Twin-Outboard Performance Powerboats P-280 Cat Testing Underway

With its first single-outboard-engine 28-foot catamaran complete and ready for its showcase at the upcoming Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Performance Powerboats has turned its attention to its second P-280 build. By sheer coincidence, P-280 hull No. 2 is powered by two Mercury Racing 300R V-8 outboards. Testing began last week at Performance Boat Center headquarters in Osage Beach, Mo.

Two 300-hp outboards from Mercury Racing power the second 28-footer from Performance Powerboats. Photos by Jeff Helmkamp copyright Helmkamp Photos

The results have been positive so far, according to the dealership’s Myrick Coil, who is leading the Performance Powerboats initiative.

“We spent one afternoon testing so I haven’t had that much time in it,” Coil said. “But with 31-inch-pitch props it ran 112 mph, and there’s still a lot of set-up work to be done.”

That’s especially true given that the 28-footer’s interior is currently being installed. When Coil and his Performance Boat Center teammate ran the cat, they used temporary makeshift seating. Rather than dial it in minus the additional interior weight, they opted to wait until completion to run it for final setup.