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MiniCat 520 Explorer Innovations
The MiniCat 520 is the most advanced boat in the MiniCat lineup. It is versatile as a sporty beachcat but its design is rooted with adventure and expedition sailing in mind
With the ability to add an outboard and a furling large Code 0 sail, this boat can check all of the boxes, all while still only taking 45-60 minutes to assemble and fits conveniently into three bags!
MiniCat 520 Exporer Features & Benefits
The MiniCat 520 Explorer is a boat that combines premium and lightweight materials that allow you to spend time on the water without the need for a slip or trailer! This travel ready sailboat is perfect for family daysailing or even extended adventure sailing!
Windowed Sails
The jib and main sails on the MiniCat boats all have windows in them. This allows you to be more aware of your surroundings. Even with the colorful sails, sometimes other boaters are not paying attention. These windows allow you to see 360° and be responsive to your surroundings.
Continuous Line Roller Furling Jib
The MiniCat 520 Explorer is equipped with a continuous line roller furler. This allows you to put away the jib sail, on either tack without any worry or possibility of a snag, clog, or line override that the single-line furlers are notorious for.
You can also store your jib furled (folded in half) to make boat set-up and take-down quicker and easier.
Multi-Chambered Hulls
The 520 Explorer comes equipped with 2 chamber (per side) hulls as standard.
This provides extra peace of mind when sailing in new and tight spaces.
You can even upgrade to 3 chamber hulls for a small fee.
Extra Large Foredeck
This 520 Explorer is ready to take the whole family sailing (or you, a buddy and a bunch of gear)!
The foredeck can support body weight, is large enough to sleep on and has eliminated the need for a bowsprit!
Reefing Mainsail
The MiniCat 520 Explorer is the first inflatable catamaran to offer a reefable mainsail.
The issue with big beach cats is that they can become unweildy when in heavy winds. That stigma ends with the MiniCat 520 Explorer!
Adventure safely with a reefable main, maintain steerage and pointing ability by allowing you to keep your jib flying in heavy wind.
Rope Rail
The 520 Explorer has a new feature with expedition in mind: an outboard rope rail.
This feature will allow you to secure drybags to this rail. This de-clutters the trampolines and increases how much gear you can bring, comfortably.
This Rope Rail is also great for helping an overboard sailor to get back in the boat from the water!
Centerboard Equipped
The MiniCat 520 Explorer is the only MiniCat featuring a centerboard.
A centerboard allows the boat to tack very quickly, point higher on the wind and allows the boat to sit flat on the beach (unlike the keels on the other MiniCat models).
This is an unsung feature of this model and will DYNAMICALLY increase the performance of the boat over a sailboat without a centerboard.
Small Pack-down for Easy Storage and Transport
The MiniCat 520 packs away into three easy-to-manage bags. These bags are well-organized to keep things from getting damaged in storage. The MiniCat bags and packaway are better than other portable boats on the market. These bags can be stored under your bed, in a closet or checked as luggage on an airplane. Call your airline for a quote on oversized luggage fees, they can vary by airline. Wheeled storage bags are easy to transport and move around without heavy lifting.
Factory Configurable
MiniCat is doing it differently with the Explorer.
This boat can be configured to your specifications by ordering it with special, factory-installed, options such as float, mast and trampoline upgrades!
Review the accessories section below to learn more!
MiniCat 520 Explorer Technical Specifications
| Overall Length | 17' |
|---|---|
| Overall Width | 7' 3" |
| Air Draft | 21' 6" |
| Water Draft | ~14" |
| Total Weight | 177 lbs |
| Sail Area (Jib + Main) | 120.5 ft² (37.5 ft² + 83 ft²) |
| Mast Specs | 20' Aluminum / Carbon |
| Crew Capacity | 1-4 people |
| Carrying Weight Capacity | 1322 lbs |
| Hull Material | Heytex 5509 PVC |
Packing & Assembly Specifications
| Bag 1 (w/ wheels) | 68" x 12" x 12" |
|---|---|
| Bag 2 (w/ wheels) | 68" x 12" x 12" |
| Bag 3 w/ wheels | 68" x 12" x 12" |
| Assembly Time | ~50 minutes |
| Tools Required for Assembly | None |
| Trailer Needed | None |
