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Cruise, Play, Stay

With all the comforts of home, arrowcat brings back the 20' center console, a unique design, understand why.

Enjoy your boat year-round and stay warm and dry during cooler weather or overnight trips, while also having a comfortable and private space to retreat for whenever you need a break. Here are a few reasons why an ArrowCat power cat is an excellent boat to consider.

A Catamaran Boat

Catamarans have two hulls, which provide more stability in the water. They are less likely to roll or pitch, which means they offer a more comfortable ride, especially in rough conditions and for people who are prone to seasickness.

Power catamarans are typically more fuel-efficient than monohull boats of the same size. It requires less energy and yields more performance per HP. The two hulls create little to no drag or resistance to get on plane, resulting in greater fuel economy. Allowing for longer journeys with fewer refueling stops. 

Power catamarans have a shallow draft which means they can navigate in diverse cruising grounds – beaches, islands, rivers, channels, and coastal areas with limited water depth. 

An Express Cruiser

Cabin boats are designed with comfortable sleeping quarters and living spaces. They feature a sleeping space with a bed, a galley with a stove, sink, and refrigerator, and a head with a shower and toilet.

Cabin boats provide protection from the elements, such as wind, sun, and rain. This allows for comfortable cruising in a variety of weather conditions, as well as providing a haven during storms

Express cruisers are designed for efficient and fast navigation, offering higher speeds compared to traditional cruising boats. They usually have powerful engines that enable them to cover long distances quickly, making them ideal for day trips or weekend getaways.

Powered By Outboard Motors

Outboard motors can provide excellent performance and speed. They can often reach higher speeds than inboard motors of the same horsepower.

Outboard motors have a simple and standard design and are relatively easy to install, they do not require additional components such as a transmission, propeller shaft, couplings, and struts, that inboard engines do. They are easily assessable and cost less to maintain than inboard motors because they are mounted outside at the rear of the boat.

Outboard motors are often designed with features that make them easy to maneuver. For example, they can be tilted or rotated to provide precise control and handling in tight spaces and shallower waters.

ArrowCat Power Catamarans

The outboard powered express cruising catamaran.

ArrowCat Express Cruisers are designed from the ground up to maximize comfort, performance, durability, and fuel efficiency, making them a better choice for both in-shore and off-shore family cruising. We build our powercats with your safety and enjoyment in mind, designing our signature interior cabin so that you’re not limited by the outside elements, but rather have the ability to enjoy your vessel at any given time, regardless of weather or location. Superior construction, optimized performance, economy, and safety can be found in every ArrowCat we make.

Explore Our 32' & 42' Signature Cabin Models

Perfect for offshore and inshore cruising, long distance and overnight trips, cold off seasons and hot boating seasons, and much more. The ArrowCat 32-foot and 42-foot models provide an exciting and versatile experience on the water. Explore to see which one could best suit your boating lifestyle.

ArrowCat 320 Coupe

Express Cruiser Catamaran Hull Planing Hull Design Twin Outboard Motors Standard Layout: 2 Cabins/ 1 Wet Head Trailerable Optional Tower Upgrade LOA: 31′ 2″/9.50 meters Beam: 10’/3.05 meters Draft: 20″/.508 meters

ArrowCat 420 Coupe

Express Cruiser Yacht Catamaran Hull Planing Hull Design Twin Outboard Motors Standard Layout: 2 Cabins/ 1 Full Head LOA: 41′ 9″/12.73 meters Beam: 14′ 9″/4.5 meters Draft: 18″/.46 meters

ArrowCat 420 Flybridge

Express Cruiser Yacht Catamaran Hull Planing Hull Design Twin Outboard Motors Standard Layout: 2 Cabins/ 1 Full Head LOA: 41′ 9″/12.78 meters Beam: 14′ 9″/4.5 meters Draft: 20″/.5 meters

Smooth, Fast, And Stable Ride

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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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Power Catamarans: A Complete Guide

Dec 06, 2023

less than a min

Power Catamarans, often termed as the epitome of modern maritime engineering, are gaining popularity for all the right reasons. Their distinct design, enhanced stability, and cruising efficiency set them apart from traditional monohull boats and even their sail-driven counterparts. This guide dives into the world of Power Catamarans, shedding light on their advantages and how they compare to other vessels like monohulls and trimarans.

Historical Prelude:

The concept of catamarans traces its roots back to ancient maritime cultures. However, the power catamaran is a relatively modern innovation that marries the traditional twin-hull design with powerful engines, offering a unique blend of speed, stability, and space.

Distinguishing Design:

Power Catamarans are characterized by their twin hulls, which significantly reduce the drag, thus enhancing speed and fuel efficiency. Unlike monohulls, they have a broader beam, which contributes to increased stability and more living space. The absence of a ballast for stability further lightens the vessel, contributing to its speed and fuel economy

Speed and Handling:

One of the significant advantages of power catamarans is their speed and handling. The twin hulls allow for a smoother glide over the water, making them particularly favorable for watersports enthusiasts. Their handling in rough waters is superior to monohulls, thanks to the inherent stability provided by the dual-hull design.

The stability of power catamarans is unparalleled, especially when compared to monohulls. The wide beam and twin hulls provide a stable platform, reducing the rocking and rolling common in monohulls. This stability is not only comforting in rough seas but also crucial when docking or anchoring.

Comfort and Space:

The spacious design of power catamarans offers homelike livability, with ample room for cabins, lounges, and even onboard amenities like grills and bars. The wide beam also allows for large deck spaces, ideal for sunbathing or enjoying the scenic ocean vistas.

Economy and Redundancy:

Power catamarans are economical, with fuel efficiency being one of their selling points. The redundancy built into their design, with separate engines for each hull, provides an added layer of safety, ensuring that the vessel can return to shore even if one engine fails.

Regular Upkeep and Care:

Power catamarans, given their unique design and structure, come with their own set of maintenance requirements. Like all boats, routine checks and upkeep are essential to ensure smooth sailing. The twin hull design means double the underwater gear – from propellers to rudders, which necessitates regular inspections for any signs of wear, tear, or fouling.

Antifouling:

Given that power catamarans have a larger surface area underwater due to their twin hulls, they may be more susceptible to marine growth. Regular antifouling treatments can help in keeping the hulls clean, ensuring optimal performance and fuel efficiency.

Engine Maintenance:

One distinct advantage of power catamarans is their dual-engine setup, but this also means double the engine maintenance. Regular oil changes, cooling system checks, and filter replacements are crucial. It's beneficial to synchronize maintenance schedules for both engines to ensure consistent performance.

The lifespan of a power catamaran largely depends on its build quality, materials used, and how well it's maintained. With proper care, a power catamaran can last for several decades. The engine's maintenance significantly impacts the catamaran's lifespan, with gasoline engines requiring maintenance at 1,200 to 1,800 hours and diesel engines at around 5,000 hours​​. The construction materials play a crucial role; for instance, fiberglass catamarans, when well-maintained, can last for many decades, while aluminum cats might change ownership after 10-15 years but can last a lifetime with proper care​.

World-Renowned Builders:

The power catamaran sector boasts several reputable manufacturers such as Lagoon, Leopard Catamarans, Fountaine Pajot, and other notable names like Seawind Catamarans​.

Lagoon, a revered name under the Beneteau Group umbrella, has carved its niche in crafting luxurious, spacious catamarans. A prime example is the Lagoon 630 Motor Yacht, embodying opulence with its nearly 250 sq. ft. aft deck and 900 sq. ft. interior, comfortably housing up to 12 guests. Known for its superyacht styling, it boasts superior fuel efficiency and a commendable average velocity-made-good of 9 knots.

Leopard Catamarans:

Emerging from the reputable Robertson and Caine shipyard in South Africa, Leopard Catamarans is synonymous with innovation and efficiency. The Leopard 53 Powercat is a testament to this legacy, showcasing excellent seakeeping abilities, offering 3 or 4 cabin configurations, and achieving a top speed of 25 knots.

Fountaine Pajot:

A trailblazer since 1976, Fountaine Pajot constantly redefines catamaran design. The Fountaine Pajot MY6 is a shining example, encapsulating the brand's visionary ethos. Stretching 15 meters, the MY6, equipped with dual engines of up to 2 x 353 Kw and 2 x 480 hp, promises dynamic sailing. Crafted meticulously by Pier Angelo Andreani, the interior mirrors a 20-meter monohull's spaciousness, reflecting modern aesthetics and comfort that stand as a benchmark in the Motor Yacht world.

These manufacturers continue to innovate, offering a blend of luxury, performance, and efficiency in their power catamaran models, making them a popular choice among maritime enthusiasts.

Comparing with Monohulls and Trimarans:

While monohulls are traditional and often cheaper, they lack the stability and space offered by power catamarans. On the other hand, trimarans, with three hulls, provide even more stability but at the cost of additional drag and less interior space.

TheBoatDB - Your Gateway to Maritime Exploration:

If you’re looking to delve deeper into the world of power catamarans and other vessels, TheBoatDB offers a comprehensive boat database. Explore various catamaran models, compare them with monohulls, trimarans, and other types of boats, and make an informed decision on your next maritime adventure.

In summary, power catamarans encapsulate a modern engineering marvel in the maritime domain. Their blend of speed, stability, comfort, and economy makes them an attractive option for a broad spectrum of boaters. Whether you are a long-distance cruiser, a water sport enthusiast, or someone who cherishes the tranquility of the sea, a power catamaran could be the vessel that transforms your maritime adventures into unforgettable experiences.

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Leopard 40 Powercat

Exhilaration at sea.  A reinvention in the Leopard Powercat series, the Leopard 40 Powercat presents a new generation of cruising possibilities. Bringing optimal reliability, speed, stability and fuel consumption, this vessel joins the successful Leopard 46 and Leopard 53 models as a world leader in the cruising power catamaran market. Built by Robertson & Caine and designed by naval architects Simonis Voogd, the Leopard 40 Powercat is masterfully engineered, maintaining an excellent weight and trim ratio rarely found in catamarans of this size. Research using computational fluid dynamics tools has enabled this feat and made the Leopard 40 PC a class leader. The Leopard 40 Powercat embodies all the distinct design characteristics of the Leopard series but with a new modernity. Superior craftsmanship and materials, including Leopard’s signature side glazing that runs the length of the planking, show off the vessel’s elegant lines. Its smart design also includes an interior steering position that provides maximum safety, with a perfect peripheral view of the sea while remaining sheltered from the elements. Enjoy outdoor living with large aft cockpit as well as the largest flybridge found in a 40-foot vessel.  Step aboard and experience exceptional living at sea. Each living space is intentionally designed with comfort and functionality in mind. Ample communal space is found throughout, including the aft cockpit, flybridge and aft decks. Unique to the Leopard line, sunbathing areas are accessible through the side decks or directly from the saloon by way of the front door. Whether for group gatherings or solitude reflection, there is always a space to manifest the next milestone in your journey. Venture further and discover accommodations that put you right at home. At the bow, the saloon brings everyone together to relish another day at sea. The fully equipped L-shaped galley is conducive to conversation and brings greater ease when preparing meals. The three cabins feature generous island beds and sea views in the hulls. Two heads are located in the passageway on the port side and forward on the starboard side and offer a spacious setting with a separate shower. Intentionally designed to avoid disturbances, the two technical areas are located at the rear and are isolated and accessible only from the outside. They are equipped with two engines of 250, 320, or 370 horsepower that satisfy the Leopard 40 Powercat’s high performance and reliability standards. With capabilities of reaching 17 knots at cruising speed and more than 20 knots at top speed, passengers will find agility and remarkable seaworthiness with the new Leopard 40 Powercat.

SPECIAL OFFER

• LOA: 40 ft 0 in / 12.19 m
• LWL: 39 ft 7 in / 12.07 m
• Beam: 21 ft 8 in / 6.61 m
• Draft: 3 ft 7 in / 1.1 m
• Bridgedeck Clearance: 2 ft 4 in / 0.7 m
• Max height above W.L. (excl. antenna stalks): 18 ft 5 in / 5.61 m
• Engine: 2x250hp
• Engine Upgrade: 320hp, 370hp
• Propeller Dimensions: 4-blade 23in x 22in (370 hp option)
• Maximum Speed (in light ship conditions): 23 Knots
• Cruising Speed (in light ship conditions): 15 Knots
• Engine Max Power: 250 HP
• Max Power RPM: 3800 rpm
• Engine No. Cylinders: 4
• Consumption Curves:  View Leopard 40 Powercat Performance Curves
• Fuel: 370 gal / 1400 L

EXTRA DETAILS

• Water: 169 gal / 640 L
• Displacement: 30488 lbs / 13829 kg
• Load Carrying Capacity: 12410 lbs / 5629 kg
• Holding Tank Capacity: 42 gal / 160 L

All Leopard Catamarans are NMMA and CE Certified.

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PowerCat – Above the Waves

The art of catamaran building new defined.

Chart your own course and discover the limitless possibilities of the open waters with PowerCat. Renowned for our expert craftsmanship and visionary design, we engineer power catamarans that redefine performance, efficiency, and comfort.

PowerCat – Where Innovation Meets the Sea

Every PowerCat vessel is a testament to our commitment to innovation and our passion for the sea. Our Diesel, Electric, Hybrid, and Solar Catamarans can all be fitted with our groundbreaking Maritime Advanced Range System (M.A.R.S) – a hydrofoil assisted system that exemplifies our pioneering spirit.

From meticulous design to precision engineering, our range of PowerCats showcases a perfect balance of weight distribution, stability, and speed. Our boats are lightweight powerhouses, designed to be up to 50% lighter than their closest competitors. This results in extraordinary fuel efficiency and higher speeds, even with smaller engines.

At PowerCat, we believe that safety and comfort should never be compromised for performance. Every PowerCat is built with safety at its core, featuring isolated waterproof regions, advanced electronic management systems, and continuous motor monitoring. Our interiors offer unmatched comfort, providing a perfect space for relaxation, entertainment, and the creation of lasting memories.

Explore our range of models, such as the exceptional PowerCat 8 , and experience the PowerCat difference. Here, luxury meets efficiency, and the horizon is just the beginning. Embark on your next adventure with PowerCat. Sail beyond the ordinary.

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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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Lenny Rudow

New Boats, Fishing & Electronics Editor, BoatUS Magazine

Top tech writer and accomplished sports fisherman, BoatUS Magazine Contributing Editor Lenny Rudow has written seven practical boating books, won 30 awards from Boating Writers International — many for his marine electronics articles – and two for excellence from the Outdoor Writers Association of America. He judges the NMMA Innovation Awards, and is Angler in Chief at FishTalk, his own Chesapeake-based publication. A great teacher and inspirational writer, Lenny hosts many of BoatUS Magazine’s very-popular how-to videos, which can be found on the BoatUS YouTube channel, or at BoatUS.com

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Discover a Different Kind of Power Catamaran

At aspen power catamarans, we use real innovation to enhance performance and efficiency in every model. the secret is an asymmetrical design that delivers straight tracking and a comfortable ride, with less resistance than a typical catamaran..

Discover A Different Kind Of Power Catamaran

At Aspen Power Catamarans, We Use Real Innovation To Enhance Performance And Efficiency In Every Model. The Secret Is An Asymmetrical Design That Delivers Straight Tracking And A Comfortable Ride, With Less Resistance Than A Typical Catamaran.

Find Out What Sets Aspen Power Catamarans Apart

Modern power catamarans come in many different styles and configurations. 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

Check out the latest Aspen Innovation: The Aspen Carbon Cat tender.

Matchless efficiency and performance.

Aspens offer all the advantages of a catamaran, but in a design that can use a single, efficient diesel inboard or two outboards of different horsepower.

True Innovation in Design

The Aspen hull design offers the stability and space of a catamaran, but tracks straight with a single diesel inboard or two outboards of different horsepower.

A Thirst for Adventure

Because Aspen owners tend to go on long trips exploring remote areas, we have included a double-bottom construction method.

Intelligent Interiors

Thanks to the dual hull design, every Aspen has interior room comparable to that of a monohull that is 25 percent longer, but it’s what we do with that space that sets us apart.

Built with Care

The composites used in the construction of an Aspen power cat are a thoughtful balance of modern high technology, using premium Vinylester and Isophthalic resins, S-glass, Kevlar, and cross-linked PVC cores ranging in thickness from a quarter-inch all the way up to 2 1/2 inches.

Come and Visit Us

We love to show off our factory and introduce folks to the dedicated team that crafts each Aspen with care and passion.

View Our Models

Enjoy the Privileges of Aspen Ownership

Members of the Aspen Owner’s Club know how to get more enjoyment from life, and we couldn’t be happier. They keep in touch with us, and many join our annual Owner’s Club Cruises where we share cruising stories and good times along an exciting cruising itinerary.

Take Care of Your Aspen the Right Way

Many owners work with us to keep their Aspen running the way it should. After all, who would know better about the various systems and structure than the team who built it? Also we love to work with owners on refit projects to incorporate new ideas.

Upgrades and Opportunities

Looking to get into an Aspen without the wait for a new yacht? Check out our brokerage listings and see the pre-owned yachts we have available. There’s no better place to find these efficient, well-loved cruisers, since we are also in the business of servicing many Aspens, and we stay in the know about yachts that may be coming available due to trade-ins and upgrade deals.

Patent No. US 8,109,221 B2

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Step Up to Excellence with Ocean Express Power Catamarans…

The Performance and Beauty of a Winner

The team at Ocean Express boasts the experience of over four decades in the design, development and manufacture of quality composite catamarans. Built for comfort, speed, and performance, our unique, sought-after vessels use an extensive array of hi-tech, state-of-the-art composite technology.

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Already own an Ocean Express Boat?

We would love to hear your feedback on your past purchase from us. We welcome and encourage you join our Facebook Group - Ocean Express Owners Group.

Share your feedback, photos and stories. We love to see and hear how our boats are being used.

Ocean Express Powerboats

Ocean Express Powerboats has a proud history of over 43 years producing quality, power catamarans. Our custom, innovative design, and manufacturing process by Focht Marine Design has been the inspiration for several marquee powerboat brands, all of which have had various degrees of success in their own right.

Our Model Series

In the section below, we present the currently available new model lineup for Ocean Express for 2021 and beyond.

We also have a range of showroom models, demo, and pre-owned boats available in our current inventory section . Contact our Sales Department today. Our team is only too happy to walk you through our current inventory and new builds.

Please Note: Model photos displayed are for demonstration purposes only. Actual models offered for sale may vary in appearance and equipment lineup. Please check with our sales team for the exact images and specifications of the boat you are interested in.

Performance Series

Tuned for performance. Styled with elegance. Offering the heart-pounding, race-tuned bloodline of a performance boat.

The Performance Models

Dual console series.

The new flagship of the Ocean Express lineup. This 70 mile per hour cruiser features two full size cabins plus a full complement of creature comforts in an expansive deck area.

The Dual Console Models

Cruiser series.

This multi-purpose design caters to the long-range cruiser, avid anglers of all levels, or the simple evening on the water with friends and family all coupled with Ocean Express performance

The Cruiser Models

Center console series.

Stability, style, and comfort. Constructed with precision engineering resulting in performance and a ride like no other.

The Center Console Models

Discover ocean express power catamarans, find out what makes ocean express boats unique.

Ocean Express Powerboats are designed to utilize the full benefits of a catamaran hull over the traditional V-Hull alternative. Our designs have been honed and perfected over 43 years of experience on the racing circuit.

Our racing heritage and winning edge have given us a unique perspective on the key elements that combine to take full advantage of fuel efficiency, ultimate control and handling and the optimal power to weight ratios for composite material hulls.

The Catamaran difference

Just like religion and politics, people are passionate about their judgment and preferences about all manner of things. If you’re passionate one way or the other hull configuration, far be it from us to try and convert you. We simply offer our observations and experiences on the advantages of the catamaran. You be the judge…

Cost Effective

Based on our racing experience, power catamarans generally produce about 25% better fuel economy. For example, running at 35 to 40 mph, a cat will consume around 3 miles per gallon.

Enhanced Control

Catamaran motor centers range from 72” to 88” apart, allowing for better maneuvering around docks; A V-Hull is typically 24” apart. Most v-bottoms need bow thrusters and/or joystick controls for enhanced control and maneuverability in tight spaces.

Superior Ride

Our twin-V offshore power catamarans run on top of the water. Gliding over 24 steps and utilizing a large air entrapment tunnel producing a 40% softer ride.

A catamaran offers a markedly more stable ride over its V-hull counterpart. The side-to-side motion is almost non-existent.

What sets Ocean Express apart…

Yes, we are blowing our horn, here. We’ve learned a few lessons over the years and we’d just like to share a few of the key attributes that set us apart from the crowd.

Race Proven Pedigree

You only get better by competing against a better opponent.

Unique Design Process

We take what works. We leave what doesn’t.

Outside the box

Don’t Copy. Innovate. 

Over 40 years experience

We’ve been around and we have the scars to prove it. 

Singular Vision

Be the best you can. Follow your dreams, be unique but don’t let arrogance blind you. Most of all, be true to yourself. 

Quality Materials

Never forget – you get out of it what you put into it.

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Solar & Wind-Powered Boat Travels Through Greek Islands

At CleanTechnica, we have written a number of articles about a variety of fully electric boats. These vessels are mostly for outdoor recreation and are sometimes called pleasure- or leisure-craft. In no particular order, they are the Voltari 260 , X-Shore Eelex 8000 , Blue Innovation Group R30 , and Candela C-8 . They tend to be powerful and fast.

Recently on YouTube, another kind of electric boat caught my attention: the HopYacht . This one differs from the others in that it has solar power and sail power in order to use sunlight and wind. The HopYacht is also a catamaran, not a monohull. Another difference is that it emphasizes efficiency and longer distance trips rather than speed. At full throttle, it reaches 6.9 knots per hour; the cruising speed is 4.2 knots. At cruising speed it can travel for over 8 hours, not including electricity generated by the solar panels, provided there is adequate sunlight. The HopYacht uses much smaller electric motors and batteries.

Here are some of the specifications:

• Two 6 kW (9.9 hp) electric Pod Drives
• Two 14.4 kWh Lithium Ferro Phosphate Batteries
• 1,600 watts of solar power capacity
• Twin rudders
• Length: 30.68 feet
• Width: 11.29 feet, maximum
• Displacement: 6,834 lb
• Sail area: 323 square feet
• Mast height: 32.81 feet
• Price: $215,000, ready to sail

The vessel is appropriate for overnight trips for a couple or a couple with small children. There is a private cabin with a full-sized bed and a saloon with a table, and seating that folds down to make another bed. The galley has two induction hobs for cooking, and there is a 60 liter fridge/freezer onboard.

In fact, the eye-catching YouTube video features a HopYacht traveling over 200 miles in the Greek Islands in 10 days. They started at Piraeus and ended at Preveza, covering slightly more than 200 nautical miles while only using shore power twice to charge.

In the journey’s first leg, from Piraeus to Isthmia, they traveled 33.8 nautical miles (NM) starting at 8 am and finishing at 4:45 pm. This leg of the journey started with a 100% charge and ended with 71%. During the trip they used these propulsion modes: electric motors, wind power combined with electric motors, and wind power only. Only one stage during the entire journey was greater than the 33.8 NM day: Nafpaktos to Ormos Oxia, which was 38.7 NM. On this stage, they hit a top speed of 7.3 knots per hour using wind only. The shortest stage covered 8.7 NM; the rest were in between 8.7 NM and 38.7 NM. In the video it is stated they could have covered the total distance traveled over the 10 days in just five. What is particularly noteworthy is that on some days they ended their travels with slightly more battery charge than when they started, but did not recharge with shore power. Though 1,600 watts of solar power is not a lot, it did a good job charging the two batteries as the vessel moved through the Greek waters.

I reached out to HopYacht and received a prompt reply, “Paul and Mary-Clare Tomes founded HopYacht in 2021, spent many years chartering yachts in different parts of the world, especially in the Mediterranean. They discovered that sailors on holiday, or simply setting off for a day or two of coastal or bay hopping, behaved differently.” 

Paul commented that, “once clear of the moorings, these sailors tended to only unfurl the genoa and rarely hoisted the mainsail. Boat speed for most people wasn’t as much of a priority as keeping life on board easy going.”

With small electric motors only, wind only, or combining the two to achieve a reasonable cruising speed with virtually no noise and no fumes from gas or diesel-powered engines, one could understand the appeal of moving through the Mediterranean in this way. Especially cruising easily through the Greek islands or off the coasts of Italy, France or Spain…it sounds like a delightful way to travel and experience what you could not on land only.

He added, “Another huge advantage of electric propulsion is that it can get you out of trouble fast! For example, stalling a boat whilst tacking in close proximity to another boat or a harbour wall could spell disaster. In the time needed to start a diesel engine, engage the gear lever and get the revs up, you could already have hit something. Electric propulsion is available instantly … on demand.”

One of the exciting aspects of a sailing vessel that also has electric motors, solar power, and batteries is the potential for off-grid self-sufficiency, meaning that in favorable conditions — adequate wind and sunlight — sailors might be able to travel for weeks or months without needing to charge from shore power. With such a potential ability, one would be able to hang out and sail through the Greek islands in more remote areas if that was your interest.

In one of their blog posts , HopYacht explained they put the boat’s propulsion, clean energy, and electrical systems to the test, “At the end of each day of sea-trials and test sails with prospective clients, when we return to our marina berth, we have deliberately left the boat unplugged!”

“Our all-electric HopYacht 30 has been off the grid now for over 2 months, relying on the solar panels to recharge the batteries. The fridge freezer and other systems run 24 hours a day. Actually, we have yet to unwrap the shore power cable and the marina berth we currently occupy doesn’t even have an electrical supply!”

At that time, their location was Cape Town, South Africa, and they acknowledged the weather then was mostly sunny, with some overcast moments.

Another potential is for add-on generation from an accessory wind turbine to generate a light or trickle charge when anchored at leisure or at night with adequate wind when there is no sunlight for solar charging.

For the more mechanically inclined and intrepid, there might be an option to craft a custom temporary rack to add another solar panel or two or arrange some portable solar panels like the ones from Renogy . As with adding a small wind turbine, the additional electricity generated from an extra solar panel or two wouldn’t be that significant, but it would help a little for longer passages, again, with adequate sunlight.

For the price, the HopYacht is surely one of the most interesting electric boats. For comparison, and it isn’t exactly an apples-to-apples example, let’s look at a popular conventional catamaran that isn’t all electric and can’t run only on solar power — the Lagoon 38. A used one runs anywhere from $150,000 up to about $350,000 or more. It was discontinued and replaced by the Lagoon 40, which costs approximately over $400,000 new. (A Dragonfly 32 trimaran costs over $300,000 new.)

The HopYacht provides an affordable, quiet, slower, relaxing vessel for island hopping and coastal cruising without using gasoline or diesel fuel, which sounds intriguing for people who love tooling around the Mediterranean or the Caribbean and don’t have a need for speed.

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Jake richardson.

Hello, I have been writing online for some time, and enjoy the outdoors. If you like, you can follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JakeRsol

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