A Whole Different Animal - Wild Cats that Got the Cream

MOST ANGLERS HAVE STRONG BELIEFS ABOUT WHAT HULL TYPE IS BEST. Running hard in rough water requires a seaworthy platform with the strength and stability to keep you safe, comfortable and dry. Among the different trends that have consequently become evident from the evolution of center consoles, boat builders are cornering a new niche of complex and competitive catamarans harnessing more outboard power than ever before. Breaking the barrier with innovative hull designs and deck layouts, the newest catamarans offer unobstructed fishability while providing increased fuel economy and speed per applied horsepower.

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A catamaran is essentially two deep-V hulls joined together. The hulls are called spon-sons, feature sharp entry forward, and trap air in the tunnel when running on plane. Traditional qualities of twin hulls contribute to a smooth ride that softens wave impact. As widespread center console manufacturers continue to optimize their monohull platforms to achieve just that, catamarans have historically excelled in this regard. In the years leading up to the recent attention shiftto the growing market share of production fishing cats, helmsmen already familiar with the advantages provided by dual hull configurations have been somewhat puzzled as to why these designs have flown under the radar of recreational anglers for so long.

One of the most appreciable advantages is the inherent roll stability they are able to provide. Comfortable at rest, on the troll or at cruising speed, these super versatile platforms are taking the offshore fishing experience to a whole new level. Lower hull resistance also helps cats get on plane faster and with less bow rise. Single deep-V hulls, while impressive in their own right, often require greater horsepower and may not be as fuel efficient as comparable twin hull designs. Despite the once underrated capabilities of center console catamarans, it’s important to note that there’s no debating whether two hulls are really better than one. There is no one perfect boat for every fishery or every family. You can’t beat the efficiency and stability of a beamy twin hull, but no cat can achieve the sleek lines and wave crushing capabilities of a comparably equipped deep-V.