Glacier Bay 3070 Isle Runner Wins NMMA Award
In a recent post I wrote about modern outboard powered catamarans as a more efficient alternative to planning hulls for cruising under power. Recently one such design, the Glacier Bay 3070 Isle Runner, won the Innovation Award in the Inboard and Outboard Cruisers at the 2007 Miami International Boat Show. The award sponsored by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and Boating Writers International (BWI), is an acknowledgement of the company’s commitment to innovation with features such as a unique sunken offside galley, portside entry, convertible helm and dual bait well locations as well as state-of-the-art hull designs that maximize economy and reduce rolling.
Traditionally, small power catamarans have had meager accommodations when compared to similar size monohulls; however, the 3070 Isle Runner seems to strike a good balance between cruising and fishing and we cannot wait to see it at upcoming boat shows. Catamarans are somewhat more expensive than equivalent traditional planning hulls because of the greater amount of material needed to create the two hulls. Despite this, a boat like this would be an excellent choice for anyone planning coastal and/or short-duration off-shore cruising adventures. With a beam of over 10 feet, this design is not trailerable without a permit, which may complicate transporting the boat to faraway cruising grounds but this is the price one pays for the stability and spaciousness of this catamaran design.
