Frequently Asked Questions

The options are a standard sail vs a performance sail, adding additional sail surface to your boat and a standard hull vs a racing hull which adds more comfort and speed but does reduce the agility of your catamaran. The last option we have is our high performance model with integrated carbon.

To find out about all the differences and options please click on the link to visit our extended page.

Transport is made easy because the Smartkat packs up into 2 bags!

Car: The bags are compact and lightweight, suitable for transporting inside any car.

Car Roof: The weight of the Smartkat, including the bags made of waterproof material, is less than 50 kg. You can transport both bags on a roof rack (inner measurements: L185x W60x H30 cm). Alternatively, the bags can be tied directly to the roof rack. Tip: Zippers should be positioned below the bag to ensure dry transportation.

Plane: Check the Smartkat as luggage to any destination. Most airways today allow for the measurements and 2x 25KG bags.

For more information on transport options and ideas click on the link for our Transport: extended page.

Our focus is on minimizing weight and maximizing sailing performance. The Smartkat is lighter and more stable than other catamarans due to the patented centerboard construction, resulting in excellent upwind capabilities. We use every option available to reduce the weight of all components while maintaining the rigging’s outstanding stability. For additional information on the performance of our boats please visit the extended page.

You can sail the Smartkat just about everywhere. The Smartkat is a certified vessel according to the CE classification for inland and offshore waters and has a DSV approval for regattas. To find out more about locations we have sailed press the link and visit our extended page.

Sailors need about 20-25 minutes. Putting the catamaran back into the bags is even faster (approx. 15. min.). Using an electric pump will save you time. Best thing is that your Smartkat is designed to be built and dismantled without any tools. For more information about how to set up your Smartkat press this link to the extended version.

20 km/h is within easy reach for most Smartkat users. Professional sailors can reach speeds of 35km/h. The platform and the hull are designed for maximum buoyancy, giving the Smartkat a very stable foundation for sailing at high speed. This is the optimal base for maximum speed when both hulls are in the water.

The Smartkat is approved to sail with up to 4 adults. As the Smartkat is designed for single-handed operation, you still have the ability to handle the boat with ease if you are traveling alone.

You only need a few knots to go sailing as the Smartkat is ultra-light. Even a light wind (wind force 1) or a gentle breeze (wind force 2) is enough for a great sailing experience. A practiced beginner can still sail swiftly and safely in a moderate breeze (wind force 4). Sailing with a fresh breeze (wind force 5) or strong breeze (wind force 6) requires practice and professional sailing skills.

If there is no wind at all there is always the option to use your boat as a dinghy and add a small outboard engine to it. You will need the support plate and can use an outboard engine up to 3 hp.

We designed the Smartkat for all experience levels– from beginner to sailing professionally.

The Smartkat trampoline mesh is 100% self-draining which means that there is never any water on the catamaran, either during sailing or after a capsize. Getting the Smartkat up again is a skill that’s easy to master. The best way is to practice capsizing a few times in a light wind.

Smartkat products are manufactured out of high-quality materials to resist the shock of impact and abrasion and promote maximum sustainability. Our factory focuses on building top quality products with a view to recycling the highest number of components. The principle of sustainable development underlies the manufacturing of all our Smartkat models.

The jib is made of Dacron. The fully battened mainsail is manufactured from a combination of X-PLY (which forms a stable material) and Dacron. The profile of the sail can be adjusted with the battens depending on the wind force.

The Smartkat hulls are manufactured from a highly tear-resistant, fabric-strengthened polyester/fabric mixture (bonded PVC) to provide lightweight and maximum buoyancy. Two layers of fabric are “heat welded” between an exterior reinforcement band and an interior airtight band (the proven process used in all inflatable Zodiac boats). Where certain sections are exposed to particularly high stress (e.g. intake of Power Frame and seams), the material is multi-layered to make it extremely robust. The PVC is coated with a DTEX-1100 cover and UV protection for durability. Reinforced head and tail protection caps with friction coating give added protection in the event of a collision.

Yes. All aluminum parts are crafted with surface-recompensed (anodized) aluminum for corrosion protection in saltwater. This processing is much harder and more robust than powder coating.

This extremely hard surface finishing prevents grains of sand from penetrating the aluminum material, ensuring that there is no “welding” at the connection points.  Setting up your boat on the beach is no problem, and all parts can be easily disassembled.

We don’t use a groove guide because the Smartkat is designed for maximum sailing performance. A groove guide is only useful if you have a rotating mast, and those come with additional weight. The Smartkat’s main sail can glide freely around the mast, therefore the sail always has optimal airflow. It’s the same reason windsurfers have no groove guide.

It makes no sense to have hulls which cut through the water on an inflatable catamaran. The Smartkat is a semi-glider and climbs rapidly to the surface of the water. With the buoyancy of the 5m Racing hulls in particular, the front comes out of the water at high speed. 

The best way is to rinse it off with fresh water after every outing if it has been exposed to salt water. After use or cleaning, store your Smartkat with the zipper of the bag open to ensure all parts get thoroughly dry. Store it out of direct sunlight and in its original bags good care will improve the longevity of your Smartkat.

All models pack away in 2 bags weighing around 45 kilograms. The dimensions of the bag are 180×30 centimeter and they can stand next to each other. This means you only need a very small area to store them such as your garage, under your bed or in the attic space.

Yes, this is central to our Smartkat philosophy. All parts will fit your Smartkat. You even can upgrade older models with new parts to get more performance and replace old parts.

Yes, all replacement parts are available from Smartkat.

Two years, and you have the option to register and upgrade your warranty by adding another six months.