cruising power catamarans

• Center Consoles
• Dual Consoles
• Motoryachts
• Sport Cruisers
• Tenders & Ribs
• U.S. Atlantic
• Engine Buyers Guide
• Electronics

Top Catamarans for Cruising: Powercat Roundup

An Aquila Catamaran, one of the top powercats for cruising.

Top Catamarans for Cruising

Powercats offer stability, spaciousness, beautiful lines, and so much more. see some of the industry’s top catamarans for cruising..

Recommended

Fishing with Kids

The 60th Annual Fort Lauderdale Boat Show

Don't miss it.

Ranieri International Appoints Madison Bay Holdings the Exclusive Representative Throughout The Americas

New Podcast Episode: Palm Beach International Boat Show Preview

The Race Between Semiconductors, Gold, and Cocoa Heats Up!

Discover The ULTRA Anchor: Stay Secure With Quality Stainless Steel

Sister Semiconductor Surges and Shines!

Celebrate the Water’s Elegance with Hinckley’s 30th Anniversary Picnic Boat

• Privacy Policy

1591 E. Atlantic Blvd, 2nd Floor Pompano Beach, FL 33060 Office: +1 (954) 522-5515 Fax: +1 (954) 522-2260 Contact us: [email protected]

Email address

© 2024 Southern Boating Media

• European Union
• South Africa
• Photos & Videos

Virtual Tour

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

Related Boat Reviews

Leopard catamarans feature - passagemaker, leopard 40 powercat - southern boating catamaran buyers guide, leopard 40 powercat review - southern boating.

Make an appointment for a boat show, a sea trial, or simply receive a phone call from our expert agents.

Other Leopard 40 Powercat Buying Options

Check for current availability of used Leopard Catamarans and new Leopard Catamarans in charter programs on our sister sites

6 Best Performance Cruising Catamarans (Buyer’s Guide)

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site.

Performance cruising catamarans are impressive-looking vessels that focus on speed above comfort. These fast boats are ideal for racing and long cruising vacations. But with the numerous brands and models on the market, how do you know which is the best one?  

The best high-speed performance cruising catamarans are the Outremer 4x, McConaghy MC50, Nautitech 44, Gunboat 62, Balance 526, and Marsaudon Composites ORC50. All these boats deliver outstanding speeds and are light in weight, relatively comfortable, and incredibly safe.  

This article will explore the brands and models that I believe have the best combination of performance and comfort . We’ll look at their speeds and what makes them cruise so fast. We’ll also examine the factors to consider when shopping for a performance cruising cat.  

Table of Contents

How Fast Are Performance Cruising Catamarans? 

Cruising catamarans are generally faster than monohulls of similar lengths. This means most well-built and well-balanced cats will arrive at their destination much sooner, and the cruise is much more comfortable. Performance cruising cats like the Nautitech include deep daggerboards and rudders, narrow waterline beams, hull chines, and big sail plans that allow for faster sailing than a standard cruising cat.

Outremer 4X

Outremer Catamarans are well-known for their high speeds. These exciting cats sport brilliant designs, narrow bows, and large rigs. Built in Southern France, the vessels are strong and long-lasting since their structures feature materials such as carbon, glass, and vinyl ester. 

The Outremer 4x is a stable and comfortable high-speeding cruising catamaran that performs ocean crossings and confronts any weather with remarkable ease. Named the European Boat of the Year in 2017, this 48-foot (14.6 m) bluewater cruiser sails faster than wind speed and attains maximum cruising speeds of 20 knots.

The 4x is an upgrade of the extremely popular Outremer 45, thus retaining Outremer’s core values of speed, safety, and comfort. It’s built for maximum performance and enjoyment, with the lightweight, carbon fiber structure allowing for additional speed under sail . 

Featuring comfort typical of much larger vessels, the Outremer 4X features 4 double cabins, hot water showers, a full kitchen, spacious storage, and excellent ventilation. There’s also an expansive deck, an unobstructed cockpit, and large trampoline areas. Most importantly, your safety is assured through the cat’s unique features including a robust structure, offshore design, stability, and unrivaled speed potential.

The 4x’s cutting-edge design makes it ideal for competitive racing or blue water cruising, and it does both without compromising your comfort, safety, or onboard livability. However, to sail at maximum speed, the boat must remain lightweight, requiring your interior to be fitted out quite minimally. The other downside is the high price tag; the Outremer 4X commands a price between $912,322 and $1,202,945 .

McConaghy MC52

The McConaghy MC52 is a performance luxury cruising cat reflective of McConaghy’s 50 years of experience in building high-tech composite projects. The luxurious boat features a flybridge, retracting centerboards, optimized hulls, and an open space bridgedeck combining the salon with the cockpit. You can also customize the boat to your specifications.

This hi-tech cat comes with sizeable sliding salon windows and frameless doors that provide fantastic views. Its wave-piercing bows can cut through waves, thus helping to increase performance by minimizing pitch resistance, while still retaining a smooth ride. Also, the saloon offers spacious dining space for up to 8 people, and the galley area is more like a penthouse.

The manufacturer’s background in building high-end racing yachts has resulted in an incredibly strong and lightweight vessel capable of reaching 22 knots (40.7 km/h or 25.29 mph). The main downside to this boat is the boom placement on the mast, which is much higher than other high-performance cats. This makes accessing the mainsail somewhat challenging. It also increases the MC50’s center of gravity and center of effort.

You can get the MC52 for about $1.6 million.

Nautitech 44

The Nautitech 44 easily blends comfort and fun to deliver an impressive sailing performance, whether you take short trips or long ocean crossings. The boat offers a good balance under sail, and it features helming stations on each hull. Plus, there’s an integrated hardtop bimini complete with sunroof opening. Slim hulls translate to higher speeds, with the vessel reaching up to 17 knots (31.4 km/h or 19.51 mph).

The well-laid-out interior boasts a functional design, ample storage space, plus all the equipment you require for ocean cruising, such as a fridge, watermaker, and solar. 

Nautitech 44’s twin helms give you the real sailing experience with a fantastic view of the sails and great visibility when maneuvering into port. However, you might not appreciate being stuck in the aft helm position without protection in lousy weather or during hot days.

Nevertheless, the boat’s responsiveness makes sailing more pleasurable. Plus, it’s affordable; the price is between $236,000 and $334,000.

Marsaudon Composites ORC50

Marsaudon Composites vessels are ideal for both racing and cruising. The sporty-looking ORC 50 comes with large inverted bows, an angular coachroof, a high freeboard, and a sturdy rotating carbon mast. In addition, the vessel is light which allows it to accelerate quickly, while the angular coachroof offers lots of space and excellent visibility. 

The ORC50 can attain 23+ knots (42.5+ km/h or 26.41+ mph) and is among the fastest high-performance livable multihulls. It’s capable of doing more than 350 miles (563.27 km) per day.   

The downside to the ORC50 is it’s a bit technical to sail, thus requiring a skilled sailor. Furthermore, its immense power and speed can be intimidating to less experienced sailors. Solely designed for speed, the ORC50’s interior is simple, less roomy, and somewhat spartan; hence the boat might not be all that comfy. Still, it’ll get you where you want to go pretty fast, and it’s an excellent value for money at approximately $787,751.25.

Gunboat 62 

The Gunboat 62 is a true high-speed catamaran capable of sailing at 20 knots (37 km/h or 23 mph) over true wind speeds and known to notch up speeds of 36+ knots (66.7+ km/h or 41.45 mph) on a surf. The initial 3 Gunboat 62 boats featured epoxy, E-glass, and carbon fiber construction, but the fourth vessel was all carbon, sported a taller rig and a more expansive sail area. 

These structural features made the Gunboat 62s extremely light, and they formed the original luxury high-performance cruising cats.

This multihull sailboat boasts a carbon mast, round hull sections for a minimized wetted surface area, high-aspect rudders, and retractable daggerboards. The steering station offers 360-degree visibility and sports overhead hatches that you can use to monitor the mainsail trim. The boat also contains 3 private cabins with queen berths, 2 spacious heads with showers, an aft cockpit, galley, and lounge.

On the downside, Gunboats are pricey cats; hence they’re also expensive to maintain. The Gunboat 62 isn’t that spacious either as it’s more focused on speed, but it’s extremely comfortable, plus there’s plenty of space for hanging out. You can buy this catamaran starting from $2 million .

Balance 526

Built with a combination of carbon fiber, E-glass, epoxy, closed-cell foam, and composite bulkheads, this boat is strong, light, and can withstand terrible weather. The retractable daggerboards allow for good upwind performance. All high load areas contain carbon fiber, while furniture and cabinets feature cored sandwich construction, producing the lightest yet most robust catamaran. 

A Balance 526 will reach speeds of up to 20knots without stressing the rig too much.

The boat is available in various layouts and comfortably accommodates 6 people. The spacious aft cockpit and saloon provide panoramic visibility. And since Balance 526 can handle the extra weight, you get performance plus all the creature comforts you desire.

Still, Balance 526’s pricing is on the higher end, beginning at $1,440,000 . Also, the slender hulls result in less space down below. Nevertheless, the boat lives up to its name, achieving the perfect balance between superb performance and comfort.

What Makes Performance Cruising Catamarans So Fast? 

Performance Cruising Catamarans Have Narrow Hulls 

Performance catamarans contain two small narrow hulls, which cause them to have less water resistance. Smaller hulls mean the vessels have much smaller bow waves to fight, allowing them to move extremely fast. In addition, the less hull area is underwater, the faster the boat is capable of moving since there’s less drag.

Having said that, it’s important to note that a narrow hull is more prone to burying its bows in rough seas. The wider the hull, the more buoyancy it offers, but only up to a given point. After which, the excessive width becomes unmanageable and performance suffers. The key lies in finding the right balance.

Performance Cruising Catamarans Have Considerable Length

The longer a cruising cat is, the faster it’ll move. While each vessel bears a maximum hull speed, in most cases, the lengthier the boat, the higher the speed it can reach. The length of the hull (length on the waterline) also has a significant impact on the speed performance. Thus, the cat attains maximum speeds when the wavelength is equal to the length on the waterline (hull speed).

Therefore, the longer the length of the hull, the better the performance of a high-speed cruising cat. You can also compare two cruising cats’ speeds based on this measure. 

Performance Cruising Catamarans Have Quality Builds

Modern cat manufacturers continue designing more innovative high-performance cruising cats that deliver a new blend of performance and cruising features. They achieve this by using advanced construction materials, better daggerboard designs, and creative weight allocation. They also keep a keener focus on onboard amenities. For instance, asymmetrical daggerboards placed midships in each hull can help achieve proper balance and hull trim.

The overall goal is to design cruising cats that offer high speeds, outstanding performance, and enough offshore comfort. 

Here’s an article if you are wondering what daggerboards and centerboards are and why they impact performance so much.

Performance Cruising Catamarans Are Light-weight

The lighter a cruising catamaran, the greater its performance. And some of the most popular high-performance catamarans find an optimal balance between performance and comfort. As a result, modern performance-based cruising cats have embraced the use of carbon composite construction for hulls, daggerboards, and rigging, instead of the somewhat heavier glass fiber materials.

A weighed-down cat produces less speed, which means excess immersion of the hulls renders the boat sluggish . The hull submersion also reduces the bridge deck clearance, promoting uncomfortable hull slamming.

You won’t find much difference in top speed between performance catamarans bearing similar lengths because they all have displacement hulls and mostly sail to hull speed with occasional surfing. This means that under skilled hands, these cats should exhibit roughly the same performance. A cruising cat’s performance is also highly dependent on the state of the sea, wind direction, and speed, amongst many other factors.

What To Consider When Choosing a Performance Cruising Catamaran

Speed is the number one consideration when choosing a high-speed cruising cat. Yet there are other factors just as important since they contribute to the overall cruising performance, including:

•  What you’ll use the vessel for and where. Are you planning on doing coastal cruising or serious offshore cruising? Consider the number of people that you’ll be sailing with and the activities you’ll engage in. This also helps determine the size catamaran you’ll need.  
• Comfort. While some racing enthusiasts might prefer spartan accommodation plans, most enjoy relative comfort on the high seas. In any case, modern high-speed cruising cats are designed to provide a certain level of creature comforts. And since most performance cats are custom-made, new boat owners may decide precisely which features to include in their cats. 
• Quality. To produce light boats, builders employ the use of fine resins, carbon, epoxies, foam cores, and fiberglass. They build using a combination of vacuum-bagged techniques, foam cores, foam composite bulkheads, and make furniture and cabinetry with cored sandwich construction . 
• Livability. One cannot underrate the appeal of sailing in a vessel with no heeling, not to mention the high privacy attained from separate living and sleeping areas. Panoramic views and exceptional deck space for lounging and entertaining are also essential in ensuring maximum cruising comfort. Fortunately, most high-speed cruising cats offer all these features and more.
• Equipment. Sailing upwind is a challenge for cruising cats since they tend to make lots of leeway. To make things easier, high-speed cruising cats come equipped with bigger rigs and either daggerboards or centerboards. However, this also means skilled sailors are required to operate them. 
• Cost. Catamarans are generally expensive, but a cat built with longer, leaner hulls and less costly materials can still give an outstanding performance. Such materials include foam cores, epoxy bulkheads, and epoxy resins. Furthermore, it’s not necessary to use only carbon to build a lightweight boat. 

Final Thoughts

Performance cruising catamarans are built using exotic, high-tech, lightweight materials to deliver an electrifying sailing experience. And as we’ve seen from the above list, these boats deliver performance plus much more. They’re not only speed cruisers, but they also provide a smooth, comfortable, and enjoyable cruising experience. 

So, whichever option you go for – from the luxurious Gunboat 62 to the much more affordable Nautitech 44 – you’re sure to get a boat that suits your needs. 

• Wikipedia: Spinnaker
• Wikipedia: High-Performance Sailing  
• Yachting World: Fountaine Pajot Elba 45 Review
• Aeroyacht: Catamaran Speed
• Cruiser’s Forum: Nautitech 44…
• Nautitech Catamarans: Nautitech
• Katamarans: Marsaudon Composites ORC50 (TS5) Review
• Outremer USA: New Outremer 4x Performance Catamaran
• Dutoit Yacht Design: Balance 526 Review
• Go Downsize: How Fast Do Catamarans Go?
• Catamaran Guru: The Cruising Catamaran Performance Debate
• The Boat App: The Fastest Cruising Catamarans of 2020
• Sail Magazine: Performance Cruising Cats Set New Standards in Sailing Speed
• Cruisers Forum: Fast Cruising Catamarans – How Fast?
• Lagoon – Inside: The Secrets of a Catamaran’s Performance
• Sail Magazine: 10 Great Cruising Cats
• Cruising World: 40 Best Sailing Catamarans and Trimarans, Cruising Catamarans…

Owner of CatamaranFreedom.com. A minimalist that has lived in a caravan in Sweden, 35ft Monohull in the Bahamas, and right now in his self-built Van. He just started the next adventure, to circumnavigate the world on a Catamaran!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment.

Recent Posts

Must-Have Boat Gear for Catamaran Sailors!

Sailing is probably the most gear-intensive activity I've ever done; there are so many decisions to be made about what gear to buy now, for tomorrow, and what to definitely never buy. The gear on...

6 Best Trailerable Trimarans For Bluewater and Coastal Sailing

Having a boat costs a lot of money, even when you are not using it, marina fees, etc. And once it is in the water most sailors never go very far from their "home marina" and sailing will be somewhat...

Power Catamarans

The PC Series of advanced luxury cruising power catamarans are designed, engineered, and built to exceed the demands of discerning cruising yachtsmen.

Marked by excellence in build quality and attention to detail, each yacht in the PC Series offers the efficiency and stability of a high caliber catamaran with the layout, features and amenities of a large motoryacht. Elegant in styling and decor, each luxury power catamaran can be fully customized by the client and comes fitted with premium appliances, top end navigation gear and exquisite finishes throughout. Let’s build your Horizon Power Catamaran!

Choose Your Multihull Lifestyle

• Photo Galleries
• Portfolio Metro
• Custom Design
• Metro Gallery
• Masonry Gallery
• Grid Gallery
• Blog – Right Sidebar

+1 888-839-3071

Horizon Yacht USA PC SERIES

Sleek and Stylish

Fast Displacement

Timeless and Versatile

Modern and Spacious

Defining Exploration

Elegant and Luxurious

Superior Power Catamarans

Custom Collection

Elegant Design, Luxurious Amenities, and Ultra Comfortable Cruising

The PC Series of advanced luxury cruising power catamarans are designed, engineered, and built to exceed the demands of discerning yachtsmen and watersports enthusiasts. Marked by excellence in quality and attention to detail, each yacht in the PC Series offers the high-end amenities and excellent seakeeping of a motoryacht along with the superior cruising stability, efficiency, shallow draft, and voluminous interior and exterior space of a luxury catamaran. Elegant in styling and décor and fitted to the highest standards, the PC Series yachts stand out in a class of their own as they are ideal for either owner/operation or as luxury crewed vessels. The design and development of the PC Series is the result of a collaborative partnership between Horizon Yachts, designer J.C. Espinosa, naval architect and catamaran specialist Angelo Lavranos of Lavranos Marine Design, and Stuart Hegerstrom and Richard Ford of The Powercat Company.

• News & Events
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Accessibility
• 1201 U.S. Highway 1, Suite 1, North Palm Beach, FL 33408
• 561.721.4850
• [email protected]

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

Talk To One Of Our Sales Experts To Schedule A Sea Trial & Experience The Feel For Yourself

Privacy Policy

Longreach 1200 – 600HP

Longreach 1400 – 460hp & 500hp, longreach 1400 hi-performance, longreach 1900 expedition, longreach 1900 bluewater, reach further, stay longer.

Long Range Liveaboard

The Longreach is foremost a family of Hi Performance Power Catamarans designed for live aboard cruising to the most remote destinations.

Enjoy long range, low impact, economical, smooth, safe and secure passage making in comfort and at speeds to delight. Reach further, stay longer.

Modern Living Comfort

3000+ nm range efficiency, proven hull design, bespoke builder quality.

Efficiency Foremost

Modern apartment comfort, latest news.

NEW RELEASE: On Water Tour of the NEW Longreach 1900 Bluewater Power catamaran

AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE…  Pattaya, Thailand – 21 December 2023

NEW RELEASE: The first of the Longreach Power Catamarans Launch

AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE…   Sydney, Australia – 20 November 2023 

Complete for an info pack or request a guided walk through tour.

" * " indicates required fields

• Who is longreach
• LR1200 500HP
• LR1400 460HP & 500HP
• LR1400 HI-Performance
• Request an Information Pack

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

Stay Up to Date with Aspen Sign up to receive our enewsletter.

11656 Knudson Rd. Burlington, WA 98233

Privacy Policy

© Copyright 2012 - 2024 | Aspen Power Catamarans

(360) 668-4347 EMAIL US

• THE PRINCESS PASSPORT
• Email Newsletter
• Yacht Walkthroughs
• Destinations
• Electronics
• Best Marine Electronics & Technology
• Boating Safety

Upgrading to a Power Catamaran

• By John Wooldridge
• Updated: February 4, 2015

We were floating in about 10 feet of crystal clear water when I tripped the switch to let the anchor drop down on the large patch of white sand just under our bow. Ryan, my younger son, and Jack, his best friend, were standing inside the foredeck’s twin bow pulpits watching the anchor descend, giving me the thumbs up sign when they saw it touch bottom.

I dropped both engines into reverse and slowly idled backwards as the chain continued to pay out. A gust of wind on the bow slewed the boat slightly to starboard, but when I momentarily took the starboard engine out of gear, the power catamaran quickly regained its orientation, so I put the starboard engine into reverse idle again. The small diesels located in the aft end of each hull were set wide apart, and handling was exquisitely simple. When I estimated that 60 to 70 feet had passed through the anchor pulpit, I halted the windlass, felt a firm tug, and slipped the engines into neutral.

“Okay, Go!” I yelled as both diesels answered my push-button command to stop running. With a couple of joyous yells, two sun-browned boys dove head first into the perfectly clear water, knifing over the top of the bow pulpit railings. My wife, Peggy, walked along the wide side deck carrying a couple of masks and snorkels, and tossed them to the guys. Donning them quickly, they disappeared like diving ducks to check the set of the anchor , then popped up to give me the thumbs up sign one more time.

This was the first time that Peggy and I had cruised in a power catamaran, and suddenly we were both wondering why it had taken us so long to try one. We’d cruised here before in tri-cabin motor yachts, but the power catamaran quickly showed us advantages we had never expected. Our 37-foot power cat was half again as beamy as the 46-foot tri-cabin we had cruised last, and that extra beam translated into more storage and living space in every cabin. If you’ve spent any time on the water in smaller, trailerable, outboard powered catamarans, and I have, believe me when I tell you that they are a completely different experience, particular when it comes to the sheer size and luxury of a power catamaran meant for cruising or chartering.

In fact, there was more on-deck space, too, from the massive foredeck ready-made for sunning to the wide aft deck complete with built in seating and table, and covered overhead by an aft extension of the flybridge deck. Not only was there lots of protection from the sun on the aft deck, but it proved to be a great place to sit and read, or have a meal, particularly during the times when occasional rain showers passed by.

Fiberglass and teak stairs (many modern power catamaran models have molded stairs) provided with stout stainless steel handrails made getting up to or down from the flybridge positively safe. Except for those times when the rain came down, the flybridge was where we lived when underway, as well as when at anchor. The view was spectacular in every direction, making it an ideal place from which to navigate, with bimini top to protect us from too much sun, seats for all and a table for al fresco meals.

Our power catamaran had a typical owner’s layout, with a large single cabin in one hull, and twin smaller guest cabins fore and aft in the other hull. Because it was an older model, hulls on the boat we cruised, and most others at that time, were generally more narrow and deep, a condition that reflected most power cat builder’s sailing cat roots. That’s not the case any longer.

Today, most powercats, like the Morelli & Melvin of the J&J designs for Aquila , are designed from scratch as power vessels, with hulls having 3-foot-or-less drafts that really shine in shallow draft locations (think Baha m as , the Carribean , the Florida Keys ). And with the proliferation of wider slips in marinas for the wider beams of today’s power catamarans and monohulls alike, it is increasingly likely that you will find a place to keep your power catamaran dockside.

This also means added hull width for better performance and increased volume for efficient propulsion and comfort systems (think generators to power all your electrical appliances, especially air conditioning), in addition to more living room and storage capacity. In fact, the most recent Aquila design, the 44, has a master stateroom that spans nearly the full width of the 21-foot, 6-inch wide boat. And after years of cruising in monohulls, I must say that the stability of a wide, well-designed power catamaran has to be experienced to be believed.

Building materials have advanced throughout the years, and the Aquila 44 and 48 power cats are robustly built using the latest resin-infusion techniques to produce the lightest, strongest, most fuel-efficient vessels possible. For example, twin 225-hp Volvo Penta diesels push the three stateroom 44 at a brisk 17 knots, which will be appreciated when you need to make landfall quickly to escape a storm, meet a family member, exchange crew, or even keep a dinner reservation. But when you’re taking your time between not so distant anchorages, enjoying the journey at 7 to 8 knots, the 44 only burns around 2.5 gallons per hour. For more information about Aquila power catamarans, log on to www.aquilaboats.com .

• More: aquila , Aquila Boats , catamaran , Yachts
• More Yachts

New Flagship for Bering Yachts: The B165

Power Catamaran Popularity Rising

“Energy Observer” Zero-Emission Boat Showcases Sustainability

Princess Yachts’ Y95: A Flagship Flybridge

For Sale: Sunseeker Predator 68

For Sale: CL Yachts CLB 72

10 Yachts Under $500,000 You Can Have Today

• Digital Edition
• Customer Service
• Privacy Policy
• Email Newsletters
• Cruising World
• Sailing World
• Salt Water Sportsman
• Sport Fishing
• Wakeboarding

• Engineering
• Flybridge Model
• Diesel Inboards
• Survey Certification
• CONSTRUCTION

Outback Marine released the first Argus E35 at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show. The vessel is based in Brisbane and is available for viewing. Production orders are now being accepted.

Tradaboat Boat Test

Boatpoint Review

Argus E35 Brochure

Argus E35 Specification

Roger Hill Yacht Designs

Argus Boats® Pty Ltd © 2009, 2010, 2011 All specifications and features are subject to change without notice. The actual supplied vessel specification is determined by written contract. Any referred performance data is provided as a guideline and is not intended as a performance specification.

• Bahasa Indonesia
• Slovenščina
• Science & Tech
• Russian Kitchen

Check out Moscow’s NEW electric river trams (PHOTOS)

Water transportation has become another sector for the eco-friendly improvements the Moscow government is implementing. And it means business. On July 15, 2021, on the dock of Moscow’s ‘Zaryadye’ park, mayor Sergey Sobyanin was shown the first model of the upcoming river cruise boat.

The model of the electrical boat with panoramic windows measures 22 meters in length. The river tram - as Muscovites call them - has a passenger capacity of 42, including two disabled seats. The trams will also get cutting edge info panels, USB docking stations, Wi-Fi, spaces for scooters and bicycles, as well as chairs and desks for working on the go. The boats will be available all year round, according to ‘Mosgortrans’, the regional transport agency. 

Passengers will be able to pay with their ‘Troika’ public transport card, credit cards or bank cards. 

The main clientele targeted are people living in Moscow’s river districts - the upcoming trams will shorten their travel time in comparison to buses and other transportation by five times, Mosgortrans stated. 

As the river trams are being rolled out, Moscow docks will also see mini-stations, some of which will also be outfitted with charging docks for speed-charging the boats.  

Moscow is set to announce the start of the tender for construction and supply in September 2021. The first trams are scheduled to launch in June 2022 on two routes - from Kievskaya Station, through Moscow City, into Fili; and from ZIL to Pechatniki. 

“Two full-scale routes will be created in 2022-2023, serviced by 20 river trams and a number of river stations. We’ll continue to develop them further if they prove to be popular with the citizens,” the Moscow mayor said .

If using any of Russia Beyond's content, partly or in full, always provide an active hyperlink to the original material.

to our newsletter!

Get the week's best stories straight to your inbox

• Face it: Moscow Metro to introduce FACIAL payment technology
• What does Moscow smell like?
• Riding Moscow’s train of tomorrow (PHOTOS)

This website uses cookies. Click here to find out more.

• Guided tour

River Cruise on Luxurious Radisson Boat

• Description
• Choose date

Equipped with ice-breaking technology, these huge fancy yachts are the only river cruisers running all year around. The round trip journey takes two and a half hours and floats past all the big sights like the White House, Novodevichy monastery and the Kremlin. There’s a large open air observation deck up top, while the main body of the ship houses a restaurant with a dance floor for a romantic post dinner dance. For a particularly romantic experience take one of the evening boats and admire the bright lights of the city skyline at night.

The most relaxing and picturesque tour that Moscow can offer: a great way to see the city center and its main attractions. This is a perfect alternative to exploring the city by car, if you only have time to do sightseeing during weekday rush hours.

Your English-speaking guide is eager to share every bit of their knowledge about the surrounding landscape, the architecture and historical details.

We conduct Moscow river tour on Radisson Flotilla boats all year around!  It’s warm inside during winter months, while there’s air conditioning during hot summer days. You may also treat yourself to drinks, lunch or dinner on board (drinks and food are not included in tour price).

The cost of an excursion with a personal guide for 1 person

Quay at Radisson Collection Hotel

Government Headquarters ("the White House")

Kievsky Railway Central

Novodevichy Convent

Luzhniki Stadium

Academy of Sciences

Monument to Peter I

Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

Moscow Kremlin

St.Basil's Cathedral

Novospassky Monastery

U-turn and back to Quay at Radisson Royal Hotel

Choose your dates

Who's going.

• Excursion River Cruise on Luxurious Radisson Boat
• Date and time:
• Who's going:

See photo of the meeting point