Invincible33

The latest addition to the Invincible fleet, the 33, is a pure open fishing boat designed to go fast and far, to get you where the fish are.
A real fishing machine, but also a catamaran with exceptional seakeeping abilities, ready to head offshore.
Invincible is an American brand born in 2006 in Florida. Its founder, John Dorton, is an avid sport fisherman and was frustrated that he couldn’t find a fishing boat that was strong enough, fast enough or comfortable enough to meet his needs. So, he decided to create his own brand and to do so, he hired Michael Peters, a famous naval architect for monohulls. After a few years, Invincible, in search of even greater efficiency, turned to catamaran design, this time calling on Morrelli & Melvin, a naval architecture firm widely recognized in the multihull field. The result is a range of catamarans characterized by a very high and slightly asymmetrical hulls with very tapered bows, and a single-level deck to facilitate life on board. The range now includes six models from 33 to 46 feet in Open or Pilothouse versions.

A catamaran designed by Morrelli & Melvin

The 33 is the smallest of the family, but it is not an entry-level model. Well supported on its two hulls which have an impressive profile, the catamaran offers a rather high deck line and a well defended bow, in order to offer security and protection to its crew. It also takes the codes of the traditional American fishing boats with for example generous gunwales, a central console and a T-top, but thanks to its multi-hull design, it offers a much more generous volume than its single-hull competitors.
You enter the boat through the aft deck with an integrated swim ladder and a gate on the starboard side. From the first contact with the Invincible, it’s easy to measure the quality of manufacturing. The transom is of a rare thickness, even in this category, and it integrates six rod holders and a large livewell as well as some storage spaces accessible from the cockpit. Once the door is closed, you can enjoy a large aft cockpit with surprising space for a 33-foot boat. Very open, this place is perfect for fishing. We also benefit from side cushions at thigh level, a real comfort when fishing. There are also a number of rod holders and a deck wash system on each side, a good idea for cleaning blood or scales.
Another interesting point is that the floor has several lockers, one of which can be used as an additional livewell, while on either side of the console, there are fish boxes.
To improve the comfort a little bit onboard, the cockpit offers a rear facing bench seat for three people. Particularly comfortable, this seat hides a storage space underneath that can be used as a cooler and, by lowering the backrest, we discover four drawers and a storage space for lure boxes, which confirms the fishing vocation of the Invincible.

Pretty generous spaces

The center console leaves enough room to move around on board without too many problems and to remain safe thanks to the generous freeboard. The bow is more versatile, offering a neat space for fishing but it’s also more family oriented with a long lounge seat for two people with armrests. A perfect place for reading or chatting. In addition, this forward saloon features some lockers and storage boxes in the large flat bow. Finally, tilting the seat reveals a huge, compartmentalized storage space, which is really useful. Like lots of American boats, there is no anchor on station which is a pity. As a result, you will have to deal with the very deep anchor locker, fortunately equipped with a fairlead. However, considering the size of the catamaran, the anchor and chain are likely to be a bit heavy to handle...
The central part of the powercat is occupied by a large console. Respecting the fishing style, this control station rises high enough to offer effective protection while leaving enough room to install two good-sized screens and additional accessories such as a smartcraft, a VHF or the audio system. The inclined part allows you to install one of two cup holders, a joystick and other necessary elements. Another neat point is the board on the bottom of the dashboard which forms a little storage shelf and for the cushion protecting the knees of the pilot and the copilot. Ergonomics is also a priority, as the three-seat bench is very comfortable and there is a footrest. The entire helm is efficiently protected by a windshield and two side windows for offshore getaways. Finally, the sturdy T-Top provides shelter from the sun or rain and supports the trolling rods, the VHF antenna and the radar.
Designed for big game fishing, the Invincible is literally overflowing with rod holders - there are already 14 of them just around the console and the T-Top. The last surprise of this central block it’s a side door on the port side which gives access to a small cabin. Located in the center of the nacelle, this cabin is a little bit too small to install a real bed. On the other hand, it can accommodate a marine toilet and could be used to store all the equipment necessary on board as well as personal belongings. Very well built and very well finished, the Invincible 33 was also designed by fishermen for fishermen. This is apparent in the organization of the spaces, in the equipment, but also through some details like the numerous and well positioned handrails, the light under the T-Top or the two livewells. The standard equipment package is quite generous, and the brand also defines itself as a semi-custom boat builder, which means that the deck plan as well as the list of accessories can really evolve at the time of the order according to the customer’s needs.

Speed, stability and comfort

Roomy and welcoming, it is however below the deck that this boat hides its major asset. Unlike many catamarans, including those in the fishing field, this boat has a moderate beam (10 feet / 3.1 m). What’s more, it is supported by two very thin hulls that are very high on the water, giving it a respectable size tunnel. The profile of each hull is interesting, with a very straight bow, a chine that starts directly from the bow and imposing strakes to ensure grip and lateral stability. A mini central hull is placed under the tunnel to moderate the air cushion effect and the whole has a slightly asymmetrical profile. A complex design, but one that makes sense. In addition, the weight distribution is perfect and the pitch is well controlled. In concrete terms, we end up with a catamaran that does not pitch up at the start and that planes very quickly. Better still, once out of the water, the Invincible traces its course without moving, laughing at the chop. It is like being on rails. Another small miracle of this hull, the catamaran turns almost flat, without oversteering. It is in the curves that you recognize the quality of this hull. This was an essential element for the shipyard team who insist on the fact that the different models of the brand do not need trimtabs to handle the sea. During our test, which was unfortunately a little short, we were able to experience all the accuracy of this design. Efficient, comfortable and lively, the catamaran was never caught off guard and the turns are effectively flat. To be honest, we would have really appreciated a little more wave to test the limits of this boat. One thing is for sure, it takes a lot to put the Invincible 33 in trouble. Designed for offshore fishing, it does its job perfectly and with a good dose of comfort.
As far as performance is concerned, we had two 400 HP Mercury Verados mounted on the transoms. A significant amount of power that can still be increased a little since the powercat is approved up to 900 HP. Although we couldn’t carry out all the tests we usually do, the powercat was able to get out of the water in just over 5 seconds. We reached the planing around 3,200 rpm, which already brings the boat to about 20 knots. Pushing the throttles down, the speed increase is linear, and nothing seems to disturb the catamaran’s behavior. Once in its lines, the air cushion in the tunnel fully plays its role by taking the boat out of the water a little more, which reduces its wetted surface and therefore improves performance and fuel consumption. This cushion also acts as a shock absorber which makes the trip even more comfortable. From then on, you can reach a cruising speed of around 40 knots, at just under 5,000 rpm. A high speed that allows you to reach far off fishing ground without emptying the tank too quickly. At 30 knots and 4,000 rpm, each engine consumes 13.2 US gallons (50 liters)/hour. The range at this speed is just over 450 nm. On our test, we saw a maximum speed of 52.5 knots, but the manufacturer advertises a top speed of 57 to 58 knots, though this is probably with the maximum engine power... Still, with a capability to evolve at more than 50 knots, the 33 allows you an ambitious program, whether you’re heading out to catch a tuna or simply taking the family for a day trip.
Conclusion
With very robust construction, a remarkable finish and a considerable amount of space on board, the Invincible 33 is a boat designed primarily for fishing, but that can also be used for family outings, despite not featuring a galley or a proper cabin. A concept assumed by the shipyard in the creation of this powercat that demonstrates extraordinary seaworthiness with its particularly successful hull design.

The design of the hull is very successful - the water outlet at the back of the tunnel and the two engines well separated from each other are proof of this.

The two very high hulls, relatively close together, give this powercat a distinctive look.

The console is directly inherited from the world of fishing boats: high and protective, it also offers plenty of room for electronics.

The console features a small cabin in which a marine toilet can be fitted.

The large forward gunwale has storage and a deep anchor locker.

The width of the catamaran and the generous freeboard make it easy to move around.

The seat at the back is aft- facing and features a storage compartment that can double as a cooler.

Under the forward lounge seat, a neat, compartmentalized storage area provides room for large equipment.

The main livewell holds 65 gallons and is conveniently integrated into the transom.

The huge aft cockpit is great for fishing, even with several people.

A livewell is integrated into the transom. Another livewell and a technical box are located in the floor.