Yachts for sale / Smoky Mountain Asymmetrical foil assisted catamaran

2023 Smoky Mountain Asymmetrical foil assisted catamaran

Belhaven, NC, US 45 ft · 15.5 ft' beam 38 kn kn top
Asking
$1,200,000
Our Take

This 2023 Smoky Mountain 45-foot asymmetrical foil-assisted catamaran represents a purpose-built commercial passenger vessel engineered by designer Rob Schofeld and constructed using advanced welded aluminum fabrication techniques. The Hysucat design—combining catamaran hull efficiency with foil-assisted lift technology—delivers the performance and stability characteristics that define modern high-speed ferry operations.

Vessel Capability & Certification

Rated for 32 passengers plus 2 crew, the vessel maintains current USCG inspection and documentation, meeting all regulatory requirements for commercial marine operations. This certification status reflects the boat's compliance with federal safety and structural standards applicable to passenger-carrying vessels.

Performance & Propulsion

The catamaran achieves a cruising speed of 28 knots with a maximum speed capability of 38 knots, performance metrics enabled by the lightweight aluminum construction and hydrodynamic foil design. The 400-gallon fuel capacity and 200-gallon freshwater capacity support extended operations, while the 15.5-foot beam provides the stability and interior volume expected in a 45-foot catamaran platform.

Construction & Materials

Smoky Mountain Jet Boats employs certified welders utilizing MIG pulse technology and marine-grade aluminum throughout, adhering to USCG and ABS construction standards. The all-welded aluminum hull delivers inherent advantages in weight efficiency, structural durability, and long-term repairability—damage repair work achieves structural parity with original construction rather than degradation common in composite or traditional methods. This construction approach supports both asset longevity and operational cost efficiency over the vessel's service life.

Market Application

Built for commercial passenger ferry service, tourism operations, or charter use, this 45-foot Smoky Mountain catamaran combines regulatory compliance, proven design, and robust construction into a vessel capable of generating consistent revenue while maintaining the durability expected from serious marine infrastructure.

Provided listing description Click to read the original broker text

Asymmetrical foil assisted catamaran or Hysucat designed by Rob Schofeld Passenger Ferry 32 Passengers 2 Crew USCG Inspection and Documentation up to date

2023 Smoky Mountain 45-Foot Asymmetrical Foil-Assisted Catamaran: Commercial-Grade Passenger Ferry with USCG Certification
Overview
The 2023 Smoky Mountain 45-foot asymmetrical foil-assisted catamaran represents a purpose-built commercial passenger vessel engineered for high-capacity, high-speed marine operations. Designed by naval architect Rob Schofield and constructed by Smoky Mountain Jet Boats in Western North Carolina, this 45-foot catamaran combines advanced hydrodynamic foil technology with welded aluminum construction to deliver a robust platform rated for 32 passengers plus 2 crew members. Currently located in Belhaven, North Carolina, this vessel carries full USCG inspection and documentation, positioning it as a turnkey commercial or charter-ready asset in the modern passenger ferry and water-tourism market. The Hysucat design—an asymmetrical foil-assisted catamaran configuration—distinguishes this vessel from conventional monohull and symmetrical catamaran alternatives. The foil-assisted architecture reduces hull resistance at operational speeds, enabling the vessel to achieve a cruising speed of 28 knots while reaching a maximum speed of 38 knots, performance metrics that make it well-suited for scheduled ferry service, sightseeing operations, or high-speed passenger transport across rivers, coastal waters, and protected bays.
Design and Hull Construction
Smoky Mountain Jet Boats, founded in 2006 by Nick Williams and Maria Noakes, has established a reputation for welded aluminum vessel construction guided by USCG and ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) standards. The builder's partnership with designer Rob Schofield and access to advanced New Zealand design and fabrication expertise has resulted in a fleet of state-of-the-art commercial vessels recognized for durability and structural integrity. The 45-foot catamaran's hull is fabricated from marine-grade aluminum using certified MIG pulse welding technology. This construction method delivers several operational and economic advantages: aluminum's lightweight properties enhance fuel efficiency and speed capability, while its high strength-to-weight ratio allows the vessel to carry 32 passengers safely without sacrificing performance. The material's natural corrosion resistance and repairability—patches achieve strength equivalent to the original hull—support long-term asset value and reduced maintenance costs over the vessel's operational life. The asymmetrical foil-assisted design reduces hydrodynamic drag compared to conventional catamaran hulls, enabling the vessel to cruise efficiently at 28 knots while maintaining the stability and load-carrying capacity required for commercial passenger operations. The 15.5-foot beam provides a stable platform for passenger movement and comfort, while the catamaran configuration minimizes pitching and rolling in moderate sea states—a critical factor for passenger safety and comfort during multi-hour sightseeing or ferry routes.
Performance and Operational Capability
With a cruising speed of 28 knots and a maximum speed of 38 knots, this Smoky Mountain catamaran delivers the performance envelope required for scheduled ferry service, point-to-point passenger transport, and high-speed sightseeing operations. The vessel's speed capability allows operators to reduce transit times on longer routes, increasing daily operational cycles and revenue-generating capacity. The 400-gallon fuel capacity supports extended cruising range at operational speeds, while the 200-gallon freshwater capacity accommodates passenger amenities and crew needs for full-day operations. For commercial ferry operators serving river systems, coastal regions, or island-to-mainland routes, this range and capacity profile enables flexible scheduling and multiple revenue-generating trips without intermediate refueling or water replenishment. The vessel's design supports commercial viability across diverse passenger-transport markets: scheduled ferry service on established routes, charter sightseeing operations in scenic regions, tourism transport in protected waters, and specialized passenger operations in rivers and bays where conventional larger vessels cannot efficiently operate.
USCG Certification and Commercial Documentation
The 45-foot Smoky Mountain catamaran carries current USCG inspection and documentation, a critical credential for any vessel operating commercially with paying passengers. This certification confirms the vessel meets federal safety, stability, and operational standards for passenger capacity, life-safety equipment, navigation systems, and crew qualifications. Full USCG documentation eliminates significant compliance barriers for operators seeking to launch or expand passenger-transport operations, as the vessel is pre-approved for commercial service without additional inspection or certification delays. The documentation status also enhances asset value and marketability, as prospective charter operators, ferry service providers, and water-tourism businesses can deploy the vessel immediately upon purchase without incurring extended permitting or inspection timelines.
Construction Quality and Asset Durability
Smoky Mountain Jet Boats' commitment to welded aluminum construction using certified fabricators and marine-grade materials aligns with ABS and USCG standards, ensuring the vessel will maintain structural integrity and operational reliability across decades of commercial service. The lightweight aluminum hull resists corrosion in saltwater and freshwater environments, while the welded construction—when properly maintained—delivers a service life comparable to steel vessels with superior fuel efficiency and performance. For commercial operators, the durability and repairability of aluminum construction translate to predictable maintenance costs and reduced downtime. Unlike composite or fiberglass vessels, aluminum damage can be repaired to original-strength specifications, supporting long-term asset value and operational continuity.
Why This Vessel Represents a Commercial Opportunity
The 2023 Smoky Mountain 45-foot asymmetrical foil-assisted catamaran combines proven design, modern construction standards, and USCG commercial certification into a single package. For operators seeking to enter the passenger-transport market, expand existing ferry or charter operations, or operate in niche markets (river cruises, coastal sightseeing, island transport), this vessel eliminates the typical barriers of design, construction, and regulatory approval. The 32-passenger capacity with 2-crew configuration supports economically viable operations across a range of revenue models, while the 28-knot cruising speed and 38-knot maximum speed enable flexible scheduling and competitive service delivery. The welded aluminum construction ensures durability, repairability, and long-term asset value—critical factors for commercial operators managing fleets or long-term investments. Located in Belhaven, North Carolina, with full USCG documentation and inspection current, this catamaran is positioned to serve immediate operational needs for qualified commercial operators or charter service providers in the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond.
Length
45 ft
Beam
15.5 ft'
Year
2023
Builder
Smoky Mountain
Model
Asymmetrical foil assisted catamaran
Max speed
38 kn kn

Fly Yachts is pleased to assist you in the purchase of this vessel. This boat is centrally listed by W Yacht Group. It is offered as a convenience by this broker/dealer to its clients and is not intended to convey direct representation of a particular vessel.

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