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The Power Catamaran Compilation

• By Yachting Staff
• Updated: December 21, 2018

Power Catamarans have been growing leaps and bounds in popularity, and, in lengths and widths. And for good reason. These cruise-centric yachts offer homelike livability for avid travelers, are fuel efficient and are fairly intuitive to run. Power cats are popular in the bareboat charter market too, for these very reasons.

Here, we take a look at 12 catamarans ranging from a cruising-couple-size 36-footer to a 78-footer for friends, family and some more friends. And there are myriad power options: outboards, diesel inboards, hybrid or even all-solar power.

Fountaine Pajot MY44

The Fountaine Pajot MY44 , a creation of Italian architect Pierangelo Andreani and French designer Daniel Andrieu, has a main deck that’s open from the aft-deck seating all the way forward to the starboard helm station. The sense of spaciousness is significant, for several reasons. First, four glass panels aft can all slide to port, creating an indoor-outdoor space with the aft deck and salon. In the salon, 32-inch-high windows extend for 12 feet down the sides of the yacht, with three sections per side, bringing in natural light along with the three forward panes that comprise the windshield. Finally, 6-foot-6-inch headroom provides vertical clearance, with a 21-foot-7-inch beam that adds interior roominess while keeping the yacht stable.

Read more: Fountaine Pajot MY44

Silent-Yachts 55

The ideas about which solar panels, electric motors, inverters and the like to use — and more importantly, Michael Köhler says, how to configure them — became the basis for the brand Silent-Yachts. The company offers 55-, 64- and 79-foot catamarans that run on solar-electric propulsion. The Silent 55 premiered this fall, and the 64 is sold out for the next two years, Köhler says.

Read more: Silent 55

Horizon PC74

As founder and director of The Powercat Company, a Horizon Power Catamarans distributor, Stuart Hegerstrom had long believed that catamaran builders needed to design their yachts to more stylish standards.

“The boats were very boxy,” he says, based on his years of experience with cats in the charter market. He and his partner, Richard Ford, asked Horizon to produce models that had high-end finishes and looked good inside and out.

The Horizon team brought in mega-yacht designer JC Espinosa to work with its own craftsmen. The result aboard the Horizon PC74 is a catamaran with exterior styling, layout and functionality that should appeal to private and charter owners alike.

Read more: Horizon PC74

The Aquila 36 is a departure from her sisterships in that she is an outboard-powered, express-cruiser-style catamaran, but she also adheres to MarineMax’s philosophies.

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

Read more: Aquila 36

Lagoon Seventy 8 Powercat

Lagoon is a division of Groupe Beneteau, the world’s largest builder of sailing yachts, and the Lagoon Seventy 8 Powercat is a developmental sistership of its Seventy 7 super sailing cat. The Seventy series yachts are built at Construction Navale Bordeaux in France, which had to add a new yard to construct these catamarans because they require separate stern molds for the power and sail versions.

Read more: Lagoon Seventy 8 Powercat

Horizon PC60

To understand the Horizon PC60 power catamaran , you need to put aside preconceived notions about midsize yacht amenities. For example, main-deck master suites are the province of yachts over 100 feet length overall. Incorrect. This 60-footer has an elegant and spacious owner’s stateroom on the same level as the salon. If you want a 14-foot center console tender on a 60-foot yacht, you have to tow it. Wrong again. On the PC60, you hoist it onto the upper deck, no problem.

Read more: Horizon PC60

40 Open Sunreef Power

Sunreef is known for pushing the boundaries of catamaran design, incorporating four adjustable hydrofoils into a twin-hulled speedboat.

The Polish builder is one of several European builders (including Evo, Fjord, Wider and Wally) transforming the open ­day-boat category with creative designs. ­Beyond its hydrofoils, the 40 Open Sunreef Power ‘s cockpit has side “wings” along the aft gunwales that fold out at anchor, widening the beam from 17 feet to 22 feet 9 inches.

Read more: 40 Open Sunreef Power

Sunreef 50 Amber Limited Edition

Sunreef Yachts introduced its 50 Amber Limited Edition , with plans to launch just 10 hulls of the exclusive design.

The Sunreef 50 Amber Limited Edition will have a carbon fiber mast and boom, four layout options and numerous amber-colored elements, including the hull.

Read more: Sunreef 50 Amber Limited Edition

Lagoon 630 Motor Yacht

Fitted with the optional twin 300-horsepower Volvo Penta D4 diesels, the Lagoon 630 MY burns only 1.64 gph total at 6 knots, giving a theoretical range of 2,952 nautical miles with standard tankage of 793 gallons. Hull No. 1 had an optional 502-gallon tank, giving it transatlantic range.

Luxury, stability and economy are all hallmarks of Lagoon’s return to luxury motor yachts. If you can take a ride, it will be worth your time.

Read more: Lagoon 630 Motor Yacht

Fountaine Pajot MY 37

The Fountaine Pajot MY 37 easily accommodates the seafaring family with three- and four-stateroom options. In the three-cabin version, called ­Maestro, you’ll find an owner’s suite in the portside hull with a queen-size berth and en suite head. Two double-berth cabins and one more head are available for the kids. If your brood is bigger, the Quator setup features four double cabins with two heads.

The 37 is a traveler and can be powered with twin 150 hp or 220 hp Volvo Penta diesels. Top speed with the smaller engines is 17 knots, while it’s 20 knots with the bigger power plants. Interestingly, at 7 knots, the fuel consumption is the same, with either set of motors offering voyagers a 1 ,000-nm range.

Read more: Fountaine Pajot MY 37

Solarwave 64

Many yachts boast eco chops because they have a handful of solar panels that power the microwave or navigation lights. The Solarwave 64 , launched last summer, has the potential to run on sunshine alone. The vessel’s 42 solar panels generate 15 kW that are stored in batteries weighing about 1,300 pounds. They connect to electric motors.

Read more: Solarwave 64

Glider SS18

This British builder says it strives for design innovation and the Glider SS18 displays that DNA, the result of 8 years of research and development. She has a head-turning, catamaran hull form constructed from aluminum and composite materials. She is 60 feet LOA with a 17-foot beam, and has a relatively shallow 1-foot draft. Powered by quad Yamaha 300 hp outboards, she can reportedly reach 50 knots, and with her Stability Control System (SCS), should give a smooth ride while doing it.

Read more: Glider SS18

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A Guide to Power Catamaran Boats

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

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

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

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

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

What Is a Multi-Hull Powerboat?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Benefits of Multi-Hull Powerboats

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

Speed and Handling

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

Dynamic Cruising

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

Stability and Performance

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

Plenty of Storage

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

Center Console Design

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

Hardtop Designs

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

Trailerable

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

Fishing and Watersports Capability

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

Outboard or Stern Motors

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

Multiple Sizing Options

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

Disadvantages of Multi-Hull Powerboats

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

Large Engines and More Fuel

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

Top Multi-Hull Powerboat Models

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

Calcutta 480

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

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

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

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

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

Insetta 35 IFC Hydrofoil

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

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

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

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

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

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

Invincible 46 Cat

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

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

Bali Catspace

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

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

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

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

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

Wrapping Up

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

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

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

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Engine Innovation

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

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

Single-Diesel Power Drives

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

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

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

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

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

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

Outboard Power Like No Other Boat

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Patent No. US 8,109,221 B2

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54 Yacht Power Catamaran

Aquila’s rapid growth and global success have challenged our international design and engineering teams to elevate expectations with a newer, larger, and more elegant cruising model. The Aquila 54 Yacht Power Catamaran embodies the reliable features and construction methods of the hundreds of Aquila yachts and boats cruising the waters of the world. This model also enhances on board luxuries with full-size refrigeration and layouts that include 3, 4, and 5 cabin options as well as skipper's quarters and “galley-down” layouts.  Owners will delight in panoramic views that fill the master cabin with natural light through large hull side windows, adding to the spacious feeling of the full-beam forward master cabin.  Engineered with an open flybridge and solid glass front windscreen, or a completely enclosed and climate-controlled flybridge, the Aquila 54 Yacht Power Catamaran features the versatility to appeal to a global audience of boating enthusiasts.

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Aquila 54 Yacht Spotlight

Experience the Aquila 54 Yacht

The Aquila 54 Yacht Power Catamaran embodies the reliable features and construction methods of the hundreds of Aquila yachts and boats cruising the waters of the world.

Full In-Depth Walkthrough

Take a walkthrough with us! The Aquila 54 Yacht Power Catamaran embodies the reliable features and construction methods of the hundreds of Aquila yachts and boats cruising the waters of the world. This model also enhances on-board luxuries with full size refrigeration and layouts that include 3, 4, and 5 cabin options as well as skipper's quarters and “galley-down” layouts.

Behind the Design

With added versatility and more space, the Aquila 54 Yacht Power Catamaran embodies the reliable features and construction methods of the hundreds of Aquila yachts and boats cruising the waters of the world. This model also enhances on-board luxuries with full size refrigeration and layouts that include 3, 4, and 5 cabin options as well as skipper's quarters and "galley-down" layouts.

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BoatTEST: Aquila 54 Yacht Performance

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BoatTEST: Aquila 54 Yacht Features

View BoatTEST's thorough review with Capt. Steve on the Aquila 54 Yacht. This boat isn't just bigger. A lot of independent thought went into the design and features. Check it out. 

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The Planing Power Catamaran: A Different Kind Of Cat

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Planing powercats deliver the high speeds dayboaters and weekend anglers crave — but without so much pounding in choppy seas.

The air cushion ­created between the two hulls dramatically reduces wave impact at running speeds. (Photo: World Cat)

Powercats are different beasts than sailing cats, and the powercats you're most likely to see on your local waters are those in the 20- to 40-foot range (like my 22-foot Glacier Bay). Unlike the big cruising powercats, which are more like cat trawlers with top ends maybe a little over 20 mph, smaller cats have planing hulls that perform much like today's modern powerboats.

Depending on the engine package, there are a few cats that top out in the lower 30s, lots in the lower 40s, some in the 50s, and a few that break 70 or even 80 mph.

While a similar length monohull may have a 40-mph cruising speed in a 2-foot chop, the monohull captain will pull back the throttles and cruise at 30 to avoid being beaten up. The cat guy, on the other hand, may be able to keep on doing 40 thanks to the smoother ride. But having two hulls underfoot does create some interesting similarities in how these different types of boats react to input from the helm. So you'll see a few of the tips here mirror those used for sailing or cruising catamarans. Whatever type of cat you may be captaining, remember the following:

• Center the wheel and use only the throttles to control the boat. Powercats have their engines exceptionally widely spaced apart, and are far more responsive than monohulls when steered via throttles. Generally speaking, turning the steering wheel will only serve to reduce the effectiveness of working the throttles. This, of course, is assuming you have two engines. There are a few rare cats with one engine.
• At identical rpm, the engine in forward will create more thrust than the engine in reverse. So even if the throttles are set evenly when opposed, the boat will likely slide forward a bit as opposed to spinning in its own length. As a result, when attempting to speed up the maneuver it's usually best to favor giving the reversed engine extra oomph as opposed to the one in forward (assuming you don't want to move forward while turning the boat).
• Check the speed and direction of the wind before docking , and remember that some cats, particularly those with low draft, can be blown around more easily than many monohulls as there may be less hull below the waterline.
• When docking in a new slip for the first time with lines that haven't been preset, bear in mind that once you're docked, securing the boat can be difficult in some situations because few powercats have centered cleats. Most will have a single cleat on either side, in some cases obstructed by a bow rail and/or pulpit, which can make crossing lines difficult.
• Never shut those engines down until all the lines are secured . Again, remember that many cats can get blown out of kilter faster than the average monohull, and if you don't have lines preset, it may take a moment to figure out how to best secure them. Many a captain has done a perfect docking job and then shut off the engines, only for a gust of wind to push the boat right back out of the slip before the lines can be tied. Keep those engines running until the boat is 100% secure so you can apply power, if necessary, to maintain position.

Why Two Hulls?

Like all boats, catamarans come with distinct advantages (smooth ride, draft), and areas of compromise (docking, turning). Regardless of design aesthetics, the first question is usually: Why two hulls?

Mike Myers, vice president of product development for World Cat explains: "Catamaran hulls experience little to no drag or resistance to get on plane, resulting in greater fuel economy. They have a steady rise in speed and fuel burn with little to no spikes in fuel consumption."Planing powercats have a unique trait — which many cat lovers consider the top advantage over monohulls — the impact-absorbing cushion of air created by a compression tunnel between hulls.

And when it comes to beam, catamarans' parallel hulls create reliable stability, which helps to avoid heeling and capsizing, and greatly reduces the vessel roll at rest and at trolling speeds.

"Many boats are primarily designed around comfort for the captain. This usually means anyone at the front or sides of the boat takes most of the jostling,"Myers says. "The catamaran-style hull delivers ride comfort, smoothness, load distribution, and stability."That stability draws anglers to powercats of typically 20 to 40 feet; and cruisers to sailing cats 40 to 60 feet and beyond.

— Rich Armstrong

Taming The Cat

When it comes to handling powercats in open waters, the most important thing to remember is that all boats are different. Just as you wouldn't lump the handling characteristics of all monohulls together, the same goes for powercats. But many have a few common traits to consider.

• Some powercats have relatively low buoyancy in the bow compared to monohulls, as many have very narrow hull entries . As a result, in some cases, idling into a sea can allow waves to break over the bow. Gaining some headway so the bow rises a bit and packs air into the tunnel can alleviate the issue.
• Some planing powercats will run smoother at faster speeds than slower speeds, as they compress air in the tunnel between the two hulls. In these cases, speeding up may actually provide a more comfortable ride in some sea states as compared to slowing down. Depending on your boat, its tunnel may result in other differences from the monohull that you may be familiar with. Learning about these will improve you experience.
• Some powercats display a "snap roll,"which is a very fast righting motion that can rock the boat uncomfortably, especially when drifting in a beam sea. In these cases, people who may want to drift often (such as anglers) will sometimes deploy a drift sock off the bow to reduce rocking and rolling.

Photo: World Cat

• In general, powercats are often more weight-sensitive than monohulls, especially when the bow is loaded down . It's always best to be aware of how you're loading your boat, and if the tunnel is slapping or the bow is digging into waves, consider shifting weight aft.
• Some powercats, particularly older models, lean out in a turn rather than banking in. There's no way to eliminate this phenomenon (although trimming up an outboard engine when initiating a turn may reduce it a bit), so it's important to give passengers a warning to hold on before making any aggressive maneuvers.
• "Sneezing,"or blowing a puff of mist out the front of the tunnel that the boat then runs through (getting everyone aboard damp), is a phenomenon associated with some powercats. In many cases, trimming the bow up a bit will significantly reduce or even eliminate sneezing.

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• Exterior lighting: cockpit flood light (1), cockpit courtesy lights (2), USCG approved NAV lighting; side (2) all-around white steaming light and anchor light (1)
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• High capacity bilge pump in port and starboard bilges and engine rooms
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Catamaran Drives Types – Outboards, Inboards and Drive Shaft Configurations

• Post author By Patrick Davin
• Post date September 23, 2020
• 1 Comment on Catamaran Drives Types – Outboards, Inboards and Drive Shaft Configurations

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.

Single Gas Outboard

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.

Twin Gas Outboards

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.

Single Diesel Inboard/Outboard Sillette Drive

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. 

Diesel Inboards with Direct Drives

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 with Saildrives

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

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 Drive Type

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.

• Tags Buying Advice

By Patrick Davin

Patrick is a full-time cruiser in the Pacific Northwest, sailing the waters from Seattle to Alaska.

1 reply on “Catamaran Drives Types – Outboards, Inboards and Drive Shaft Configurations”

I am looking for a silkette sonic mark 2 out drive in working order…1994 or newer…can you help?

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Dreaming bigger. Because sometimes more is actually more.

The hull design that changed catamarans forever, taken to a whole new level. The ultimate offshore fishing machine, with unprecedented size, range and amenities to carry everyone and everything anywhere, in any conditions. A 46’ catamaran designed to efficiently achieve world-beating performance out of quad-outboard engines, while providing sportfish-level fishability and specifications. The new Invincible 46’ Catamaran. Like the Magnificent Frigate Bird, it will be king of all it surveys.

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..

Insulated Fish Box

Anchor Locker

Bilge Access

Photo Gallery

Highlighted features.

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

STANDARD FEATURES

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

POWER OPTIONS

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

CUSTOM TOP OPTIONS

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

FISHING ACCESSORY OPTIONS

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

SEATING OPTIONS

• Deluxe Bait Prep Tackle Station w/ Cooler
• Triple Custom Llebroc Helm Chairs
• Deluxe Back to Back Helm Seat w/ Built in cooler
• Rear-facing Tackle Station Upgrade
• Deluxe Flat-back Tackle Station
• Fiberglass Cooler with Sliding Track System
• Dual Row Seating Block + Pedestals
• Front Fold-Out Bench Seats
• Front Fold-Out Storage Lockers
• Rear Fold-Out Jump Seats
• Rear Lounge Seats (Removable)
• Medium Coffin Box
• Forward U-Shape Seating Section
• Removable Backrest Cushion
• XL Coffin Box
• Backrest for XL Coffin Box
• Extended Console-Coffin

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
• Seadek Helm Pad
• Seadek Console Exterior Package
• Seadek Console Interior Package

COVER AND SHADE OPTIONS

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

Seriously custom, seriously yours.

It's time to build your ultimate fishing machine.

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

Catamaran With Motor? 8 Types Explained (For Beginners)

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:

Do Catamarans Have Motors?

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.

Do Catamarans Have One or Two Motors?

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.

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.

Except for owning a small catamaran, a single outboard is not the most efficient propulsion system for this watercraft.

2) Two Outboards

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.

3) Single Diesel

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.

4) Single Diesel Engine with Retractable External Drive

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.

5) Diesel with an Outboard

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.

6) Twin Diesel Engines

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.

7) Hydraulic Propulsion

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:

• One , hydraulics generate additional heat, which makes them inefficient.
• Second , they can be uncomfortably noisy, making socialization difficult and defeating the whole purpose of leaving city life’s buzz.
• Third , hydraulic systems are prone to leakages, which increase their running cost and harm the environment.

These factors make hydraulics less efficient compared to diesel and petrol engines.

8) Electric Hybrid Systems

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.

Other Propulsion Systems:

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.

Final Words

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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