Length: overall 4.3 m
Width: 2.0m
Weight: 35kgms
Glass fibre planing hulls, stainless steel frame. Four rudder foot operated steering, 2 forward, 2 at rear, for very fast and precise turning.
Main seat; fabric, adjustable. Passenger seat; glass fibre (optional).
Packed dimensions (for shipping): 4.1m x 0.6m x 0.7m, 40 kgms. Transport; fully assembled on car or SUV roof rack -
can be taken off and on by one person.
Kite: 19sq.m Arc style Venom for the entire wind range up to 50km/hr plus (experienced users).
Upwind performance: Competitive with most conventional sailing craft.
Downwind and reaching performance: very fast. Max. speed to date- more than 50km/hr .
Wave tolerance: very stable – useable to about 1.5m surf with care and skill.
The KiteCat is the end result of 18 years full time development, and more than 150 prototypes of every conceivable style.
The key design features of ‘upside down’ displacement/planing style hulls
and four rudder steering, have been settled since 1997, but the many minor improvements added since then have improved useability hugely.
Like the ‘Italian’ bum-grabbing seat that holds the flier in - it works like a seat belt, but it’s safe.
Like stainless steel fins- sand just polishes them, rocks quail as they approach.
Like balance point carrying- leave the kite to look after itself for a while (it’s a Venom!), stand up and grab the side frames-
the KiteCat is balanced for unaided launching and retrieval. (video demonstration of Kitecat launch - 2.5mb.)
Like extra flotation- 175kgm/hull- improves stability and speed and allows for carrying passengers.
Like duck bill prows- for resistance to nose-diving while surfing waves.
Like the facility to fit an electric outboard motor for when the wind fails- more adventurous trips.
But , the improvement that has made the KiteCat into a truly practicable new type of sailing craft is better kites.
Since our 1999 invention of the Arc style traction kite, development for the
kitesurfing market has led to spectacular improvement. The four main breakthrough developments have been:
Wind range: ‘Sheeting’ and better gust responses have trebled their range relative to pre ’99 styles.
Upwind performance- measured by lift/drag ratio- is perhaps 30% better now than for pre’99 kites.
Luff resistance; Arc style kites stay up- they don’t fall out of the sky at the slightest provocation.
Stability- they will fly hands off, like single line kites- and stay where they’re put to a useful extent.
The KiteCat is conceived and presented as a single-design boat for racing and recreational sailing.
It does not require a high level of athleticism or physical strength but does require and reward skill.
KiteCat kitesailing is more difficult than kitebuggying but not as hard as windsurfing or kitesurfing.
Promotion and development of the KiteCat class kitesailing boat worldwide is to be by a network of licensees
who will manufacture and distribute exclusively in their countries or areas.
It is intended that class associations, regattas and a world championship will be organised.
Although no doubt many of the first users will come from kitesurfing and other kitetraction sports,
kitesailing is a sailing sport and the KiteCat will take it’s place with other sailing genres
rather than with the extreme sports- that kitesurfing, kitebuggying and kiteskiing have become.
Enquires/Quotes/Orders please email: info@skytoys.co.nz
The KiteCats are 100% New Zealand made.
Once you've placed your order, the lead time is approx 4 weeks, plus 4 - 8 weeks for shipping (by sea).
At this stage we have the production on a small scale as the KiteCat will have incremental refinements.
Also, without any build up of stock, you will receive the latest version, being sent directly from the factory floor.
When ordering please provide the following information:
1 - The following accessories are availible:
Side Trampoline >
The two side trampolines are attached onto the frame between each hull and the seat. The area is ideal for a passenger to sit, as well as providing standing space when the sailor climbs aboard. Sailor plus passengers weight should not usually exceed 160kg. |  |
 | < KiteCat Roof RacksTransporting the KiteCat, with one person to the water, without the use of a trailer is very important. The KiteCat Roof Racks have been designed to clamp onto any existing roof rack. So if your current roof racks run the length or width of your vehicle, they will easily clamp on within a few minutes. We’re yet to find a roof rack that isn’t compatible. Once the KiteCat Roof Racks have been fitted, it only takes one person to place the KiteCat on or off the vehicle. |
Dehydration Bladder > Keep your fluids up when kite sailing the day away. The dehydration bladder slots into the pocket, located at the back of the seat. Velcro tabs keep the bladder upright, as well as keeping the mouthpiece on hand when you need to gulp down some water. |  |
 | < Engine MountAttaching an out-board motor to the engine mount will open up the secluded launching locations for the KiteCat, or use it for a safety device to get you home in any weather conditions. Whilst in power mode, the KiteCat steers by foot with possible speeds of 25km/h. Engine not included. |
KiteCat 2 in 1 T-socket Tool > All nuts and bolts on the KiteCat have a hex head of 13mm. Use the specially designed KiteCat tool to assemble your boat in minutes. One end of the handle is pressed, into a flat screw driver shape, to allow the bungs to be opened. Store the T-socket in the seat pocket for safe keeping. |  |
|
< Paddle
Keep a paddle on hand for safety reasons. The lightweight paddle can be attached to the frame whilst not in use. |
Please feel free to contact us if you have further questions. | |
2 - Colour of hulls
The standard is white; you also have a few other colour options below at a slightly higher price.
Yellow, Red, Orange with more colours coming into the range, please ask.
3 – Include the closest seaport, or airport, depending on your freight recommendations.
Sea freight – is the most common.
Depending on where you're located, shipping time varies from 4-8 weeks (also depending on your closest international sea port).
Air freight - allow one to two weeks... about twice the price of sea freight.
