2024 Multipower Buyer's Guide

Under 30 feet

In these smaller sizes of 20 to 30 feet, monohull designs are still hanging in there, but compact multipowers, catamarans for the most part, are now a feature of many manufacturers’ catalogs in the United States, Australia and even Brazil. The catamaran formula of course offers increased stability, both when under way and at anchor. These multihulls are most often propelled by twin outboards. Accessible and easy to handle, these units allow day trips, fishing and, why not, for the better-equipped powercats, a bit of coastal cruising. Most of the models are content with a moderate beam, thus meaning they will enjoy more reasonable marina fees.

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Publié le 26/10/2023

Par Mark Bernie, Julie Echelle, Dick Sawyer, Emmanuel van Deth et Kim Wellington

Numéro : SP21

Parution : Dec. / Jan. 2023

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POWERCAT 525

Small but seamanlike

The test videos of this pocket powercat leave no doubt about its seakeeping qualities: the machine jumps from wave to wave and always seems to be at ease, whatever the sea state. For all that, the designers are not looking for power overkill - 2 x 30 to 2 x 120 HP. The maximum speed quoted by the builder, subject to the chosen drivetrain, ranges from 16 to 30 knots. The deck layout comes in several versions - open, central passage, cabin - and can accommodate 7 people.

Builder: Powercat
Length: 17’3” (5.25 m)
Beam: 7’5” (2.25m)
Draft: 12” (0.30 m)
Light displacement: 1,300 lbs (590 kg)
Engines: 2 x 30 to 120 HP
CE Category: C

www.powercats.co.uk

CHEETAH 720 ADVENTURE

The all-purpose boat for everyone!

Cheetah is well known in the UK: the brand has produced nearly 400 motor catamarans over the past 30 years. Designed from the start to take on the rollers of the exposed beaches on the Isle of Wight, the first model initiated a complete range of powercats perfectly adapted to the demanding constraints of various services – firefighters, response operations, diving etc. The Adventure model, developed from the proven hull of the 720, features a bulwark opening to starboard, which provides a 10 by 12½-foot (3 x 3.8 m) deck when at anchor. A metal frame, not unlike a roof-rack you might find on a 4x4 that also goes on adventures, can be fitted to carry equipment (bikes, paddleboards, etc). A tent is also available so you can spend a night or two on board. We’ll be testing one soon in Multihulls World.

Builder: Cheetah Marine Catamarans
Length: 22’8” or 23’7” (6.9 m or 7.2m)
Beam: 8’4” (2.55 m)
Draft: 12” (0.3 m)
Engines: 2 x 80/100 HP outboards
Fuel: 2 x 26 US gal (2 x 100 l)

www.cheetahmarine.co.uk

V625

Compact but with no fear of anything!

Despite its limited length, this Australian powercat has great seakeeping qualities thanks to its gliding hulls and generous bow volume. With a laden displacement of 4,630 lbs (2,100 kg), it is easily transportable by road. The V625 is suitable for many uses: fishing, coastal meandering, family day trips... The cabin can be closed or remain open. Inside, two bunks can be converted into a double bed. This small catamaran offers different seat combinations, as well as an optional shower, toilet, sink, stove or refrigerator. For the roof, you can opt for a hard top or fabric protection.

Builder: Voyager Power Catamarans
Length: 23’ (7 m)
Beam: 7’9” (2.35 m)
Draft: 16” (0.4 m)
Displacement: 4,630 lbs (2,100 kg)
Capacity: 6 people
Fuel: 48 US gal (180 l)
Engines: 2 x 70/115 HP outboards
Speed: 20/40 knots

www.voyagercats.com.au

WORLDCAT 280CC-X

A powercat for any program, or almost

The American Worldcat range counts six models from 23 to 40 feet - all of them, of course, having a catamaran hull. The 280CC-X that we took a look at has a center console, but the manufacturer offers a wide choice of deck plans on most of its hulls - Dual Console, Sun Deck or even World Cat Custom. 11 people can be accommodated aboard this platform, which is suitable for a wide range of uses such as coastal cruising, fishing, diving and water sports. At ease in all sea conditions, the 280CC-X has a cruising speed of 25 knots.

Builder: WorldCat
Length: 27’6” (8.38 m)
Beam: 9’2” (2.79 m)
Displacement: 7,300 lbs (3.65 t)
Hull Draft: 14″ (0.36 m)
Max power: 2 x 225 HP
Cruising speed: 25 knots
Max speed: 40 knots
Fuel: 2 x 110 US gal (2 x 416 l)

www.worldcat.com

AQUILA 28 MOLOKAI

Open or cabin

At a time when most of the major multihull builders’ ranges start at 40 feet or even 42, it’s refreshing to see that Aquila Power Catamarans, leader in the powercat market, has offered a little sistership to the 32 Sport – though this doesn’t prevent the Chinese-American builder from also being interested in larger units. The 28 Molokai is offered with an Open deck plan or with an enclosed cabin under the name of Molokai Cuddy. These two models inaugurated a new range called Offshore, now completed by an ambitious 47. The hulls have very slender bows inspired by Hawaiian pirogues, with a respectable gap between them to ensure a good width to the sidedecks - this has an impact on the position of the outboard motors. We’ve got to this new model in Clearwater, Florida, in the Gulf of Mexico.

Builder: Aquila Boats
Hull length: 28’2” (8.6 m)
Beam: 9’8" (2.96 m)
Draft: 13"/30” (0.34/0.77 m)
Light displacement: 6,166 lbs (2,797 kg)
Engines: 2 X 150 or 200 HP
Fuel: 2 X 75 US gal (2 x 285 l)
Water: 16 US gal (60 l)
CE category: B
Price: from $ 196,606 ex-tax

www.aquilaboats.com

GARNET 300 HT FLY

Just for fishing!

Garnet Offshore is a young Brazilian brand - its boats are produced near Rio de Janeiro. There are currently three powercats in the range, the 250, 270 and the 300. There’s no denying that the latter, with 20 rod holders and rod supports (at 20 feet/6 m long and telescopic) is designed above all for big game fishing. In fact, with chines protecting the hulls, it behaves very well in rough seas. With twin 225 hp outboards, the Garnet can reach 40 knots without question. The Fly version provides a lookout - and a second helm station. A panoramic view is guaranteed, though access is a bit sporty. The deck plan is entirely dedicated to fishing – featuring a livewell and lockers - but still offers some comfortable seating and a heads compartment. At less than 10 feet (3 meters) in beam, this cat can use the same marina slip as a monohull of the same length without extra cost.

Builder: Garnet Offshore
Length: 28’5” (8.65 m)
Beam: 9’6” (2.89 m)
Draft: 12” (0.3 m)
Displacement: 5,500 lbs (2,500 kg) without engines
Engines: 2 x 200 to 300 HP outboards
Max speed with 2 x 225 HP: 40 knots
Fuel: 190 US gal (720 l)
Water: 26 US gal (100 l)

www.garnetoffshore.com.br/en

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