Malcolm Tennant 52 Gato Mal

Boat Details

Make: Malcolm Tennant

Model: 52

Year: 2001

Length: 52 ft

Condition: Used

Class: Power Catamaran

Hull Material: Fiberglass

Beam: 22 ft

Name: Gato Mal

Fuel Type: Diesel

Max Draft: 5 ft

Description

Gato Mal 52 Custom Malcolm Tennant Power Catamaran (2001) built by Pachoud Yachts of Tauranga, New Zealand, Gato Mal is a proven, expedition-ready power catamaran designed by renowned naval architect Malcolm Tennant. Constructed in solid fiberglass with cored modular topsides, she was purpose-built for blue-water voyaging combining impressive range, efficiency, and offshore capability. Her dual helm stations (pilothouse, flybridge) and twin Cummins 6BT 270 HP diesels with Hundestat variable-pitch propellers deliver outstanding maneuverability and redundancy. Meticulously maintained and extensively refitted from, Gato Mal now benefits from a complete repaint, updated Garmin electronics suite, rebuilt engines and transmissions, new batteries, and many thoughtful upgrades throughout. This New Zealand-built catamaran has cruised the Pacific extensively and is currently lying in Costa Rica, ready for her next adventure.

Principal Specifications

• Vessel Name: Gato Mal


• Year Launched: 2001


• Designer: Malcolm Tennant


• Builder: Pachoud Yachts (New Zealand)


• Length Overall: 52 ft


• Beam: 22 ft


• Draft: 5 ft


• Displacement: 18 GWT


• Hull Material: Fiberglass


• Deck Material: Fiberglass


• Construction: Solid fiberglass hull with polyester resin; cored fiberglass deck, bridge, hardtop, and house; longitudinal and transverse reinforcement throughout; foam coring in select areas.


• Rudder / Steering: Hydraulic steering, three drive stations


• Registration: U.S. CG Documented


• Antifouling: July 2025


• Paint / Finish: Full repaint & polish September 2025

Engines

• Engines: (2) Cummins 6BT 270 HP diesels (2001)


• Engine Hours: 3,670 (SB) / 679 (PORT rebuilt 2025)


• Drive Type: Straight shaft with Hundestat VPP variable-pitch propellers (4-blade 31")


• Cruise Speed: 9-10 kn


• Max Speed: 14 kn


• Fuel Type: Diesel


• Fuel Capacity: 1,500 gal


• Water Capacity: 330 gal


• Steering: Hydraulic


• Last Service: July 2025

Electrical & Power Systems

• House Batteries: (6) Odyssey 4D (new July 2025)


• Engine Batteries: (2) Optima Blue Top 12 V 1000 MCA / 800 CCA (new July 2025)


• Battery Charger/Inverter: Xantrex SW Series Inverter/Charger


• Battery Switch Location: Passageway between galley and pilothouse


• 12 V System: Yes


• 24 V System: Yes


• Shore Power: Glendinning Cablemaster 240 V / 50 A (replaced 2024)


• Transformers: Esco Power-50 ES50M-65N + (2) Charles ISO 12 KVAV)


• Generator: Onan 12 kW MDKAL 5,369 hrs (Dedicated Optima start battery)


• Air Conditioning: (3) Webasto FCF 16,000 BTU compressors


• Heating: Diesel heating system


• Watermaker: Wiring in place for future unit


• Solar / Wind: None


• Washer: Yes

Navigation & Electronics

• All electronics new in:


• Garmin GPSMAP 8616 XSV 16" MFDs


• Garmin Doppler Radar


• Garmin Autopilot & MSC 10 Marine Satellite Compass


• Airmar Wind Instruments


• Garmin VHF 315 + Vesper Cortez portable VHF


• Navionics App on iPad


• Starlink Internet


• TV and Stereo

Accommodations

• Cabins: 2


• Berths: 2 doubles (convertible guest berth to 2 singles)


• Heads: 3 (fresh water manual flush)


• Showers: 2


• Holding Tanks: gal + 1 15 gal (day head)


• Hot Water: Electric & engine heat exchange

Galley Appliances

• Propane: (4-burner) Parmco stove + oven; Magic Chef microwave


• Refrigeration: Frigidaire 12 V


• Freezer: 12 V (Starboard bow compartment)


• Sink: Yes


• Gas Alarm/Auto Shut-off: Yes


• Counter Seating: New custom wood stools (2025)


• Flooring: Refinished Sept 2025

Safety Equipment

• (12) Adult Type II / (2) Adult Type V inflatable life jackets


• (2) Throwable Type IV horseshoe rings with retrieval lines


• Portable fire extinguishers (exp 2026)


• Fixed fire suppression system (3 units; re-cert scheduled 2025)


• Visual distress gear (exp 10/2028)


• Ocean Signal RescueMe EPIRB1 (batt exp 11/2027)


• Navigation lights, horn, searchlights


• (2) Weems & Plath C-1001 strobe


• High-water alarms (3 per hull)


• Comprehensive medical kits


• ABYC placards and compliance equipment

Ground Tackle

• (2) Lewmar Delta Plough anchors (~88 lb each)


• ~200 of 3/8 galvanized chain


• Maxwell windlass (6" capstan / 8" gypsy) serviced Aug 2025


• ~150 of nylon rode

Tenders & Accessories

• Tender: 11 BW with 20 HP Suzuki outboard


• Crane/Davit: OceanLift Crane


• Swim Ladder: Extended (2022)


• Deck Wash: Salt & Fresh water


• Deck Shower: Hot & Cold


• Bimini: Yes


• Cockpit Cushions: Yes


• Air Pump: Portable (not mounted)


• Additional Gear: Boat hook, lines, fenders, spares, kayak brackets, BBQ optional

Refit & Maintenance Highlights

Previous Owner Upgrades: TV replacement, generator overhaul, fire system updates, steering repairs, new battery monitor, electrical and plumbing refits, paint buffing, water filtration install, Hundestat system conversion, and more.

Current Owner: New Garmin navigation package ($80k), New BW dinghy & removable chocks, New shore power system, house & start batteries, Full bottom paint (July 2025), Full hull and topside paint (Aug-Sept 2025), Windows and hatches re-bedded, Starlink installed, Kayak mounts added, New engine through-hull (Starboard 2025), Port engine completely rebuilt, Windlass chain wheel replaced & rewired, Alternators rebuilt (2023)

Cruising & History

Originally launched in New Zealand, Gato Mal cruised through the South Pacific to Hawaii, then to Southern California, and later to the Pacific Northwest. She's since voyaged down the U.S. West Coast, Baja, the Sea of Cortez, and onward to Costa Rica, where she is currently based.

Special Features

• Global-range expedition design (3,000+ NM range running single engine with feathered prop)


• Three drive stations for optimal control and docking ease


• Exceptional sea-keeping and efficiency from Malcolm Tennant's multi-hull design