Aug 16

Aug 16 The Ultimate Sport Catamaran Test: Mercury Racing 400R Powered Cats Battle at Lake of the Ozarks

Back in June, Matt Trulio and Jason Johnson from Speed on the Water, announced the inaugural speedonthewater.com / Mercury Racing Verado 400R Sport Catamaran Roundup, taking place on August 23. This is an incredibly exciting event, partly because it coincides with the Super Cat Fest, as well as all of the other events happening at Lake of the Ozarks in late August. For performance boat lovers, the annual Lake of the Ozarks shootout is everything you could ask for in a show. To me, the Sport Cat Roundup is really on point though; the fast growing sport cat segment is one of the most exciting things to happen to the industry in a while. Because of the capabilities of the Mercury Racing 400R, outboard cats from 28’ to 36’ have surged in popularity.

Not soon after the announcement, I was asked by Matt and Jason to be the third co-pilot for the roundup, and without hesitation I accepted. It was truly an honor. This is going to be the ultimate comparison of the top boats in the segment right now. Originally, I was going to be teamed up with John Tomlinson, which was amazing, but due to scheduling issues, John can’t make it. Now, I have the privilege to ride with Shaun Torrente, an incredibly accomplished racer in F1-H20, and XCAT, for Team Abu Dhabi. Shaun also designs and makes outboard brackets and other components through Shaun Torrente Racing. His brackets are works for art, and seen on many of the sport cats in the roundup.

The 32' Fountain Thunder Cat will be in the roundup, and it's a very unique offering for the recently revitalized brand, known for their record setting offshore V hulls.

Here are the details. Bob Teague, Grant Bruggemann, and Shaun Torrente will be piloting; with Matt Trulio, Jason Johnson and myself co-piloting. Expect to see the top boats in the category; MTI, Skater, Wright Performance, Fountain, and DCB. There is potentially some more being added. We will update closer to event time. The event will be based out of the Camden on the Lake Resort, and run right up before the popular Super Cat Fest. Although completely separate events, they are very complimentary; Super Cat Fest is organized by Alvin Heathman and brings all the big cats together, for a jaw dropping showcase. So the speedonthewater.com Sport Cat Roundup is the perfect lead up.

The outboard sport cats are not only incredible performers, they are the epitome of new technology, from build to interior design and technology. A very unique Skater might make an appearance at the roundup! — The outboard sport cats are not only incredible performers, they are the epitome of new technology, from build to interior design and technology. A very unique Skater might make an appearance at the roundup!

Every boat is so different, yet they occupy a specific segment, so it will be amazing to see how they all compare with the same power. Follow wavetowave.com and speedonthewater.com on Instagram and Facebook for content around the event on August 23.

Thanks again to Matt Trulio and Jason Johnson for having me. I am very grateful for this amazing opportunity, and can’t wait for August 23.