Fast Lane: Revolution c takes production power to a new level.

By Gregg Mansfield

It is always fun to watch newcomers to the annual Performance Trials. The boat manufacturers come into the yearly event with high expectations and leave knowing they have to bring an even better product the following year to compete.

Revolution Performance Marine (RPM) set the bar pretty high for top-end performance during its first visit to the Performance Trials in Sarasota, Fla. The company brought along its 26 Redline with a Mercury Racing HP525EFI engine, a standard power plant for many sport catamarans.

But it turns out the 26 Redline wasn't just any sport catamaran. With a 95.1-mph top speed, it's the fastest single-engine, 525-horsepower cat we've tested. Talk about setting the mark.

Performance
From the moment the test drivers put the sport catamaran on plane, it was apparent the builder was going for a big speed number. It took the 26 Redline 8.7 seconds to get there and acceleration was just as sluggish.

In 10 seconds the sport cat was going just 27 mph and in double that time it was running 60 mph. But once the 34"-pitch propeller on the Bravo One XR Sport Master ITS drive finally hooked up, the cat posted some noteworthy numbers in the engine's upper operating range.

With the engine turning 4,500 rpm, the 26-footer was traveling better than 75 mph. Add another 500 rpm and it was at 85 mph.

"This thing needs more bottom-end power and the 525 is just not mustering it up at this high (1.5:1) gear ratio," said lead tester Bob Teague. "This thing would be simply awesome with a supercharger on it."

While it would add a few thousand dollars to the boat's $119,000 as-tested price, it would be a worthy investment to improve the cat's holeshot. In the midrange, going from 30 to 50 mph in 5.4 seconds was respectable, but running from 40 to 70 mph needed a little more than 11 seconds.

Both test drivers commented on how well the boat ran over small chop in Sarasota Bay. Putting the cat through slalom turns at 40 and 50 mph, it handled precisely and felt stable.

The wraparound windshield was clear and easy to see through, but testers wished the front buckets were an inch or two lower. A company representative said they have plans to lower the seats in subsequent boats. The model we tested was the first one built by the Harpersville, Ala., company.

Workmanship
For the plugs and molds on the 26 Redline, RPM turned to noted builder and designer Doug Wright. RPM made further refinements before starting production.

The builder used multidirectional fabrics and vinylester resin in the boat's layup. Balsa coring was used in the running surfaces, while Plascore and Coosa composite coring materials were used throughout the hull and deck.

For the first boat out of the mold, the builder applied a sharp two-tone silver paint job to the straight hullsides and deck. The rubrail, painted silver to match, was a little wavy in spots and could have used more attention.

To get access to the engine, the company came up with a nifty system using custom hinges. To clear the wraparound windshield, the hatch moves back and then lifts up. Once open, it revealed a cavernous engine compartment, which can be customized to a buyer's wants.

The production motor was on polished solid aluminum mounts that were through-bolted to the stringers. Custom touches included billet boxes for the batteries and trim lines for the drive were redone in braided stainless-steel hoses. Removable panels provided access to the fuel tanks and bilge pumps.

The bilge was finished in gray with a splatter coat, and thanks to the compartment's size, it will be fairly easy to clean.

Hardware was abundant on the outside of the boat with the builder opting for new flip-up cleats from Accon. They also provided four receptacles on the boat for pin cleats. Fuel fills from Goodrich Aerospace in England were on either side of the boat and were done in clearcoat to match the Dana Marine swim steps on the transom.

Interior
The space under the deck in most sport catamarans—heck, all catamarans—is often wasted. That's why we applaud RPM's effort to create some usable space underneath.

Access was through a center opening, and the area was fully carpeted and had a small pad. The cabin was a great spot for children to get out of the sun or to stash items in the small compartment. Access to the back of the dash was easy from the cabin.

Out in the cockpit, the manufacturer went with the typical arrangement for a sport cat. A rear bench seated at least three passengers and the bolsters for the driver and observer were on custom billet bases. RPM plans to add additional supports to the bolster seats because they would flex slightly when the boat was taking aggressive turns.

At the starboard helm, the builder used nothing but top-shelf stuff. The Monster gauges and GPS speedo were from Livorsi Marine as were the throttle and shifter. Above the stainless tilt helm from IMCO Marine was an optional $700 GPS/depthsounder from Lowrance.

Over at the co-pilot's spot, the Clarion stereo with Sirius satellite radio capability was installed in the large glove box. The boat came with a $1,500 stereo system upgrade—we noticed plenty of JL Audio speakers throughout the boat.

A nice touch was the grab handle directly in front of the co-pilot and a second one on the extension from the gunwale.

Overall
For a first-timer at the Performance Trials, Revolution Performance Marine made an impressive showing. Running 95 mph on just 525 horsepower would be enough for many builders. But combine that with strong workmanship, abundant features and competitive pricing, and RPM is serving notice to all sport-catamaran manufacturers.

See the Performance Trials test results HERE.

Click to enlarge.