If you’re into offshore fishing or water sports, the Power Catamaran or “multi-hull powerboat” offers you a great option for your first vessel. These powerboats provide you an excellent combination of performance, stability, and maneuverability.
These boats have a catamaran design, relying on two hulls to float the vessel instead of the typical deep-V hull found on other powerboat models. The multi-hull powerboat is ideal for cruising, and you can set it up for fishing or watersports as well.
With the multi-hull powerboat, you get options for multiple fishing stations over each hull without disrupting the boat’s balance on the water. They are ideal for use in lakes and estuaries, and they excel on the open ocean.
These boats come in lengths ranging from 16 to 30-feet, with plenty of customizable options and accessories. Typically, you get a stern-drive or outboard motor configuration, with center consoles for the driver and loads of storage space onboard.
These boats can carry from six to eight passengers easily, and most models will fit on trailers. This post gives you all the information you need on selecting the right multi-hull powerboat to suit your aquatic needs.
The multi-hull powerboat features a catamaran design, with two hulls running down the boat’s length, featuring a gap between the two. This configuration makes the boat exceptionally stable at higher speeds, allowing fast movement through choppy water inshore or offshore.
The catamaran might seem like a niche boat design. However, it offers you several advantages on the water, such as a smooth ride, stability, and economy. These boats come in a wide range of designs and lengths, with the smallest versions measuring around 12-feet, and the largest extending up to 70-feet or longer.
The longer vessels come with liveaboard facilities and all the amenities you need to spend days out on the water. We like to think of the multi-hull powerboat as the catamaran design of the cabin cruiser or cuddy cabin boat. You get all the same advantages as these models but with an added performance on the water.
You get plenty of options for live wells, rod holders, gear storage, and integrated coolers for drinks and fish. Whether you’re planning a weekend trip or just going out for the day, the multi-hull powerboat is a great choice for your ocean-going excursion.
While the catamaran model is the most popular choice in this category, there are models featuring a tri-hull design. Typically, these vessels cater more towards fishing than performance or watersports, offering slightly less steering maneuverability than the dual hull setup. However, the addition of the third hull brings superior stability to the boat, making them ideal for fishing in choppy water or cruising from island to island on rougher seas.
The ripple hull models typically feature more liveaboard space, with some models having multiple separate living areas beneath the deck.
The Multi-hull powerboat offers you plenty of advantages for fishing, cruising, and watersports. Here are our top reasons for adding this boat to your shortlist of considerations.
The multi-hull boat relies on two separate hulls contacting the water. As a result, there is less drag from the hull when cutting through the water. You get faster speeds than you do with a mono-hull design and excellent handling with tight turning circles. These boats do well on open water, allowing for superior stability in rough waters when fishing offshore.
The multi-hull powerboat features dynamic cruising capability. These boats are most popular with recreational users that want to cruise down the coastline on the weekend or take a few days out on the water for a fishing trip. The built-in accommodations in many designs make it suitable for staying out on the water overnight.
Multi-hull powerboats can come with several engine configurations. The motors on these boats offer excellent performance, propelling the watercraft up to speeds of 50 to 80-mph, depending on the model. They also make suitable watersports boats, allowing for skiing and wakeboarding.
The multi-hull boat offers you more storage capability than mono-hull models. You get loads of storage room above and below deck for your dive gear or fishing equipment. There is under-seat storage, and the v-berths in the bow of these models can include plenty of amenities.
The center console driver configuration is common with the multi-hull performance boat. This driver position gives you more control over the vessel when turning. Some consoles may position closer to the bow or aft of the boat, depending on the length and design features of the boat.
Most multi-hull powerboats come equipped for long ocean-going trips. As a result, they may have a covered driver cockpit leading to below deck accommodations or storage facilities. Some models have wraparound cockpits with doors sealing the cabin, allowing for air conditioning inside the boat on hot days. Other models come with an open plan design and a hard roof.
Most models of multi-hull power bats range from 16 to 24-feet, but there are plenty of longer models. The shorter lengths are easy to trailer, allowing for easy removal for the water and transportation. However, some models may be wider than 10-feet, requiring a special license to operate the loaded trailer. Check with your local authorities for trailer regulations and laws.
These boats are excellent fishing vessels, offering you plenty of stability for casting on any side of the boat. The center console design means you have walkways on either side of the console, allowing the angler to chase the fish around the boat if it decides to drag the line. Most models also feature setups for watersports like wakeboarding, with T-tower bars or Bimini tops for higher tow points.
The multi-hull powerboat comes with a design for performance out on the water. As a result, these boats usually feature outboard motors with capacities ranging from 150-HP to 450-HP. Some models may use dual-motor setups or stern-mounted motors that hide out of sight.
As mentioned, the multi-hull boat comes in a variety of lengths to suit your requirements. Whether you need a large boat for spending days out on the water or a simple day fishing vessel, there’s a multi-hull design to suit your requirements.
While the multi-hull powerboat is a flexible design suited for cruising, fishing, or water sports, it does come with a few drawbacks.
These boats feature design and construction for speed, with large outboard motors. As a result, they are somewhat heavy on fuel, especially with a large-capacity dual-motor setup.
You have plenty of choices when selecting your multi-hull powerboat. Here are some of our top picks for the best models available.
This multi-hull powerboat has a 51-foot length, and it’s ideal for offshore use, providing exceptional stability thanks to the size and the 17-foot beam. It’s one of the largest models available, featuring world-class multi-hull design.
You get a spacious deck with a center console configuration and enough room to walk down either side of the boat when fishing. The dual hull provides exceptional stability combined with the long length, and you get options for diesel-powered or gasoline engines in outboard or in-stern setup to suit your requirements.
The Calcutta brand custom-builds boats for its clients. You get options for fully enclosed bow areas and fishing-style cabins with a roomy helm deck and a sleeping berth included in the bow. You also have an enclosed head for ablutions, but there is no option for a shower.
This model comes with an enclosed cockpit and air conditioning to keep you cool when cruising. The motors on this boat are monsters, featuring a twin setup of 550-HP Cummins diesel inboards available on the sports version for superior power and speed on the water while maintaining the boat’s maneuverability.
There’s a 600-gallon fuel capacity for the thirsty engines, allowing you to spend days out on the water without running out of fuel.
The Insetta 35 IFC hydrofoil offers you the smooth-sailing benefit of hydrofoils, with premium multi-hull designs. The hydrofoil system generates the lift under the hull, allowing for superior, stable sailing in rough water conditions.
The hydrofoil reduces friction and dragging on the hulls, reducing your fuel consumption by as much as 40% compared to other models with a similar dual hull design. The foil fits between the sponsons, featuring design and construction with stainless steel.
Another interesting design feature with this model is the way the inboard motors have positioning towards each other. This configuration allows for maximum thrust for the propellors on the asymmetrical multi-hull.
The foil and motor setup design also allow for much tighter turns than you get with other multi-hull models, giving you similar performance to what you expect in a mono-hull design.
The boat comes with a large coffin box with 156-gallons of space available and an insulated finish. You get eight rod-holders positioned in the bow and aft of the boat. You also get dual 30-gallon transom live wells and an option for a third below the mezzanine seat.
The Insetta 35 IFC hydrofoil comes with a three-pump sea chest, a folding bait station, and plenty of tackle storage. The boat gets its power and performance from dual Mercury 400 Verados, with the vessel topping out at speeds of 58-mph on open, calm waters.
This model is the largest in the Invincible range, and it’s a great choice for offshore fishing. This flagship model comes with a 42-foot length and a center console design for easy driver operation. This multi-hull powerboat relies on a hybrid semi-asymmetrical multi-hull giving it great turning capability and maneuverability out on the open water.
The Invincible 46 Cat features a stepped hull with fast acceleration and plenty of lift. You get a quad engine setup with Mercury 450 Racing outboard motors, and the craft can reach a top-end speed of 78-mph. Other notable features of this boat include a vacuum-infused hull and grid-stringer system for an “invincible” boat that’s virtually unsinkable.
If you’re looking for a luxury powercat model, the Bali Catspace Motoryacht is a fantastic – but expensive choice. This model features a design from legendary boat maker Olivier Poncin. This model is a natural cruiser and ideal for the longest ocean-going trips.
The dual hull and high ride height from the water provide exceptional stability for the boat, even in the roughest offshore and coastal waters. The boat comes with a lounge on the deck, and there’s plenty of room around the center console cabin to walk the length of the boat on either side of the vessel. The top level of the boat features the captain’s station and wheelhouse, with luxury living quarters underneath.
You get a huge lounge and a v-berth with sleeping quarters for spending the night out on the water. The cockpit presents the captain with a 360-degree view of the water, and the high riding position gives you a view of the ocean that extends for miles.
The boat comes with all the amenities you need, including tables, a full kitchenette, and luxury sleeping accommodations. There are plenty of entertainment options for TVs and stereo systems down below, with an optional hardtop Bimini.
The Bali Catspace Motoryacht receives its power from a single or dual engine setup featuring 150-HP or 250-HP Yamaha motors.
With so much variety available in multi-hull powerboats, you have options for any activity out on the water. These boats are more common in coastal waters, and they make excellent fishing vessels.
Decide on the model that suits your activity, as most have a purpose-built design for fishing, watersports, or cruising. There are plenty of customization options, so make sure you keep a budget in mind as the additions can cost more than 20% of the boat’s initial sticker price, increasing your costs.
John is an experienced journalist and veteran boater. He heads up the content team at BoatingBeast and aims to share his many years experience of the marine world with our readers.
A complete guide to narrow boats: all you need to know, a guide to aluminum fishing boats.
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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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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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Born of innovation and experience, the luxurious Aquila 44 Yacht Power Catamaran is a world leader in its class. Designed to be both a long-distance cruising yacht and a highly social platform, the highly experienced Aquila design and engineering team created the Aquila 44 Yacht to optimize performance.
Two Volvo Penta diesel engines are situated aft behind the living compartments reducing noise and vibrations. Bulbous bows increase the waterline for greater efficiency while reducing pitching moments. Multifunction displays, digital controls, joystick operation, engine monitoring displays, thrusters, and widely spaced main engines make operating the Aquila 44 Yacht easily accomplished by a single couple.
With an enormous amount of attention to detail and knowledge of how owners use their boats, both the exterior and interior spaces are perfected to serve those utilizations. The stairway from the flybridge to the foredeck gives safe, easy access to the ground tackle locker and forward cleats when anchoring or docking. Wide side decks and safety handrails are another example of the Aquila's commitment to owners’ and guests’ comfort and safety on the 44 Yacht model.
Available with a 3-cabin layout featuring a salon and galley with 360° views and an extensive flybridge, the layout of the Aquila 44 Yacht makes entertaining a crowd aboard easy. Boarding from the port or starboard swim platforms, guests step up to the aft deck with an al fresco dinette. The window partition between the aft deck and the interior galley lifts, and the countertop folds out to create a service bar. The galley is strategically placed between the aft deck and the salon and dinette on the main deck, making it easy to serve guests inside and outside. A summer kitchen is centrally located to attend to guests in the aft-mounted dinette, and those on the flybridge can enjoy panoramic views along with the operator while underway.
Customization options are available to meet an array of boating lifestyles.
Aquila 44 yacht spotlight.
This ocean-going Catamaran is designed to go the distance. An exceptionally performing hull shape provides first in class stability and comfort. The Aquila 44 is available with a 3 cabin layout featuring a salon and galley with 360° views and Portuguese walkaround with forward access steps leading to an extensive flybridge.
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Specs Category | Specs Dimensions |
---|---|
Length Overall | 13.44 M / 44'11" |
Beam Overall | 6.56 M / 21'6" |
Height Above Waterline with Hardtop | 5.7 M / 18' 8" |
Displacement Dry | 15,900 KG / 35,053 LB |
Fully Loaded Displacement | 22,000 KG / 48,500 LB |
CE Certification | A: 8, B:12, C:14, D:21 |
Sleeps | up to 8 (with 2 in salon) |
Max Passengers | 21 |
Cabins/Heads/Showers | 3 / 3 / 4 |
The catamaran’s design reduces the waves and wind’s effects, allowing the boat to travel farther and faster compared to monohulls of comparable sizes.
Table of Contents
However, the wind and waves are unpredictable, so catamarans use motors as either backup or the main propulsion based on their construction.
In this article, we provide all the answers concerning questions about the propulsion systems available to catamarans:
Catamarans, including power and sail types, have motors and other mechanized propulsion systems. Except for small cats used in coastal waters, most large catamarans come with different engine combinations even if they have sails.
Catamarans can have two engines because they have two hulls.
This makes them highly maneuverable while underway and makes handling in shallow and tight waters a breeze.
However, many large cats use only one engine. With two engines, you have more maneuverability over the boat, but one engine may increase the speed and fuel efficiency since it reduces weight.
One of the best combinations in a cat is to pair two engines with counter-rotating propellers. The level of control this configuration provides in the water, especially at the marina, is mind-blowing.
Whether you are backing up or mooring, you can adjust the two engines independently to achieve many of the things monohulls find difficult.
So, what propulsion systems are available to catamarans?
Whether you are looking to buy a power cat or sail cat, both feature engines. There is a wide range of power options for different uses based on your budget, preference, and craft design.
1) single outboard.
You will find this in small-sized catamarans of about 25 feet and below.
While single outboards cut cost and weigh less, they can be difficult to steer under power except when you use the motor to turn.
This is because the motor needs the water to flow over the rudders to turn the boat.
Except for owning a small catamaran, a single outboard is not the most efficient propulsion system for this watercraft.
Like monohulls, you can use two outboards on a catamaran.
Smaller cats such as the Seawind 1000 and Gemini 32 can be fitted with two outboards for improved maneuverability in tight quarters and redundancy.
This setup is great for small cruising catamarans because it is far lighter than two large diesel engines, allowing you to store more essentials on the boat.
Catamarans may be faster than monohulls, but their speed decreases with the load they have to bear, so cat owners try to keep their boats as light as possible. Another benefit of this configuration is that two outboards are more affordable compared to diesel engines.
Plus, you can run on one engine if one dies on you while on the water.
However, this arrangement has some serious shortcomings.
Outboards are not the best means of propulsion on the open seas. Because of their inherent weakness, outboards don’t last long, and their reliability decreases with increased exposure to the harsh saltwater environment.
The design of outboards makes them less suitable for choppy waters.
While you can use outboards in twin configurations for catamarans, they perform best on smaller monohull watercraft.
This is common in custom catamarans.
It comprises a single diesel engine in one hull, which reduces weight and makes it more affordable.
However, this configuration can make turning in tight quarters almost nightmarish except for highly skilled skippers.
The boat will turn easily to the side opposite the engine location. For example, the boat will turn with little starboard issues if the engine is in the port hull.
However, you may require several boat lengths to maneuver it to port.
For best results, plan your turns well in advance and do a lot of practice to perfect docking in tight quarters to avoid costly mistakes.
This combination is popular with Prout catamarans, using a Sonic Drive-by Sillette.
It comprises a cockpit diesel engine paired with a steerable external motor.
The arrangement reduces weight and does not create drag when the drive leg is out of the water.
However, the reverse lock mechanism may not work sometimes. Also, the steering yoke and bellows may not work properly when you need them.
This setup is best for smaller boats where two engines’ thrust will be overkill, and they help to save cost and weight.
If your catamaran is on the heavier side, you want to go for something sturdier and more powerful.
A 32 feet Gemini catamaran will make an excellent candidate for this arrangement as the boat can use a single-engine with no problems.
People who use this configuration do so to save cost and counterbalance the single diesel engine’s powerful thrust.
The auxiliary could be smaller petrol or electric-powered outboard motor.
When you are on the open seas, the diesel gives you enough propulsion during calm weather when you can’t use the sails. The outboard helps in shallow waters, although it is often useless on the high seas, especially during turbulent weather.
The smaller outboard also provides less turning power when it’s very windy than running two powerful diesel engines.
You save space, reduce weight, and keep a few extra thousands of dollars in your bank account.
For larger catamarans, especially cruising types capable of transatlantic and transpacific voyages, the standard propulsion comes from two large diesel engines.
Each engine is housed in one hull, providing exceptional longevity, fuel economy, and incredible amounts of horsepower to help you through the rough seas in the shortest time possible.
This combination is excellent for redundancy, even though most catamarans can run efficiently on one engine most of the time.
The downside of having two diesel engines is weight, cost, and maintenance.
Diesel engines, compelling models that produce upwards of 40-45 horsepower, can set you back by tens of thousands of dollars. But they will deliver over 8000 hours of work-life easily.
In terms of reliability, durability, longevity, and performance, nothing trumps diesel engines in the marine industry.
Diesel engines are safer to operate as they do not have the same explosion and fire danger as petrol or gas engines. They are easier to maintain and simpler to operate.
Plus, they are the most mature propulsion system in the seafaring world.
However, diesel engines are also heavier and will take up more hull space.
That means less space to store your gear, but it’s a worthy sacrifice considering the capabilities diesel engines offer your boat. Diesel boats not only drive your propeller but can also provide the energy to run every electrical system on board, including navigational equipment, cooking, air conditioning, entertainment, among others.
Some catamarans use hydraulic propulsion systems, although these are not popular.
Hydraulic systems are better suited to terrestrial applications as they are prone to many problems that can complicate matters for you while underway:
These factors make hydraulics less efficient compared to diesel and petrol engines.
This propulsion system comprises a diesel engine and an electric motor.
The main issue with this configuration is the complexity of the systems and their overall lower efficiency.
As technology advances, sailors and marine engineering experts continue to find new and better ways to improve seafaring while reducing the planet’s carbon footprint.
This has led to solar, wind turbine, water, and pure electric motor propulsion systems.
For example, the Solarwave Sailor 64 is a solar hybrid-powered catamaran with an installed capacity to generate 15KW, enough to power everything on board the boat.
Solar and electric systems are silent and clean. However, they are insanely expensive and not as reliable as diesel and petrol engines. Also, they require banks of batteries, which add a lot of weight to the cat.
Catamarans may look out of place, but many of these vessels offer more flexibility regarding power options.
You can choose from outboards, inboard diesel engines, and even go for the newer electric or solar-powered models.
However, the diesel engine remains the best power system available today for catamarans and other boats.
For reliable performance and mind-blowing thrust capabilities, experienced sailors depend on the time-tested diesel engine.
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Seaworthy & reliable in all conditions.
The ArrowCat 420 power catamaran, our stylish semi-custom vessel, turns heads while its unique design keeps you safe from the elements. The 420 express cruiser is fast, smooth, and economical for a boat of this stature. This big cat is extremely comfortable with a fully equipped galley, a head with a glass shower door, a two-stateroom walk-around king berth forward, or a three-stateroom layout. There are over 100 square feet of alfresco deck space and a spacious swim platform. Unrivaled and cut above, the impeccable and innovative 420 pushes the extremes of the design parameters and offers an exhilarating ride.
Express Cruiser Catamaran Hull Planing Hull Design Twin Outboard Motors LOA Length over all – 41′ 9″ / 12.73 meters Beam – 14′ 9″ / 4.5 meters Draft – 18″ / .46 meters Fuel – 400 gal / 1514.2 liters Water – 100 gal / 378.5 liters Waste – 40 gal / 151.4 liters Displacement Dry – 17,500 lbs Min Bridge Clearance: 14′ 5″ / 4.3942 meters
ARROWCAT 420 COUPE
ANCHORING & MOORING
ENGINE SYSTEM
HELM & ELECTRONICS
WATER SYSTEM
* Specifications subject to change due to availability and design at manufactures discretion
GENERAL ARRANGEMENT
Custom salon finishes – Wood: Cherry or Maple Soft finishes: Tan or Grey tones
Second bathroom – starboard, shower bathroom combines, no walk-in shower
Three staterooms – split port & starboard forward berths, starboard aft quarter berth
Floor covering, Nylon marine mat with foam backing
ENTERTAINMENT
Sat TV receiver usable with Dish/DIRECTV in continental US
Stereo remote located aft deck
Custom blinds on all salon windows (accordion style)
V-Kool UV/IR treatment on all glass
Electric 2-burner stove 120/220 vac
Lower cabinet mounted convection microwave oven
Spectra Newport 109 I/h 700MKII watermaker with fully automated operation
Upgrade house battery bank to 22kW (16.5 included standard)
Lighting package: underwater blue LED lights, walkway & cockpit floor’s lighting, blue LED
Remote search light- Aft facing
Aft deck transom- cabinet with propane grill
Rear awning with 2 LED flood lights
S/S frame work hand rails and 6 stern rod holders
HELM & ELECTRONICS
Joystick control- single station for mercury outboards
Garmin fishing electronics: GPSMAP 8612 12″ display, intergrated CHIRP digital sounder module, 2000w depth sounder, autopilot w/display, gmr 24″ HD radome, muli-display repeater in cockpit, VHF 300 marine radio w/antenna & mount
Raymine fishing electronics: 125 HybridTouchTM 12″ display, DSM 300 digital sounder module, 1000w depth sounder
AIS- automatic identification system- send and receive compatiable w/primary electronics
Raymarine FLIR night vision system- MD-625 NTSC with JCU bundled fixed thermal
Camera station aft deck
Upgrade VHF with forward facing hailer
Offshore 30 gal bait tank & high volume pump at transom
Outrigger mounts, recessed, port/starboard hardtop, Taco GS270
Power sockets for 12v electric fishing reels
S/S Tower base for radar with tilt down rack for bridge clearance
MOORING, ANCHORING & SAFETY
Docking kit: mooring lines; 4×5/8″ x 35′ w/spliced eye 4×8″ x 20″
Polyfoam HTM fenders, 4×8′ x 3/8″ fender whips w/ spliced eye
Gunnel color – see Awlcraft 2000 acrylic urethane color chart
Florida factory delivery & cruising orientation
Discover the unparalleled stability and speed of an ArrowCat power catamaran. Connect with our experts to schedule your sea trial today and experience the thrill firsthand.
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Catamarans these days have many options for their engine based propulsion, even more than monohulls due to the more diverse configurations of a catamaran. The traditional twin diesel engines is a popular arrangement, and dual or single outboard configurations are also becoming popular. When choosing an inboard engine, you then often have a decision to make in drive shaft configuration: traditional straight shaft, or a saildrive.
The drive type has long lasting consequences for how you use and maintain a boat, so it’s an important factor. It affects how much power you have for motoring into strong winds or against current, fuel economy, reliability, maintenance needs, and purchase plus maintenance costs. And let’s not forget noise level and liveability – the choice between diesel inboards vs gas outboards can have a big impact on cabin storage areas and engine noise level.
Outboards have always been common in smaller sailing boats (under about 30 feet) that don’t require a great deal of power to get them moving. However they’re now becoming popular with larger catamarans as well, up to about 40 or 45 feet. They offer several unique advantages over inboard diesel engines. First and foremost, they’re significantly less expensive than a diesel engine – a 30hp outboard might be around $4,000 while a 30hp diesel could easily be $20,000. They’re also smaller and lighter, and take up less space inside the hull – freeing up storage or accommodation space.
Smaller catamarans or lightweight ones can often get by with a single outboard. The advantages are in the weight and cost savings of only having one engine instead of two, and only one engine to maintain. The downside is it may make maneuvering in a marina a bit trickier, and there’s no backup engine if the one outboard has an issue.
Catamarans have a unique advantage over monohulls in that they can have more than one engine. Two engines provide many advantages – redundancy in case one fails at sea and greater maneuverability in marinas. Many catamarans can motor reasonably fast on only one engine – which some owners do to save fuel and reduce engine hours – but two are nice to have for the redundancy and for pivoting easily in tight quarters.
Twin outboards are usually mounted at the aft end of each hull, or in drop-down lockers built into the cockpit. Some catamarans with twin outboards have them located in lockers under the cockpit seats (ex, Seawind 1160 lite and PDQ 36) which is handy because they can be raised to eliminate drag yet are easily accessible to work on, and don’t add an unsightly appendage to the stern.
Speaking with an owner of a Seawind 1160 lite catamaran with dual outboards located in a well under the cockpit seats, he noted appreciating all the space they freed up vs having inboard diesels installed at the aft of each hull. In the space normally occupied by diesel engines, they store two bikes, a kayak, a water heater and other gear.
He also loves that they’re quiet, fuel efficient, emissions efficient, and can be raised with electric tilt for zero drag in the water while sailing. One disadvantage he noted is the impellers are harder to replace, and he’s hauling out to make it easier to replace the gear oil along with impellers.
Outboards may not have as long a life span as diesels, but when it comes time to replace, he can do so relatively easily anywhere in the world, with much less work than replacing a diesel. One possible disadvantage is in rough seas or steep swell, outboard props may come out of the water – whether this can happen will depend on the design and size of the catamaran.
A somewhat unique option is the Sillette Sonic drive (common on Gemini 105 catamarans) which is a type of saildrive. It allows using an inboard engine with an outboard drive leg exterior to the boat. The drive leg can be raised while under sail, providing the same no drag advantage as outboards, while having the engine inboard which protects it from saltwater. The drive leg is typically mounted from the bridgedeck or in a pod underneath.
Inboard diesel engines have historically been the most common option in mid to large size monohulls and multihulls. Diesels excel in delivering high working power while being exceptionally reliable over a long service life. Since a diesel is located inside the boat, it’s exposed to a lot less seawater than outboards are. Diesels can also support a powerful alternator to charge the house batteries, reducing the need for alternate power generation such as solar, wind or a generator.
The straight shaft is the more traditional option and is a tried and tested design from work boats to pleasure boats. In this design the propellor shaft connects from the engine (via a shaft coupling), passes through the hull of the boat (via a shaft seal) and connects to the propellor. Typically there will also be a strut forward of the propellor to stabilize the spinning prop shaft.
The advantages of this design are that it’s robust and easy to maintain. If your propellor strikes a submerged object, it may get damaged but isn’t likely to rip a huge hole in the boat. The main disadvantage in a catamaran is the shaft placement limits where the engine can be placed – it must be fairly far forward, and takes up more space due to the shaft and transmission arrangement. Additionally, since the shaft isn’t perfectly horizontal, the propellor works at a slightly lower efficiency.
Diesel inboards paired with a saildrive are quickly becoming the most common installation option on newly built catamarans. With a saildrive there’s no shaft or strut needed, just a drive leg attached to the hull of the boat underneath the engine. A couple advantage of saildrives is that they’re easier for manufacturers to install, and allow more flexible positioning of the engine to free up greater interior space. Saildrives can also have higher efficiency due to the vertical orientation of the propellor. Saildrives often run quieter, with less vibration than a conventional straight shaft system.
There are a few possible disadvantages that boaters typically cite, relating to maintenance: watertightness of the saildrive seal, maintenance of the drive leg oil, and corrosion. The saildrive seal must be maintained or the boat could potentially flood. The drive legs also have gear oil which usually requires hauling out to replace (except for some newer saildrives which support changing it from inside the boat). Neglecting the maintenance could cause seawater to start mixing with the oil. Lastly, corrosion is a concern because the drive leg contains metal components which must be protected with sacrificial anodes.
Gasoline inboards, such as the Universal Atomic 4, are sometimes found on sailboats but are becoming much less common. A gas engine has greater risk of fire or explosion due to fuel vapor build-up. Fuel efficiency can also be slightly lower than a diesel engine, and engine longevity may be less than with diesel engines.
Electric propulsion options are still a niche market in boating but are becoming increasingly popular as battery technologies advance. Electric systems can be other hybrid (electric recharging is assisted by a generator) or full electric (recharging only via solar and other non-fuel sources). Hydro generation can be a good recharging source on catamarans since their higher sailing speeds improve the output of hydro generators.
The advantages of an electric drive are: environmentally friendly, very quiet when operating, frees up space that a large engine and fuel tanks consumed, and relatively easy maintenance compared to diesel or gas engines. The main disadvantage of electric drives is the motoring range may be more limited, especially in the full electric option.
It’s great to have so many options in today’s catamaran designs. Having these choices allows you to prioritize what’s most important in your sailing and maintenance plans and adopt innovative technologies that make your boat best suited to your needs.
You can’t go wrong with the traditional choice of diesel inboards, but in mid-size lightweight catamarans you may also want to consider outboards for the space they can free up, lower initial cost, and quiet, drag-free sailing.
Patrick is a full-time cruiser in the Pacific Northwest, sailing the waters from Seattle to Alaska.
I am looking for a silkette sonic mark 2 out drive in working order…1994 or newer…can you help?
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3 year auto accessories protection plan, asurion complete protect: one plan covers all eligible past and future purchases on amazon.
Brand | Litime |
Product Dimensions | 13"D x 6.77"W x 8.5"H |
Resistance | 40 Ohms |
Terminal | M8 |
Manufacturer | Litime |
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ArrowCat 320. Merging express cruiser elegance with catamaran stability, the ArrowCat 320 Coupe features a planing hull design for smooth, swift rides. Powered by twin outboard motors, it promises dynamic performance and exhilarating adventures on every voyage. Standard Layout: 2 Cabins/ 1 Wet Head. Optional Tower Option. LOA: 31′ 2″ / 9.5 ...
The Aquila 36 is the first vessel in the builder's series with outboard power. Aquila Boats. The Aquila 36 is a departure from her sisterships in that she is an outboard-powered, express-cruiser-style catamaran, but she also adheres to MarineMax's philosophies.. With a single main living level from bow to stern and a beam of 14 feet 7 inches, the Aquila 36 is like a bowrider on steroids.
Smaller power catamarans are mostly all powered by outboard motors mounted on the rear transom. Power options vary, but generally range from a single 100 HP motor up to triple or quad outboards and can achieve very high cruising and top speeds. Larger power catamarans are often powered by inboard engines and some are even powered by jet propulsion.
Performance is exceptional even among the top tier of powercats, with the 46 (rigged with quadruple 450-hp outboards) able to touch 80 mph. See Invincible power catamarans for sale on boats.com. Leopard Cruising Catamarans Once known for sailing catamarans, today Leopard's line of power catamarans garners the headlines. Photo via Leopard ...
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2020 Fountaine Pajot Motor Yacht 40. $990,000. $7,522/mo* San Diego, CA 92101 | Sun Country Marine Group. Request Info; 2024 Aquila 70 Luxury. Request a Price. Aquila Yachts. ... Power Catamaran boats models are manufactured with outboard, outboard-4S, inboard, inboard/outboard and other propulsion systems, available in gas, diesel, electric ...
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.
Running Only on Port 70hp Engine. W/ 10% Reserves. Aspen C107 Outboard power gives the C107 a higher top end and a wider range of efficient speeds and a higher top end for cruisers to make the most of their time on the water. The C107 is unlike any other boat ever designed, with asymmetrical hulls.
Express Cruiser Yacht Catamaran Hull Planing Hull Design Twin Outboard Motors LOA Length over all - 41′ 9″ / 12.78 meters Beam - 14′ 9″ / 4.5 meters Draft - 20″ / .5 meters Fuel - 400 gal / 1514.2 liters Water - 100 gal / 378.5 liters Waste: 40 gal / 151.4 liters Displacement Dry - 19,000 lbs Bridge Clearance
Benefits of catamaran designs typically include increased stability, deck space, ride, and cruising efficiency. At Aspen we think differently and refined the concept further by developing a unique PRO cat that maximizes fuel efficiency and range while improving ride and seaworthiness. Patent No. US 8,109,221 B2.
Aquila Power Catamarans is the recognized leader for performance, innovation and quality in this growing category of pleasure boats. Skip to Main Content Skip to Search. ... Features like wave piercing bulbous bows, submersible swim steps, outboard options, bridge-to-bow direct access and more set us apart as leading in innovation.
Catamaran Performance Boats for Sale Preowned high performance powerboats, cruisers, and yachts for sale by owner. ... LUXURY One of a kind 2020 VTX 36 Victory One owner and the fast performance outboard boat out there powered by twin Mercury 450R HOUR-110 with MOTOR warranty intel 6 - 22 - 2025 of ...This boat is Carbon Kevlar layup set up ...
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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.
Freeman catamarans were fast out of the gate. The original 33 hit a top end of some 55 knots with twin 350-hp outboards. Customers were sold, and demand for larger boats poured in. Freeman expanded, offering a 37 and 42, and earlier this year, the company released a 47-footer with a 13-foot, 2-inch beam.
Evolution of a Classic. This ocean-going Catamaran is designed to go the distance. An exceptionally performing hull shape provides first in class stability and comfort. The Aquila 44 is available with a 3 cabin layout featuring a salon and galley with 360° views and Portuguese walkaround with forward access steps leading to an extensive flybridge.
8 Types of Motors Used in Catamarans: 1) Single Outboard. You will find this in small-sized catamarans of about 25 feet and below. While single outboards cut cost and weigh less, they can be difficult to steer under power except when you use the motor to turn. This is because the motor needs the water to flow over the rudders to turn the boat.
Motor Yachts pricing. Motor Yachts listed for sale on YachtWorld offers a diverse price range, from $29,098 on the relatively more affordable end to an astonishing $28,827,436 for the most luxury model vessels available. When evaluating your budget and the listed price of a yacht for sale, it is crucial to factor in the cost of ownership.
The ArrowCat 420 power catamaran, our stylish semi-custom vessel, turns heads while its unique design keeps you safe from the elements. The 420 express cruiser is fast, smooth, and economical for a boat of this stature. ... Twin Outboard Motors LOA Length over all - 41′ 9″ / 12.73 meters Beam - 14′ 9″ / 4.5 meters Draft - 18 ...
Find power catamarans boats for sale near you by owner, including boat prices, photos, and more. Locate boat dealers and find your boat at Boat Trader!
Many catamarans can motor reasonably fast on only one engine - which some owners do to save fuel and reduce engine hours - but two are nice to have for the redundancy and for pivoting easily in tight quarters. ... Some catamarans with twin outboards have them located in lockers under the cockpit seats (ex, Seawind 1160 lite and PDQ 36 ...
【Power Expert for Electric Outboard Motor 】 As an official ABYC member, LiTime goes beyond standard and is committed to innovation, bringing you an all-new electric outboard motor battery designed specifically with your needs in mind. Compatible with 24V-60V motors, LiTime 12V 100Ah Electric Outboard Motor Battery can handle a 500A/1s surge ...