The 438 will be Skater Powerboats‘ first model powered by Mercury Racing 1550 engines (click image to enlarge).

Generally speaking, Skater Powerboats of Douglas, Mich., doesn’t build new models “on spec.” The costs involved are simply too high for the custom high-performance catamaran and V-bottom builder to start a new model without a buyer for hull No. 1 in place. And yet, that’s exactly what ended up happening with the company’s new 438 catamaran, which explains why the hull has been sitting in the mold for months. Other models ordered by solid buyers simply took precedent over the new cat’s completion.

Thanks to a willing, eager and undisclosed buyer, production has started again on the 43-footer. The client has ordered the boat with twin Mercury Racing 1550 engines, which can be switched to 1,350-hp mode with a second key fob. It is Skater’s first installation of the latest engines in the Fond du Lac, Wis., company’s QC4v power lin.

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For the latest look at the new Skater 438 in the construction process, check out the slideshow above.

According to Tony Cutsuries, Skater’s national sales manager, the company is planning to have the 438 catamaran ready to go in time for the 2016 Miami International Boat Show in its new Miami Marine Stadium venue.

“We need to get the deck on it, rig it, paint it and install the engines,” Cutsuries said. “It should be ready in time for the Miami show, but we’re not sure if we’ll able to fit it into our booth.”

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