outboard powered catamarans

Cruise, Play, Stay

With all the comforts of home, arrowcat brings back the 20' center console, a unique design, understand why.

Enjoy your boat year-round and stay warm and dry during cooler weather or overnight trips, while also having a comfortable and private space to retreat for whenever you need a break. Here are a few reasons why an ArrowCat power cat is an excellent boat to consider.

A Catamaran Boat

Catamarans have two hulls, which provide more stability in the water. They are less likely to roll or pitch, which means they offer a more comfortable ride, especially in rough conditions and for people who are prone to seasickness.

Power catamarans are typically more fuel-efficient than monohull boats of the same size. It requires less energy and yields more performance per HP. The two hulls create little to no drag or resistance to get on plane, resulting in greater fuel economy. Allowing for longer journeys with fewer refueling stops. 

Power catamarans have a shallow draft which means they can navigate in diverse cruising grounds – beaches, islands, rivers, channels, and coastal areas with limited water depth. 

An Express Cruiser

Cabin boats are designed with comfortable sleeping quarters and living spaces. They feature a sleeping space with a bed, a galley with a stove, sink, and refrigerator, and a head with a shower and toilet.

Cabin boats provide protection from the elements, such as wind, sun, and rain. This allows for comfortable cruising in a variety of weather conditions, as well as providing a haven during storms

Express cruisers are designed for efficient and fast navigation, offering higher speeds compared to traditional cruising boats. They usually have powerful engines that enable them to cover long distances quickly, making them ideal for day trips or weekend getaways.

Powered By Outboard Motors

Outboard motors can provide excellent performance and speed. They can often reach higher speeds than inboard motors of the same horsepower.

Outboard motors have a simple and standard design and are relatively easy to install, they do not require additional components such as a transmission, propeller shaft, couplings, and struts, that inboard engines do. They are easily assessable and cost less to maintain than inboard motors because they are mounted outside at the rear of the boat.

Outboard motors are often designed with features that make them easy to maneuver. For example, they can be tilted or rotated to provide precise control and handling in tight spaces and shallower waters.

ArrowCat Power Catamarans

The outboard powered express cruising catamaran.

ArrowCat Express Cruisers are designed from the ground up to maximize comfort, performance, durability, and fuel efficiency, making them a better choice for both in-shore and off-shore family cruising. We build our powercats with your safety and enjoyment in mind, designing our signature interior cabin so that you’re not limited by the outside elements, but rather have the ability to enjoy your vessel at any given time, regardless of weather or location. Superior construction, optimized performance, economy, and safety can be found in every ArrowCat we make.

Explore Our 32' & 42' Signature Cabin Models

Perfect for offshore and inshore cruising, long distance and overnight trips, cold off seasons and hot boating seasons, and much more. The ArrowCat 32-foot and 42-foot models provide an exciting and versatile experience on the water. Explore to see which one could best suit your boating lifestyle.

ArrowCat 320 Coupe

Express Cruiser Catamaran Hull Planing Hull Design Twin Outboard Motors Standard Layout: 2 Cabins/ 1 Wet Head Trailerable Optional Tower Upgrade LOA: 31′ 2″/9.50 meters Beam: 10’/3.05 meters Draft: 20″/.508 meters

ArrowCat 420 Coupe

Express Cruiser Yacht Catamaran Hull Planing Hull Design Twin Outboard Motors Standard Layout: 2 Cabins/ 1 Full Head LOA: 41′ 9″/12.73 meters Beam: 14′ 9″/4.5 meters Draft: 18″/.46 meters

ArrowCat 420 Flybridge

Express Cruiser Yacht Catamaran Hull Planing Hull Design Twin Outboard Motors Standard Layout: 2 Cabins/ 1 Full Head LOA: 41′ 9″/12.78 meters Beam: 14′ 9″/4.5 meters Draft: 20″/.5 meters

Smooth, Fast, And Stable Ride

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36 Sport Power Catamaran

The Aquila 36 Sport is a totally innovative approach to having fun on the water. An outboard propelled power catamaran that can day boat with a multitude of revelers and all their water-toys or provide complete privacy for two couples on an adventure to newfound destinations, all with a multitude of options that support everything from invigorating watersports to sportfishing.

Available with a sport windscreen, full windscreen to the hardtop or fully enclosed helm deck with air conditioning (cruiser package option), the Aquila 36 Sport can accommodate most conditions.

The controls are strategically positioned to give the operator complete command of the vessel and the Mercury Joystick Piloting option makes docking and close-in maneuvering intuitively simple. Easily operated and safely able to manage open seas, the Aquila 36 Sport is in a class of its own.

Read on for details on cruiser package option and the fishing/diving version.

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Plenty of Liveaboard Space

Aquila 36 Sport VIDEO – FEATURING Hydro Glide Foil System™

Want to see the Aquila 36 Sport  with Hydro Glide Foil System ™ in action? Check out the full performance evaluation and walkthrough by BoatTEST as they put this model and innovation to the test.

Hear it from the Owners

Take a virtual walkthrough.

Discover the Possibilities

Specifications

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Now Available as a Cruiser

Enjoy maximum comfort and control with the new cruiser package option. Featuring an aft 3-panel tempered glass sliding door which can be locked into place, the cruiser package option allows you the ability to close off the entire salon and galley for increased privacy, security, and relaxation. In addition to the improved climate control and aesthetics, the Aquila 36 Sport cruiser option offers accent wood in the salon, and Infinity carpet throughout the salon and galley. The already stellar Aquila 36 Sport now provides more luxury than ever before.

Fishing and Diving Version

Hydro Glide Foil System

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BoatTEST – Featuring Hydro Glide Foil System™

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10 Best Catamarans for 2023

Table of Contents

Catamarans have taken the boating world by storm, becoming the fastest-growing segment, with both sail and power cats dominating the market. Some of the best catamarans have been launched in the past 12 months! Let us introduce you to five power catamarans and five sail multihulls, and then let us get you on the water with one! Here are the ten best catamarans for 2023 :

• World Cat 260 CCX 
• Four Winns TH36 
• Leopard 40 PC 
• Aquila 42 PC 
• HammerCat 45 
• Fountaine Pajot Tanna 47 
• Bali 4.4 

Balance 442

• Minicat 310 

Find the market’s hottest catamarans for half-day and full-day rent 

Power Catamarans:

World cat 260 ccx.

Image Source: https://worldcat.com/models/260cc-x/

The sixth model in the builder’s center console line , the World Cat 260 CCX , is compact but packed with features, including a wraparound U-lounge for relaxing or casting, a 30-gallon live well, a 120-quart insulated fish box and twin 200-hp outboards that draw on 180 gallons of fuel. This is a small but serious fishing machine.

Four Winns TH36

image source: https://www.fourwinns.com/new-era

The new Four Winns TH36 is the first outboard-powered catamaran introduced by the builder. The dual console design has a walkthrough windshield and room for 15 or more guests. Power is provided by twin 300-hp outboards upgradeable to 350s, making this runabout speedy and fun.

Leopard 40 PC

Joining her 46- and 53-foot siblings, the new Leopard 40 PC is a couple’s cruiser with many of the same features as the two larger models but on a much smaller (and for some, more approachable) platform. Engine packages range from 250 hp to 370 hp, and a top speed of 20 knots is expected.

Aquila 42 PC

Image Source: https://www.aquilaboats.com/news/42-yacht

The new 42 falls in the middle of the Aquila range and offers two staterooms, multiple sunbeds, a utility cabin , and numerous layout configuration options. She has engines from Volvo Penta and a spacious flybridge with steps that lead directly down to the foredeck for easy maneuvering.

HammerCat 45

Image Source: https://www.multihulls-world.com/news-catamaran-trimaran/hammercat-45-an-almost-unlimited-program

The new HammerCat 45 is versatile and can work as a sportfish platform, a dive boat, a day cruiser, or a superyacht tender. This center console has a hardtop and a Carolina bow and is built in epoxy and carbon fiber to keep weight down and performance up. Expect a 55- knot top end and a 30-knot cruise depending on the engine package selected. 

Sailing Catamarans:

Fountaine pajot tanna 47.

Image Source: https://www.catamarans-fountaine-pajot.com/en/sailing-catamarans/catamaran-tanna-47/

This French-built sailing cruiser has space in spades. The new FP Tanna 47 is based on (and shares a hull design with) her predecessor, the Saona 47, but clever tweaks have made this a whole new boat. The cabin house and deck have been revamped, the flybridge is 40% larger, the salon/ galley has gained storage options, and the helm is more ergonomic than before.

Video Source: bali-catamarans.com

Bali has captured the hearts of sailors who love lots of living space, large household-style appliances, and simplicity. Bali cats are unique for their combination salon/ cockpit layout, and the 4.4 joins her siblings in this groundbreaking design. With the touch of a button, a “garage door” lifts, connecting the indoors with the outdoors with minimum redundancy in living arrangements.

Image Source: https://balancecatamarans.com/balance-442/

Fast and packed with proven cruising features, the Balance 442 is the little sister to last year’s 482. Perfectly sized for couples, this boat was designed for distance cruisers by distance cruisers. There’s even an option for a large solar array to make living at anchor easy and just about carbon neutral.

Image Source: https://www.cata-lagoon.com/en/55

French catamaran builder, Lagoon, has introduced a new VPLP-designed cruising cat that you can test in charter soon. The Lagoon 55 slots just above the newly introduced 51and are offered as a large and comfortable flybridge model with up to six cabins to accommodate an overnight crowd. 

Minicat 310

Image Source: https://redbeardsailing.com/products/minicat-310

Not all cats are of the large, expensive fiberglass variety. An affordable multihull can be had in Europe’s Minicat 310 Sport, an inflatable beach cat weighing only 77 pounds and packing down into a single bag. This cat has sophisticated big boat features like roller furling, a fully battened mainsail, keels, and an attachment for a small outboard.

Find catamarans for rent— NEAR YOU

These models, representing some of the best catamaran brands on the market today, are pretty new, so there aren’t many out there yet, but if you get a chance to step aboard one, you won’t be disappointed. One way to potentially test one is via a peer-to-peer boat-sharing service like Boatsetter that pairs owners, who can offset boat ownership costs, with charters, who can enjoy luxury boats without the long-term commitment. 

Check out the hottest boats in the market at Boat Types , and scroll through Boat Guises to find your next boating destination . Keep your eyes peeled to catch one of these ten amazing catamarans on the water!

About Boatsetter 

Boatsetter is a unique boat-sharing platform that gives everyone — whether you own a boat or you’re just renting — the chance to experience life on the water. You can list a boat , book a boat , or make money as a captain . 

List. Rent. Earn— Only at Boatsetter

Zuzana Prochazka is an award-winning freelance journalist and photographer with regular contributions to more than a dozen sailing and powerboating magazines and online publications including Southern Boating, SEA, Latitudes & Attitudes and SAIL. She is SAIL magazines Charter Editor and the Executive Director of Boating Writers International. Zuzana serves as judge for SAIL’s Best Boats awards and for Europe’s Best of Boats in Berlin. 

A USCG 100 Ton Master, Zuzana founded and manages a flotilla charter organization called Zescapes that takes guests adventure sailing at destinations worldwide. 

Zuzana has lived in Europe, Africa and the United States and has traveled extensively in South America, the islands of the South Pacific and Mexico. 

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Reviewed: Aquila 36

• By Chris Caswell
• Updated: August 15, 2018

When MarineMax approached the Sino Eagle Group, a Chinese boatbuilder, to create the Aquila series of power cats, the yacht sales firm had two goals: The first was to flesh out its MarineMax Vacations bareboat charter fleet in the British Virgin Islands, and the second was to create yachts suitable for private ownership.

Those are, in several ways, seemingly contradictory needs. Charter yachts need to be bulletproof: easy to maintain, easy to repair, easy to use. Private yachts, on the other hand, must be whatever their owners want them to be, even if using them takes a little extra maintenance now and then.

To satisfy both types of boaters, the Aquila line was created, first with a 48-footer and then with a 44-footer. The Aquila 36 is a departure from her sisterships in that she is an outboard-powered, express-cruiser-style catamaran, but she also adheres to MarineMax’s philosophies.

With a single main living level from bow to stern and a beam of 14 feet 7 inches, the Aquila 36 is like a bowrider on steroids. She has seating that can handle 20 adults for outings and barbecues, and there are two staterooms below, one in each hull, for family weekending. The staterooms have nearly queen-size berths, en suite heads, stowage and 6-foot-6-inch headroom.

Up on the main deck, under the optional fiberglass hardtop, are a dinette, cooktop, fridge, sink and smokeless grill. Forward, the seating transforms from benches to sun pads, and the anchor gear is hidden under a hatch with a wired remote control.

Aft, the choices include settees across the transom or a fishing/diving option with a bait tank and tackle station. Twin boarding gates allow for docking, diving or tender access.

The Siblings

Power choices are twin 250, 300 or 350 hp Mercury Verados, with the 350s pushing the Aquila 36 to nearly 35 knots.

A solid dayboat for the family or for fishing, the Aquila 36 is equally adept at weekending with friends.

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Mares 47 Outboard Express Boat Test

• By Kevin Falvey
• Updated: January 10, 2019

Here’s an outboard-powered, foil-assisted catamaran of nearly 50 feet in length that can sneak into 2 feet of water or cross 40 miles of ocean, comfortably, and in about an hour or less. That it comes in your choice of several luxury layout variations constitutes icing on the cake.

Catamarans prove ideal for integration with a hydrofoil because the wing mounts between the hulls, where it adds to neither the boat’s draft nor its beam. Running the Mares 47 Outboard Express, I could demonstrably feel the lift occur as the four duoprop-equipped Suzuki DF 350A s powered us past 21 mph and the boat rose up, its twin hulls coursing through the chop even more easily than they had just a moment earlier. As the performance chart shows, this boat posts high efficiency at high speeds. Notably, its 15-foot beam will fit in most slips, unlike some cats that can be so beamy as to require a ­side-to berth. The boat confidently maneuvered into a tight slip in windy conditions.

The 47 Outboard Express is built for luxury and entertaining. Inside, there’s a spacious salon, and a huge sunroof overhead that operates at the touch of a switch. The helm is forward and to starboard, and the aft galley features a flip-open window and is located right near the broad entrance to the ­cockpit, with its grill and ample seating. That makes entertaining easy, compared to a galley-forward or galley-down layout. The forward master stateroom features a king-size berth and its own head with a shower. There’s also a guest stateroom and guest head.

Construction rates high, as I noted the deckhouse bolted and glued to the hull. ­Similarly, through-bolts fastened all the deck hardware I ­inspected. A large hatch in the salon allowed terrific access to ­seacocks, pumps and hoses, and I was pleased by many of the material choices, such as the use of Sani hose where other boats might use simple vinyl hose. Mares claims to use a solid fiberglass bottom, fiberglass stringers and resin-infused bulkheads.

The Mares 47 Outboard Express delivers a great ride and the buyer’s choice of ­layouts.

High Points

• Choice of office or second stateroom, plus other layout options.
• Hydrofoil-assisted catamaran delivers speed and efficiency, and minimizes slamming in choppy water.
• Outboard power delivers shallow draft, efficiency and corrosion resistance, and allows for more stowage aboard the boat.
• Anchor windlass compartment in the bow needs better drainage.
• Galley counter would benefit from a fiddle rail.

Toughest Competitor You won’t find another foil-assisted, outboard-powered cruising catamaran with a beam under 20 feet. We suggest comparing to a boat like the Sea Ray Sundancer 460 ($1,397,300 with twin 550 hp Cummins diesel V-drive inboards).

Price: $975,000

Available Power: Outboard

How We Tested Engines: Quad Suzuki DF 350A Drive/Props: Outboard/221/2″ pitch stainless-steel duoprop propsets Gear Ratio: 2.29:1 Fuel Load: 350 gal. Water on Board: 50 gal. Crew Weight: 1,120 lb.

More Information Mares Power Catamarans – Delray Beach, Florida; 954-523-2287; maresinternational.com

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Latest Mercury 450R-Powered Victory Cat Reaches 141 MPH

Between the many trips over the last two months to Lake Havasu, the Colorado River-fed waterway that borders Arizona and California, it’s clear that Victory Powerboats West is on a mission. A 140-plus-mph mission to be exact.

The team at Victory Powerboats West recently spent some time dialing in its latest Victory catamaran with twin Mercury Racing 450R engines and reached an impressive 141-mph top speed on Arizona’s Lake Havasu. Photo courtesy Dale Dondel

Almost two weeks ago, I caught up with Dale Dondel, the owner of the Temecula, Calif.-based dealership for the new Victory Team -built outboard-powered catamarans. Dondel, who I interviewed four years ago when he took delivery of his new Eliminator Boats 28 Speedster with twin Mercury Racing Verado 400R engines ( read the story ), was pretty excited to talk about both the new Victory cats he’d recently tested on Lake Havasu.

One was his new demo model, an almost 36-footer dubbed the VTX 34 that is powered by twin Mercury Racing 450R engines and features a stellar paintjob. He had just run the boat, which did not have all of its finishing touches just yet, up to an impressive 140 mph and was raving about how well it performed and handled, and how fast it was with the 38-inch-pitch Dewald propellers. The other was the almost 30-foot sport cat that Victory calls the VTX 27. Dondel had delivered the all-white boat—also powered by twin Mercury Racing 450R engines—to a client in Parker, Ariz., a couple of weeks earlier.

Then yesterday we connected again regarding last weekend’s trip back to the lake in the completed Victory where he was able to squeeze another mph out of the boat by reaching 141 mph with the engines turning 6450 rpm, and still on the rev-limiter, he said.

The first time I spoke with Dondel, an accomplished off-road racer who owns Racer Engineering in Murrieta, about his new boating venture was in January when Victory Team representative Ricky Maldonado was delivering one of the new catamarans. He was obviously excited, but he’s even more so now.

“All around, and I’m not saying this because I’m selling them, I think the Victory cat is the best one on the water—and I’ve driven them all,” Dondel said. “The team has spent so much time and money on technology and testing over the years, and it shows. I think the boat out turns, out accelerates, out top-ends anything else on the planet. That’s not to say that other companies aren’t building some great boats, it’s just that Victory is ahead of the game.”

Check out the slideshow above for more images of the first two models finished by Victory Powerboats West in Southern California. Photos courtesy Dale Dondel and Tom Leigh/ Tommy Gun Images

Dondel said he has three already sold boats on order that he’s hoping Victory is going to ship to him soon. Along with potential customers he’s already connected with, he anticipates a lot of interest once the time comes to give more demo rides.

“These boats are homeruns, they really are,” Dondel said. “They’re so performance-oriented and they’re so responsive. The power to weight ratio is unbelievable especially for how solid the boats feel. The bigger boat has zero transition, absolutely no porpoise, at any speed. The smaller boat has a little one around 45 to 55 mph but that’s fairly normal with a cat. The acceleration of both boats is just ridiculous. When I flew back to Dubai and met with Scot Gillman and test drove the boat, I knew I had to be involved with them.”

Related stories Sweers And Torrente Hit 135 MPH Dialing In 34 Victory Cat With Mercury 450R Engines FB Marine Group Scores Victories Victory Pleasure Catamaran Update: Sport Cats And More In Progress First 34-Foot Victory Pleasure Cat Sea Trials On Tampa Bay Ballough Splashes New 32-Foot Victory Raceboat New Eliminator 28 Speedster Tops 125 MPH With Twin Mercury Verado 400R Engines

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Mercury racing offering 300-hp-outboard-specific propeller.

Engine Innovation

Aspens make the most of engines, no matter what configuration.

Aspens run on a single diesel engine or two mismatched outboards, depending on the model chosen. Both configurations have their advantages, depending on the boating experience you’re after.

Single-Diesel Power Drives

The single diesel power proa hull carries many advantages in her design. While identical in profile, the two hulls are very different in plan view, with one hull 35 percent thinner than the other. Additionally, the design utilizes only one engine, shaft, prop, and keel. The design’s asymmetrical hulls are shaped to compensate for the engine torque. Since both forces are proportional to speed and thrust, the boat runs straight. We call this the SeaGlider system.

The benefits of the SeaGlider technology are significant. While the thinner proa hull is only 35 percent thinner, its actual drag is approximately 50 percent less. This fluid-dynamic relationship is best summed up as “a little thinner equals a lot less energy.” This hull also has none of the typical, twin-engine appendage drag seen on most boats. Drive gear such as the keel, shaft, rudder, and prop typically add another 20-percent drag.

Beyond this, the single engine design saves dramatically on machinery weight, which in turn saves on the required structure component sizes, plus additional necessary fuel and the corresponding weight of that load. All these savings reduce the boat’s weight by approximately 40 percent. The result of less weight is much less drag.

Aspen offers boaters a perfect haven due to its balance of environmental and performance efficiencies in combination with its roomy layout and exceptional comfort. The aspen hull and its many benefits are all rooted in solid engineering principles and creative innovation.

Case Study: The Aspen C120 Runs Straight with Two Hulls and One Engine

The C120 uses Aspen’s patented award-winning hull design for ideal performance with a state-of-the-art Volvo Penta D6 diesel. Design cruise speeds are 16 to 18 knots with a top speed of 20 to 23 knots, depending on the horsepower (370 horsepower or 435 horsepower). Fuel economy with the single 435-horsepower diesel is 10 gph at 16 knots; that’s 50 to 60 percent lower fuel burn than competitive boats. Your fun cruising range just doubled in a day!

Outboard Power Like No Other Boat

At Aspen we understand that many boaters today are looking for outboard power, and we’ve received a lot of input from our owners and prospective buyers. Over the years buyers have said they like what we do in terms of efficiency, stability, cabin space, and style, but wanted the versatility outboards provide. Some needed to cut across sandbars and draft was an issue. Others travel to areas where it is easier to service outboards, or head far offshore and prefer the redundancy and peace of mind twin engines provide. Some buyers just prefer outboards: Having grown up with them, they understand them better.

Aspen’s Founder and President Larry Graf noticed his earlier-designed twin-outboard catamarans could successfully run off a single engine with slight steering corrections. And he has always understood the efficiency, speed, and performance outboards can achieve. With the technological developments that outboards have undergone in the last decade, they are cleaner, quieter, and more fuel efficient than ever. Larry set out to integrate outboard power into his patented proa design to provide added benefits and efficiency.

Larry saw an opportunity to incorporate outboard power to create even more of an advantage for Aspen owners. He tested our asymmetrical hulls with a single engine like on our inboard boats and they ran well. Since many outboard fishermen would also want to troll, he then experimented with adding a smaller trolling motor to the other hull. At first he thought that the trolling motor would be tilted up when running at speed but he soon found that the smaller outboard added appendage drag that helped with tracking, largely because the outboard-powered hulls lacked the keel of the inboard boats. He soon realized that if you are going to have both engines in the water you might as well power them both while running. Dialing in the size and power of the engines as well as the hull shape he came up with the optimal running setup and the first asymmetrical outboard-powered catamaran was born.

As with any new model or change, we do extensive testing and sea-trialing. The results of this power package were surprisingly good. The outboard model topped out at speeds that were 20 percent faster than the diesel inboard version of the same boat. We categorize the acceleration as startling, and we’ll leave it at that. These outboards are a lot different than those that many of us used to know: They’re actually quieter at cruising speed than the inboard diesel. With power tilt, we can reduce the draft of the boat to 22 inches. On one engine she’ll run at 8 knots, and single-engine operation also can reduce trolling speed to less than 1.8 knots.

While our outboard-powered boats have some advantages over the diesel-powered boats, there are some differences to consider. For example, a boat powered by the two outboards will burn 15 percent more fuel than the single-diesel model. Outboards will not last as long as a robust diesel engine, but repowering is easier. Storing a dinghy is a little trickier with outboards, but we have designed a patent-pending davit system that is fast and easy to use.

Outboard power is very popular today and many owners are willing to sacrifice some fuel efficiency and engine longevity for faster top-end speeds and other advantages. Aspen delivers top efficiency in their outboard models compared to other outboard-driven boats in their size and class and continues to offer a full line of diesel inboards too.

Case Study: The Aspen C107 Runs Straight with Two Outboards of Different Horsepower

Our Aspen C107 is optimally paired with 200- and 70-horsepower outboards. Together they provide a nice balance for our Power Proa hull. The engines run perfectly in unison or individually. They both are rated for the same maximum rpm range of 5,000 to 6,000, have the same lower-unit gear ratio, and use similarly pitched props. The motors deliver thrust proportional to their horsepower at the same rpm. Since the port hull is 35 percent narrower, it takes about 50 percent less energy to slip through the water. We changed the starboard hull so it no longer has the keel form and prop pocket. The hull shape at the bow still lets the boat run in balance: No helm correction is needed, and hands-free tracking is on par with our inboard design.

Patent No. US 8,109,221 B2

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A Guide to Power Catamaran Boats

If you’re into offshore fishing or water sports, the Power Catamaran or “multi-hull powerboat” offers you a great option for your first vessel. These powerboats provide you an excellent combination of performance, stability, and maneuverability.

These boats have a catamaran design, relying on two hulls to float the vessel instead of the typical deep-V hull found on other powerboat models. The multi-hull powerboat is ideal for cruising, and you can set it up for fishing or watersports as well.

With the multi-hull powerboat, you get options for multiple fishing stations over each hull without disrupting the boat’s balance on the water. They are ideal for use in lakes and estuaries, and they excel on the open ocean.

These boats come in lengths ranging from 16 to 30-feet, with plenty of customizable options and accessories. Typically, you get a stern-drive or outboard motor configuration, with center consoles for the driver and loads of storage space onboard.

These boats can carry from six to eight passengers easily, and most models will fit on trailers. This post gives you all the information you need on selecting the right multi-hull powerboat to suit your aquatic needs.

What Is a Multi-Hull Powerboat?

The multi-hull powerboat features a catamaran design, with two hulls running down the boat’s length, featuring a gap between the two. This configuration makes the boat exceptionally stable at higher speeds, allowing fast movement through choppy water inshore or offshore.

The catamaran might seem like a niche boat design. However, it offers you several advantages on the water, such as a smooth ride, stability, and economy. These boats come in a wide range of designs and lengths, with the smallest versions measuring around 12-feet, and the largest extending up to 70-feet or longer.

The longer vessels come with liveaboard facilities and all the amenities you need to spend days out on the water. We like to think of the multi-hull powerboat as the catamaran design of the cabin cruiser or cuddy cabin boat. You get all the same advantages as these models but with an added performance on the water.

You get plenty of options for live wells, rod holders, gear storage, and integrated coolers for drinks and fish. Whether you’re planning a weekend trip or just going out for the day, the multi-hull powerboat is a great choice for your ocean-going excursion.

While the catamaran model is the most popular choice in this category, there are models featuring a tri-hull design. Typically, these vessels cater more towards fishing than performance or watersports, offering slightly less steering maneuverability than the dual hull setup. However, the addition of the third hull brings superior stability to the boat, making them ideal for fishing in choppy water or cruising from island to island on rougher seas.

The ripple hull models typically feature more liveaboard space, with some models having multiple separate living areas beneath the deck.

Benefits of Multi-Hull Powerboats

The Multi-hull powerboat offers you plenty of advantages for fishing, cruising, and watersports. Here are our top reasons for adding this boat to your shortlist of considerations.

Speed and Handling

The multi-hull boat relies on two separate hulls contacting the water. As a result, there is less drag from the hull when cutting through the water. You get faster speeds than you do with a mono-hull design and excellent handling with tight turning circles. These boats do well on open water, allowing for superior stability in rough waters when fishing offshore.

Dynamic Cruising

The multi-hull powerboat features dynamic cruising capability. These boats are most popular with recreational users that want to cruise down the coastline on the weekend or take a few days out on the water for a fishing trip. The built-in accommodations in many designs make it suitable for staying out on the water overnight.

Stability and Performance

Multi-hull powerboats can come with several engine configurations. The motors on these boats offer excellent performance, propelling the watercraft up to speeds of 50 to 80-mph, depending on the model. They also make suitable watersports boats, allowing for skiing and wakeboarding.

Plenty of Storage

The multi-hull boat offers you more storage capability than mono-hull models. You get loads of storage room above and below deck for your dive gear or fishing equipment. There is under-seat storage, and the v-berths in the bow of these models can include plenty of amenities.

Center Console Design

The center console driver configuration is common with the multi-hull performance boat. This driver position gives you more control over the vessel when turning. Some consoles may position closer to the bow or aft of the boat, depending on the length and design features of the boat.

Hardtop Designs

Most multi-hull powerboats come equipped for long ocean-going trips. As a result, they may have a covered driver cockpit leading to below deck accommodations or storage facilities. Some models have wraparound cockpits with doors sealing the cabin, allowing for air conditioning inside the boat on hot days. Other models come with an open plan design and a hard roof.

Trailerable

Most models of multi-hull power bats range from 16 to 24-feet, but there are plenty of longer models. The shorter lengths are easy to trailer, allowing for easy removal for the water and transportation. However, some models may be wider than 10-feet, requiring a special license to operate the loaded trailer. Check with your local authorities for trailer regulations and laws.

Fishing and Watersports Capability

These boats are excellent fishing vessels, offering you plenty of stability for casting on any side of the boat. The center console design means you have walkways on either side of the console, allowing the angler to chase the fish around the boat if it decides to drag the line. Most models also feature setups for watersports like wakeboarding, with T-tower bars or Bimini tops for higher tow points.

Outboard or Stern Motors

The multi-hull powerboat comes with a design for performance out on the water. As a result, these boats usually feature outboard motors with capacities ranging from 150-HP to 450-HP. Some models may use dual-motor setups or stern-mounted motors that hide out of sight.

Multiple Sizing Options

As mentioned, the multi-hull boat comes in a variety of lengths to suit your requirements. Whether you need a large boat for spending days out on the water or a simple day fishing vessel, there’s a multi-hull design to suit your requirements.

Disadvantages of Multi-Hull Powerboats

While the multi-hull powerboat is a flexible design suited for cruising, fishing, or water sports, it does come with a few drawbacks.

Large Engines and More Fuel

These boats feature design and construction for speed, with large outboard motors. As a result, they are somewhat heavy on fuel, especially with a large-capacity dual-motor setup.

Top Multi-Hull Powerboat Models

You have plenty of choices when selecting your multi-hull powerboat. Here are some of our top picks for the best models available.

Calcutta 480

This multi-hull powerboat has a 51-foot length, and it’s ideal for offshore use, providing exceptional stability thanks to the size and the 17-foot beam. It’s one of the largest models available, featuring world-class multi-hull design.

You get a spacious deck with a center console configuration and enough room to walk down either side of the boat when fishing. The dual hull provides exceptional stability combined with the long length, and you get options for diesel-powered or gasoline engines in outboard or in-stern setup to suit your requirements.

The Calcutta brand custom-builds boats for its clients. You get options for fully enclosed bow areas and fishing-style cabins with a roomy helm deck and a sleeping berth included in the bow. You also have an enclosed head for ablutions, but there is no option for a shower.

This model comes with an enclosed cockpit and air conditioning to keep you cool when cruising. The motors on this boat are monsters, featuring a twin setup of 550-HP Cummins diesel inboards available on the sports version for superior power and speed on the water while maintaining the boat’s maneuverability.

There’s a 600-gallon fuel capacity for the thirsty engines, allowing you to spend days out on the water without running out of fuel.

Insetta 35 IFC Hydrofoil

The Insetta 35 IFC hydrofoil offers you the smooth-sailing benefit of hydrofoils, with premium multi-hull designs. The hydrofoil system generates the lift under the hull, allowing for superior, stable sailing in rough water conditions.

The hydrofoil reduces friction and dragging on the hulls, reducing your fuel consumption by as much as 40% compared to other models with a similar dual hull design. The foil fits between the sponsons, featuring design and construction with stainless steel.

Another interesting design feature with this model is the way the inboard motors have positioning towards each other. This configuration allows for maximum thrust for the propellors on the asymmetrical multi-hull.

The foil and motor setup design also allow for much tighter turns than you get with other multi-hull models, giving you similar performance to what you expect in a mono-hull design.

The boat comes with a large coffin box with 156-gallons of space available and an insulated finish. You get eight rod-holders positioned in the bow and aft of the boat. You also get dual 30-gallon transom live wells and an option for a third below the mezzanine seat.

The Insetta 35 IFC hydrofoil comes with a three-pump sea chest, a folding bait station, and plenty of tackle storage. The boat gets its power and performance from dual Mercury 400 Verados, with the vessel topping out at speeds of 58-mph on open, calm waters.

Invincible 46 Cat

This model is the largest in the Invincible range, and it’s a great choice for offshore fishing. This flagship model comes with a 42-foot length and a center console design for easy driver operation. This multi-hull powerboat relies on a hybrid semi-asymmetrical multi-hull giving it great turning capability and maneuverability out on the open water.

The Invincible 46 Cat features a stepped hull with fast acceleration and plenty of lift. You get a quad engine setup with Mercury 450 Racing outboard motors, and the craft can reach a top-end speed of 78-mph. Other notable features of this boat include a vacuum-infused hull and grid-stringer system for an “invincible” boat that’s virtually unsinkable.

Bali Catspace

If you’re looking for a luxury powercat model, the Bali Catspace Motoryacht is a fantastic – but expensive choice. This model features a design from legendary boat maker Olivier Poncin. This model is a natural cruiser and ideal for the longest ocean-going trips.

The dual hull and high ride height from the water provide exceptional stability for the boat, even in the roughest offshore and coastal waters. The boat comes with a lounge on the deck, and there’s plenty of room around the center console cabin to walk the length of the boat on either side of the vessel. The top level of the boat features the captain’s station and wheelhouse, with luxury living quarters underneath.

You get a huge lounge and a v-berth with sleeping quarters for spending the night out on the water. The cockpit presents the captain with a 360-degree view of the water, and the high riding position gives you a view of the ocean that extends for miles.

The boat comes with all the amenities you need, including tables, a full kitchenette, and luxury sleeping accommodations. There are plenty of entertainment options for TVs and stereo systems down below, with an optional hardtop Bimini.

The Bali Catspace Motoryacht receives its power from a single or dual engine setup featuring 150-HP or 250-HP Yamaha motors.

Wrapping Up

With so much variety available in multi-hull powerboats, you have options for any activity out on the water. These boats are more common in coastal waters, and they make excellent fishing vessels.

Decide on the model that suits your activity, as most have a purpose-built design for fishing, watersports, or cruising. There are plenty of customization options, so make sure you keep a budget in mind as the additions can cost more than 20% of the boat’s initial sticker price, increasing your costs.

John is an experienced journalist and veteran boater. He heads up the content team at BoatingBeast and aims to share his many years experience of the marine world with our readers.

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