Boats configured as catamarans do not represent a new concept. In fact, sailing cats have been sailing around in western waters for more than a century—and even longer in the Pacific. Yet it’s only in the last 20 years or so that the real benefits of catamarans versus monohulls have been widely recognized and in perhaps the last 10 years why more people are choosing to cruise in a catamaran. With that realization—with the added stability and onboard space in particular—power catamarans have emerged in ever-growing numbers, too. Today it is more and more common to spy power cats cruising the waters of the world, from offshore fishing cats to luxury superyacht catamarans.
Some of the top brands in the sector have been driving innovation for decades, but hot on their heels are daring and exciting newcomers who are pushing the boundaries, too. There are many excellent brands, and these are just a few of our favorites.
Best Power Catamarans for Fishing
Power cats used specifically for fishing are big business as more people realize the speed and stability benefits they offer compared to monohull counterparts. The best fishing cats typically give a smoother ride, offer substantial deck space for casting and reeling, tons of storage space for livewells and gear, and the ability to tackle rough seas with a comfort not often found aboard a monohull.
Freeman Boatworks
A major player in the power cat fishing sector is Freeman, whose high performance boats are purpose-built for offshore angling adventures. Ranging from the smallest compact 28-footer up to the brand’s largest model, the Freeman 47, they are seriously hardy fishing cats and offer top performance and speed (up to 80 mph!) as well as huge fuel capacity and massive livewells. They feature up to four 450 horsepower outboard engines and an extremely comfortable ride even in rough sea conditions. Freeman boats for sale
Freeman 47. Freeman Boatworks photo
Invincible Fishing Catamarans
Invincible has been instrumental in the popularity boom of high-performance fishing power cats, and its range of 33- to 46-foot center console models are built with the same attention to detail as its monohull models. With cruising speeds of 50 mph and top speeds of 80 mph, as well as a suite of advanced livewell systems and accessories, and the addition of cabins for weekend cruising, they are one of the industry leaders in this category. Invincible boats for sale
39 Open Fisherman. Invincible photo
World Cat Catamarans
When it comes to competent, compact fishing cats, World Cat is one of the premier brands in the industry. The company has a huge line-up of center console and dual console fishing and family boats ranging from 23 to 40 feet. They are strongly built to withstand even the roughest seas without giving passengers a bruising and come equipped with high-spec accessories and furnishings. World Cat boats for sale
World Cat 325CC. World Cat photo
Best Power Catamarans for Blue Water
Blue water power catamarans are still in their infancy, with the lion’s share of offshore cats rigged as sailing models. In much the same way that we’re seeing the stratospheric rise of explorer yachts and modern trawler yachts, long-range power cats are hitting the mark for those in search of a comfortable, spacious, and highly capable long-range boat. Resembling mini superyachts, they offer extreme comfort, the latest in electronics, and many also bring green technology to the table too.
Fountaine Pajot
Fountaine Pajot is a big player in the catamaran world, renowned for its sailing cats. But its line of luxury powercat cruisers, which incorporates five models from the 36-foot MY4.S to the 78-foot Power 80, are proving equally impressive. The larger models in this line-up make for excellent blue water yachts, with a strong emphasis on comfort, speed, and long-range, and the ability to cross oceans with ease. The modular layouts allow owners to choose the configuration that suits their situation, with huge deck and living spaces a true highlight. Fountaine Pajot boats for sale
Fountaine Pajot MY4. Fountaine Pajot photo
Prestige Catamarans
Prestige’s M Line features two power cats—the M48 and the new M8, the latter a 65-foot luxury yacht—which are well-equipped for long-term and long-range blue water cruising. They have been specially designed to offer low fuel consumption, as well as impressive stability and safety. As you’d expect of the Prestige brand, the focus is on luxury, with emphasis on exterior living while interiors can be configured to suit, including huge en-suite cabins and luxurious family living spaces. Prestige boats for sale
Prestige M8. Prestige photo
Archipelago Expedition Yachts
It’s all in the name with this new brand of long-range, bluewater power cats, and while it may be a little early to call this brand one of the best, Archipelago has made an excellent start creating a luxury explorer catamaran built of aluminum that immediately drew excellent reviews. At 47 feet in length, this ocean-capable model balances performance, range, and accommodation that’s both luxurious and comfortable on long passages. With a range of 3000 nautical miles, accommodation for 8, and up to 30 knots of speed, the Archipelago is geared for adventure—this will be a brand to watch.
Archipelago 47. Archipelago Expedition Yachts photo
Best Luxury Power Catamarans
The rise of the luxury power catamaran has been a swift one and is gaining more popularity year on year. The idea of a luxurious liveaboard or weekend cruiser with the extra space that a broad-beamed catamaran can offer has huge appeal. With cabins, galleys, flybridges, panoramic sea views, and huge deck spaces, luxury motor catamarans are superyachts in all but name.
Aquila
Aquila is one of the biggest players in the power cat sector, with a big line-up of models ranging from the 28-foot Molokai to the 70-foot luxury yacht. The range is broad, and includes center consoles, dual consoles, a cuddy cabin model and flybridge yachts. While some models focus on fishing and day cruising, others are well-equipped for long-range travel and long-term living. Across the range, high-end finishes and superyacht styling set them apart when it comes to luxury. Aquila boats for sale
Aquila 28 Molokai. Aquila photo
Xquisite
South African brand Xquisite has been building luxury power- and- sailing catamarans for the past decade, and while that makes it a comparative newcomer to the industry, it’s arrived with a bang. Its three models, the 40 PowerCat, the Sixty Solar Power, and the 52 Exploration, are sleek cruisers, each one offering elegant styling, and the latest in green innovation (the Sixty Solar Power is an impressive hybrid).
40 PowerCat. Xquisite photo
Horizon Power Catamarans
Horizon’s four luxury power catamaran models are designed for true blue water cruising and long-term living. Models include the PC52, the PC60, the PC68, and the fully custom PC74, and has built over 60 boats in total. Founded in 2009 Horizon places emphasis on luxury boating and impeccable customer service, and its boats are as popular with charter companies as they are with private owners. Horizon boats for sale
Horizon PC52. Horizon Power Catamarans photo
Best Power Catamarans for Cruising
Many of the brands on our list build power cats that are excellent cruising catamarans—from compact fishing boats to blue water yachts to superyacht-sized luxury models. However the following brands stand out for their unique features or design innovation. From well-established names in the sailing and power catamaran sector, to exciting newcomers, they offer speed, comfort, stability, and high-end features that are perfect for a day, a weekend or longer of cruising.
Leopard Cruising Catamarans
Leopard Catamarans are one of the biggest names in the catamaran world, for both sailing and power cats. Popular as charter cruising yachts, it is also one of the premier brands of blue water or offshore power cats. Its three award-winning models—the 40, 46, and 53—are designed to offer maximum space aboard and provide efficient cruising and long-term living. Built by Robertson and Caine in South Africa, the 40 in particular has been revolutionary, with a full L-shaped galley, 360-degree visibility, three cabins, and two heads, and one of the largest flybridges seen on a yacht of that size. Leopard boats for sale
Leopard 40. Leopard Catamarans photo
Aspen Power Catamarans
Aspen is pushing the boundaries of innovation when it comes to power catamarans. While some of its range could easily be put in the fishing category, most of the brand’s models are beautiful cruisers. With models ranging from 28 to 40 feet, they are built differently to other power cats in that they have asymmetrical hulls that maximize fuel efficiency and range while improving ride and seaworthiness. Aspen is an innovative brand to watch out.
Aspen C120. Aspen Power Catamarans photo
Castlerock Carbon Cat
The head-turning uniqueness of the Castlerock Carbon Cat makes it stand out from the crowd. Resembling twin-hulled RIBs, its models are built from high quality materials that offer strength, durability, and reliability while managing speeds of over 60 knots, and cruising speeds of 45. Part racing cat and part cruiser, models range from the pocket-sized 17-foot Tiller Steer to the 32-foot Chase.
Tiller Steer. Carbon Cat photo
Best Electric Power Catamarans
Electric propulsion is big news, and the marine industry is soaring ahead with some of the most advanced and innovative solutions to sustainably cross oceans. In the power cat world, there are some exciting brands putting their efforts into creating large and luxurious catamaran yachts that are blue water capable.
Alva Yachts
Alva Yachts offer a range of larger power catamarans that are fully electric and innovatively designed for long-range cruising. From the superyacht Ocean Eco 90 to a trio of 60-foot models, the brand focuses on luxury and sustainable onboard living. On the latter, the twin 250kW electric motors generate top speeds of 20 knots, while the exceptionally wide beam (over 30 feet) allows for huge living spaces with up to 6 cabins.
Ocean Eco 90. Alva Yachts photo
Sunreef Yachts
Another brand pushing upwards into the superyacht category is Sunreef, whose line-up of luxury power cats ranges from 44 to 100 feet. With edgy styling and high-end finishes, Sunreef is a big name in the luxury powercat sector and renowned for its forward-thinking innovation, green propulsion, and renewable energy, all wrapped up in luxury packages. It has one of the biggest line-ups of electric power cats in the industry, with models ranging from the Sunreef 44 Ultima to the 100 Sunreef Power. Sunreef boats for sale
Sunreef 44 Ultima. Sunreef photo
Soel Yachts
Soel Yachts and its line-up of four impressive electric-powered power catamarans is an innovative player in the sector. Since 2007 it’s been developing the latest solutions to create sustainable and autonomous on-water cruising. The current line-up includes the SoelCat 12, an excursion catamaran popular with luxury resorts and the Soel Shuttle 14 luxury electric ferry, as well as two trans-ocean-capable luxury cruising catamarans, the Soel Senses 62 and Soel Senses 82, which include up to 66 state-of-the-art 440 Wp solar panels and an electric propulsion system.
Soel Senses 62. Soel Yachts photo