Thinking about buying a boat? Many of us who regularly read boating magazines, attend boating events, or follow competitive marine motor sport, will have enjoyed the spectacle of Thundercat and Zap Cat racing. But how many of us have ever tried, or even considered, one of these amazing boats as a family craft? Boat Mart investigates.

Originally designed in South Africa, these four-metre inflatable catamarans differ from normal inflatables and RIBs in that they have tubes with upturned, hard-pointed bows with a second set of small tubes called hijackers running under the main tubes to form high-speed running surfaces. They also feature extremely tough transoms and bow cross members but, unlike normal tenders or family craft, they do not have either seats or control consoles. Instead they have flat floors, tiller control engines, and foot straps on the tubes to keep the crew in place.

Although we frequently see these craft at speed in boiling surf, or racing around buoys at even greater speed with 50hp Tohatsu outboards roaring astern, not many people realise that in fact they are remarkably adept general purpose craft - not just racing machines.

The light weight of these race bred boats (the vessel itself weighs less than the engine) and their large deck area means that they perform well on very little horsepower, are extremely tough, and very sea worthy. Their deck space and sea manners means they also make truly excellent club rescue craft.

We have tried both the Caesar Thundercat and the Zap Cat and there is little between them in terms of either handling or performance. Even fitted with a 15 or 25hp outboard, these little boats are exhilarating to use and more than capable of carrying far more than just a crew of two. Being so light, they are also extremely easy to carry, launch and transport - and they’re also very simple to repair.

When new, a racing Caesar or Zap Cat with engine will set you back around £7,000, but you can find used boats in great condition for under £1,000. In fact you might even be able to find a used non-race boat for as little as £500, which is a stunning deal as these craft are far tougher than most ‘domestic’ inflatables of a similar size.

So why not have a look at one of these most effective little boats - you never know, you might even be tempted to go racing. As we said in our original test, nearly a decade ago, riding a cat of this type is as much fun on water as you can have for sensible money.