Overview
When Barker made the jump from a 26-foot monohull to a 40-foot cat for its latest model, the builder envisioned an offshore fishing machine that left nothing to be desired. The 40 HPC, a knockout and a true testament to purposeful design, features innovative solutions and improvements on a number of fronts.
Fishability
Fishing amenities include all the tackle and bait storage needed for extended trips with a substantial arsenal. Our test boat had 49 flush-mount rod holders.
Rocket launchers on the aft edge of the hardtop carry 13 rods, plus two more angled kingfish-style to port and starboard. Dual gunwale racks hold six more rods and t a rod locker stashes another four.
Four 55-gallon pressured baitwells, two in-floor and two in the transom, haul a generous supply of different bait species. Meanwhile, the in-floor wells are insulated to augment, if necessary, the Barker’s already-ample fish-box capacity provided by the 544-quart and 784-quart Frigid Rigid boxes with overboard pump-out.
Our test boat came with recessed teaser reels on the hardtop, downrigger mounting plates and power outlets for electric reels, and Gemlux outriggers.
Considering its quality construction and finish, performance, fishability and comfort, Barker’s new flagship makes a strong case to get the nod from any offshore angler who wants a versatile boat for day trips to distant fishing grounds, taking on stiff tournament competition, and island hopping.
Amenities
The console incorporates space for dual Garmin 24-inch multifunction displays and a JL Audio system, within a three-sided tempered glass enclosure that shelters the helm and two rows of seating.
Helm seating options include single or double row seating; a leaning post; rear tackle center, freshwater sink and an electric grill; or aft-facing bench seating. Other options teak-back helm seats, a full-beam transom seat, cuddy air conditioning, tuna tubes and more.
Forward console seating combines a dual lounger with contoured backrests and flip-up armrests with coffin-style 532-quart storage underneath.
Handling
To tackle issues innate in many cat hulls, like bow steering and the pulling encountered in certain sea conditions, designer Michael Peters gave the 40 HPC a fuller bow and asymmetrical sponsons, which serve two purposes: They force more air down through the hull tunnel to create lift, and they ride higher in the water, requiring less push from the motors to turn.
While power catamarans tend to lean outward on the turns, trimming up the inside outboards during a turn creates a slight dip on the respective side of the Barker that mimics the inward lean experienced on monohulls, adding to the predictable handling and tracking
Performance
Powered by quad Mercury 450Rs our test boat rose to plane in a flash, and averaged 7.6 seconds from zero to 30 mph. At 4,000 rpm, the 40-footer flirts with 50 mph while burning 53.2 gph. The big cat consistently tops 82 mph wide open.
Aside from its stability, fuel efficiency and shallow draft, the 40 HPC offers a smooth ride in a range of conditions. Taking on 5-foot seas, at 5,000 rpm it skips from wave to wave and lands softly at over 60 mph.
| RPM | MPH | GPH |
|---|---|---|
| 4,000 | 49.7 | 53.2 |
| 4,500 | 57.1 | 67.6 |
| 5,000 | 65.9 | 101.7 |
| 6,000 | 79.8 | 172.2 |
| 6,350 | 83.8 | 181.1 |
Test Conditions
- Location: Bradenton, Florida
- Weather: Partly cloudy, 82 degrees, wind East, 19 mph
- Sea State: 3- to 5-foot chop
- Test Load: Two adults, 200 gallons of fuel
Pricing and Specifications
| Price: | On request |
|---|---|
| Length: | 40′4″ |
| Beam: | 11′10″ |
| Draft: | 26″ |
| Fuel: | 670 gal. |
| Weight: | 18,000 lb. |
| Water: | 30 gal. |
| Max Horsepower: | 1,800 |
Contact: Barker Boatworks – barkerboatworks.com
