Intro
Kinetic Catamarans has built a reputation in Knysna, South Africa, for doing things properly: all-carbon construction, thoughtful sail plans, and no shortcuts. The K6 is their most ambitious range yet.
Two purpose-built hulls, designated K6-64 and K6-68, replace the idea of a stretched option with two separate, clean-sheet platforms. Each is available in Performance or Turbo rig configuration. Designed by Simonis Voogd Yacht Design and built to CE Category A, the K6 is aimed at couples or small crews who want offshore performance without sacrificing comfort or ease of handling.
The K6-64 measures 62’8″ (19.1m) LOA; the K6-68 is 66’7″ (20.3m). Both share a 30’2″ (9.2m) beam. Displacement is 22 tonnes (48,500 lbs). Draft ranges from 1.6m (boards up) to 3.5m (boards down).
Both designs are another stunning set of designs off the drawing board of Simonis Voogd.
Helm Set-Up
The K6 uses a three-helm arrangement: one station inside the forward salon and two exterior stations on raised mezzanine side decks. The interior helm integrates naturally with the forward cockpit, which is a defining feature of the Kinetic range. From here, the crew has clear visibility over the bows and direct access to the sail controls without moving aft. Unused helm stations disengage electrically to preserve a light, responsive feel at whichever position is active.
The exterior stations sit on the raised side decks, positioned to give a clear view of both sails and the water ahead. This raised mezzanine placement keeps the helm positions clear of the cockpit social areas while providing excellent sightlines. The separation of sail handling from the aft cockpit makes for a tidy space. All line controls are handled via push button on the dispays from here.
Main Features
The forward cockpit is central to the K6's character. Seating seven, it functions as both the primary sailing station and a living area at anchor. Integrated fold-up sun beds sit flush with the deck forward. The forward cockpit connects directly to the interior helm and salon, blurring the boundary between inside and out.
The salon itself has 360-degree panoramic views through large hull windows which are strengthened, laminated, and low-UV. A retractable moonroof and stacking doors extend the connection between interior and exterior. Galley and dining areas are positioned to benefit from natural light and airflow.
Aft, the cockpit is deliberately kept free of sail controls, a social space without ropes and clutches competing for space. A drop-down swim platform bridges the aft steps. Rear cabins exit directly to the aft steps via dedicated hatches, giving independent access without crossing the cockpit.
The owner's suite can occupy a full hull, with panoramic sea views, plenty of headroom (as you'd expect from an architect called Simonis Voogd), and direct aft deck access. Semi-custom specification means buyers work with the Kinetic design team on layouts, finishes, and equipment. Six salon layouts and ten hull layouts are offered as starting points.
Additional standard equipment includes a drop-down bow thruster, Starlink internet, Dockmate handheld joystick docking system, and brushed titanium chafe plates. Choice of teak or alternative decking is available. Just remember to kkeep some budget left fro your sail locker, as sailing is what this boat is all about.
Sailing
The K6 is set up for short-handed sailing, but they are substantial boats. All primary controls are push-button: hydraulic mainsheet, traveller, and vang; electric furling boom (slab reefing is optional); self-tacking jib; and Harken 990 electric winches throughout. Carbon centerboards are standard, with daggerboards available as an option. Position sensors are fitted to the boards.
From the aft helms, you have visibility from the opposite bows through the sightlines and an added camera - a nice safety touch.
The coachroof-stepped mast positions the sail plan for a balanced helm, a priority on a boat of this size where balance affects the ease of handling. Future Fibres EC6 carbon rigging is standard, and the default sail package is North 3Di, with other sailmakers available on request.
The Performance rig offers a mainsail in the range of 142-162m², depending on the hull version. The Turbo rig extends this further with a larger sail plan suited to lighter air sailing or owners who want to push harder in regattas. Kinetic also offers an optional racing rig configuration for those with competitive ambitions. Furling headsails (jib, genoa) are standard; a code zero, asymmetric spinnaker and maybe even a parasailor would be a logical additions to your sail locker
Wind-speed-plus performance in light air is the target. With 22 tonnes displacement and all-carbon structure, the power-to-weight ratio supports that.
Power
The K6 runs twin Yanmar 110hp diesel engines with ZF SD15 sail drives and is fitted with Integrel E-Drives as standard. The Integrel system functions as a hybrid: it generates electrical power at speed during sailing, and can drive the boat on electric power for short hops and marina work. This is a practical fit for a boat of this size, offering silent manoeuvring under electric power, regeneration under sail, and reduced generator running time.
Fuel and water capacity stands at 1,500 litres each. Solar is plentiful, with additional capacity available as an option. Electrical systems are designed with Cay Electronics in the US; rig and rigging are engineered in partnership with Rigging Projects in the UK.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Two purpose-built hull lengths rather than a stretched single design
- All-carbon construction with a serious weight-to-sail-area ratio
- Comprehensive short-handed sailing set-up as standard
- Three-helm arrangement with disengaging stations is well thought out
- Hybrid electric propulsion (Integrel) standard, not an optional add-on
- Knysna build pedigree with CE Category A certification
- Semi-custom with genuine layout flexibility
- Kinetic run their own yard with full control over quality control
Cons:
- Pricing will likely be at the top end of the scale - this is a no compromise package.
- This is a new design, although it builds on Kinetic's experience and success with the KC54 and KC62 which this model replaces. We expect minor teething problems if any
Summary
The Kinetic K6 is a serious offshore performance cruising catamaran with a clear design brief and no compromises in the build process. The decision to build two separate hulls rather than one platform reflects Kinetic's no compromise attitude, and the all-carbon structure, Integrel hybrid drive, and three-station helm set-up are strong design features, already proven on their other models.
K6 is still pre-production. Light-air performance and wind-speed sailing will be validated once the first boathas spalshed. Kinetic's track record with the KC62 and KC54 provides good grounds for confidence.
Specifications, 64' K6 with Performance (Std) Rig
| Length Overall | 19.5m / 64' |
|---|---|
| Length at Waterline | 18.8m / 61.5' |
| Beam Overall | 9.4m /30.9' |
| Draft | 1.6 - 3.5m /5.2 - 11.5' |
| Disp. (Light) | 22 T /45,000 lbs |
| Mainsail | 147m2 / 1580 sq ft |
| Jib Self Tacking | 142 m2 / 1530 sqftxº |
| Spinnaker Option | 368 m2 / 4330 sqft |
| Water | 1650 L / 436 US Gal |
| Fuel | 1650 L / 436 US Gal |
| Mast above water | 31m / 101' |
| Genoa | 142 m2 / 1530 sqft |
The K6 is available in 2 sizes designed individually: the 64' and 68'.
Both sizes are available with a Performance Rig or the more powerful Turbo Rig
Kinetic K6 catamaran specification comparator across four configurations
Kinetic Catamarans
K6 Specification Guide
Two hull sizes. Two rigs. Four configurations.
LOA
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Beam
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Target lightship
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Cruising weight
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Hull dimensions
| LWL | - |
| Draft boards up | - |
| Draft boards down (centerboards) | - |
| Bridgedeck clearance | - |
| Hull beam | - |
| Headroom — salon (min) | - |
| Headroom — hulls (min) | - |
Tankage
| Fuel capacity | - |
| Water capacity | - |
Rig & sail plan
| Mast length (coachroofstepped) | - |
| Mast clearance above water | - |
| Mainsail — furling boom | - |
| Mainsail — slab reefing boom | - |
| J2/Jib | - |
| J0 | - |
| Storm staysail | - |
| Spinnaker A2 | - |

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