Many people think they were just discovered, but twin-hulled catamarans are centuries old. At a time when much of the so-called “civilized” world gazed at the sea with fear, Polynesians were crossing thousands of miles of open ocean — and their secret was the catamaran design.
Catamarans offer remarkable space for their length, solving many of the layout limitations of single-hull powerboats. Twin hulls create less drag, allowing for higher top speeds and improved fuel efficiency with smaller engines. This translates to reduced operating costs. Their wide stance also provides exceptional stability.
Given the combination of more space, better fuel economy, increased speed and superior stability, power cats are more appealing than ever. Here’s a look at four standout models.
Leopard 40 PC
The latest generation from South African builder Leopard, this pocket cruiser features three staterooms — including a spacious owner’s cabin that fills the starboard hull. Inside, the layout stretches from an alfresco cockpit dinette through the salon with an L-shaped galley and out to foredeck sunpads via a front-facing door. The flybridge offers another full entertainment zone with a dinette/lounge and summer kitchen featuring a grill and fridge. Twin Yamaha 370-horsepower diesels deliver a 23-knot top speed and a 350-nautical-mile range. With a draft of just 3 feet, 7 inches, it’s perfect for exploring Tampa Bay’s shallows and sandbars.
World Cat 400DCX
The 400DCX Island from North Carolina-based World Cat features not just twin hulls, but dual consoles separated by a walkway for easy access to the bow seating area, which includes four lounges. The entertainment continues under the fiberglass hardtop, where a wraparound dinette converts to an aft-facing settee near a summer kitchen with grill, dual refrigerators and large sink. Designed for anglers, the cockpit includes a 60-gallon live bait well. Twin Mercury or Yamaha outboards — up to 600 horsepower — give speeds in the 60 to 70 mph range. For overnight stays, one console has a convertible berth, while the other has a head with stall shower.
Aquila 46 Coupe (featured photo)
Combining performance (up to 44 knots with twin Mercury 600-horsepower outboards), entertaining space at both ends, and comfortable overnighting in two private cabins with queen berths, ensuite heads and walk-in showers, the new Aquila 46 Coupe is sleek and perfect for island adventuring. The carbon-fiber foils lift and stabilize the hull, increasing speed and fuel efficiency in all sea conditions. Optional twin Volvo 440-horsepower sterndrive diesels are also available. Cruising at 35 knots, the Aquila offers a range of more than 425 miles — making the Bahamas within easy reach.
Fountaine Pajot MY6
The French have long embraced catamarans, and the 44-foot MY6 from French builder Fountaine Pajot is the latest from this prestigious builder. The spacious interior includes a full-beam owner’s suite with a walk-around king bed and two guest staterooms with queen berths. All cabins feature ensuite heads with walk-in showers. Outside seating is on the foredeck and the aft terrace under the bridge overhang.The flybridge is equipped with a hardtop and sliding sunroof, plus a full dining area and summer kitchen with grill. Twin Volvo Penta 435-horsepower pod drives deliver a top speed of 28 knots and a 360-nautical-mile range at a comfortable cruising speed of 16 knots. Joystick steering for no-fuss docking.
Chris Caswell is an award-winning writer and the former editor of several yachting magazines. He has appeared on Oprah as a boating lifestyle expert and hosted the Marine Voyager series on the Speed Channel.
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