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10 Best Catamarans for 2023

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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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• Articles and Guides

Best Catamaran Brands: Exploring the Multihull World

5th dec 2023 by john burnham / samantha wilson.

In the past 20 years, the catamaran segment has had a big make-over and expanded. These days, center console cats compete with monohulls as fishing and inshore power boats, and both sailing and motor cats cruise long distances, offering both large interiors and ample deck space, plus stability and safety. Whether you’re fishing closer to shore or cruising longer distances, catamarans are no longer seen as the less capable cousins. Some of the top brands in the sector have been driving the innovation for decades, but hot on their heels are daring and exciting newcomers who are pushing the boundaries. There are many excellent brands to choose from, and these are just a few of our favorites;

Leopard 50. Leopard Catamarans photo.

Best Catamaran Fishing Boats

Invincible boats.

Power cats used specifically for fishing are big business as more people realize the huge speed and stability benefits they offer compared to their monohull counterparts. Invincible have been instrumental in the popularity boom with their excellent range of 33- to 46-foot center console fishing power cats. With cruising speeds of 50 mph (and as much as 70 mph), as well as a suite of advanced livewell systems and accessories, they are one of the industry leaders in this category.  Invincible boats for sale

Freeman Boatworks

Another major player in the power cat fishing sector are Freeman, whose 28- to 47-foot range of seriously hardy fishing cats offer incredible performance and speed (they can cruise at 80 mph) as well as huge fuel capacity and massive livewells. This means they’re perfectly equipped for offshore fishing adventures thanks to their four 450hp outboard engines and extremely comfortable ride even in rough sea conditions.  Freeman boats for sale

Discover more of the Best Fishing Catamaran Brands

Freeman 28. Freeman Boatworks photo.

Best Power Catamaran Brands

Leveraging more than 30 years of building sailing catamarans, South African builders Robertson & Caine, with naval architect Simonis Voogd, has created today's range of Leopard power cruising cats, among the most highly regarded power cats on the market. The success of their seaworthy line of power cats over the last 10 years has included a 2022 International Best of Boats Award to the Leopard 46 Powercat and a Multihull of the Year award to the Leopard 53 Powercat. One of the smallest ocean-going motor cats is there new 40, which has been nominated as a European Yacht of the Year. Each model offers a spacious flybridge, modern and luxurious styling, and an impressive use of space, and even the 40 sleeps six in three private cabins.  Leopard boats for sale

Aquila Power Catamarans

Power cat specialists Aquila are relative newcomers but have been taking the sector by storm with the variety and scope of their innovative models. Whether its fuel efficiency and stable cruising you’re after for covering long distances, the capability of reaching offshore fishing grounds, or sporty, coastal and day boating that’s on your mind, Aquila has a boat worth looking at. Their offshore, sport, and yacht lines run from pocket-sized 28-foot Molokai fishing cat, to the 70-foot flagship superyacht. In between, we find models such as Aquila 54 Yacht Power Catamaran designed to transport you to every corner of the globe.  Aquila boats for sale

Aquila 47 Molokai. Aquila photo. 

Best Bluewater Catamaran Brands

Fountaine pajot.

Long gone are the days when catamarans were purely coastal day sailers. Today, a whole new breed of boat is gaining huge popularity with bluewater and round the world sailors looking for more space and more stability than a monohull can ever offer (see our article on Catamarans vs Monohulls ). Fountaine Pajot have been industry leaders in this sector for 40 years, remaining one step ahead of the game with their sailing and now power cats. While they offer an 80-foot superyacht, it’s their 40-foot Isla, the smallest in the range, which is their flagship, showing their dedication to creating strong, safe, durable, and family-friendly boats.  Fountaine Pajot boats for sale

For those looking to buy a high-performance, safe, and incredibly spacious bluewater catamaran that can be handled by two people, the French Outremer brand should definitely be considered. The models feature daggerboards, unlike many cruising catamarans, and the result is superior upwind performance that can help you cover long distances much faster. The brand’s five models currently range from 45 to 55 feet, and in 2022, the Outremer 55 won both a European Yacht of the Year award and Multihull of the Year at the International Multihull Show. Whether you want an eco-yacht with electric power, or a larger family-friendly yacht complete with four full-sized cabins, Outremer has a lot to offer.  Outremer boats for sale

Outremer 4.zero. Outremer photo.

Best Sailing Catamaran Brands

Sailing purists often lament that sailing a catamaran isn’t true sailing, but these days there is much to argue in that statement. Balance is a relatively new brand, now building a range of beautiful multihull sailing boats, and earning recognition for their efforts—both Sailing World Magazine and Cruising World Magazine’s Boat of the Year Awards in 2022. Their designers, who come from racing backgrounds, have found the right point between a high-performance sailing vessel built with higher-tech materials and a practical, easy-to-handle boat that can be sailed across the oceans by a couple.  Balance boats for sale

Arguably one of the most famous names in the catamaran world, Lagoon was among the first to build practical, comfortable sailing catamarans and became the most popular brand worldwide. The brand has long been one of the top choices of catamaran charter companies the world over thanks to its spacious, practical, safe models. The boats are renowned for their ease of handling and a high level of comfort and luxury. The current model range of sailing cats starts at 40 feet and goes all the way up to 77 feet, while Lagoon power cats go a step farther, to 80 feet.  Lagoon boats for sale

Lagoon 46. Lagoon photo.

Best Cruising Catamaran Brands

Whether cruising coastally or traversing great oceans, the capable, comfortable, meticulously crafted sailing cats by Antares are up there with the best of the best. Currently, the boutique brand builds six of its 44-foot models annually at their factory in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The creation of Canadian designer Ted Clements, the 44 has long-term living in mind, focusing on interior space (there’s even an industry-leading 6.75 feet of headroom in the master cabin), as well as long-term sustainability. A hybrid version is available that carries electric motors, a hydrogenerator and extensive solar panels.  Antares boats for sale

Built in Cape Town, South Africa, Xquisite catamarans are another relative newcomer making waves since their launch in 2014, recently earning awards from Cruising World and Sail magazines for the X5 Plus, a 54-footer. With a range of luxury power and sailing catamarans, unique styling, high performance, and emphasis on comfort make them very competitive in the cruising cat category. From their trailerable pocket-sized 30 SportCat sailing catamaran, to their Sixty Solar Sail and Sixty Solar Motor (using all green energy), as well as their two power cats, it’s a diverse and innovative range.  Xquisite boats for sale

Discover more of the Best Cruising Catamarans . 

Xquisite Sixty Solar Sail. Xquisite photo. 

Best Liveaboard Catamaran

Bali catamarans.

Catamarans offer twice as much interior space as a monohull of the same length, making almost all of them ideal liveaboards. If you’re looking for modern styling in the interior, you’d do well to start with one of the 38- to 54-foot models offered by BALI. Utilizing an open-space concept, a solid forward deck with built-in comforts, and the unique BALI doors that open the main saloon to the world outside in good weather, BALI Catamarans put an emphasis on liveaboard comfort, and even their models under 44 feet offer impressive amounts of space. Produced in France, by the well-known Catana shipyard, the brand has small-scale production ensuring each boat is of the highest quality.  BALI boats for sale

HH Catamarans

Relative newcomers to the catamaran world, HH launched in 2012 as a performance catamaran brand and is now giving some of the bigger brands a run for their money. Working exclusively with the successful US design firm of Morelli & Melvin and building at its own factory in Xiamen, China, the HH range now encompasses eight models between 44 and 88 feet in length. Hulls, decks and structures are very high-tech—100-percent carbon using infused epoxy resin. These semi-custom boats allow you to choose everything down to the layout of saloon and galley (as well as the helm positions) ensuring you have the perfect spaces for long-term living. With eco-credentials, elegant styling, and lightning speed, HH are collecting awards left, right, and center.  HH boats for sale

HH 55. HH Catamarans photo. 

Best Small Catamaran Brands

Nautitech are one of the top names in the industry and their catamarans, built in France, are well-designed for both coastal cruising and bluewater sailing. Their range of small sailing catamarans—the 40 Open, 44 Open, and 48 Open—offer a good balance of performance, luxury, space, and safety, and as the name “Open” indicates, the main saloon can be opened wide to integrate saloon and cockpit spaces. Owned by Bavaria Yachts since 2014, Nautitech uses quality materials ensuring their boats, while smaller than many other brands, are equipped for long-distance adventures.  Nautitech boats for sale

Built in Australia, Seawind catamarans come in five models from 38 to 45 feet long (plus a 52-footer) and demonstrate lively performance in keeping with their relatively lighter weight and use of modest-sized diesel sail drives or outboard engines. The well-engineered boats are designed for those who wish to sail their own boats and have easy access to all control lines from the cockpit, while steering from helm stations either to port or start, well-protected from the elements. The brand has evolved over the years since its founding in 1982 but continues to produce according to its mission “innovative design, quality of finish, outstanding performance and sea-handling ability…”. Seawind boats for sale

Nautitech range. Nautitech photo. 

Best Catamaran Brands for the Money

Catana are not inexpensive catamarans—in fact they are semi-custom in a production sense—and they’re not intended to be your typical series-built white, fiberglass model. It’s the performance and style that you get for your money that has put them on our best-value list. Part of the BALI Group, Catana has a long history of building high-performance, strong, capable, and spacious cats with daggerboards for upwind performance. Most recent models are 49 and 53 feet long, built with carbon-infusion hull construction. The small-scale of production means every vessel is constructed to top quality, meaning you’re getting exactly what you want  for your money.  Catana boats for sale

Beneteau’s Excess range is a recent introduction that offers good- performing, cruising catamarans at good value for the price, from the largest boatbuilder in the world. Built by CNB/Lagoon in France using their long-standing catamaran know-how, the Excess line of four models—37 to 49 feet—are lively performers without the price tag and complexity of other high-tech, high-performance sailing cats. Nonetheless, Excess lead designer Bruno Belmont has managed to pack a huge amount of features into even their smallest models, meaning you’re getting many of the features of a larger boat for a considerably lower price tag.  Beneteau boats for sale

Beneteau Excess 11. Beneteau photo.

Best Luxury Catamaran Brands

Described by one reviewer as the “Tesla of sailboats”, Kinetic’s range of luxurious catamarans are in a league of their own, built without compromise. In light winds, Kinetic cats can sail faster than wind speed. Founded in 2018, Kinetic catamarans are seriously high-quality, high-performing cruisers crafted in South Africa of all-carbon and infused epoxy resin construction to innovative designs by Simonis Voogd. The fact that they’re semi-custom allows owners to choose everything from the layout, to the rig, as well as the interior furnishings, fixtures, and equipment. While it probably doesn’t come as a surprise, these are some of the most expensive cats on the market by size, but the quality and build is flawless.  Kinetic official website

Sunreef Yachts

Sunreef’s range of exquisite custom-built sail and motor catamarans see them placed well into the superyacht category, with their luxury models ranging from 60 to 88 feet for power cats and 50 to 80 feet for their “smaller” sailing range. Established in Poland, Sunreef—and their founder and president Francis Lapp—were pioneers in the luxury catamaran sector, and remain ahead of the game today with consistent innovation and dedication to eco yachts including green propulsion, renewable energy, and sustainable finishing materials.  Sunreef boats for sale

Sunreef Eco Yachts 80 Sunreef Power. Sunreef Yachts Eco photo. 

Written By: John Burnham / Samantha Wilson

John Burnham is a marine ​editor and writer with ​decades of journalism experience as ​Chief Editor of​ boats.com,​ Sailing World, Cruising World, and ​other boating websites. As a competitive sailor, he has led teams to world and national titles in the International One-Design, Shields, and other classes. Based in Newport, Rhode Island, John is a​ PCC leadership coach, a member of the ​America’s Cup Hall of Fame Selection Committee​, and a ​past board member of Sail America and US Sailing. For more, see  johnsburnham.com .

Samantha Wilson has spent her entire life on and around boats, from tiny sailing dinghies all the way up to superyachts. She writes for many boating and yachting publications, top charter agencies, and some of the largest travel businesses in the industry, combining her knowledge and passion of boating, travel and writing to create topical, useful and engaging content.

More from: John Burnham / Samantha Wilson

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2021 Invincible 46 Catamaran

• By Randy Vance
• Updated: March 11, 2021

Invincible Boats continues to gobble up market share like tuna devouring baitfish in the most competitive boat market of all: hardcore fishing boats, particularly serious offshore fishing boats. And it has proceeded to compete with a line that includes both center-consoles and some of the most exciting catamarans to hit the waterways.

Twenty-five years ago, boatbuilders began to bring forth cats, and while some anglers embraced them, most did not.

Why not? Cats get boaters to the fishing grounds through heavy seas in greater comfort, and they let anglers fish on a more stable platform that straddles waves as they move under the boat instead of cresting over them as h monohulls. But some early cats heeled outward in turns, giving the impression the hull might topple over until straight travel was resumed. Many old cats required an inordinate amount of horsepower to make speed but still didn’t attain expected performance. Comically, some “sneezed” as air and water compressed beneath the deck and between the sponsons got forced forward to sweep back over the boat.

Our test 46 Cat was powered with quad Mercury Racing 450R outboards. You might ask, “Why all that horsepower?” The simple answer is: Why not? This 46-foot platform carries crew in comfort and has all the accoutrement of a sport-fishing battlewagon. It would run well on less horsepower—say, quad 300s—but if spending a cool million or more on your boat—why scrimp?

Interior and Accessories

The helm station is wide enough to accept dual Garmin 24-inch displays, and our test boat’s system boasted chirp, side imaging and standard sonar, along with radar and autopilot. The hardtop is bonded to the console, and tempered-glass windshields protect the crew. Acrylic side curtains deflect wind from the speed, preventing lost hats. Despite the massive console, we enjoyed a clear view forward from the cushy chairs with flip-up bolsters.

There are two rows of helm seats, each three seats wide. Behind these is the mezzanine area with an aft-facing bench that conceals a rigging station—fold the back down to reveal three compartments with drawers and tackle boxes. A cooler underneath that bench was equipped with a chill plate to minimize the need for ice. Even more tackle storage resides in cabinets on each side of the lounge.

At the foredeck, two large lounges with contoured cushions, folding armrests with cup holders, and comfortably reclining backs sit atop dual coffin boxes, accessed when one lounge or the other is lifted toward the centerline. Compartment dividers can be removed, turning three compartments per side into one large enough to ice fish.

Most surprising was the spacious compartment inside the console, large enough for comfortably changing clothes. It is also equipped with a head and sink. Easy access to all electronics, batteries, circuit breakers and more can be found inside.

The fishing cockpit has four livewells: Two in the deck at 72 gallons each, and two in the transom at 60 gallons each. Our tester sported a pair of dual tuna tubes, but if the owner opts out of them, the spaces can hold additional seating. There are so many rod holders on the gunwales and transom, you could just about close your eyes and slip a rod butt in one. A dozen rocket launchers in the hardtop and 10 more rod holders in the console’s side tuck through ports in the hardtop.

Considering its size, nimble handling and serious fishability, the Invincible 46 Catamaran is a tough competitor to beat.

These custom-built boats display none of the nasty characteristics mentioned above. In fact, the new 46 Catamaran, when properly trimmed—i.e., the outboard engines inward, and the inboard engines out—heeled sweetly inward in turns as sharp as we cared to make.

Read Next: Our Test of the Mercury Racing 450R Outboards That Powered This Boat

Morrelli and Melvin, famous designers of racing and power cats, drew this boat. Like all Invincible cats, the 46 possesses a hybrid semi-asymmetrical sponson design that is responsible for its comfortable maneuverability. The inside sponson walls are nearly vertical, while outside walls are shaped like a longitudinal cross section of a V-hull. The designers added a double step, and the overall effect is quick acceleration, comfortable turning, and a soft ride that will make you eager to fish—and run hard—in all but the roughest weather.

How We Tested

• Engines: Quad Mercury Racing 450R outboards
• Drive/Prop: Merc Bravo 1 FS 26″ x 15.25″ 4-blade
• Gear Ratio: 1.60:1 (5.44″ HD gear case) Fuel Load: 305 gal. Water on Board: 0 gal. Crew Weight: 800 lb.

High Points

• Overall fit-and-finish of this custom-built boat is clean, sturdy and striking.
• Hawse pipes and inwale-mounted cleats ensure secure mooring that won’t mar the finish.
• In-sole livewells are the most gentle on baits and a staple of tournament anglers.
• Optional jump seats that replace the tuna tubes are too short for long-range comfort
• Transom door is omitted and, in light of gunwale doors, the transom space would be better used for tuna tubes or jump seats.

Toughest Competitor

Competitors are rare for fishing Catamaran’s in the 46-foot LOA range, but Freeman Boat Works makes a beautiful 47 ($1,250,000 with quad Mercury Racing 450s) that boasts comparable handling benefits, and is generously equipped for the hardcore angler.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, efficiency, operation.

Invincible Boats  – Opa-Locka, Florida; 305-685-2704 ;  invincibleboats.com

• More: 2021 , 40-50ft , April 2021 , boat tests , Boats , Center Consoles , Fishing Boats , invincible , outboards

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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.

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The Foiling Press – September 2023 – September was an awesome month! We’ve wrapped up a successful…

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Sea Cat 260 Hybrid: 2021 Boat Buyers Guide

• Updated: December 11, 2020

Sea Cat merged the best of a bay boat and an offshore catamaran, creating the Sea Cat 260 Hybrid.

There is more than 100 years’ combined experience in building high-performance offshore-racing boats under their roof, and they use a lamination schedule formulated by one of the industry’s top naval-engineering firms.

Sea Cat 260 Hybrid

Catamaran hulls come in pairs, but so do other features in the Sea Cat 260 hybrid: two fuel tanks of 60 gallons each, two livewells at 25 gallons per, as well as a pair of Suzuki outboards—up to 600 hp combined—each served by its own fuel tank and battery.

We drove one, and the ride is exemplary. Draft is a shallow 14 inches, ideal for bay fishing while using a bow-mount trolling motor. It planes easily on one of its dual outboards and is happiest in a brisk chop, ably sliding through it, giving the passengers a terrific ride. Then while fishing, it’s as steady as a Falcon 9 landing barge.

It has at least two distinctive skill sets too: fishing inshore or heading offshore. Of survey respondents, 77 percent fished inshore species in the previous year, 54 percent offshore. That’s a substantial overlap.

An aft foldaway seat meets the needs of 44 percent of offshore CC anglers. It’s flanked by a pair of lighted 25-gallon pressurized livewells, enough to please 96 percent of those surveyed. Six gunwale-mounted rod holders match or exceed what 68 percent need.

The massive bow fishing platform tops cavernous storage compartments. In-deck fish boxes in wide passages between helm and gunwale are 7 feet long. One can become a rod locker with an added rack; the other can be divided for more-efficient ice use.

Fishing-friendly options include a fiberglass T-top, custom helm seating housing a custom tackle station, a (third) forward livewell, rod-locker seating with backrest, additional rod holders and T-top rocket launchers, and Llebroc bow cushions and bolsters, for the 40 percent who call it important in a CC fishing boat. Other options include MinnKota factory-installed trolling motor, Wet Sounds speakers, and Garmin or Simrad electronics.

With the twin Suzuki 300 hp motors that Sea Cat recommends, the 260 Hybrid tops out in the mid-60s mph.

Survey Says: On Target

• Massive and flexible storage for fish and gear
• Top-quality hardware, hinges, latches and cleats
• Good fuel efficiency for long range with dual Suzuki outboards
• There is a place for everything, and everything is in its place
• A dream come true for everyone involved
• A unique hybrid

Reader Response

• “Smooth riding in rough waters, roomy for fishing”

Fuel Capacity: 120 gal.

Dry Weight: 4,900 lb. plus power

Max HP: 600

seacatboats.com , (228) 206-4042

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47 Molokai Power Catamaran

Is the Aquila 47 Molokai Power Catamaran a luxury catamaran with serious fishing chops? Or is it a serious fishing catamaran with luxurious appointments and accommodations? That’s for you to decide.

One thing that is certain is that the Aquila 47 Molokai is the first catamaran of its kind. Until now, if you wanted a center console catamaran with the speed, ride and fishability required for overnight runs to the canyons, banks or islands, your sleeping accommodations were going to consist of a beanbag on deck or, at best, an airbed on the console floor.

The Aquila 47 Molokai, though, combines real offshore fishing chops with not only a head and shower but also a spacious, air-conditioned stateroom with a queen-sized island berth. Two entry doors provide easy access, while large overhead and side windows flood the cabin with natural light during the day and let you stargaze from your bed at night.

Powered by twin 600 hp or quad 400 hp Mercury Verado outboards, the Aquila 47 Molokai delivers thrilling performance and a smooth, predictable ride, thanks to her aggressive twin-step hull design and strong, lightweight vacuum-infused construction. Joystick piloting makes close-quarters maneuvering a breeze, while a 1,048-gallon (3,967 Liter) fuel capacity brings any horizon within reach.

Underway, seven protected helm seats in two air-conditioned rows keep your crew safe and comfortable, while state-of-the-art Raymarine electronics, C-Zone digital switching and a custom-tuned Fusion audio system put information and entertainment at your fingertips.

On the fishing grounds, pressurized livewells fed by a Hooker sea chest keep your bait lively, while cavernous fish boxes accommodate the largest fish and longest trips. Electric reel outlets provide power for deep-dropping, and the carbon fiber hardtop is factory reinforced for outriggers and custom towers.

So, where will you go with your Aquila 47 Molokai?

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Featured videos.

Spearfishing with Summer Sawaya

The Fishing Catamaran, Elevated

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Aquila 47 Molokai Power Catamaran | This Cat Can Fish

Beyond the brand: 47 molokai showcased.

BoatTEST: Aquila 47 Molokai Performance

Captain Trip from BoatTest comes aboard the Aquila 47 Molokai to observe everything this power catamaran has to offer including the top engineering, high performance, and luxury all combined in this unique vessel.

Salt Water Sportsman On Board: Aquila 47 Molokai

Discover the ultimate offshore fishing experience with the Aquila 47 Molokai, showcased at the 2023 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Salt Water Sportsman takes you on a journey aboard this high-performance catamaran, highlighting its exceptional capabilities that distinguish it as a top-tier fishing vessel.

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Aquila 70 Luxury

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36’ Offshore

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Find Your Ideal Powercat With Tideline.

BUILT TO ORDER, HIGH PERFORMANCE, FISHING CATAMARANS

Tideline fishing catamarans combine the performance, function, and fishability of the newest, high-end offshore fishing cats on the market today with the classic lines and aesthetics of traditional, custom built, sportfishing boats. The North Carolina coast is home to some of the roughest sea conditions on the planet and as a result, the boat building industry in this area is known for producing some of the toughest, most seaworthy boats in the world.

Though the quality and toughness of Tideline Boats are second to none, it’s the comfort of the ride in less-than-ideal conditions that truly sets Tidelines apart from other boats in their size class. The ride is exceptional, but don’t take our word for it. Experience the difference for yourself!

TIDELINE FISHING CATAMARANS - BUILT TO ORDER

TIDELINE 235 HYBRID

Tideline 365 offshore.

How We Work at Tideline

Explore our models, get in touch.

Reach out via phone, email, or by submitting a contact form on our website.

Customize Your Catamaran

Start fishing, schedule a sea trial, testimonials, our commitment to our customers, quality, and warranty related issues.

As we are located in North Carolina and we sell our boats directly to the customer, and not through dealers, a lot of people wonder how we would a handle warranty claim if one were to arise.  If a customer has a warranty related issue, Tideline and the customer will typically agree upon a 3rd party service provider located in that customer’s area who is capable of doing the work, and then Tideline will cover the cost of the repair. If it’s a significant issue, which we hope never happens but has happened on a couple of occasions, then we’ll bring the boat back to our facility for the repairs.  We do whatever it takes to make sure any issues are handled in such a way that the customer is more than satisfied. You can’t put a dollar amount on your reputation and being a relatively small company as we are, we do whatever it takes to make sure that our reputation is solid and that our customers are happy. In today’s world, one bad internet review can tank business and we operate with that in mind. I think you can talk to any of our existing customers, and they’ll tell you that we truly care about our customers and the products we sell.

– George Stronach, President of Tideline Boats

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St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show, January 18-21, 2024

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50th Annual Stuart Boat Show, January 12-14 2024.

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Available for Order – Tideline 235 Hybrid

As of today, we have decided to take a limited...

The Evolution of High-Performance Catamarans in the Fishing Industry

The world of fishing has seen incredible advancements over the...

A Guide to Catamarans: Exploring the Beauty of Twin-Hull Vessels

Catamarans are a fascinating class of vessels that have captured...

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• Tideline Boats 103 Anchors Way Drive Edenton, NC 27932
• Michael Collins (252) 230-8566
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25' AmeraCat

The 25' AmeraCat is the first ever fully functional single engine catamaran fishing boat. The 25' AmeraCat is now available to the public.

Commercial Catamarans

AmeraCat is an exceptional platform for many types of government, law enforcement, and commercial use. AmeraCat is presently in service with St. Lucie county Sheriff’s Office, Fort Pierce Police Department, Dixie County Sheriff’s office, Sanibel Island Police Department and Ft. Pierce Harbors Pilot’s Association meeting and exceeding their expectations for tactical operation requirements everyday on the water.

27' AmeraCat

AmeraCat took the original 27′ Gen1 power catamaran and changed things up a little. We added higher gunnels, more displacement and added more interior space by increasing the beam to 9′. The 27′ Gen2 is great for any recreational or commercial use and can be fully customized to meet your needs. With great handling from this center console fishing boat, docking the 27′ Gen2 is a breeze.

31' AmeraCat

AmeraCat wanted to design a power catamaran that was in between 27′ and 39′, that is why we created the 31′ AmeraCat center console power catamaran. We feel that for the sport fisherman, this is one of the best offshore fishing power catamarans we offer. Great for Charter Boat Captains as well as the everyday fisherman.

AmeraCat Custom Catamarans

If you are ready to demo one of our Commercial or Recreational Offshore Fishing Catamarans, click the link below or call us directly at (772)359-3641.

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Recreational Catamarans

AmeraCat Power Catamarans

AmeraCat offers a variety of Center Console Fishing Catamarans, ranging from our 25' AmeraCat Hybrid to our 39' AmeraCat. All of our models are made with NO WOOD, rather with high density foam and hand laid construction. All of our offshore fishing catamarans are custom built to your specifications and you always deal with an owner of the company, not a salesman. Click below for more information.

Commercial Power Catamarans By AmeraCat

AmeraCat is an exceptional platform for many types of Government, Law Enforcement, Towing vessel and any Commercial use. AmeraCat is presently in service with St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office, Fort Pierce Police Department, Dixie County Sheriff's office, Sanibel Island Police Department and Ft. Pierce Harbors Pilot's Association meeting and exceeding their expectations for tactical operation requirements everyday on the water.

Build-A-Boat

Build Your Own Custom Catamaran With AmeraCat

Choose all of your upgrades and choose all of your own unique specifications for your new AmeraCat Fishing Boat. We have many different options to add to your new Power Catamaran. Add features like additional rod holders, outriggers, down riggers, dive platforms, bolster cushions, or any of our custom upgrades. We want you to build your offshore fishing catamaran just the way you want it. Click the link to create your custom catamaran.

Options/Accessories

Options To Fit every Need

When it comes to creating your custom offshore Fishing Catamaran, it is important to have all of the accessories you need. Whether creating an offshore fishing machine, dive boat or just your regular offshore cruising boat we have all of the custom options you could need. We design everything unique to your own specifications. We want you to be able to have your boat just the way you want it. We have below a few options for you to view. Be sure to add any custom options in the Build-A-Boat form when you are ready to design your AmeraCat.

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33′ Catamaran

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

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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.

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NEW MODEL - The perfect family boat is here. Doesn’t matter if you like pulling up to sandbar parties, cruising around a lake, or nosing up on an island, the Island Hopper will provide everyone with a fun time on the water.

NEW MODEL - This shallow draft Bay Boat will get you everywhere you want to go. With an in-class leading amount of deck space, there is more than enough room to carry duck decoys, beach bags, and comfortably enjoy the water with your whole crew.

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A popular model throughout the Southeast, these smooth-riding catamarans are equally capable of taking the family for a joy ride or cutting through some chop in the ICW.

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Available with single or twin motors, the 25SF can make getting offshore a breeze. A spacious boat that is easy to maneuver and capable of going anywhere on the water.

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This catamaran can be customized for any boater. If you prefer a sunset cruise in the river, or you want to spend all day bringing in Wahoo, this cat can be customized for whatever you desire.

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Used by fishermen and fire departments in the Southeast, our 32’ catamaran gives you plenty of space for all your charter guests.

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Our largest boat gives you the size and range for any type of fishing, anywhere you want to go. Customize this with an upper station and a huge coffin box.

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Performance Center Console Boats: Adventure In Every Model

Conquer the water with the 210CC – the flat model that packs a punch! With this vessel you can have the extreme fishing capabilities you've been looking for without sacrificing the comfortable cruising you're whole family can enjoy. Customize your 210CC today!

Keep it classic with this fan favorite! For years, our 320CC is designed to exceed expectations time and time again. This compelling classic remains the on-the-water champion, ready for your next adventure. Customize your 320CC today!

When deepwater capabilities are needed, the 260CC goes above and beyond! From cruising adventures with the whole family to solo on-the-water hobbies, this vessel runs the show. Plus, with Carrera's signature customization capabilities and best fiberglass boats, you can curate the ideal 260CC vessel.

Our family purchased the new custom 32 Carerra center console from Al at Carerra power boats at the factory.. I have to say the attention to detail is one of a kind and really hard to find. Both Al and his shop manager Anthony are one of a kind. They sat down with us and added some great options for us that we needed and the job was completed very fast even during this pandemic were in now. The boat is a one off custom build that Al and Anthony really put their hearts into. Every time I call them , no matter the day or time to walk me through all the options on the boat they answer and help me out no questions asked. This is definitely not the Carerra I remember. I had the older version from the previous owners and let me tell you, these guys really stepped it up. These guys are also doing full service on all boats at their shop and if you need service done make sure to give them a shout, because like I said the attention to detail is one of a kind and you won’t be disappointed. Thanks Al and Anthony we’re loving our forever boat.

I was looking around for weeks to get some fiberglass and gel coat repairs on my boat. Every single person either didn’t show to the estimate or would never show for the job. I called Carrera powerboats which was recommended by my Mechanic K&J. From the moment I called, the level of professionalism was completely different. They came the following day to give me the estimate, explained thoroughly what they were going to do and gave me a timeline of when it would be done. Anthony at Carrera, the day before called me to confirm and she was off to getting fixed. Anthony kept me updated, sent me pictures and stuck to his word and time line. I thought the marine industry didn’t have people like the ones at Carrera boats that were professional, punctual and actually do the work. I had several dings and repairs needed and it was flawless work. You could not tell the difference of what was repaired and what was original. Spend the extra money and have professionals do the job. They will not disappoint. Anthony and Al, thank you for being professionals, punctual and provide a great service.

Took my boat for a full restoration to Carrera. They were extremely professional and quick with all of their work. They kept me updated through every step of the process. The team did a great job on all of the boat and went above and beyond in every way possible.

I brought my boat to Carrera for service and for some repairs as well. Al and his staff were extremely professional and very thorough throughout the entire process. They provided me with a very detailed estimate prior to working on my boat so there were no surprises. Their work is of very high quality especially with the fiberglass and they also have an impeccable finish. I'm extremely satisfied with Carrera and will continue to bring my boat to them for any service and/or repairs needed. I highly recommend them!

Great crew of guys, I was there purchasing my Carrera flat cat boat witch I was highly impressed with it, and there Service manager was so patient on spending 2 hrs with me to run thru the boat and showing me all the function the boat had. The owner Al walk me they the buying process with out any pressure and made me comfortable on the purchase of the new boat, these guys are class A guys with no pressure and gave me all the option and very reasonable on there prices. Know I’m eating for there new build on the catamaran boat, professional, quality boats they have. If anyone is looking on a purchase of a boat I’ll Highly recommend them.

Took my boat to Carrera Powerboats after a really bad accident on US1 in the keys. I can't say enough about the great job they did to fix my boat and not only fix it but do it in a very professional way. I was very happy with how my boat turned out as it looks like if nothing ever happened. Thank you guys for and amazing job. And Thanks to my buddy Anthony for bringing my boat back to life.

Great place, I was looking for a place to do some repairs on my boat, found the right one!!

Carrera Powerboats has truly earned my business. I finally found a shop for all my boating needs & will not take my boat to anybody else. If you are like me you’ve been to other dealers and mechanics and got nothing but headaches. I was that way too until I meet Anthony the manager at Carrera which was very professional & knowledgeable along with meeting the owner Al which was a pleasure to meet. You want a one stop shop that doesn’t cut corners and gets it done right this is the place. Carrera Powerboats has earned a customer for life thank you gentlemen.

Recently had my 1996 22ft classic Mako worked on by the team at Carrera. The workmanship that was completed by team is impressive, I could not be any happier with the finished product. Anthony provides updates frequently and is extremely professional. The staff that worked on the boat treated it like if was their own. I shopped around and had various shops mention they can redo my transom, fix a crack on my keel and refit my console only to be placed on a wait list, then never communicate to again, avoid calls or ever start the work. Carrera was more than willing and made the process effortless including have the boat picked up and delivered.

I have to say these guys take care of business! Very reliable! I trust them here whole heartedly which is hard to come by. These guys do full service on all boats at their shop, if you need any service done make sure to give them a call! The attention to detail is right on point and you won’t be disappointed.

The Carrera Team did a fantastic job on my boat. From the beginning to the end of the service, both Al and Anthony made sure all my Boat’s needs were taken care of. They were professional and friendly. They made sure my Boat was in tip top shape and preformed to its potential. There were many things that needed to get done and they provided me with great service and price, They put my boat first. I know I probably called and harassed Anthony everyday with questions, but he helped me all the way! I know for a fact when I am ready for an upgrade the Carrera Team will help me build the boat I am looking for. They know what they are doing and you can be sure your boat is in great hands when you take it there. Thank you again Al, Anthony and your team.

Exceptional customer service and attention to detail from beginning to end during the build-out process and customized modifications of my boat! Al and his dedicated team exceeded all my expectations. Top quality work and service indeed! I highly recommend!!

Contacted Carrera for a quick polish and detail of my boat, they were able to remove the deep scratches quickly and on the same day. Professional, Friendly and Courteous. Will highly recommend for both new sales and maintenance...Thanks again

Great place to take your boat! The guys at Carrera went above and beyond with my boat repairs and were able to finish it right on time for lobster season.

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At Howard Custom Boats we know that the difference between our product and the competitions, is the care and concern we put into every facet of our building process.

With over 50 years of experience we promise only the best in quality and design. We are excited that you’ve come to Howard Custom Boats and hope you find the quality and design perfection that you’re seeking.

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Our in house design keeps Howard Custom Boats out performing the competition, year after year. Our speed, control, and overall driveability bring a brand new feel to skipping across the water.

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With our 200 mph plus record setting runs in the Blown Fuel Hydro Class in 1974, to our award winning 122 mph 28 Bullet, officially the fastest single engine V-bottom ever tested to our family friendly performance  cats and deckboats. We have what you are looking for.

One of the few remaining true custom boat builders, Howard Custom Boats maintains and operates its entire facility (design, tooling, laminating and rigging shops) under one roof.

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Quality and performance…Two words synonymous with Howard Custom Boats since 1959. From the beginning, Howard Custom Boats has known what it takes to get the job done right. Drawing from over 49 years of custom boat building experience, today’s current full line of Howard Custom Boats, ranging in size from 25’ thru 36’(including our all new 288 Sport Deck), represents the finest in high performance boating-whether skiing , racing, offshore or pleasure. One of the few remaining true custom boat builders, Howard Custom Boats maintains and operates its entire facility (design, tooling, laminating and rigging shops) under one roof and all of our workers are full time employees and not piece workers. This enables us to insure that only the finest in quality, materials and labor go into every new Howard Custom Boat. We are one of the only manufactures that takes the extra step of running our designs(plugs) before we build a mold and put it in production. This extra costly step allows us to make subtle changes to the design that make our boats stand out from the crowd when it comes to performance. Just read our boat tests on any model and you can see that Howard Boats perform. We rely more on word of mouth and not advertising to sell our boats so making sure our boats are the best in their class is a must. We invite you to visit our 25,000 sq. ft. Valencia facility and see for yourself why we take the extra steps necessary to build your new Howard Custom Boat the only way we know….THE RIGHT WAY!.