“Viewing the natural beauty of Monterey Bay and the Elkhorn Slough should have minimal impact on the wildlife and environment.”
EL CAT DESIGN
Utilizing the ancient design of the canoe stern below the waterline, the builders added modern design additions and materials to create an extremely light, efficient catamaran that can be powered by electric motors. This greatly reduces noise and eliminates emissions.
EL CAT BUILD
Carbon Fiber/ Fiberglass is vacuum infused to make the boat both strong and light. The materials chosen emit relatively zero VOCs. Two 20 Hp Elco motors power the vessel, running off 48 volts carbon foam batteries.
BUILDING OF THE EL CAT
CANOE HULLS
![El-Cat-Hull Electric Boat Build Elkhorn Slough](https://montereybayecotours.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5104/2021/10/El-Cat-Hull.jpg?resize=600%2C337.5&zoom=2)
The shape of the hulls allows the boat to efficiently cut through the water, reducing the energy needed to push the vessel forward.
AFFIXING FLAT PANELS
![Custom Electric Boat Build Elkhorn Slough Custom Electric Boat Build Moss Landing](https://montereybayecotours.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5104/2021/10/El-cat-hull-2.jpg?resize=600%2C337.5&zoom=2)
Each flat panel of the boat is made on a vacuum table, reducing waste while building the boat. The deck is carbon fiber, making it light and strong and the hulls were made from a mold.
BEFORE PAINT
![Custom Electric Boat Build Monterey Custom Electric Boat Build Moss Landing](https://montereybayecotours.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5104/2021/10/El-Cat-Hull-3.jpg?resize=600%2C337.5&zoom=2)
After the hulls, benches, and panels are put together, the faring is done and smoothed out getting it ready for paint.
CLEAN AND QUIET
![Enchanting Private Charter: Exploring Elkhorn Slough Aboard the ‘El Cat’ An excited group of passengers enjoying a delightful ride aboard the 'El Cat' during a privately chartered tour of Elkhorn Slough. The boat glides through serene waters, surrounded by lush coastal landscapes and diverse wildlife. Laughter and smiles fill the air as the passengers engage in lively conversations, captivated by the beauty of the slough's natural wonders. With binoculars in hand, some eagerly observe graceful seabirds soaring above, while others keep their eyes peeled for curious otters playing in the water. The warm sunlight bathes the scene in a golden glow, creating a picture-perfect moment of relaxation, exploration, and camaraderie.](https://montereybayecotours.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5104/2021/10/El-Cat-Hull-4.jpg?resize=600%2C337.5&zoom=2)
Here the EL CAT is gliding cleanly and quietly through the water of the Elkhorn Slough while the passengers can see and hear the wildlife.