5 of the Best Catamarans

Like catamarans? You’re in good company. Most of us tend to think of boats as having deep-V hulls, modified-V hulls, or flat bottoms – all variations on the classic single-hull design. But for some boaters, two hulls is better than one, and that’s why they prefer the look and ride of a catamaran. This article will look at some of the best catamarans available for the coming year.

Catamarans – or cats for short – offer many advantage over traditional mono-hull designs, starting with increased stability. Where a single boat hull can roll when hit from the side by waves, a catamaran – with its twin parallel hulls – doesn’t budge. Its wider hull design counters the roll in the same way a pontoon boat does, greatly reducing the chance of anyone getting seasick. Cats also tend to offer a bit more deck space by carrying their full width along the entire length of the boat, which contributes to a smoother ride and makes it easier to distribute the load. With their added buoyancy, they’re also unmatched when it comes to navigating shallow waters.

The down side to catamarans is that they can be more expensive, offer less space below decks than a V-hull of comparable size, and be a bit tougher to turn than a traditional V-hull, since their parallel hulls tend to want to go straight like a train riding on its rails.

One thing’s for sure – if you like catamarans, the 2020 model year has plenty to be excited about. Here are five of the best catamarans you’ll find anywhere.

World Cat 295 CC

World Cat 295 CC

With its comfortable seating including space in the bow for six adults, The World Cat 295 CC is meant for sharing the good times afloat with the whole family. Standard features like a marine head with a 15-gallon holding tank, a fiberglass top with a powder-coated aluminum frame, a double-width helm seat with flip-up bolsters, electronic steering, a Fusion stereo system and an extended rear swim platform with integrated handrails and a ladder make this a comfortable and capable rig. With twin 300 hp outboards, this ride will top 55 mph.

• Length: 29’ 1”
• Beam: 9’ 6”
• Dry weight: 8,500 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 233 gal.
• Maximum power: 600 hp

Aquila 32 Sport Power Cat

Aquila 32 Sport Power Cat

Luxury doesn’t get much finer than Aquila’s 32 Sport Power Cat, a beautiful 32-footer that takes refinement to the highest level. Impeccable upholstery work throughout, opening sunroofs in the overhead fiberglass hard top, a fully-equipped galley with a grill and a refrigerator, and a unique power aft swim platform that drops down into the water around the outboards to provide steps up into the cockpit set the big Aquila apart. There’s even comfy accommodation and a full marine head below for overnight trips. This luxurious craft is one of the best catamarans available for 2020.

• Length: 32’ 7”
• Beam: 12’ 8”
• Dry weight: 12,566 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 252 gal.
• Maximum power: 600 hp

Aspen C90

Aspen C90

Where many catamarans get their get-up-and-go from twin outboard engines, the Aspen C90 runs on a diesel inboard, giving it exceptional torque and an astonishing range. Amenities include a luxurious stateroom below decks with a king bed, an enclosed head with a shower, a dinette with seating for four, an eight-foot galley with a propane stove/oven and a refrigerator, a massive aft deck with partial sun shade, a swim platform and a high-output stereo, for starters. A wide range of options, from electronics upgrades to solar panels, allow owners to customize this luxurious cat to their heart’s delight.

• Length: 30’ 5”
• Beam: 10’
• Dry weight: 7,900 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 80 gal.
• Maximum power: 150 hp

Arrowcat 320

Arrowcat 320

If you like to fish, then the Arrowcat 320 is one of the best catamarans going. Powered by twin 300-horsepower outboards, the big cat comes with a bunch of incredible standard features that anglers will love, including a transom baitwell, multiple rocket launcher rod holders, a wide open aft cockpit for fighting fish and an elevated upper helm station for greater visibility when looking for the action far offshore. Comfortable interior amenities including a full head with shower, a plush stateroom for overnight accommodation and a ton of storage space everywhere make this one cat to watch.

• Length: 31’ 2”
• Beam: 10’
• Dry weight: 8,450 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 196 gal.
• Maximum power: 600 hp

Leopard 43

Leopard 43

Few cats in the wild are more impressive than a leopard, and so too on the water. The Leopard 43 Powercat takes performance to a whole new level with its stepped hull design that gives it a top speed of 24 knots, which is pretty impressive for a boat of this size. The onboard accommodations are equally eye-popping with every imaginable luxury. From a grill and wet bar on its luxurious flybridge to incredible comfort on its main deck salon to amazing accommodations below – we’re talking a choice of three or four cabin layouts, with two heads, two showers and up to eight berths – the incredible attention to detail puts the big Leopard in a class of its own as one of the best catamarans in the industry.

• Length: 42’ 8”
• Beam: 22’ 1”
• Dry weight: 30,700 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 264 gal.
• Maximum power: 320 hp