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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

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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.

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

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• Boat Reviews

Insetta 45 Diesel Review

• By Jim Hendricks
• Updated: June 29, 2015

As we blasted along Georgia’s St. Marys River in the pre-dawn darkness, I couldn’t really see much of Insetta’s new 45 , but I could certainly feel the raw power of the twin Yanmar diesels and the precise handling of the stepped catamaran hull.

This was the beginning of an early-April trip aboard the 47-footer in pursuit of wahoo — an adventure that would take us to the edge of the Gulf Stream, more than 75 miles off the south Georgia coast.

“We want to get out there early, because this afternoon a front is forecast to come through with 25-knot winds out of the northeast and seas to 10 feet,” said Bryan Folsom, vice president and design engineer for Georgia-based American Marine Design (AMD), which builds Insetta boats.

Also joining the trip were Insetta sales manager Jeffrey Spangler and fishing buddy Eddie Vanmeter, a master chief with 27 years in the U.S. Navy submariner corps. Vanmeter knows the waters off this coast as well as anyone. After clearing the mouth of the river around 5 a.m., Spangler and Vanmeter settled into beanbags in the aft cockpit for the long run, while Folsom and I took positions on the helm deck, which featured three-across seating with ­individual flip-up bolsters, allowing each seat to serve as a leaning post.

Efficient Cruising

Seas off the coast ran 3 to 4 feet out of the ­southeast. We found a comfortable and safe nighttime cruising speed of 26 mph with the 370 hp sterndrive diesels turning 2,700 rpm with Mercury Bravo Three 26-inch stainless-steel prop sets. A combined burn rate of 17 gallons per hour resulted in 1.53 mpg — impressive efficiency for a fully fueled and loaded 47-foot boat weighing in at approximately 19,000 pounds.

We relied on the twin flush-mounted Garmin 8215 multifunction displays to monitor our course on the chart plotter and to track vessel traffic via the Garmin xHD 4 kw open-array radar. The SeaStar Solutions Optimus electronic power steering and Garmin autopilot eased the task of manning the wheel.

With a full polycarbonate enclosure, extending from the deck to the welded aluminum hardtop, squelching wind noise and the relatively quiet diesels generating just 88 decibels at the helm, it was easy to converse with Folsom about Insetta Boatworks. Insetta’s parent company was founded by Victor Insetta, a successful electrical engineer and inventor with a passion for offshore racing and fishing, Folsom explained. After selling a ­multimillion-dollar electronic-­component company in 2007, Insetta decided to build a boat that combined the qualities of stepped, tunnel-hull racing designs with the features of serious fishing machines.

“The result was the Insetta 45,” said Folsom, who has been with the company since 2010. “We took a go-fast hull design and added features to make it more offshore capable. We widened the sponsons and added freeboard, but kept the sea-taming ride of a racing‑style catamaran hull.”

A pair of steps along each sponson usher a cushion of air to the running surface to boost efficiency. I found that the 45 answers the helm smartly, but corners relatively flat with just a hint of inward lean. I found no tendency for the hull to catch an edge or lean ­outward during lateral acceleration.

Structural Integrity

The Insetta 45 also reflects the ­super-strong construction of a racing hull, Folsom points out. “Each and every molded part is created using the vacuum-infused process,” he said. “We also use high-quality vinylester resin and closed-cell PVC foam core for strength without excessive weight.”

Full-beam bulkheads span from chine to chine and keel to gunwale in each sponson, and then the one-piece deck is fully bonded to the bulkheads with a shoebox fit, turning the hull and deck into a super-strong singular ­structure, explains Folsom.

AMD custom-builds each Insetta 45 to a buyer’s specifications with a variety of power choices, including twin and quadruple outboards. For 2015, you can order twin diesel sterndrives, a power choice that increases fuel economy and makes the Insetta 45 ideal for the specialized technique of high-speed trolling for wahoo, as I was soon to learn.

About 8 a.m., we found the ­deep-blue 72-degree water that indicated we had finally reached the inner edge of the Gulf Stream. Here the seas grew large and steep, peaking at 6 feet.Folsom pulled back the throttles to 1,500 rpm and about 10 mph and put the 45 on a down-sea course to allow the crew to set up for trolling. I noted that the Insetta 45 Diesel handled perfectly while running downhill, with no ­tendency to bow steer.

Spacious and Stable

In the light of day, I could also check features such as the twin 29-gallon livewells within the rigging station abaft the helm seats. Two wells let you separate delicate baits such as pilchards from hardier species like goggle-eyes. The setup also allows a remarkable amount of space for stowing tackle and other gear in cabinets and drawers below.Measuring 9 feet 4 inches wide and 7 feet 6 inches long, the cockpit and 2-foot-4-inch-high gunwales offer a spacious and stable area to rig lines, while padded coaming bolsters protect your knees and thighs from bruises.

As the 80-wide reels on four bent‑butt rods paid out line for high-speed trolling, Folsom advanced the throttles to 2,250 rpm and 17 mph, where the 45 burned 13 gph for 1.3 mpg.The 45 actually planed at this speed and rode flat, a characteristic you won’t find in most outboard-powered boats at this speed, which tend to run bow-high off plane and burn excessive amounts of fuel while high-speed trolling.

Handling proved superb no matter what course we took. I was particularly curious to see if the cat sneezed spray forward from the tunnel (which blows back into the boat) while heading up-sea, but am pleased to report the 45 does not display a hint of this quirk.

’Hoos on First

Within 15 minutes, a wahoo attacked the port line. Vanmeter was now at the wheel and slowed the 45 to about 10 mph as Folsom fought the fish. Rather than gaff the ’hoo, Spangler grabbed the leader and pulled the fish across the full-width swim platform, through the central transom door and onto the deck.

Spangler iced the wahoo in one of four cavernous fish boxes that flank the forward deck, and Folsom slid the clear acrylic transom door back in place. As we used the raw-water washdown coil hose to clean up the diamond nonskid deck, I noted the unique drainage system on the Insetta. Gutters on both sides of the level deck direct water to the aft scuppers, with poly grates over the channels to keep you from turning an ankle while traversing the walkways, which measure 20 inches wide aside the console.

Action slowed after the initial flurry, giving me a chance to explore more of the boat. Forward of the console, I found an expansive lounger with an angled backrest. A roomy locker for stowing gear resides below. Inside the console cabin (accessible via a companionway on the starboard side) I discovered a 6½-foot berth; at 4 feet 9 inches wide, it can sleep two.With 5 feet 4 inches of headroom and a hatch above for fresh air, the cabin also includes a permanent marine head and vanity with a sink and freshwater faucet. An air-conditioning system for the console interior derives power from an Onan 5 kw diesel generator.

We trolled about 5 miles into the Gulf Stream to a ledge that drops from 170 to 200 feet, but could not seem to fool another wahoo the rest of the morning. Around noon, the dreaded front moved in, with seas building to 7 feet in the Stream, prompting Folsom to order lines out for the run home. Once we cleared the confused seas of the Gulf Stream, we picked up the speed to 3,500 rpm and 38 mph, where the twin diesels burned 25 gph for 1.5 mpg. That speed also cut our running time home to just two and a half hours.

Back inside the St. Marys River, we gathered performance data while running the boat up- and down-current and averaging the numbers. The 45 vaulted to plane in 7.5 seconds and reached 30 mph in 12 seconds en route to a top speed of 44.2 mph at 3,950 rpm, where the twin diesels burned 36 gph for 1.23 mpg.

The best fuel economy came at 3,000 rpm and 32.5 mph with a burn rate of 20.5 gph for 1.58 mpg, representing outstanding efficiency and a maximum cruising range of more than 1,000 miles based on the 660-gallon fuel tank.

While fishing was slow, the uniquely designed Insetta 45 Diesel allowed us to run to the distant edge of the Gulf Stream on a rough day when few other boats dared to venture so far. Plus, it did so with outstanding comfort, stability and efficiency. Among all the center-console cats on the market today, this one is a breed apart.

Performance

POWER Twin Yanmar ZT370 diesel sterndrives

LOAD 100 gal. fuel, 60 gal. water, four crew

TOP SPEED 44.2 mph @ 3,950 rpm

TIME TO 30 MPH 12 sec.

BEST MPG 1.58 @ 32.5 mph (3,000 rpm)

BEAM 11 ft. 8 in.

DEADRISE NA

WEIGHT Approx. 19,000 lb. (ready to fish)

DRAFT 2 ft. 5 in. (motor up)

FUEL 660 gal.

MAX POWER 1,400 hp

PRICE AS TESTED $599,000

Insetta Boatworks

St. Marys, Georgia

912-882-5420

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36 Sport Power Catamaran

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

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

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

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

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Plenty of Liveaboard Space

Aquila 36 Sport VIDEO – FEATURING Hydro Glide Foil System™

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

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Specifications

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Now Available as a Cruiser

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

Fishing and Diving Version

Hydro Glide Foil System

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BoatTEST – Featuring Hydro Glide Foil System™

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A word about power catamarans.

O ur POWER CATAMARANS are hard to beat for speed with comfort. In a rough water chop, the air-cushion between the hulls really smooths out the ride. These boats carry heavier loads than other boats and are very stable, making them ideal family boats for fishing, skiing, or cruising. They turn flat with virtually no banking, and will handle more power than other boats in the same length. For ultimate performance, twin motors are recommended. The cockpit offers exceptional space that you must see to believe. All of our cats are extremely strong and designed for rugged use. Take a close look at the photos and drawings. These are truly unique boats; once you have one you will use it as a standard for ride and room that most other boats will not measure up to.

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Who Makes The Best Power Catamaran?

By Robert Bowman | Posted On Sep 15, 2022 Updated On May 03, 2023

The story of the evolution of the power catamaran can be broken down to a simple act of marital duty. it was the 1940's and Ray Leger loved to fish off of the California coast with his wife Evelyn. Ray had been a carpenter and capitalized on the booming Southern California housing market after World War 2, later using his skills and equipment to construct fishing boats. Evelyn would routinely suffer from seasickness, a problem that Ray needed to solve in order to keep fishing. Knowing that a catamaran offered greater stability, Ray set out to build one with outboard motors. The first one, an 18-foot cabin cruiser, was outfitted with twin 33hp outboards. By the 1960's, construction had moved to fiberglass hulls and the popularity quickly soared.

Today, power catamarans are among the fastest growing segments in the marine industry, as are sailing catamarans . A recent report shows that the global catamaran market as a whole is worth over $4 billion and has an annual growth rate of over 6%. That's nearly double what the average CAGR (compound annual growth rate) is for the boating industry in total.

The transition to power cats really came from charter customers in the Caribbean that would vacation on sailing cats in the BVI's for weeks at a time. The catamarans offered greater stability, but also an incredible amount of space on board thanks to the wider beams. But people on vacation enjoying the trip would end up using the small engines most of the time as sailing comes with a certain amount of effort. Now it's common to see power catmarans in charter in the Caribbean, as well as privately owned boats behind someone's house.

As more boaters get exposed to the benefits of power catamarans, the number of builders has grown as well. Power cat brands like Aquila Boats , as an example, weren't around in the early 2000's, but are now a common boat to see all over Florida or the Northeast. Prestige Yachts also just released their very first power cat into the market, the M48. Trying to claim that one power catamaran builder is the "best" among all of the others is a tough decision as there are many factors. If judged by number of units sold over the last 10 years, then Leopard is the best power catamaran builder in the industry. Looking at boats sold globally in the MLS over the last decade, Leopard Catamarans sold 40% more vessels than the second leading power cat builder, Fountain Pajot . Other notable power cat brands that led in overall sales were Endeavor, Lagoon, and Aquila.

(Below: On the extreme luxury power catamaran market, the Sunreef 80 is among the best.)

Video by: @NautiStyles

While the number of boats sold into the marketplace is a sign of strength in a builder, it also may not necessarily equate to 'being the best power catamaran' in terms of quality. Like with monohulls, there are varying degrees of both quality and price when it comes to the subsects of the power cat industry. Both Sunreef and Horizon Yachts have expanded into large luxury power cats that, even when more than 10 years old, can still command more than $2 million as an asking price.

One way to tell if the catamaran you're buying is well-recognized for its quality is to look at some of the recent award winners. Many of the editors of multi-hull focused magazines are experts in this category and have real-life experiences on dozens of different models. Here are a few notable ones:

• Fountaine Pajot MY4.S won the 2022 Multi-Hull of the Year Award for its category (36.1' and reaches 22 knots!)
• The Aquila 54 won 2021 Multi-hull of the Year 
• The Leopard 53 Power Cat won 2020 Multi-Hull of the Year
• The Lagoon 55 won the 2021 British Yachting Awards

(Below: The new Fountaine Pajot MY4.S offers a new 'sport top' style for the longtime catamaran builder.)

Whether you're purchasing a new or pre-owned power catamaran, its resale value is of the utmost importance. Nothing can stifle your enthusiasm when you are trying to sell your existing yacht only to have it sit on the market for a long time while diminishing in value. If this is of concern to you, the best advice is to stick with the more mainstream, reputable catamaran builders. Boats with odd layouts, underpowered engines, outlandish decor, and other out-of-the-norm equipment can cause your boat to sit on the market longer than anticipated.

The market demand has also improved in recent years. Over the last decade, power catamarans took roughly 330 days to sell. Almost a full year! Since 2020, however, that amount of time has decreased by 19%. Among the builders that sold within 100 days of hitting the market, Aquila, Endeavor, Fountaine Pajot, Leopard, and Robertson & Caine were prominent. 

(Below: The Aquila 54 Power Catamaran has a tri-deck design with a beam of over 25-feet.)

At United Yacht Sales, we have over 250 experienced yacht brokers worldwide. Many have years of real hands-on experience with power catamarans, sailing cats, sailboats, and other similar vessels. We can assist you in the sale of your current yacht, or represent you in the purchase of a new one. Call us today at 1-772-463-3131 and we will connect you with the right sales professional that perfectly sits your needs and situation.

Also Read: Are Power Catamarans Good In Rough Water?

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Learn About Our Models

Find the right aspen model to suit your boating needs.

Once we hit upon the combination of performance and efficiency with our proa hull design, we thought about ways to make the most of its numerous benefits to appeal to a wide range of boat buyers. What’s the best way to do that? Create a variety of models that offer the long list of choices boaters want to see. Our model range presents boaters and cruisers with a selection of boats ranging from engine types, to deck configuration, even trailerable and flybridge models. Have a look at our range of models and give some consideration to the way the boat will be used most often, then explore the choices based on those priorities.

Here’s our full range of models

Aspen L90 LX

Figure out which engine type is the best choice.

Engine choice is key with Aspen Power Catamarans, and that’s because we treat engine specification and install differently than any other boatbuilder? That’s because our asymmetrical hull design allows for power choices that would be considered unbalanced on pretty much any boat, be it monohull or catamaran, that uses more common design.

Diesel Engines Offer Singular Robust Efficiency

Diesel engines have long been chosen for their excellent power and efficiency, as well as robust construction for long-term service. With the proa hull design, our inboard-powered boats only require a single engine, positioned in the larger, starboard hull.

Outboard Power Takes It to the Next Level

Many boaters like the familiarity of a boat powered by outboards, which offer responsive power and clean, quiet four-stroke operation. Our design allows for a different configuration than most have seen before, making the most of our asymmetrical design while requiring less horsepower—and less engine weight.

The Advantages of an Inboard Engine on a Cruising Boat

When an Aspen Power Catamaran is configured with an inboard engine, a few different benefits come into play, all at once. Because of the proa design, only a single engine is required, in the larger, starboard hull. This reduces the need for another engine obviously, saving the weight of the engine, the weight of robust construction needed in a properly designed engine bed, the weight of the additional fuel capacity, including the fuel, and more.

Outboard Advantages Continue to Grow

An Aspen Power Catamaran equipped with outboard motors is, for many boaters, the ultimate confluence of a great many advances in design. Outboard motors harken back to the earliest memories of power boating for many, yet their new versions are far more powerful, efficient, quiet, and, in a word better than what came before. It’s no wonder they match the Aspen proa hull design so well.

Choose the Best Configuration

As boaters gain more and more experience, they’re able to make decisions based on how they really use their boats, rather than just how they wish they used them. Decisions regarding deck space and layout, amenities such as heads and galleys, accommodations, helm position, and more all are worth careful consideration.

Flybridge Models Provide Cruisers with All-Around Views

If you think you’ll cruise long distances and would benefit from a raised vantage point for navigation, then the flybridge models may be a good choice for you. The flybridge is especially appealing in good conditions and offers additional seating, doubling as another gathering spot for friends and family.

Express Cruisers Offer Cruising Comfort

An express layout puts everything a cruising couple or family needs within easy reach. Line-handling duties are shared, as is time aboard. Plus cruisers don’t have to worry about air draft and other concerns that cruisers in other configurations must take into account.

Center Consoles Get Friends and Family Together

Center consoles hold appeal to certain boaters, and for good reason: All that open space, for one thing. Also, they’re easy to care for and enjoy, if they’re designed and built properly. For many boaters a center console design delivers everything they need, and nothing they don’t.

The Way Boaters Use Their Boats Is the Key to Finding the Right One

Anyone that’s serious about buying a boat should think about the ways they will really use it. Consider the amount of time available to spend on the yacht, and also the friends and family who will be invited along. Trying to adapt a boat built specifically for one purpose to another can be done, but it’s easier and more fulfilling to buy the proper boat.

Coastal Cruisers Will Find an Aspen to Be the Best Choice

With a stable, seaworthy hull ready to take on a wide range of sea conditions, Aspen Power Catamrans can keep a coastal cruising couple or family right on schedule and in comfort, while the efficiency of the proa hull design and diesel or outboard engine configurations keep the cruise on time and within the budget.

Small Catamarans Compare Very Positively with Monohulls of Similar Size

Anyone who has opened their mind to the idea of a multihull power boat should give thoughtful consideration to the groundbreaking Aspen Power Catamaran with its asymmetrical proa design. The advantages for cruisers, and indeed, boaters of every stripe, are numerous and compelling. From deck space to stability, efficiency to seakeeping to performance, small catamaran boats have many attributes to offer.

Fishing Is a Natural Use for the Aspen Power Catamaran

Anglers are a very focused type of boat owner and many of the traits that Aspens bring to the fishing grounds make them the obvious choice. Deck space is just a start. A platform that is stable and offers predictable movement is better for any kind of fishing whether drift fishing, anchoring, or trolling. And speaking of trolling, Aspen’s proa hull saves fuel as it runs at optimal speed to keep the spread in the strike zone.

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The game hasn’t just changed, it’s been revolutionized.

With the introduction of the 46’ Catamaran in 2020, it raised the cat segment to a whole new level. Now we’ve upped the stakes again by unveiling the first-ever production pilothouse catamaran. Offering the same range, performance and 360-degree fishability of the center console 46’ Catamaran, but equipped with the sleeping space and comfort of a comparably-sized sportfish. Introducing the 46’ Pilothouse: the new pinnacle of innovation

Specifications

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

1,000 GALLONS

3,785 LITRES

Maximum Horsepower

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

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Highlighted features.

• Enclosed Pilothouse
• 360-Degree Fishability
• Patented Catamaran Hull Design

STANDARD FEATURES

• Air Conditioning
• Finished Bilge
• Above and Below Deck Livewells
• AGM Sealed Batteries
• Built-In Anchor Locker
• Under Gunnel Lighting
• High-Speed Pickup for Livewell Seachest
• Interior Console Lighting
• 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

• Quadruple 400 Mercury Verado
• Quadruple 425 Yamaha XTO
• Quadruple 450R Mercury Racing (5.44”)

CUSTOM TOP OPTIONS

• Pilothouse Hardtop
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• Rear Entry Tower w/ Dual Station
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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
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• Large Livewell Seachest 6 pumps
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• Above Deck Livewell Connections (each)
• Clear Plexiglass Lid for Livewell (Floor Well)
• Under Gunnel Rod Racks (each)
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• Electric Reel Outlets (each)
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• Built-in Tuna Tube Upgrade (each)
• In Floor Livewell – 70 gallons (each)

SEATING OPTIONS

• 4 Helm Chairs & Small Rear U-Shape
• 2 Helm Chairs & Large Rear U-Shape
• ShoXS Pedestals (per helm chair)
• U-Shape Table (requires large U-Shape)
• Cockpit Rear Mezzanine Seat
• Cockpit Rear Prep Station
• Leaning Post Chill Plate
• Front Fold-Out Storage Lockers
• Rear Fold-Out Jump Seats

ENHANCEMENT AND CONVENIENCE

• Fancy Rigid Rubrail with Stainless Insert
• Hull Side Dive Door w/ Ladder
• 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)
• PC1800 Battery System Upgrade
• 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

COVER AND SHADE OPTIONS

• Forward Bahama Shade
• Aft Bahama Shade
• Motor Cover (each)
• Second Station Box Cover

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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.

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Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

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