrick]

Catch 22 wrote:

I have thought however of making her a centre console

I'm interested to know why. What cons are there now on your layout that have made you want to change her?

Yeah Bob, you have mentioned Chris's boat a few times when we've lay next to her vanging snoek. I couldnt quite appreciate the deck layout at the time, but now that aerial shot of her makes it all clear.

 

 

[Catch 22]

Well, I thought about creating a bit more fishing space and also a complete walk-around compared to only getting past the left side of the console, but like I said, not worth the effort as a lot of other "nice to haves" would then be gone.

I guess we are never satisfied with what we have and I for one like scratching around and conversions etc etc.. I fitted a deck wash the other day-that really makes a difference! Saw some of the bigger boats at the boat show fitted with it, got a pump at Paarden Eiland. fitted it and geez it helps with those snoek scales! You can even flush your motors and clean your boat with it, all you need is a bucket of water. Nice if you are camping and forgot the hose!

I saw a Billfish the other day at Oceana, right underneath the trolling board the owner fitted drawers where he places all his hooks, lures etc, awesome patent.

If you really think of it most of us "small boaters" have very little space and need to plan the layout carefully in order to leave some space to fish in. Thats one reason I love a centre console way more than a forward console, but that said once again both have their advantages, same with cat's compared to mono's.

Pat, you and Bingo also have awesome boats, I reckon they are probably the best cat's in their class and also so easy to tow etc.

Have you guys seen this new cat they are advertising on Gumtree fitted with the outmounts? Seems to be a nice boat as well by looking at it?

 

[Catch 22]

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[Catch 22]

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[will101]

Yeah I saw that boat, it looks very nice. Send some pics if you don't mind of the deckwash setup. Funny enough I was looking at them yesterday (the Jabsco ones). Was just wondering where the saltwater pickup sits? Then I'm gonna have some questions about deep cycle batteries soon... The batteries have been standing a long time, but they are "new". By a long time I think about 3 years.

 

[Catch 22]

Ok, I will take some pics tonight and post them. Actually a very simple setup, pump in the console then a hose that runs towards the back out the transom. Then just a small piece of hose through the console with a normal hose fitting. Then just keep a piece of hose the length of your boat with a spray nossle. The pump works on pressure so if you close the nossle, it stops pumping, so no need to turn it on and off the whole time.

It really works well, esp for sleeping crewmembers! ha ha !

 

[Seeker1]

Will all the best with the new boat, big change from the duck.

ps got a site.

 

[Patrick]

Too true Chris. I'm also always looking at ways to improve my fishing space. Every boater does i guess even if theres nothing wrong with the current layout. Its a continuation of building that treehouse probably!
Yip, saw that new cat on Gumtree. I really like the deck layout with all its little storage compartments. Not a bad price either for a new boat. Just not sure about the outmounts tho, although a boat manufacturer at the boat show last year claims they drastically reduce the power needed to drive the craft. They had an 18ft cat being driven by 2 30's on their outmounts. Would have to see that in action.

Alan, you looking for a site? Willie, take notes and laminate them if you have Mr Tail on board, yes.

 

[lurker69]

My problemis what happens to that 18ft cat when one of those 30's gives in ... youre stuck with one pushing all that cat ... Definately not an option if you spend time in the surf!!

22 would like to see the deckwash layout and costing if possible?

 

[Catch 22]

Ok, here is a picture of the pump Fitted to the inside of the console. I reckon you can fit the pump just about anywhere but preferably somewhere dry. Excuse my dirty floor...he he


Since the pump draws a bit of amps I would suggest a heavy amp rated toggle switch. With a permanent live with a inline fuse and switching earth. The motor/pump has a pressure switch so while fishing it would only pump if you open the nozzle, so the nozzle with the lever works well.