Draft:Thundercat (boat)

A thundercat is a catamaran style inflatable boat, with a rigid floor like a Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB). Unlike typical RIB's, the planing surface of the hull is inflated, not rigid.

Thundercat racing is popular worldwide lead primarily by the UIM as the p750 class. Although per the UIM rules, thundercats must be 4.1m (13') long, thundercats have been made by many manufacturers from 2.8m (10') to 5.3m (15') long.

History of Thundercats
Thundercats were invented in the early 1980's in South Africa where racing continues today.

Thundercat Racing
Racing of thundercat boats has spread to many countries since its inception in South Africa. The UIM sanctions races in Australia, South Africa and several countries in Europe. In the USA, the APBA is the primary sanctioning body.

Thundercats are operated by a team of two with the pilot in the rear operating the motor and a copilot up front maneuvering to adjust the center of gravity.

Construction
Like typical inflatable boats, thundercats are constructed with fiber reinforced fabric that is folded into cylinders to create chambers capable of being pressurized by compressed air.

A unique feature to thundercats is the composite nosecone (typically fiberglass)