Aluminum is fine, but wood has a soul!
The Hellcat
The Hellcat was a project that I had interest in for sometime. Like the DH2 I had given this design much thought and built the boat numerous times in my head. I wanted a design that I would feel comfortable hunting larger bodies of water, serve as tender for our layout boat, as well as the ability to haul more "stuff" as all duckhunters do. As I watched this boat come together I kept trying to think of a name that truly fit the style of the boat. One evening while trying to back up far enough in the shop to get the whole boat in a photo it struck me, "this thing looks like a tank!". After a short internet search I found a WWII tank named the M-18 Hellcat and never looked back.
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This boat was completed the last week of January, 2007. The boat hops on plane in a matter of seconds and runs at a top speed of 42 mph while being powered by a Yamaha 90hp 2 stroke outboard with a 17 pitch prop. She drafts about 7" with only the operator. I put about 60 hours of runtime on the Hellcat and was very pleased with the performance, before selling. The boat has been out in 15-20mph winds and up to 3' seas, while not the smoothest of rides due to the flat bottom safety was never an issue.
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Like many of the other early Toller models, I have some ideas that I will incorporate into future Hellcats. The purpose of most are to open up the cockpit more to allow added room. As it was, there was a lot of "wasted" space. First I would shorten the amount of covered decking at the front of the cockpit. Additionally I would incorporate the rear running seat into the splashwell area as well as relocate the storage access to that seat. I would highly recommend either tiller or small side console. There is also the possibility of incorporating a modified V to the hull design.
I am also open to modifications, just like my other models as long as they are feasible. The most obvious on the Hellcat is the steering setup and cockpit layout. The Hellcat can be set up as shown with a center console, a small side console or as a tiller steer. The latter two would significantly open up the floor plan more. Set up with a center console, the boat will comfortably hunt 3 adults plus a dog. Other configurations will comfortably hunt 4.
If you are looking for a truly custom open water design, look no further!
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Length: 19'6" on deck
Max Width: 60" on floor, 69" on rail
Interior Height: 34"
Weight: 950lbs (with console)
Capacity: 4 persons 1500 lbs of persons/motor/gear
Max HP: 90 tiller/120 Console
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Standard $21,000
The Hellcat is constructed entirely of Okuome BS 1088 Marine ply and ash while all hardware is of marine grade. The entire hull is sheathed in 6 oz fiberglass and encapsulated in epoxy. The bottom of the hull will have a final coat of graphite thickened epoxy for a super slick setup.
Included in the base price is:
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Base Electrical - 2 auxillary outlets, fuel gauge, 2 1000gph bilge pumps (one manual switch and one on auto float switch), 72 watt CREE LED light bar, LED running lights, Interior LED lighting all controlled via top of the line 6 switch lighted circuit breaker panel with USB charging ports and volt meter and connected using marine tinned wire.
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18.3 gallon permanent fuel tank with fuel gauge.
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Two bench seats with lighted, dry storage
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Grizzly Grip spray-In bedliner on the floor of cockpit, which further waterproofs the interior as well as adding traction and protection from gas & oil
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Battery mounting tray and battery quick-connects
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Custom aluminum transom bracket/plate that serves to strengthen transom and distribute motor weight.
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2 part marine foam in the fore and aft compartments to provide emergency floatation
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Custom Open Water Camo (add $250 for DH style camo)
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Dry storage located in the splashwell.
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Grpahite/cabosil coated bottom
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Optional:
Small Side Console $24,000
Standard Items plus:
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Side console
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Helm, Steering wheel and steering cable.
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Shift mounting and ignition mounting (buyer supplied)
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Windscreen
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motor mounting and rigging (buyer supplied)
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Large Center Console $28,000
Standard Items plus:
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Center Console with lockable access (Rear bench seat/storage deleted)
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Helm, Steering wheel and steering cable
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Speedometer, Tach, voltmeter, in-dash compass, hour meter
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2 additional auxillary outlets
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2 cup holders
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On-board battery charger
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Marine radio & speakers
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Windscreen
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Motor mounting and rigging (buyer supplied)
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All boats will be pre-sold (no inventory on hand). A $10,000 down-payment shall be due up front and the remaining cost shall be due upon delivery/pickup of the boat.
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I will accept Mastercard/Visa through PayPal/Square, however there will be a 3% surcharge.
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I will deliver or meet for a reasonable fee. If you would like to have the boat shipped, I will handle freighting obligations on this end at the buyers expense.
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North Carolina Buyers are responsible for 3% sales tax.
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Motor and Trailer not included.