best sport fishing catamaran

• Articles and Guides

Best Catamaran Fishing Boat Brands

20th oct 2023 by lenny rudow.

Choosing the best catamaran fishing boats is no easy task, because in this day and age, you have plenty to choose from. This wasn’t always the case, but in recent years more and more power catamaran fishing boats have been hitting the market. The reasons are simple: Whether you’re looking at an offshore fishing catamaran, inshore catamaran fishing boats, or small catamaran fishing boats, foot-for-foot they tend to run smoother and more efficiently than their monohull brethren. While all the types of fishing boats are different and each has its own advantages and drawbacks, as a general rule, if you want to get to the fish fast in rough seas, nothing is better than a powercat for the job.

It’s tough to try to sort through various builders and nail down the best fishing boat brands , and the increase in the number of catamaran fishing boat manufacturers means choosing the top picks in this genre is as tough as any other. So, which brands are best? Here are our top picks in some of the most important categories and why we think they make the grade.

Catamaran Center Console Boat Brands

This will be a very short section, because virtually all of the catamaran sport fishing boats being built today are center consoles. Yes, some manufacturers offer pilothouse models or cuddy cabins, but those that don’t offer a lineup consisting mostly of center consoles are few and far between. So, keep on reading—the manufacturers we call out as tops for the more specific categories below all fall into the category of best catamaran center console boat brands, as well.

Offshore Fishing Catamaran Brands

Offshore boats need to meet some prerequisites: they have to be large and competent enough to run dozens of miles from shore, have the fuel capacity for cruising hours on end, and of course they need all the fishing accouterments to handle big game pelagics like tunas and billfish. 

In many ways, Freeman is partially responsible for the current wave of cat popularity, because their 34- to 47-foot fleet was quickly adopted by a number of offshore fishing guides after they splashed their first model in 2007. Their boats are known for hat-stripping performance, often cruising comfortably at 50 mph or more, even in a head sea, with top-end speeds sometimes exceeding 70 mph. Tremendous fuel capacity and utterly massive fishboxes are some other traits the Freemans are famous for.

Invincible Boats offers a lineup including both monohulls and power catamarans , with center console cats ranging from 33 to 46 feet plus a 46-foot pilothouse model. These boats post spectacular speeds with cruising in the 50 mph range and often they can break 70 mph at top-end, thanks to semi-asymmetrical hulls with near-vertical inside walls. Invincible is also known for its advanced and customizable livewell systems. On the 46, for example, the boat can be rigged with up to four livewells up to 70 gallons each, fed by a sea chest system with as many as six pumps. 

When judged by the number of hulls built, World Cat is one of the biggest powercat manufacturers in existence, and the company has a lineup that starts small but includes five models from 26 to 40 feet that are up to the task of offshore fishing. They have all the basic fishing features, plenty of range, and comparatively good performance, but what they’re known for when matched up against the competition is a healthy dose of family-friendly features. Unlike some angling-dedicated offshore fishing catamaran models, the World Cats feature lots of comfy seating, roomy head console compartments, freshwater showers, stereo systems, and similar touches that can take the edge off a long day of fishing.

Inshore Fishing Catamaran Boat Brands

Inshore anglers can be just as demanding as the offshore crowd, and when the weather is right many of them will head into the open ocean as well. So, the main defining factor separating offshore fishing catamaran boats from inshore catamaran fishing boats is simply size. And often, the line between the two gets blurred. As a result, you’ll see some newcomers here, but some of the best catamaran fishing boat brands we’ve already talked about could easily pull a repeat performance.

Caymas is a newcomer to the catamaran world, having built only monohulls up to the 2023 model year. Their new 34, however, is an impressive boat which has offshore abilities and will also make an excellent inshore fishing machine. It rides on a set of twin-stepped hulls with 18/22-degree deadrise surfaces at the transom and 50/55-degree entries at the bow, features a Hooker sea chest livewell system with 70 gallons standard and an additional 50 gallons optional, and plenty of high-end perks like lighted stowage compartments, a JL Marine audio system, and USB ports at the helm.

Photo credit: Caymas Boats

Tideline is a small, semi-custom builder in North Carolina, and their boats can be difficult to find on the market, but we need to mention them here because they build a 24-footer that’s well known as one of the finest inshore hybrid fishing cats around. With twin 200-hp outboards, it boasts 50-plus-mph performance, has an utterly massive forward casting deck for slinging lures to gamefish like reds and specks, and hull draft is a mere 14 inches so it can sneak into the shallows where few anglers tread. 

Photo credit: Tideline Boats

Twin Vee does make some large models intended for offshore use but their 24- to 28-foot center console models are perfect for inshore angling. Better yet for many family fishermen who want a multipurpose platform, they also offer a pair of dual console 24-foot models. Twin Vees have a “compression tunnel” that packs air between the two hulls and compresses it as the boat moves forward, creating a cushion of sorts that makes for an unusually soft ride in choppy seas.

Photo credit: Twin Vee

World Cat is back as we discuss the inshore scene, thanks to models like their 235CC and 260 and 280CC-X. The 235CC is designed like a bay boat, with large fore and aft casting decks, while the 260CC-X features a very unusual drop-down transom design, with the livewell and fishbox shifted into widened aft gunwales. Like other World Cats, these boats have plenty of comfort features to go along with the angling perks.

Photo credit: World Cat

Small Catamaran Fishing Boat Brands

“Small” is a relative term, and while 20- to 24-footers may seem like small catamaran fishing boats to some folks, they seem mighty big to others. However, the distinction is more or less moot because in the current marketplace, no major production builders drop down below 22 feet, seven inches of LOA (the World Cat 235CC). If you want a cat under this size, you can look for a custom builder or search the used boat market. Twin Vee made plenty of 19- to 22-foot boats in years past, Tideline made a 19, and when they were in operation, catamaran boat brands like Leader and Nautico made a number of powercats between 14 and 21 feet.

Choosing the Best Catamaran Brand For You

Are there some powercat brands out there that build a great boat, but we haven’t mentioned? Absolutely. Arrow Cat builds a pair of interesting cabin boats that aren’t 100-percent fishing machines, but do have semi-fishy cockpits that would work just fine for plenty of people. C Dory makes a 25-footer that falls into the same category. And Aquila , which traditionally built large cruising boats, has recently introduced a 28-foot center console billed as a fishing boat. Any of these, or others, could be the “best” brand for you, depending on your personal needs and tastes. But the power catamaran fishing boat manufacturers we’ve called out here are all arguably at the top of the heap—nd if you take one for a sea trial, we’re betting you’ll agree.

Written By: Lenny Rudow

With over three decades of experience in marine journalism, Lenny Rudow has contributed to dozens of boating and fishing publications and websites. Rudow lives in Annapolis, Maryland, and is currently Angler in Chief at Rudow’s FishTalk ; he is a past president of Boating Writers International (BWI), a graduate of the Westlawn School of Yacht Design, and has won numerous BWI and OWAA writing awards.

More from: Lenny Rudow

Related Articles and Guides

12th Jul 2024

Top Performance-Boat Brands, Where There’s Something For Everyone

28th Jun 2024

Best Center Console Boats: The Best Brands Across the Spectrum

23rd Jun 2024

Small Sailboat Types: Sail Smaller and Savor It All

22nd Jun 2024

The Best Wake Boat Brands, a Complete Guide

• Explore Rightboat
• Boats for Sale
• Boating Articles
• Buyers Guide
• About RightBoat
• Sell Your Boat
• Boat Selling Advice
• All manufacturers
• All categories

Enter your email to keep up to date with the latest news

Join for free

Sign up now for free and discover how easy it is to keep up to date with THE latest boats for sale. Find your right boat, and tailor your voyage to finding your next boat.

Benefits of becoming a member:

• Set up tailored alerts
• Personalise your experience
• Download full specifications and broker details
• Keep tabs on your favourite boats

Are you a broker? Join as a Broker

Rightboat - join for free.

Do you have an account already? Login

Save this search

Save your search and receive new boats in your email..

You can unsubscribe from your alerts whenever you like. By pressing the button you accept the Legal Terms and conditions

• THE PRINCESS PASSPORT
• Email Newsletter
• Yacht Walkthroughs
• Destinations
• Electronics
• Boating Safety

13 Best Sport Fishing Yachts of 2023

• By Patrick Sciacca
• August 30, 2023

It is possible to fish from any type of boat, but a sportfishing yacht is purpose-built for angling aficionados to chase fish of all sizes and species, whether it’s fun fishing for mahi-mahi off the beach in South Florida or campaigning a pro-level crew from the Bahamas to Bermuda and back pursuing billfish during tournament season. The best sport-fishing yachts combine rugged, blue-water construction with performance, range, agile handling, and the comforts of luxury-yacht living. On the outside, sportfish yachts are notable for their dance-floor size cockpits for fish fighting; livewells to keep baits fresh; in-deck fish boxes to keep the catch stowed and cold; and an armada of rod holders for drift fishing, kite fishing or trolling. They also are known for big diesel horsepower and speed, sometimes north of 40-plus knots. Sportfish yachts are also known for luxurious interiors with supple leathers, granite countertops, high-end galley appliances and en suite staterooms. These are highly self-sufficient angling platforms geared for life beyond the horizon where the water is deep and the fish are big.

Top Luxury Fishing Boats

The following 13 sportfish yachts are all vessels we’ve reviewed. They are listed in no particular order.

• Hatteras GT65 Carolina : A customizable sportfish yacht with Caterpillar diesels
• Viking Yachts 64C : An eye-watering 42 knots of fish-chasing speed boat 
• Royal Huisman Project 406 : The biggest sportfish yacht ever built
• Rybovich 94 : A superyacht-sized angler’s dream
• Viking 38 Open : A family-sized express sportfisherman loaded for offshore fishing
• Bertram 61 Convertible : A tournament-ready battlewagon with a distinct look 
• Hatteras Yachts 45EX : Entry-level sportfish yacht with all the angling amenities of its larger siblings
• Huckins 45 Sportfisherman : Built for bluewater angling with the patented and sea-taming Quadraconic hull form 
• Jarrett Bay 46 : A mid-size custom-Carolina sportfisherman with a yacht-level finish
• Viking Yachts 92 : Designed to travel the world’s oceans chasing behemoth billfish
• Merritt 72 : An iconic Florida boatbuilder’s high-end fishing boat
• Bertram 35 : This 35-foot flybridge sportfish pays homage to the builder’s legendary roots.
• Viking 54 Open : This express-style fish boat also comes in a Sport Tower and Coupe version

Hatteras Yachts GT65 Carolina

The Hatteras Yachts GT65 Carolina falls in the middle of the New Bern, North Carolina, boatbuilder’s three-model GT lineup, which also includes a GT59 and GT70 . This sportfish yacht has a solid-fiberglass hull bottom built for blue-water duty and comes with a variety of diesel engine options, which starts with twin 1,622 hp Caterpillar C-32A diesels.

Like all Hatteras GT models, the GT65 has notable bow flare to beat back tempestuous seas as well as a high freeboard to keep decks dry in the slop. The Hatteras GT65 also represent a design evolution for the series with a “stepped-back flybridge” an element found on in earlier Hatteras models, as well as a new window treatment and hull-side vents. With yacht-level luxury on the inside and a fishing-mission design on the outside, the Hatteras Yachts GT65 is a formidable sportfish boat.

Quick Specifications

Viking Yachts 64C

With its 180-square-foot, dance-floor-size, teak cockpit, options for a fighting chair or rocket launcher, a mezzanine perched perfectly for spotting prey in the spread and enough livewell space to keep a gaggle of goggle-eye baits frisky, the 42-knot Viking Yachts 64C is built for battle with big fish.Its impressive speed, which comes via optional 2,022 hp MTU M96X V-12 diesels , ensures that the Viking 64C is likely to be first boat with lines in the water. Cruise speed: 36 knots at 80 percent engine load. (Base powerplants are twin 1,550 hp MAN V-12 diesels.) For the traveling tournament crew, the Viking 64C has four staterooms, including three en suite guest staterooms, plus a crew cabin with upper and lower bunks.

Royal Huisman Project 406

A 171-foot sportfisherman? Yes. That’s exactly what the six-deck, Royal Huisman’s Project 406 is. The interior and exterior design of Project 406 is from noted Dutch yacht-design firm Vripack . Vripack calls the vessel a “sportfisher on steroids.” The hull and superstructure of the supersize sportfish is Alustar aluminum, a material known for its strength and relatively light weight.

Even with six decks, Vripack has managed to create sleek lines for Project 406. It starts with a high freeboard forward that seemingly dares the ocean to approach. Transitioning from the bow, the sheerline slopes downwards in a steady cadence. The flowing sheerline resolves seamlessly at the cockpit. The vessel’s raked house and stacked deck are juxtaposed against the long profile, creating a sinewy aesthetic, which is no simple feat in this 171-footer. Add in all of the expected angling accouterments and 30-knot speed, and you have a sportfish yacht ready to chase fish around the world.

Rybovich 94

Size, speed and agility is a unique trifecta in a sportfish boat, but the 94-foot, 41-knot III Amigos from Michael Rybovich checks all those boxes as well as a few more too. The sportfish boat , designed by Patrick Knowles with naval architecture from Dusty Rybovich, is built in cold-molded mahogany. Prop pockets help keep the boat’s half-load draft down to a Bahamas-friendly 5 feet. The Rybovich 94’s impressive speed is helped by a pair of beefy 2,600 hp MTU diesels . 

The owner of II Amigos also owns a 196-foot Feadship superyacht and, while he wanted the sportfish to be all business on the outside, he wanted luxury-yacht finishes on the inside.  “Subtle but telling touches are the solid doors to the staterooms; each mimics the owner’s Feadship with ¾-inch thickness. The doors close flush (each has hidden hinges), and the sound is of a Rolls-Royce door closing.”

Viking Yachts 38 Open Billfish

The Viking Yachts 38 Open Billfish is the builder’s entry point to its diesel-propelled sportfish boats. An owner-operator-size angling platform, the 38 Open is powered with twin 550 hp Cummins QSB6.7 diesels, which gives the sportfish boat 36-knot speed. Notable angling features on board the 38 Open include a 109-swqure-foot cockpit, complete with a mezzanine seating flanking the centerline stairs to the bridge deck as well as a laminated backing plate foe either a fighting chair or a rocket launcher. For overnight canyon trips, there is a forepeak stateroom with a double bunk as well as a single above it. Additionally, the salon’s sofa converts to a berth for guests or crew. The galley is outfitted with Corian countertops, two-burner electric cooktop, microwave/convection oven and drawer-style refrigerators and freezers. Some options include a Palm Beach Towers tuna tower and electronics packages from Atlantic Marine Electronics , both are Viking Yachts’ subsidiaries.

Bertram 61 Convertible

Bertram’s 61 Convertible leads the builder’s offshore series, which also includes a 35 Convertible and the express-style 50 Sport . Like its 50 Sport sistership, the 61 Convertible has a stepped sheerline, a nod to the legendary boatbuilder’s earlier designs. It also creates an instantly recognizable profile. The 61 Convertible is ready to run out of the box thanks to its twin 1,925 hp Caterpillar C-32A diesels. Top hop is 44 knots.

When it comes to chasing fish, the 61 Convertible has 188 square feet of fish-fighting space. A 100-gallon in-transom livewell is accompanied by twin in-sole fish boxes as well as rod stowage to port and starboard. A tuna door to starboard makes bringing in that bigeye on board a breeze. (Fish not included.) The accommodations layout belowdecks includes three staterooms. There is a full-beam master stateroom amidships.

Hatteras Yachts GT45X

The Hatteras Yachts GT45X express sports twin 1,150-horsepower Cat C18 ACERT diesel engines that deliver 40-plus-knot speeds. During our sea trial, the GT45X showcased remarkable handling, gracefully leaning into turns without any loss of power from the props. Hatteras has equipped the GT45X with a custom-engineered, sound-deadening system. This feature reduces noise and vibration, ensuring a relatively quiet ride for all aboard. Inside, the yacht has a luxe sensibility with its wood sole, sumptuous leather seating, a fully equipped galley and a spacious forward stateroom. On deck, there are two comfortable helm seats, an undercounter fridge, an ice maker, an inviting L-shaped settee and a table, creating the perfect entertainment area for relaxing after a successful day of fishing. The integrated hardtop enhances visibility with its one-piece windshield and large side windows, offering optimal views of the surrounding waters. To adapt to changing weather conditions, simply install clear curtains across the bridge deck aft, transforming the GT45X into an all-season sport-fisherman. Personalization is key with Hatteras Yachts, and the GT45X offers a variety of optional features. From a bow thruster and additional stateroom to teak accents and a flybridge option, you can customize your yacht to meet your specific needs. With a simple ala carte ordering process, just select your must-have options, start the engines and have your next angling adventure.

Huckins 45 Sportfisherman

The Huckins 45 Sportfisherman starts with the Florida boatbuilder’s patented Quadraconic hull . The Huckins’ Quadraconic name derives from four conical projections that make up the bottom surface shape. The sport-fisher has a deep forefoot and some measurable flare above the waterline for good buoyancy and dry running. A single chine rises from the waterline and then descends quickly to optimize spray control. The deep-V shape forward warps to a flat running surface far aft for efficient planing and excellent roll resistance.

Power is twin 480 hp Cummins diesels, which give this sportfish boat an easy 28-knot cruise. Top speed is 35 knots, so a 30-knot cruise is easily an option. The owner of the 45 Sportfisherman we got aboard is an avid stand-up angler and set up his boat with three flush-deck insulated fish boxes with macerators, a Dometic ice maker, two 28-foot Rupp outriggers, six gunwale rod holders, saltwater and freshwater washdowns, and a four-rod rocket launcher in lieu of a fighting chair.

Jarrett Bay 46

Originally named Persistence, this Jarrett Bay 46 was built for fishing enthusiast and NASCAR driver Jeff Burton. When creating his fully custom sportfish boat, Burton noted that his vessel would be both a fishing boat and a family boat. Fishing features include an in-transom fish box, a sailfish pod, insulated fish boxes and a tuna door (sans bridge) in the cockpit. Jarrett Bay installed three rod holders in each gunwale and six more across the flybridge rail, plenty of rod room for setting up a trolling spread. With upper and lower helm stations (the latter being an owner request), the Jarrett Bay 46 also gives the skipper options if the weather goes south. The Jarrett Bay 46 has ZF pod drives with underwater exhaust paired to twin 575 hp Caterpillar C9 diesels. At a comfortable 2,000-rpm cruise, this sport-fisher makes about 26 knots while those diesels consume 41 gallons per hour. Dial it up to a top-end speed of 35 knots and consumption goes up to 58.3 gph.

Viking Yachts 92

The Viking Yachts 92 is the largest sport-fisher the New Gretna, New Jersey-based boatbuilder has ever constructed. Offered with an open- or enclosed-bridge setup, the hefty sportfish boat (displacing around 205,000 pounds) hits 37-knots-plus when powered with optional 2,600 hp MTU diesels. At 2,100 rpm, this battlewagon cruises easily at 31 knots at 78 percent engine load. Dial it back to 28 knots, and engine load is a mere 70 percent. The 92-footer is also agile thanks to the Viking Independent Programmable Electrohydraulic Rudder (VIPER) steering system, a fly-by-wire setup that lets the helmsman control each rudder individually.

From an angling perspective, the 92 has 55-foot Rupp outriggers , fish stowage large enough for a wolf pack of bigeye tuna, space for a season’s worth of baits, secured gaff stowage and enough tackle drawers to handle all the lures and terminal gear an owner could ever buy. The Viking 92 also has six staterooms to accommodate owners, guests and crew for tournament season and long-haul adventure angling.

Like some of the other names on this list, Merritt is an iconic Pompano Beach, Florida-based, custom sportfish builder with a current model lineup that includes 66-, 72- and 86-foot convertible designs. The Merritt 72 is a model that has stood the test of time, and one that owners flock to year in and year out, for its fishability, seakindly nature and the ability to tailor the layout to an owner’s angling needs.

Because these boats are custom-built, the specifics can change from one 72 to another, but 30-knot cruise speeds and nearly 40-knot top-end speeds are common in all 72s, as are massive cockpits for fighting Hemingway-worthy marlin, stout construction for chasing those fish in the blue water and superyacht-level finishes inside and outside.

The entry point into Bertram’s three-model Offshore Series⎯spanning from 35 to 61 feet length overall⎯the Bertram 35 blends a familiar profile with modern power and technology to create a 36-knot angling juggernaut. This owner-operator-sized, Michael Peters -penned, flybridge sport-fisher starts with a wave-slicing, deep-V hull form with 22 degrees transom deadrise. The form is supported by a solid fiberglass hull bottom with cored hull sides for added strength without added weight.

The 35 has a 126-square-foot cockpit ready for any fish-fighting fanatic. Bertram sets up the 35 with rod holders, a livewell, in-deck fish boxes, and a transom door for the big ones. Optional teak decking and covering boards add a custom look. Inside, the salon is accented with teak and maple Amtico soles and overhead dimmer lighting. A wainscot-style ceiling houses rod stowage for big-game gear. Power is twin 500 hp Caterpillar C7.1 diesels matched to ZF drives. At a comfortable 27.5-knot cruise at just 68 percent engine load, the Bertram 35 has a 253-nautical-mile range, making it easily canyon-capable.

Viking Yachts 54 Open

Many anglers like open- or express-style sportfish designs as they enable the captain and crew to keep in close proximity, and the Viking 54 Open , which also is offered in a Sport Coupe or Sport Tower, does just that. The 54 Open’s bridge deck has a Palm Beach-style helm on centerline, flanked by a double-wide companion seat to port and a single seat to starboard. Abaft the helm and to port is U-shaped seating with a walnut table, creating a respite from the sun on tournament day while still allowing the crew to keep an eye on the spread via the open after bulkhead. Across from that seating is an L-shaped settee.

With a focus on fishing, the 54 Open has 154 square feet of cockpit real estate. Two sets of mezzanine seats offer perches for the crew to watch the spread. Other fishing-friendly features include a transom livewell, an in-deck fish box to starboard (with an optional livewell tub), an insulated in-deck box to port, a deck plate for mounting a rocket launcher or fighting chair, cooler stowage in the mezzanine steps (a bait freezer in the steps is optional), and a tuna door. Power is either twin 1,400 hp or 1,550 hp MAN diesels. For owners who prefer a three-sided fiberglass enclosure to a clear-plastic setup—but still want an open after bulkhead—Viking offers the 54 in the Sport Tower version. The 54 Sport Coupe model closes the after bulkhead, completely protecting the bridge deck from the elements.

• More: Bertram , Hatteras , Huckins , Jarrett Bay , Merritt , Royal Huisman , Rybovich , Sportfishing Boats , Sportfishing Yachts , Viking , Yachts
• More Yachts

Sunseeker Predator 55 Prepares for Debut

Albemarle 53 Spencer Edition Reviewed

Sabre 43 Salon Express Reviewed

Fishing Trawler to Luxury Yacht Refit

For Sale: AvA Yachts Kando 110

Future-Proofing Multifunction Displays

For Sale: Sunreef 60

• Digital Edition
• Customer Service
• Privacy Policy
• Email Newsletters
• Cruising World
• Sailing World
• Salt Water Sportsman
• Sport Fishing
• Wakeboarding

Ready to get started?

Designed with a singular vision...To deliver unmatched performance and efficiency!

Introducing the insetta 35ifc  – the bar has been raised.

The Insetta 35IFC was designed with a singular vision… to be the best-performing center console sport fishing catamaran in its class.  Enjoy unmatched performance, range, and efficiency thanks to the 35IFC’s hydrofoil-assisted design.

In addition to being the best High-Performance Fishing Catamaran in its class, it also provides a smoother and dryer ride in the rough stuff!

This boat was designed for people who fish, by people who fish!  From its integrated livewells to its cavernous coffin boxes, level open deck layout, massive insulated storage and so much more, this boat was designed for maximum range and fishability!

Here’s what our customers have to say: “Holy crap do I love my 35 IFC with the Merc 300 V8’s on the back. We ran her down to Key Largo the other day, snorkeled all day, got lunch at Shipwrecks Bar and Grill, and ran back. Cruised between 40 and 45 mph, mostly around 42. So smooth it’s nuts. Burned maaaayyybe 40 gallons for the whole day. As we cruised the dashboard was telling us between 1.7 and 1.8 mpg, but I’m pretty sure we cruised more than 40 miles and burned between 35 and 40 gallons, no more. So… suffice it to say that you guys have absolutely crushed it and changed the game here. Fantastic work”! – Alan, Hull #4

Check out our FAQ’s section below for more about the Insetta 35 with  IFC!

Specifications

Length Overall

Maximum Beam

Maximum Draft

Fuel Capacity

Cruise Speed

Cruise Miles Per Gallon (MPG)

Over 850 miles*

Cruise Range

Standard Features

Standard “Insetta White” Gelcoat Molded in Diamond Non-Skid Tackle Storage Stbd Side Tackle Storage Port Side 19 Gallon Freshwater Washdown/Shower 5 x In Deck Storage Hatch 2 x In Deck Macerated Fish Boxes 625 Qt Insulated Coffin Box, Split Boxes Walk through Transom Access (Door Optional) Two 36 gallon Integrated Transom Livewells Fresh and Raw Water Washdown 34 Rod Holders (gunnels and coffin box) 7 Stainless Gemlux Pull-Up Cleats LED Navigation Lights Boarding Ladder

Recessed Stainless Bow Rail

Helm / Console

Fiberglass Hardtop with Powder Coated Aluminum Supports Tempered Safety Glass Enclosure for Console 6 Integral Rod Holders Built into Rear Support Molded Fiberglass Leaning Post with Rear Face Seating and cooler 3 Wide Helm Seats 6 S/S Cup Holders Storage Box and Rigging Tray on Rear Facing Seat Storage Drawers Under Helm Seats 165 Qt Leaning Post Ice Box Located Under Rear Face Seats

Base Upholstery

Equipment and Electronics

3 Part Internal Foil System

3 Pump Capacity Sea Chest with Dual Livewell Pumps & Raw Water Feed

4 1100 GPH Bilge Pumps (2 in Each Sponson)

Standard Capacities

490 gallon fuel capacity.

625 Qt Insulated Coffin Box with Divider

165 Qt Leaning Post Ice box

Dual 36 Gallon Livewells

19 Gallon Freshwater

Frequently Asked Questions

IFC is Insetta Boatwork's Internal Foiling System.

You can expect a significant increase in cruise speed; Improved handling and stability in rough conditions; Better acceleration; A boat that is less affected by increased payload; A 20-40% increase in fuel efficiency; and a 20-40% further cruise range! Additionally, the IFC technology will also provide a drier ride in choppy conditions and Provide for more responsiveness when turning at speed!

The system is a fixed setup, there is nothing to operate and there are zero moving parts.

The IFC Technology in effect smooths out rough seas by allowing the boat to run from wave crest to wave crest at a relatively smooth and stable attitude. The IFC System creates lift which help to in effect “Carry” the hull higher in the water. The system acts as a set of wings carrying the boat at speed, keeping the hull from having to follow each wave across its entire contour. In other words the surface of the waves have less effect on the hull as the IFC system is lifting the boat. Additionally, the aerodynamic lift created by the catamaran hulls creates even more lift at the bow of the boat, keeping the nose high and preventing the “slamming” or sneezing found in other catamaran hulls.

No, you don’t. The foils are flush mounted to the bottom of the keels of each sponson (as well as up in the tunnel.) At its centerline the main foil of the IFC system is only slightly lower than the keel line. The boat will easily load onto a standard catamaran trailer. There is no big contraption hanging way down under the boat.

Remember, the foils are INTERNAL to the tunnel. At its lowest point the main foil is only slightly lower than the hull and is higher than the props. Because of this the odds of striking the foils are extremely low. The boat is designed to be lifted by the foil. The structural integrity of the foil system is such that the weight of the boat could be supported many times over by the foil. As such, if you did somehow manage to strike the foil on something EXTREMELY SUBSTANTIAL, like a stone shoal, the likely outcome is that you may (in a very worst case scenario) bend or break a foil wing. If that were to happen, you could still operate the boat to port with the remaining foils. The IFC foils are made from a very high-grade stainless steel and designed to meet or exceed relevant guidelines for impact and strength.

As water travels through the tunnel and around the foil, a tremendous vortex is created. This force keeps most debris from being trapped in the tunnel or around the foil. Between the pressure of the air moving through the tunnel, and the vortex created in the water, the tunnel and foils will stay clean and clear.

The outboards of the 35 IFC are mounted on a slight outward angle to place the propellers properly to maximize the thrust and flow efficiency created as the water travels through the tunnel and around the foils. This mounting also helps the boat to lean into a corner, much like a monohull.

Firstly, we’d ask, “Why would you want to?” But the short answer is no. IFC is an integrated system that is integral to the design of the boat.

The short answer is that boats with technology similar to IFC have been in use for many years, but not in the recreational market. Commercial and Military applications are quite prevalent. The initial design of a hull and system like this is quite complex and can be cost prohibitive. We at Insetta feel the gains in efficiency, speed, range and ride quality far outweigh the initial design and build cost.

Upon deciding to build a foiling Cat, Insetta assembled a team of naval Architects and Marine Engineers to refine an existing and proven design. Using their own state of the art construction techniques, Insetta brought an application specific version to the fiberglass Center Console market.

Optional Features

Customizable Garmin or Simrad Electronics JL Audio 10 Speaker Stereo System Flush Mount Acrylic Helm Bow Shade Custom Gelcoat or Combination of Colors Deluxe Upholstery Third Center Livewell Under Rear Facing Seat 40 gallon Seadek Flooring or Flexiteek Decking Additional Gunnel Rod Holders (18 standard) Recessed Wireless Phone Chargers Swivel Base Rod Holders Outlets for Electric Reels Additional Drink Holders on Leaning Post, Coffin Box, Gunnels and Helm Forward/Rear/Side Spreader Lights T-Top Outrigger Bases/Poles Gemlux Electric Head With 19 Gallon Blackwater Holding Tank Freshwater Sink and Vanity Inside Console Underwater Lights Heavy Duty Dive Ladder LED Under Gunnel Lighting On-Board Battery Charger Windlass Custom Aluminum Trailer Cockpit Table/Bow Table

Why did Insetta Boatworks decide to build a boat with IFC?

For decades, Hydrofoil power boats have proven to be the most efficient craft for a variety of offshore operations.

While pursuing a B.S. in physics in 1960, Victor Insetta was employed doing anti-submarine research that utilized high speed Deep-V patrol boats equipped with hydrofoils. Their ability to pursue submarines at high speed, operate safely offshore, and, being foil borne: allowed their hull to run clear of the water avoiding direct hits from torpedoes. Decades later, Vic and his family rode comfortably on hydrofoil ferries in Italy, flying over white capped waves in the bay of Naples.

In 2017, The Insetta 45 was chosen to be the official chase boat of the America’s cup! Four 45’ Insetta’s catamarans were shipped to Bermuda to assist at various cup events. Sailboats, competing from several countries, were catamarans with hydrofoils ! The Insetta 45’s ran parallel to these “foiling sail cats” to assist with TV coverage. The sailing cats were traveling at speeds approaching 50 mph, 2 ½ times the wind speed . Efficient … you bet . They could also turn on a dime at over 40 mph…

It became obvious: that a foiling cat would make a great offshore outboard power boat… Many foil power boat designs in the past, had wide foils that stuck out the sides, increasing their beam and draft. It made them difficult to dock, and they couldn’t operate in shallow waters. Joel Shine (chief operating officer) of Insetta Boatworks found a catamaran design that had hydrofoils mounted in the tunnel, (that location between the tunnel walls actually improves their efficiency), and does not add to its draft. Further improvements could be added by using our ultra-light high strength infused composite construction.

Joel, Vic and our technical staff reviewed the foiling cat’s initial specifications and performance data, and then sea trialed two foiling cats with internal hydrofoils. Our staff includes a second physicist and pilot… Glen Dobbs. We are all active boaters and we determined we would build our version of a foiling outboard powered cat. We contacted a Naval architect, who designed several successful foiling power cats . He is now a member of our technical staff.

Our 35 “foiling cat” design has set the standard for Foil-Assisted Sportfishing boats. The hull, foils, materials, and engines are synergistically combined, to provide: unrivaled high-speed cruising efficiency , and provide safe offshore handling, with unimpeded shallow water operation, including beaching, without foils or props contacting the bottom.

Insetta 35IFC

The premier internal foiling catamaran.

Integrated 36 Gallon Livewells & 625 QT Coffin Box Standard

Designed to fish.

850+ Mile Range!

Best in Class MPG, Smoother/Dryer Ride!

Performance.

Click the button below to contact or email us for more info!

Latest News

The Foiling Press – February 2024

The Foiling Press – February 2024 – February was a busy month for…

The Foiling Press – January 2024

We kicked off the year with a full house here at Insetta Boatworks! Three beautiful 35IFC’s in…

The Foiling Press – December 2023

The Foiling Press – December 2023 – We’ve wrapped up an incredible year…

The Foiling Press – June 2024

The Foiling Press – June 2024 – It’s Summertime and the heat is…

The Foiling Press – May 2024

The Foiling Press – May 2024 – What’s going on Insetta Fans?! We’re here with another monthly…

Get the Latest Insetta News!

Share this page

Looking for our latest catalog?

• 2024 BOAT BUYERS GUIDE
• SWS ADVENTURES
• Email Newsletters
• Fishing Boat Reviews
• Fly Fishing
• Marine Electronics
• Fishing Tackle
• Fishing Destinations
• The Bahamas Fishing Guide
• Boating Safety

• By Dave Lear
• Updated: September 21, 2007

The expression, “Two’s company, three’s a crowd,” isn’t heard much around the Pro Sports factory. That’s because with three models of the 28 Pro Kat catamaran now available – Walkaround, Sport Cuddy and Center Console – there’s one to satisfy most every boater.

“Anyone interested in a 28- to 29-foot conventional boat will be impressed with the Pro Kat,” explains Pro Sports president Mike Robinson. “It’s a hands-down winner for stability, and it lends itself to serious fishing and diving because of its range, ride and handling.”

All three models are based on the same planing hull. Reverse chines on each sponson provide increased lift for stability, fuel efficiency and a drier ride, as we discovered during choppy conditions in Alabama’s Mobile Bay. The Pro Kat sliced through the waves and tracked exceptionally well. Straight runs allowed nearly effortless steering with the Sea Star hydraulic system, while on gradual turns the boat would follow the heading without hesitation or drift. We did encounter some tunnel slap in a head sea, but were able to eliminate it by angling slightly into the waves.

In addition to stability, our test ride demonstrated the Pro Kat’s other positive performance characteristics. It stays abeam of the seas on a drift, offering unhindered fishing from either side, and the effect of whitewater funneling tightly between the sponsons and outboards, combined with the gurgling noise it produces, is sure to raise fish when trolling.

Incredible Range

And speaking of trolling, the Pro Kat will let you maximize your fishing time, according to Pro Sports’s performance data. A Sport Cuddy rigged with twin 200 Mercury OptiMax outboards is capable of 51.9 mph at a wide-open 5800 rpm. Throttle back to 4000 rpm for a cruising speed of 39.1 mph and 19.6 gph, or save even more gas by dropping to 3200 rpm (28 mph and 12.6 gph). With a fuel capacity of 238 gallons, that translates into a 474-mile range at cruise.

Every model of the 28 Pro Kat features plenty of standard angling amenities. Topping the list are a 40-gallon, oval bait well with macerator pump and cutting-board top; two large, insulated fishboxes; molded rod racks, and a molded backing plate in the cockpit sole for mounting a fighting chair. Add the 28’s immense cockpit, padded coaming bolsters, rod holders and ample storage for tackle and gear, and you’ve got a very versatile fishing machine.

Removable transom bench seats and forward padded seating complement the large helm leaning post and console. The console (with standard stainless steering wheel) is large enough to accommodate a typical electronics package, while the carpeted interior offers access, plus additional storage and room for an optional head. A handy console T-top/radio box combo is also available as an option.

The center-console model has wraparound seating in the bow, along with a convenient, lockable storage area that’ll easily handle rods and gear for overnight stays in a marina. The cuddy version, on the other hand, uses that same space for a small yet cozy cabin. The finished space features twin padded berths with storage below. All models in the 28 Pro Kat line come equipped with stainless bow railings, an anchor roller with hawse pipe, and a lifetime hull warranty against rot.

With very affordable price tags for boats of this size, no matter which model of the 28 Pro Kat you choose it’s sure to draw a crowd – of admirers, that is.

Pro Sports Boats, Lincoln, AL; (205) 763-0231; www.prosportsboats.com

• More: Boat Reviews , Boats

EdgeWater 208CC Watchman

Seven Creature Comforts That Help Catch Fish

Grady-White Canyon 386

World Cat 235TE

Is Bigger Better?

When to Crank Like Crazy

How Does a Fish Finder Work?

How to Best Fight Fish

• Digital Edition
• Customer Service
• Privacy Policy
• Cruising World
• Sailing World
• Salt Water Sportsman
• Sport Fishing
• Wakeboarding

• Boat Reviews

Boat Review: M2 57 Sportfishing Catamaran

• By Dean Travis Clarke
• Updated: February 21, 2009

0309br_M2_57

M2 – a five-year-old custom builder based in Rhode Island – offers the expertise of an international staff of designers and builders to help ease the process of building your custom yacht. The company touts exceptional communication as one of its strong suits, managing the building process from quotes to launch party while providing weekly financial reports, order schedules and build documentation, as well as welcoming at least one conference call with the entire design and build team each week. M2’s 57-footer represents its first foray into large multihull fishing boats, though it already produces several smaller outboard fishing cats, including 45- and 60-footers.

To build the 57, M2 brought together several performance catamaran designers from parts of the world where multihulls are the rule rather than the exception. With backgrounds in offshore performance racing, hull design and marine engineering, the M2 team members continue a long-standing and successful multinational marine tradition. Now, under the M2 brand name, Scott Jutson of Sydney, Australia, George Linder, a respected name in offshore powerboat racing, and M2 founders Paul Mihailides and Jim Cazzanni pooled their collective abilities to produce big, fast, rugged, offshore fishing boats. M2 builds the 57 in historic Bristol, Rhode Island, home to such famous boatbuilders as Herreshoff, Pearson and Hunt.

Made from advanced carbon fiber, Kevlar and epoxy, the M2 57’s construction provides approximately twice the strength-to-weight ratio of standard fiberglass. One thing many offshore anglers might find odd is that this first hull will be pushed by surface-piercing drives with five-blade cleaver props – most definitely a racing holdover. Plans call for the standard power to consist of twin MAN R800 diesels rated at 800 hp each, coupled with 1.5:1 gearboxes and surface-piercing drive units. However, options include the Volvo IPS system as well as standard props and shafts for more serious-minded fishermen. With the twin 800s and the surface-piercing drives, M2 expects a whopping top speed of 58 knots and a cruise of around 45. And even with all that speed, this boat’s fuel economy tends to be considerably more efficient than a monohull – on the order of 20 to 60 percent better.

Our experience also shows that when trolling or drifting in steep, beam seas, multihulls prove far more stable thanks to a wider length-to-beam ratio. And of course, with so much less wetted surface, the M2 57 should jump to plane much more quickly, cut through waves more smoothly and ride higher (less draft) than monohulls of equivalent size.

M2 already enjoys an established international reputation for creating luxurious interiors with well-planned ergonomics. Though catamaran living spaces generally seem somewhat alien to tradition-bound American anglers, you can’t deny the comfort and elegance with which M2 executes this space. Expect to see loads of leather and beautifully finished rare woods.

Obviously, being a builder of custom yachts, M2 will work diligently with every prospective owner to lay out the fishing areas of the 57 to suit individual requirements. Needless to say, nothing is out of the realm of possibility. But the true payoff comes when you run one of these catamarans in weather conditions that you’d never consider taking your monohull out in – that’s when the M2 57 will truly blow you away! – Dean Travis Clarke

SPECIFICATIONS

LOA…… 57’3″ **BEAM…… 16’10” DRAFT…… 3’6″ Deadrise…… Planing catamaran Weight…… 39,000 pounds Fuel…… 600 gallons Water…… 180 gallons Power…… T MAN 800 hp** R800 common-rail diesels PRICE…… $3,447,000

M2 Motor Yachts / Coventry, Rhode Island / 800-547-1247 / www.m2motoryachts.com

• More: Boat Reviews , Sport Fishing Boats

Free Email Newsletters

Sign up for free Marlin Group emails to receive expert big-game content along with key tournament updates and to get advanced notice of new expeditions as they’re introduced.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

By signing up you agree to receive communications from Marlin and select partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy . You may opt out of email messages/withdraw consent at any time.

• More Boat Reviews

Scarborough Boatworks 72 Review

Valhalla 55 Outboard Boat Review

Viking Yachts 90 Review: New Flagship Boat Replaces the 92

F&S Boatworks 82 Review

Doc Fees Dominates in Hatteras

Trust the Process: A Transformative Ladies-Only Fishing Expedition

Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic Defies Tropical Storm, Delivers Big Blue

Scania-Powered Viking 48: Showcasing Performance and Efficiency

• Digital Edition
• Customer Service
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Email Newsletters
• Tournaments
• Expeditions

Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. Marlin may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site.

Copyright © 2024 Marlin. A Bonnier LLC Company . All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

Sign up for free Marlin Group emails to receive expert big-game content along with key tournament updates and to get advanced notice of new expeditions as they’re introduced.

Subscribe to Marlin

Subscribe now to get seven keepsake print editions of Marlin per year, along with instant access to a digital archive of past issues, all for only $29 per year.

• Bermuda Triple Crown
• Los Cabos Billfish Tournament
• Offshore World Championship
• Scrub Island Billfish Series
• Marlin Expeditions
• Guatemala – Ladies Only
• Nova Scotia
• Dominican Republic
• Galápagos Islands
• Expert Instructors
• Corporate Retreats
• Our Sponsors
• Newsletters

• Subscribe Now
• Digital Editions

Best power catamarans: 6 of the best models on the market right now

• Top stories

Power catamarans have become so popular in recent years. Alex Smith talks us through 6 of the most exciting models we've covered in the past 12 months...

With the promise of extra volume stability and running efficiency it’s easy to see why power catamarans have become so popular in recent years.

Established players like Sunreef , Leopard and Lagoon have been joined by new builders like Vandal, Archipelago and Moon Yachts.

Big brands like Prestige have also made them move into twin hulled motorboats in recent years, and the likes of Bluegame and Wider Yachts look set to follow suit.

So with the trend showing no signs of slowing here’s our round-up of some of the most exciting new power catamarans you can buy right now.

Article continues below…

Prestige M48 sea trial review: The smartest multihull on the planet?

Moon power 60 review: is this £3.7m adventure cat the next big thing, 6 of the best power catamarans available right now.

Prestige M48

Prestige’s first ever power catamaran is designed to provide the volume of a 60 footer alongside the running efficiency of a 40 footer, but the way it manages all that onboard space is also quite attractive.

A three-part aft swim platform features a raising central section to help extend the cockpit party out over the water. The foredeck mimics that with freestanding furniture right at the forepeak and between them the saloon includes a big-aft galley, a large port lounge and a compact helm with a handy starboard side door.

From here private stairwells to the forward owner’s cabin and each of the two guest cabins provide plenty of privacy, and the split design of the port ensuite means it works really well as a day head.

In terms of styling the freestanding bow furniture looks a bit odd, and in terms of dynamics the stooping bridge deck does tend to touch down when the swells get beyond a couple of feet.

But if you want an accessible, novice-friendly boat that provides a party platform way out of proportion to its length, the first model in Prestige’s M line has a lot going for it. And if you have the budget, the more recent Prestige M8 is an even more convincing piece of work.

Watch our full sea trial review of the Prestige M48

Moon Power 60

As a modified sailing cat, the Moon Power 60’s beam stands at a massive 53% of its overall length and that has a very clear impact on the inside.

In spite of huge side decks with dual access to the flybridge , the internal saloon occupies an enormous footprint. It’s used for a pair of peripheral seating areas plus a forward door to access a lovely sunken bow lounge.

Visibility from the lower helm is restricted by the big stuts that sit sailboat-style toward the centre of the screen, but performance is pretty impressive: a pair of 3,500L tanks give you a 2,000nm range at 8 knots with a fuel flow of just 3lpm, and if you really want to boost the range there’s plenty of space for extra fuel capacity too.

Up on the flybridge there’s a big symmetrical lounge and a hot tub flanked by sunbeds, and down below the two hulls borrow a bit of inboard space for four ensuite cabins.

The simplistic saloon arrangement, the absence of a day heads, and the sheer masculinity of that styling might prove a bit problematic for some, but if you’re okay with a modified sailing cat, and you’re happy to work with the yard to refine that deck layout, this big imposing long-distance boat is unlike anything else out there.

Watch our full sea trial review of the Moon Power 60

Invincible 33

Invincible is a well-respected American Builder with a strong offshore sports fishing heritage and close links with the US Navy, but it also builds high-performance power catamarans, and this impressive 33-footer is the entry point to that fleet.

It uses quite a narrow beam with asymmetrical chines and spray rails, which enable it to heel into a turn in much the same fashion as a monohull and to ride the chop without spitting clouds of spray over that bow.

Capable of 56 knots with twin 400hp Verado outboards , it can also reportedly achieve cruising economy of just 2.5lpm for a range of around 500nm.

The internal arrangements are also really practical – with high capacity deck drains and an automatic fresh water flushing system for the outboards you can simply hose this boat down after a trip and get on with your day.

The fuss-free fit out includes multiple bait wells as well as lots of drained, insulated lockers that do a great job as ice chests and storage spaces, and the squared off bow provides lots of seating to supplement the big open deck of that half cockpit.

It might be built with fishing in mind, but as a rapid offshore performance machine, this might just be the perfect power catamaran for monohull lovers.

Watch our yacht tour video of the Invincible 33

Archipelago 47

The Archipelago 47 is a seriously good looking boat. Built from aluminum on the Isle of Wight with design input from commercial specialist Chartwell Marine, its low roofline, reverse screen, wide beams, slender forward hulls, and raised bridge deck give it a seriously potent profile, and that’s precisely what this boat is all about.

The idea is to deliver proper long distance offshore performance alongside a handy turn of pace in a homely fit out, and the Archipelago delivers that.

Built from 8mm hull plating with 6mm topsides, this Category A boat is rated to carry 12 people and sleep up to eight people in four cabins.

Reserving one entire hull for the owner’s suite is a really attractive option, but in all cases headroom is great and huge vertical picture windows provide amazing views from bed level.

The saloon features a large galley and lounge, as well as a raised helm with a shut-off partition for night nav. There are still some design tweaks required, particularly at the helm and the aft end, to maximise this boat’s potential, and if you want a flybridge you’ll need to look toward the Archipelago 52 instead, because on this particular boat that’s not an option.

But with space up top for all kinds of expedition friendly tenders, toys, cranes and solar panels, this tough go anywhere power catamaran has plenty going for it.

Watch our full sea trial review of the Archipelago 47

Vandal Explorer

As a foil-assisted, outboard-powered, flybridge equipped, aluminium power catamaran, the Vandal Explorer is certainly not the mainstream choice, but of course it was never designed to be.

Created by Ben Mennem, who wants to enjoy the sun-drenched waters of the Med, in collaboration with Norwegian designer Espen Oeino, who loves outdoor adventures in the Nordic States, it seems to straddle both camps.

It uses a wide open main deck with skeletal bars rather than rigid bulkheads to keep you properly in touch with the sea. There’s also a big aft platform between the Verado XTO outboards, which operates as a passerelle, and thanks to a ladder and rain shower does a great job for watersports too.

Ahead of the cockpit lounge there’s a big transverse galley tucked inside the shelter of the pilothouse structure, and there’s also a raised full-beam bow cabin with a separate incinerator toilet.

It’s a bit noisy on that main deck when you’re underway and the limited two-berth arrangement of the base boat is likely to compel some people to question its overall practicality.

But as a tough and lightweight 40-knot boat with space for 14 people, a cool off-grid aesthetic and all the custom friendly flexibility you could want, its simplicity is actually a really key part of its appeal.

Watch our full sea trial review of the Vandal Explorer

The Aquila 44 is a proper wide-beam cruising cat

Built at Sino Eagle’s 1million sqft facility in China and developed in collaboration with the renowned J&J Design Group, Aquila is a specialist power catamaran builder and that absolutely shows.

Capable of up to 20 knots with the top rated Volvo Penta D4 420s, the Aquila 44 uses bow bulbs for extra waterline length, a softer ride and improved stability at displacement speeds.

But is the way it uses its 21ft beam that really impresses. In the aft cockpit a convivial c-shape dinette sits opposite a fold-out bar at the aft galley.

At the bow a set of steps connects the foredeck lounge directly to the flybridge, which is great for practicality as well as for large partie, and up top a central walkaround helm pod keeps things more sociable and inclusive than on any other boat in this class.

There’s a proper main deck helm too if you want it, plus sleeping for six in three private ensuite cabins, including a brilliant owner’s cabin that occupies the full beam beneath that foredeck.

If you need extra performance and style you could of course look toward the brand’s smaller, narrow-beamed, outboard-powered sport line, but for proper power catamaran lovers this big, cleverly arranged entertainment platform feels exactly right.

Watch our yacht tour video of the Aquila 44

Toy of the month: The ‘motorbike for the sea’ inspired by James Bond

Absolute navetta gets a snazzy new makeover, fjord 39 tour: maximised space and amenities, latest videos, bluegame bgm75 sea trial: the €6.8m powercat that thinks its a monohull, cormate chase 32 tour: fast, stylish and practical weekender, axopar 29 sea trial: sun top vs cross cabin – which is best, sunseeker ocean 182 – see how this compact superyacht copes in a wet and windy sea trial.

• 33′ Open Fisherman
• 36′ Open Fisherman
• 39′ Open Fisherman
• 43′ Open Fisherman
• 33′ Catamaran
• 35′ Catamaran
• 37’ Catamaran
• 40’ Catamaran
• 46’ Catamaran
• 46’ Pilothouse
• Stock Inventory
• Trade-in Program
• 33′ Open Fisherman
• 36′ Open Fisherman
• 39′ Open Fisherman
• 43′ Open Fisherman

33′ Catamaran

• 35′ Catamaran
• 37′ Catamaran
• 40′ Catamaran
• 46′ Catamaran
• 46′ Pilothouse
• Defined by Our Differences
• Brand Ambassadors
• Boat Shows And Events
• Warranty and Facilities
• International
• Find a Dealer Near You
• Build an invincible

STOCK INVENTORY

Trade-in program.

• Build an Invincible
• 33′ open fisherman
• 36′ open fisherman
• 39′ open fisherman
• 43′ open fisherman
• 33′ catamaran
• 35′ catamaran
• 37′ catamaran
• 40′ catamaran
• 46′ catamaran
• 46′ pilothouse
• DEFINED BY OUR DIFFERENCES
• OUR INTERNATIONAL TEAM
• INVINCIBLE WORLDWIDE
• FIND A DEALER

PERFORMANCE, IN A MORE CONCENTRATED FORM.

Five years ago we teamed up with Morrelli & Melvin for the first time to show the world what a catamaran can truly achieve. Now it’s time to do it again with our smallest platform yet. We took the unprecedented performance, versatility and amenities of our model lineup and packaged it in a powerful, agile and nimble new form. Introducing the new Invincible 33’ Catamaran. A whole new size of serious.

Specifications

Length overall, dead rise at transom, weight with power*, standard fuel capacity.

400 GALLONS

1,514 LITRES

Maximum Horsepower

*weight is listed as “ready to fish” which indicates full fuel and livewells..

Insulated Fish Box

Forward Side Storage

Anchor Locker

Bilge Access

Photo Gallery

Highlighted features.

• Single level deck
• 360 walk around fishability
• Patented catamaran hull design

STANDARD FEATURES

• Above and Below Deck Livewells
• AGM Sealed Batteries
• Built-In Anchor Locker
• Deluxe Console with Fully-Lined Interior-Room for Full-Sized Head
• Under Deck Storage
• Finished Bilge
• Under Gunnel Lighting
• High-Speed Pickup for Livewell Seachest
• Interior Console Lights
• Saltwater Washdown
• Three Automatic 2,000 GPH Bilge Pumps
• Waterproof Switches and Circuit Breaker Protected System
• 100% Vinylester Resin Hull
• 316 Stainless-Steel Hardware
• Vacuum-Bagged Cored Hull Construction

POWER OPTIONS

• Twin 300 Yamaha
• Twin 300 Mercury Verado V8
• Twin 400 Mercury Verado
• Twin 450 R Mercury Racing (5.44”)

CUSTOM TOP OPTIONS

• Folding Tower w/ Dual Station
• Hard Buggy Top Upgrade
• Crows Nest for Hardtop w/ Ladder
• LED Spreader Lights (each)
• Rupp Top Gun Revolution Outriggers
• Rupp Carbon Fiber Outrigger Upgrade
• Gem Deluxe Outriggers w/ Carbon Fiber Poles
• Gem 22′ Outrigger Upgrade (pair)
• Rod Holders for Back of Hardtop (6)
• Kingfish Rodholders (pair)
• 3 Panel Polycarbonate Enclosure
• 2 Panel Polycarbonate Wings
• Windshield Enclosure
• Windshield Tempered Glass Upgrade
• Windshield 2 Panel Polycarbonate Wings
• Hardtop Rear Support Legs
• Double Rod Rack Upgrade (needs rear support)

FISHING ACCESSORY OPTIONS

• Rod Holders on Side of Gunwale Additional (each)
• Rod Holders on Console Vertical (each)
• Rod Holders on Coffin Box (each)
• Heavy Duty Swivel Rod Holders (each)
• Livewell Seachest 2 pumps
• Livewell Seachest 3 pumps
• Livewell Seachest 4 pumps
• Large Livewell Seachest 6 pumps
• Additional High Speed Pickup
• Above Deck Livewell Connections (each)
• Clear Plexiglass Lid for Livewell (Floor Well)
• Under Gunnel Rod Racks (each)
• Under Gunnel Gaff Holders (each)
• Electric Reel Outlets (each)
• Colored Livewell (each)
• Livewell Light (each)
• In Floor Livewell – 70 gallons

SEATING OPTIONS

• Twin Custom Llebroc Helm Chairs
• Deluxe Back to Back Helm Seat w/ Built in cooler
• Rear-facing Tackle Station Upgrade
• Rear Bench Seating (Removable)

ENHANCEMENT AND CONVENIENCE

• Fancy Rigid Rubrail with Stainless Insert
• Dive Ladder – Transom Pullout Style
• Fresh Water Washdown
• Hose Coil Kits for Fresh and Salt Washdowns
• Additional Hose Coil Kit for Salt Washdown
• Additional Hose Coil Kit for Fresh Washdown
• Deluxe Electric Head in Console
• Windlass in Hull w/ Custom Anchor and Bracket
• SS Towing Eye Strike Plate Package
• Under Water Lights LED – Blue & White (each)
• Extra House Battery – AGM
• Battery Charger with Galvanic Isolator
• Stainless Steel Cupholders on Gunwale (each)
• Ultra Junior Float Switch Upgrade (each)
• Upper Console Keeper

COLORS AND CANVAS OPTIONS

• Custom One Color Gelcoat for Hull
• Full Coaming Bolsters
• Seadek Helm Pad
• Seadek Console Exterior Package
• Seadek Console Interior Package

COVER AND SHADE OPTIONS

• Forward Bahama Shade
• Aft Bahama Shade
• Extended Console-Coffin Cover
• Leaning Post Cover
• Motor Cover (each)
• Second Station Box Cover

Seriously custom, seriously yours.

It's time to build your ultimate fishing machine.

We have boats ready to fit your serious lifestyle. Click below to see Invincible's available stock models now.

5 Best Fishing Lakes in Michigan

Table of Contents

Last Updated on July 17, 2024 by Boatsetter Team

From vast Great Lakes to secluded inland waters, Michigan boasts an abundance of prime fishing spots . While fishing is possible year-round, late spring through early fall generally provides the most favorable conditions. 

Michigan waters have produced numerous record-breakers, including the world record brown trout, weighing a staggering 41 pounds 7 ounces, caught in the Manistee River in 2009. Whether you’re after trophy walleye, monster muskies, or hard-fighting salmon, these Michigan’s lakes are the best for anglers of all levels. Find available fishing boat rentals in Michigan 

1. Lake St. Clair

Lake St. Clair, often referred to as the “ Muskie Capital of the World ,” is a shallow, fertile body of water connecting Lake Huron to Lake Erie. This 430-square-mile lake is renowned for its exceptional muskie fishing, but it’s also a haven for smallmouth bass, walleye, and yellow perch.

The lake’s extensive weed beds and drop-offs create perfect habitats for a variety of fish species. Spring and fall offer prime muskie fishing, while summer is ideal for bass. Interestingly, Lake St. Clair’s unique geography creates a “figure-eight” current, which concentrates bait fish and game fish in predictable areas, giving savvy anglers a distinct advantage.

Explore fishing boat rentals around Lake St. Clair

2. Lake Michigan

As one of the five Great Lakes, Lake Michigan offers a fishing experience on a grand scale. This vast freshwater sea is home to a diverse array of fish species, including salmon, trout, walleye, and yellow perch.

The lake’s sheer size provides ample opportunity for both nearshore and deep-water fishing . Spring and fall are excellent for salmon and trout, while summer brings great perch fishing. Lake Michigan has been the stage for numerous fishing milestones, including the capture of a 61.5-pound carp in 2010, which shattered the previous state record by over 11 pounds.

Explore fishing boat rentals around Lake Michigan

3. Mullett Lake

Mullett Lake , part of Michigan’s Inland Waterway, is a 17,360-acre gem known for its excellent walleye fishing. This deep, clear lake also supports healthy populations of yellow perch, smallmouth bass, and northern pike.

The lake’s varied structure, including weed beds, rocky points, and deep basins, provides diverse fishing opportunities . Spring and fall are prime for walleye, while summer offers great bass fishing. A unique feature of Mullett Lake is its “thermocline fishing” during summer, where anglers target the narrow band of water where warm surface water meets the colder depths, often yielding impressive catches.

Explore fishing boat rentals around Mullett Lake

4. Saginaw Bay

Saginaw Bay , an arm of Lake Huron, is renowned for its world-class walleye fishery. This shallow, productive bay also offers excellent fishing for yellow perch, smallmouth bass, and channel catfish.

The bay’s extensive flats and weed beds create ideal habitats for walleye and perch. Spring and fall provide peak walleye action, while summer is great for perch. Saginaw Bay has been at the forefront of conservation efforts , with its walleye population making a remarkable comeback after near collapse in the 1940s, thanks to stringent management practices and habitat restoration.

Explore fishing boat rentals around Saginaw Bay

5. Houghton Lake

As Michigan’s largest inland lake, Houghton Lake offers 20,044 acres of prime fishing waters. It’s particularly known for its excellent walleye and pike fishing, but also supports healthy populations of bass, bluegill, and crappie.

The lake’s diverse structure, including weed beds, drop-offs, and sunken islands, provides varied fishing opportunities. Spring and fall are prime for walleye, while summer offers great panfish action. Houghton Lake made headlines in the fishing world when it hosted the first-ever “Catch & Cook” fishing tournament in 2018, where anglers competed not only in catching fish but also in preparing their catch, merging the worlds of sport fishing and culinary arts.

Explore fishing boat rentals around Houghton Lake

Whether you’re after trophy walleye, hard-fighting muskies, or tasty panfish, book a fishing rental or look for guided fishing experience and explore the best fishing lakes in Michigan. 

About us 

Boatsetter is the leading online marketplace for boat rentals and on-water experiences. Download the Boatsetter app ( App Store | Google Play ) and follow us on Instagram . 

Explore Boatsetter 

Boatsetter empowers people to explore with confidence by showing them a world of possibility on the water. Rent  a boat,  list  your boat, or become a  Boatsetter captain  today.

Browse by experience

Explore articles

Clean, Drain, Dry: How to Stop the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species

Trimming a Boat in 3 Simple Steps

Top 7 Lake Tahoe Snorkeling Spots

Should I Buy or Rent a Boat?

• 2024 BOAT BUYERS GUIDE
• SHALLOW WATER FISHING
• Email Newsletters
• Boating Tips
• Boating Safety
• Electronics
• Baits & Lures
• Fishing Tackle
• Fishing Travel
• Conservation
• Fishing Knots
• Women in Fishing

Multihull, Catamaran Boats Invade the Offshore-Fishing Market

• By Chris Woodward
• Updated: August 23, 2019

I wouldn’t describe my father as a hardcore boat guy. He owned a cabin cruiser and a few sailboats during my childhood, but he spent much more time on the golf course.

That’s why it came as a big surprise, in the mid-1960s, when Dad—ever the gadget ­enthusiast—built himself a boat: a catamaran, in fact.

Now, I don’t recall spending much time aboard his homemade multihull, but I do recall sailing with him aboard the Hobie Cat he bought shortly thereafter. Cat boats evoke fond memories for me, however I’ve been a monohull powerboat owner ever since.

In the offshore-fishing world, I represent one side of the historic divide between V-hull owners and cat-boat enthusiasts. Make no mistake: V-hulls still dominate, but more American boat buyers have started gravitating to cats during the past decade.

New Designs “I’ve been impressed to see how [the two groups] have stayed segregated, if you will,” explains Bill Cordes, director of sales for Invincible Boats, which has introduced 40- and 37-foot catamaran offshore-fishing boats over the past two years, and yet remains ­successful with its popular stepped-V-hull vessels. “The guy coming in who’s already on a V-bottom boat is coming in for another V. But we’re getting new looks from guys who are cat guys, who are looking for a bigger alternative.”

Invincible and companies such as Freeman, Seahunter, Insetta and Calcutta are driving a resurgence in multihull-boat building, particularly in the offshore-fishing world. At press time, Calcutta was poised to splash its new 480, an express boat that will be available in inboard and outboard versions; Invincible is expected to add a 35-footer to its multihull stable; and TAG Boats, a new South Carolina company, should introduce its 36-footer. In the next six months, Barker Boatworks plans to debut a new 40-foot cat, and HHH BoatWorks will launch a 35-footer.

Depending on how they’re built, cat designs can offer some general advantages over V-hulls, including a better ride in rough head seas, a broader, more stable platform with little roll at rest, shallower draft, better fuel ­efficiency and greater deck space.

“On my first World Cat sea trial, I remember getting ready to stabilize myself as I saw that first big wave approaching,” recalls Capt. Shane Jarvis, of Sport Fish Panama Island Lodge ( fishpanamatoday.com ), which operates two World Cat 33TEs. “But the boat never jumped. It just cut through the wave like butter and didn’t buck like I was accustomed to.”

In Panama, captains do a lot of run-and-gun-style fishing and trolling, but they also drift live baits and jig. Offshore runs can total 20 to 50 miles. “The wide 10-foot-6-inch beam of our cats allows plenty of room to move around, and for multiple anglers to cast and fish with ­minimal to no roll when drifting,” he says.

In fact, outside the United States, catamarans have been popular for a long time.

“Certain parts of the world embraced cats a long time ago—places like South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, where the distances are great and the seas can be pretty rough,” says yacht designer Michael Peters, well-known in the fishing world for creating everything from large inboard sport-fishing vessels to stepped-hull center-consoles. Peters is also currently ­designing Barker’s new catamaran.

“Yet, the American market never did [embrace cats]. It seems that nobody really got the attention until Freeman. Why that was, I couldn’t completely explain, but suddenly there was a boat that seemed to get good balance and ­aesthetics, and the fishing world took notice.”

Billy Freeman started Freeman Boatworks in 2006, after years of working in boatyards and welding shops, and cutting up old hulls to rebuild them in his off time. “I bought an old cat, and wanted something bigger and better,” Freeman says. “I called up [naval design engineer] Jesse Rhodes, who was an unknown back then, and I said I wanted to design a cat. I said, ‘If it doesn’t work, it’s on me.’”

Quite simply: It worked.

Freeman says he started calling fishing guides in Venice, Louisiana, who make their living running well offshore into sometimes gnarly seas. “I didn’t have to talk them into a cat,” he says.

Freeman looked to resolve what are ­considered classic catamaran performance and handling issues, including bow steering and pulling and jerking in certain sea conditions. Traditional cats rode very well into head seas, and remained more stable at rest because of their wide beam. But in a following sea, “they could be a complete handful,” says Peters, who also spent 25 years building offshore racing catamarans. “In high-speed turns, they do what we call a ‘destroyer turn,’ as in a Navy vessel. They bank outboard.”

Cordes says Invincible sought the same handling innovations from its designers Morrelli & Melvin, a California firm. In fact, the Invincible boats bank inboard like traditional V-hulls.

Peters says the resurgence of the planing catamaran, and its subsequent redesign, has resulted from a perfect merge of technology and timing. “Part of it is the new, large outboards that put these boats in the 60-plus mph range,” Peters says.

Curb Appeal Freeman’s boats also looked better than ­traditional boxy cat boats, which feature near-vertical sides. Longtime multihull specialist World Cat—which evolved out of the original handful of Carolina cat builders from the 1980s—saw the new design trend and created its X series, beginning with the 280CC-X in 2017.

However, World Cat’s customers want greater amenities and comforts than do 100 percent hardcore fishermen. “This buyer [of the 280CC‑X] is 80 percent fish, 20 percent cruise,” says Wyatt Lane, World Cat’s national distribution manager. “Our design process started with a sales scope.” Criteria for that include the various attributes the boat needs for salability such as its speed, comfort factors and price point.

“With the 28, one of these requirements was aesthetically we had to work on changing the traditional cat look and raising that bar,” he says. “The deck cap and hullsides are a challenge. You can’t have a lot of flare because of how skinny the hull is. So you’ve got to be creative.”

The cats of the ’80s came from a similar surge of creativity, but they fell short for a variety of reasons. “Early designs were flawed. They were somebody’s backyard dream,” says Steve Ellis, who founded Calcutta Boats in 1996. “They didn’t have enough reserve buoyancy, and they all bow-steered really badly and sneezed really badly.” (Sneezing occurs when spray shoots out the front of the tunnel and blows back toward the helm.)

Those boats featured knife-edge entry angles, which could easily bury the bow into oncoming waves. “Very few of the cats were really designed” by naval architects, Ellis continues. Calcuttas and many of today’s modern cat builds come from the desks of designers such as Jim Ryan, of Locus International, who drew up the Calcutta 480.

Invincible’s Cordes says the evolving industry piqued his company’s interest. “I think the overall versatility of the boat has got the attention of a lot of folks,” he says. “The sheer volume of storage, and then you get into the fishing platform that it is. It really is something new and exciting.”

Venice, Louisiana, captain John Cole, with Southern Catch Outfitters, has run Invincible’s 40 Cat for the past two fishing seasons. “Invincible did a lot of homework and spent some money,” Cole says. “There are two aspects I like best: how it runs and the internal layout.”

He says it took a little time to learn how best to trim out the boat and engines, but he says he now has high confidence and that the ­handling is very predictable.

The layout is a mix between hardcore ­fishing boat and family boat, which serves all of his clients. “The 12-foot beam carries all the way to the bow. There’s so much deck space and square footage,” he says. “I can have a customer fighting a fish next to the console, and I can walk around him if I need to get ahead of him. Plus, the in‑deck storage on the cat boats is just ridiculous.”

Hull Variations The majority of today’s catamarans feature planing hulls—designed to rise up on top of the water—rather than displacement hulls, which plow through the water. They can have asymmetrical or symmetrical sponsons. The former focuses more on forcing air down through the tunnel to create lift, says Rob Coffey, director of sales and marketing for Insetta Boatworks, which builds a 45-foot semicustom ­asymmetrical cat.

Looking at the bow of a boat with asymmetrical sponsons, what you’d see would look like a V-hull split down the middle: The inside sponson edges would be straight from hull bottom to the water, and the outside edges would angle. The symmetrical hull would look like two small V-hulls side by side.

Coffey says the asymmetrical sponsons float higher and help the boat turn with less ­outboard force.

Insettas also feature steps, as do Invincibles and several others. Steps do for cats what they do for V’s: They break the surface tension, and ­create better speed and efficiency.

With asymmetrical sponsons, “you’ve helped correct the turning, but you’ve not made the head sea ride quite as good,” Peters says. “We’re really at the beginning of the curve in ­perfecting the designs.”

To help the new Barker boat perform better in a head sea, Peters says he made the bow fuller, not as sharp and pointed. A too-sharp angle of entry means the bow can act like a rudder. “What we opted for was saying, if you put this much horsepower in the boat to go 60-plus mph, we want a boat that can absorb all that horsepower and not become difficult to drive,” he says. “We opted for a boat that we feel will bank more appropriately in a turn.”

Creature Comforts Center-console catamaran builders also face a challenge when creating interior space. A boat that features two hulls with a tunnel between means no step-down beneath the console. To compensate, the builder can increase the interior-­console height, but “how do you do that and not have a telephone booth in front of you?” World Cat’s Lane asks.

Cole says the V-hulls he owned prior to his Invincible cat always featured a spacious cabin with a V-berth. However, he says, that just became a black hole for storage anyway.

Companies such as Insetta, Calcutta and World Cat, whose customers often want overnighting capability, have come up with creative solutions. Insetta’s 45, for instance, features an interior-console full-size berth, a plumbed head, and a kitchenette with a microwave, fresh­water sink and shower wand. At the bow, Insetta designed twin single V-berths.

Cat builders have also addressed the problem of bow sneezing. For instance, World Cat formed what it calls a Vector Pod in the tunnel near the bow. It helps break up incoming water, creating aeration and reducing friction. As air and water pass through the narrowing tunnel aft, the mixture increases in velocity with a subsequent decrease in forward pressure.

Read Next: Boat Review: Invincible 40 Catamaran

In the next decade, designs will continue to evolve, Peters says. Fishing-boat cat hulls are now at a point in their evolution that deep-V hulls experienced in the 1960s and ’70s. “We’ve got a perfect confluence of things happening. Development happens when things overlap at the same time,” he says.

Billy Freeman says that 35 years ago when the Carolina cats emerged, some builders predicted that monohulls would become obsolete. They didn’t. “I think they didn’t because [the early cat builders] screwed it up. They built on a budget. They had to cheap it out to get to the same price as a monohull.”

Clearly today’s crop of resurgent cat builders has planned a better outcome.

Crazy Cat Traits Out of necessity, catamarans employ a number of design ­characteristics most anglers would not expect. For instance:

1. Most cats feature a higher deck level than V-hulls, and in fact, the whole boat is generally taller, Calcutta Boats founder Steve Ellis says. That can result in higher gunwale heights and freeboard, making it tougher for anglers to reach the water to release a fish aft—without the assist of a side dive door or an aft tuna door.

2. An offshore cat boat’s height and its tunnel also necessitate at least twin outboards or quads—one or two per side—though Calcutta and Insetta have designed vessels for inboard power.

3. Trim tabs can create problems as well, competing with the outboards for space along the width of the sponson. However, yacht designer Michael Peters says interceptors—blades that drop down vertically—prove less problematic to mount.

4. The wake behind a cat is generally smaller than that created by a deep-V. That’s due to the weight of the boat over two hulls. The narrower hulls push less water out of the way, Peters says.

• More: Catamarans , fishing boats , Offshore Fishing Boats

Best Kayaks for the Marsh

Small Boats for Offshore Fishing

What’s Good Fuel Economy for a Fishing Boat?

Yamaha Releases New 350 Horsepower Outboard

A Perfect Union

Three Underrated Sportfish You Should Target

The Evolution of Bahamas Bonefishing

Fish Facts: Guess This Rockfish Species

• Privacy Policy
• Cruising World
• Sailing World
• Salt Water Sportsman
• Sport Fishing
• Wakeboarding

Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. Sport Fishing may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site.

Copyright © 2024 Sport Fishing Firecrown . All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.