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20th Oct 2023 by Lenny Rudow

Best Catamaran Fishing Boat Brands

Choosing the best catamaran fishing boats is no easy task, because in this day and age, you have plenty to choose from. This wasn’t always the case, but in recent years more and more power catamaran fishing boats have been hitting the market. The reasons are simple: Whether you’re looking at an offshore fishing catamaran, inshore catamaran fishing boats, or small catamaran fishing boats, foot-for-foot they tend to run smoother and more efficiently than their monohull brethren. While all the types of fishing boats are different and each has its own advantages and drawbacks, as a general rule, if you want to get to the fish fast in rough seas, nothing is better than a powercat for the job.

It’s tough to try to sort through various builders and nail down the best fishing boat brands , and the increase in the number of catamaran fishing boat manufacturers means choosing the top picks in this genre is as tough as any other. So, which brands are best? Here are our top picks in some of the most important categories and why we think they make the grade.

Catamaran Center Console Boat Brands

This will be a very short section, because virtually all of the catamaran sport fishing boats being built today are center consoles. Yes, some manufacturers offer pilothouse models or cuddy cabins, but those that don’t offer a lineup consisting mostly of center consoles are few and far between. So, keep on reading—the manufacturers we call out as tops for the more specific categories below all fall into the category of best catamaran center console boat brands, as well.

Offshore Fishing Catamaran Brands

Offshore boats need to meet some prerequisites: they have to be large and competent enough to run dozens of miles from shore, have the fuel capacity for cruising hours on end, and of course they need all the fishing accouterments to handle big game pelagics like tunas and billfish. 

In many ways, Freeman is partially responsible for the current wave of cat popularity, because their 34- to 47-foot fleet was quickly adopted by a number of offshore fishing guides after they splashed their first model in 2007. Their boats are known for hat-stripping performance, often cruising comfortably at 50 mph or more, even in a head sea, with top-end speeds sometimes exceeding 70 mph. Tremendous fuel capacity and utterly massive fishboxes are some other traits the Freemans are famous for.

Freeman 47 offshore catamaran fishing boat

Invincible Boats offers a lineup including both monohulls and power catamarans , with center console cats ranging from 33 to 46 feet plus a 46-foot pilothouse model. These boats post spectacular speeds with cruising in the 50 mph range and often they can break 70 mph at top-end, thanks to semi-asymmetrical hulls with near-vertical inside walls. Invincible is also known for its advanced and customizable livewell systems. On the 46, for example, the boat can be rigged with up to four livewells up to 70 gallons each, fed by a sea chest system with as many as six pumps. 

Invincible 46 offshore catamaran fishing boat

When judged by the number of hulls built, World Cat is one of the biggest powercat manufacturers in existence, and the company has a lineup that starts small but includes five models from 26 to 40 feet that are up to the task of offshore fishing. They have all the basic fishing features, plenty of range, and comparatively good performance, but what they’re known for when matched up against the competition is a healthy dose of family-friendly features. Unlike some angling-dedicated offshore fishing catamaran models, the World Cats feature lots of comfy seating, roomy head console compartments, freshwater showers, stereo systems, and similar touches that can take the edge off a long day of fishing.

World Cat 325 fishing boat

Inshore Fishing Catamaran Boat Brands

Inshore anglers can be just as demanding as the offshore crowd, and when the weather is right many of them will head into the open ocean as well. So, the main defining factor separating offshore fishing catamaran boats from inshore catamaran fishing boats is simply size. And often, the line between the two gets blurred. As a result, you’ll see some newcomers here, but some of the best catamaran fishing boat brands we’ve already talked about could easily pull a repeat performance.

Caymas is a newcomer to the catamaran world, having built only monohulls up to the 2023 model year. Their new 34, however, is an impressive boat which has offshore abilities and will also make an excellent inshore fishing machine. It rides on a set of twin-stepped hulls with 18/22-degree deadrise surfaces at the transom and 50/55-degree entries at the bow, features a Hooker sea chest livewell system with 70 gallons standard and an additional 50 gallons optional, and plenty of high-end perks like lighted stowage compartments, a JL Marine audio system, and USB ports at the helm.

Caymas 34 inshore fishing catamaran

Photo credit: Caymas Boats

Tideline is a small, semi-custom builder in North Carolina, and their boats can be difficult to find on the market, but we need to mention them here because they build a 24-footer that’s well known as one of the finest inshore hybrid fishing cats around. With twin 200-hp outboards, it boasts 50-plus-mph performance, has an utterly massive forward casting deck for slinging lures to gamefish like reds and specks, and hull draft is a mere 14 inches so it can sneak into the shallows where few anglers tread. 

Tideline inshore fishing catamaran

Photo credit: Tideline Boats

Twin Vee does make some large models intended for offshore use but their 24- to 28-foot center console models are perfect for inshore angling. Better yet for many family fishermen who want a multipurpose platform, they also offer a pair of dual console 24-foot models. Twin Vees have a “compression tunnel” that packs air between the two hulls and compresses it as the boat moves forward, creating a cushion of sorts that makes for an unusually soft ride in choppy seas.

Twin Vee 260 GFX fishing catamaran

Photo credit: Twin Vee

World Cat is back as we discuss the inshore scene, thanks to models like their 235CC and 260 and 280CC-X. The 235CC is designed like a bay boat, with large fore and aft casting decks, while the 260CC-X features a very unusual drop-down transom design, with the livewell and fishbox shifted into widened aft gunwales. Like other World Cats, these boats have plenty of comfort features to go along with the angling perks.

World Cat 235 bay fishing catamaran

Photo credit: World Cat

Small Catamaran Fishing Boat Brands

“Small” is a relative term, and while 20- to 24-footers may seem like small catamaran fishing boats to some folks, they seem mighty big to others. However, the distinction is more or less moot because in the current marketplace, no major production builders drop down below 22 feet, seven inches of LOA (the World Cat 235CC). If you want a cat under this size, you can look for a custom builder or search the used boat market. Twin Vee made plenty of 19- to 22-foot boats in years past, Tideline made a 19, and when they were in operation, catamaran boat brands like Leader and Nautico made a number of powercats between 14 and 21 feet.

Choosing the Best Catamaran Brand For You

Are there some powercat brands out there that build a great boat, but we haven’t mentioned? Absolutely. Arrow Cat builds a pair of interesting cabin boats that aren’t 100-percent fishing machines, but do have semi-fishy cockpits that would work just fine for plenty of people. C Dory makes a 25-footer that falls into the same category. And Aquila , which traditionally built large cruising boats, has recently introduced a 28-foot center console billed as a fishing boat. Any of these, or others, could be the “best” brand for you, depending on your personal needs and tastes. But the power catamaran fishing boat manufacturers we’ve called out here are all arguably at the top of the heap—nd if you take one for a sea trial, we’re betting you’ll agree.

Written By: Lenny Rudow

With over three decades of experience in marine journalism, Lenny Rudow has contributed to dozens of boating and fishing publications and websites. Rudow lives in Annapolis, Maryland, and is currently Angler in Chief at Rudow’s FishTalk ; he is a past president of Boating Writers International (BWI), a graduate of the Westlawn School of Yacht Design, and has won numerous BWI and OWAA writing awards.

More from: Lenny Rudow

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Salt Water Sportsman

2023 Boat Buyers Guide: Catamarans

  • By Karl Anderson
  • December 27, 2022

Catamaran spinning circles

The popularity of the multihull (aka catamaran or cat) fishing boats has never been greater, as more and more boatbuilders enter this growing segment of the market. The inherent stability of the catamaran design rolls less with the seas, making fishing offshore less tiresome and more comfortable. Available from 20 to 48 feet, catamarans typically offer a large fishing platform with generous storage and fishing amenities. They are available in a wide variety of deck layouts, including center-consoles, dual-consoles, and even pilothouse and express variants.

Catamaran foredeck

Big Picture

The large deck area of a catamaran enables many large underdeck storage lockers and insulated fish boxes in the sponsons. This gives anglers ample room for gear and the day’s catch. The catamaran’s stability, fishability, and smooth ride in rough seas make it attractive to anglers as well as day-cruisers. A center-console version adds 360 degrees of angler access to the rail. With the dual-console design, generous seating behind a beam-to-beam windshield makes for a great family fishing-friendly setup.

Live bait is one of the most popular types of fishing in virtually every coastal zone. To do it successfully requires optimal water capacity and proper flow. The minimum size of the outflow water plumbing should be twice the size of the inflow. The plumbing should have a drain at the bottom to shed scales at the end of the day, as well as a drain at the top of the well to adjust capacity and allow overflow. Above-deck transom-mounted wells should fully flood to the lids when running to keep baits from getting beat up. 

Tip: A sump box with multiple pumps in case a pump fails is the best setup for first-rate livewells. Conveniently located inflow and outflow valves make it easy to optimize the flow without tiring your bait from swimming too much in the well. 

Catamaran helm

Rod Storage

Having enough rod holders is essential to be successful for opportunity fishing. Look for vertical rod storage along the console and across the back of the T-top. Many models also have rod holders along the outboard transom wall. Having plenty of gunwale rod holders for drift- and kite-fishing is helpful. 

Tip: Placing adjustable swivel rod holders by Gemlux makes deep-dropping, lure-fishing and drifting even easier because they allow your rods to face the direction the baits are fishing, yet they can be swiveled back to keep rods from sticking out of the boat while running and docking. 

Manufacturers often offer multiple choices for horsepower, but whatever the choice, the engines must come in pairs. For example, you might order twin outboards (one for each sponson) or four outboards (two for each sponson), but single- or triple-outboard configurations are not common on a cat. Optimal selection should be made based on user load, weight of the boat, ride comfort , performance desires, and best case for resale. It’s a rare day when you can run wide open, but having more horsepower gives better torque at slower speeds and thus better control. Running larger engines slower gives better fuel efficiency too.

Tip: When possible, choose the highest horsepower offered because it typically leads to a better resale value with a shorter sales cycle. 

Power steering from engine manufacturer Optimus or SeaStar is essential with the higher horsepower required for larger boats, and it makes installing and operating the upper station in a tower far more practical and comfortable.

With the power demands of electronics, livewell pumps, stereo amps and more, it is wise to have at least two house batteries, and for larger boats, a third or fourth with a multibank charger for dockside. Each engine should have its own dedicated battery as well. 

Electronics

Typically choosing the largest screen or multiple screens that will fit on the console is best-case scenario for ease of use, ergonomics, and visibility. VHF radios, stereo controller, and equipment switches for lighting, pumps, and accessories should all be integrated with greatest visibility and ease of operator reach. 

Catamaran illustration

A Tale of Two Hulls 

A catamaran rides on pair of hulls, or sponsons, each thinner and sharper than  that of a similarly sized monohull boat. The narrow sponsons of the cat tend to slice easily through water to deliver a smooth ride, even in rough seas. At the same time, with the sponsons positioned out to the sides of the boat, cats tend to roll less, thus providing great stability to enhance crew comfort, security and safety. However, cats tend to corner more flatly than a monohull, and some hulls (but not all) tend to lean outward versus inward during a turn.

Catamaran running

Experts Say

Newer designs such as Invincible’s Morelli and Melvin-designed semi-asymmetrical sponsons eliminate some of the negatives of the cat design, such as “sneezing,” where water sprays out the front of the boat when hitting a wave. They’ve also controlled the uncomfortable “outboard lean” ­sensation common in older designs when in a turn. Once transitioned to a ­catamaran, many become true believers and preach the benefits of the design.

Editor Says: Saltwater fishing cats not only offer superb stability and smooth ride, but some also display exceptional speed and range. I recall one trip out of Key West, Florida, aboard an Invincible 40 Cat with four 350 hp outboards to the Dry Tortugas. It was a 60-mile run, and we made it there in 70 minutes. We caught more fish than our arms could bear, and then dashed back to Key West, arriving in time for cocktail hour on the same day. -Jim Hendricks, Staff Editor, Boating and Fishing Group

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Sport Fishing

Invincible 33 Catamaran: 2024 Boat Buyers Guide

  • December 26, 2023

Invincible 33 Catamaran on the ocean

Since 2006, Invincible has carried serious sport fishermen in pursuit of trophy fish and tournament wins in boats boasting intuitive designs, solid construction and thrilling performance. 

Invincible is proud of its semicustom, owner-designed boats with innovative hull designs. These include the original Michael Peters-designed and patented Stepped-Vee Ventilated Tunnel (SVVT) single hull of its powerful tournament boats, and the partnered Morrelli & Melvin patented, hybrid, semi-asymmetrical hulls of its catamarans.

Invincible launched with the SVVT single hull in 2006, after its founder was unable to find a boat tough enough, fast enough and smooth-­riding enough to meet his demands as a serious angler and decided to build his own instead. Enlisting naval architect Peters’ design, he created a new standard in Invincible.

Invincible uses innovative and practical techniques such as vacuum-bagged infusion and diamond-patterned nonskid decks. It pays attention to console design and footrest angle, with hardtop frame sightlines providing better navigation. Invincibles have smooth hole shots and quick on-plane times.

When Invincible ­decided to get into the center-­console catamaran segment, it brought to market a cat superbly adept at high-speed turns, agile without need for trim tabs or tanked ballast. 

In single hull or cat, the company says, “No one builds a more athletic fishing machine.”

Invincible 33 Catamaran helm

Invincible 33 Catamaran

Five years after launching its Morrelli & Melvin-designed catamaran line, Invincible has created its smallest cat platform yet: the 33 Catamaran, with the performance, versatility and amenities of its bigger siblings in a powerful, agile and nimble new form. 

Like all the Invincible cats, the 33 features a single-level deck and 360-degree walk-around fishability, including the ability to gaff fish at the bow. Standard are bow and below-deck storage and a deluxe console—its dash adopted from the 36 Open Fisherman—with room for a full-size head. The 33 Catamaran also boasts a finished bilge and high-speed pickup for livewell sea chests.

Top options include a hardtop, a windshield and enclosures, a folding tower with a dual station, a crow’s nest for the hardtop, outriggers and kingfish rod holders. For the helm select a pair of Llebroc seats or back-to-back helm/mezzanine seats. Behind the latter is a tackle center with a built-in cooler beneath the seat base. A removable rear bench seat is another option.

A variety of fishing options are available, including up to 47 rod holders, undergunwale rod racks, transom and in-deck livewells with sea chests, and a rear-facing tackle station. Underwater LED lights are also available.

The boat anticipates fishing success with four insulated fish boxes, two flanking the cabin and another pair in the bow. The space within the console-front seat can also be used for fish or gear storage. 

Editor’s Tip 

You can never have too much deck space, especially if you engage in active fishing styles like casting to breaking fish. Big cat boats maximize onboard real estate with wide beams that ensure everyone can hook up without having to dance around each other.  -Joe Albanese, Executive Editor Salt Water Sportsman

Performance Data

  • Test Power: Twin Yamaha 300 hp V-6
  • Test Props: Merc. Eco Enertia 19″
  • Test Load: 2 people, 80 gal. fuel, 30 gal. water
  • Test Speed:  44 mph at 4,500 rpm
  • Max Range: 536 mi.

Specifications

33’11”
10’3″
400 gal.
14,000 lb.
900
NMMA
Yamaha

Invincible Boats  – Opa-Locka, Florida; 305-685-2704 ;  invincibleboats.com

  • More: 2024 Boat Buyers Guide , Catamarans , Center Consoles , Invincible Boats

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January 27, 2024

Best Catamaran Fishing Boats

Top Catamaran Fishing Boats: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Brands

Choosing the perfect catamaran fishing boat can be quite challenging in today's market, as there are numerous options available. In recent years, the market has seen a significant increase in the availability of power catamaran fishing boats. This is mainly due to the fact that, whether it's an offshore fishing catamaran, inshore catamaran fishing boat, or a small catamaran fishing boat, they generally offer smoother and more efficient rides compared to traditional monohull boats. While each type of catamaran has its own unique features and drawbacks, as a general rule, powercats are the ideal choice for those looking to reach the fishing spot quickly, especially in rough sea conditions.

Narrowing down the options and selecting the best catamaran fishing boat can be a daunting task, given the multitude of builders in the market. The increasing number of catamaran fishing boat manufacturers has made it challenging to identify the top choices in this category. So, which brands stand out as the best? We have compiled our top recommendations for various important categories and outlined the reasons why we believe they deserve recognition.

Top Catamaran Center Console Boat Brands

When it comes to catamaran sport fishing boats, center consoles dominate the market. While a few manufacturers may offer pilothouse models or cuddy cabins, the majority of the lineup consists of center consoles. In fact, the manufacturers we highlight as top choices for specific categories also fall into the category of best catamaran center console boat brands.

Diverse Lineup of Center Consoles

Offshore-Fishing-Catamaran-Brandsh2-Pwhen-It

Top Offshore Fishing Catamaran Brands

When it comes to offshore fishing, catamarans need to meet specific requirements. They must be large and capable of traveling long distances from shore, have the fuel capacity for extended cruising, and be equipped with the necessary fishing gear to handle big game pelagics like tunas and billfish.

One of the pioneers in the current wave of catamaran popularity is Freeman. Their 34- to 47-foot fleet gained popularity among offshore fishing guides after the launch of their first model in 2007. Known for their exceptional performance, Freeman's boats can cruise comfortably at 50 mph or more, even in a head sea, with top-end speeds sometimes exceeding 70 mph. Additionally, they are renowned for their tremendous fuel capacity and massive fishboxes.

Invincible offers a diverse lineup, including both monohulls and power catamarans. Their center console cats range from 33 to 46 feet, with a 46-foot pilothouse model. These boats achieve impressive speeds, cruising in the 50 mph range and reaching top-end speeds of over 70 mph, thanks to semi-asymmetrical hulls with near-vertical inside walls. Invincible is also known for its advanced and customizable livewell systems, with the 46-foot model capable of being rigged with up to four livewells, each up to 70 gallons, fed by a sea chest system with as many as six pumps.

World Cat is one of the largest powercat manufacturers, offering a lineup that includes models ranging from 26 to 40 feet, suitable for offshore fishing. These catamarans boast basic fishing features, ample range, and good performance. However, what sets them apart from the competition is their family-friendly features, such as comfortable seating, spacious head console compartments, freshwater showers, and stereo systems, providing added comfort for long days of fishing.

Top Inshore Fishing Catamaran Boat Brands

When it comes to inshore fishing, anglers can be just as demanding as those who head offshore, and sometimes they'll venture into the open ocean if the weather is right. The main difference between offshore and inshore fishing catamaran boats is their size. However, the line between the two can often be blurred. As a result, some newcomers stand out in this category, but many of the best catamaran fishing boat brands we've already discussed could easily excel in inshore fishing as well.

A newcomer to the catamaran world, Caymas has built only monohulls up to the 2023 model year. However, their new 34 model is an impressive boat with offshore abilities that also excels as an inshore fishing machine. It features twin-stepped hulls with 18/22-degree deadrise surfaces at the transom and 50/55-degree entries at the bow. Additionally, it comes with a Hooker sea chest livewell system, lighted stowage compartments, a JL Marine audio system, and USB ports at the helm.

Tideline, a small, semi-custom builder in North Carolina, is known for their 24-footer, which is considered one of the finest inshore hybrid fishing cats. With twin 200-hp outboards, this boat offers 50-plus-mph performance and features a massive forward casting deck, making it ideal for targeting gamefish like reds and specks. Its shallow hull draft of only 14 inches allows it to navigate into the shallows where few anglers venture.

Although Twin Vee offers some large models intended for offshore use, their 24- to 28-foot center console models are perfect for inshore angling. Additionally, they provide a pair of dual console 24-foot models, appealing to family fishermen who seek a multipurpose platform. These boats feature a "compression tunnel" that creates a cushioning effect, resulting in an unusually soft ride in choppy seas.

World Cat has made a mark in the inshore scene with models like the 235CC, 260, and 280CC-X. The 235CC is designed like a bay boat, with large fore and aft casting decks, while the 260CC-X features a unique drop-down transom design. Both models offer plenty of comfort features to complement their angling perks, making them suitable for inshore fishing.

Top Catamaran Fishing Boat Manufacturers

When it comes to small catamaran fishing boats, the definition of "small" can vary from person to person. While some may consider 20- to 24-footers as small, others may see them as relatively large. However, in today's market, major production builders typically do not go below 22 feet, seven inches of LOA, with the World Cat 235CC being an example of this size. For those looking for a catamaran under this size, options include custom builders or the used boat market. In the past, Twin Vee produced plenty of 19- to 22-foot boats, Tideline had a 19-foot model, and brands like Leader and Nautico, when operational, offered powercats ranging from 14 to 21 feet.

Exploring Different Catamaran Brands

There are various powercat brands that are known for building high-quality boats, some of which we may not have mentioned. For example, Company X manufactures a couple of intriguing cabin boats that may not be dedicated fishing vessels, but feature semi-fishy cockpits suitable for many individuals. Similarly, Company Y produces a 25-foot boat that falls into a similar category. Additionally, Company Z, known for its large cruising boats, has recently entered the fishing boat market with a 28-foot center console. Depending on your personal preferences and requirements, any of these brands or others could be the perfect choice for you. While the power catamaran fishing boat manufacturers we've highlighted are considered among the best, it's essential to take a sea trial to determine which one aligns with your needs.

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Insetta Boatworks Logo

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best catamaran fishing boat

Designed with a singular vision...To deliver unmatched performance and efficiency!

Introducing the insetta 35ifc  – the bar has been raised.

The Insetta 35IFC was designed with a singular vision… to be the best-performing center console sport fishing catamaran in its class.  Enjoy unmatched performance, range, and efficiency thanks to the 35IFC’s hydrofoil-assisted design.

In addition to being the best High-Performance Fishing Catamaran in its class, it also provides a smoother and dryer ride in the rough stuff!

This boat was designed for people who fish, by people who fish!  From its integrated livewells to its cavernous coffin boxes, level open deck layout, massive insulated storage and so much more, this boat was designed for maximum range and fishability!

Here’s what our customers have to say: “Holy crap do I love my 35 IFC with the Merc 300 V8’s on the back. We ran her down to Key Largo the other day, snorkeled all day, got lunch at Shipwrecks Bar and Grill, and ran back. Cruised between 40 and 45 mph, mostly around 42. So smooth it’s nuts. Burned maaaayyybe 40 gallons for the whole day. As we cruised the dashboard was telling us between 1.7 and 1.8 mpg, but I’m pretty sure we cruised more than 40 miles and burned between 35 and 40 gallons, no more. So… suffice it to say that you guys have absolutely crushed it and changed the game here. Fantastic work”! – Alan, Hull #4

Check out our FAQ’s section below for more about the Insetta 35 with  IFC!

Specifications

Length Overall

Maximum Beam

Maximum Draft

Fuel Capacity

Cruise Speed

Cruise Miles Per Gallon (MPG)

Over 850 miles*

Cruise Range

Standard Features

Standard “Insetta White” Gelcoat Molded in Diamond Non-Skid Tackle Storage Stbd Side Tackle Storage Port Side 19 Gallon Freshwater Washdown/Shower 5 x In Deck Storage Hatch 2 x In Deck Macerated Fish Boxes 625 Qt Insulated Coffin Box, Split Boxes Walk through Transom Access (Door Optional) Two 36 gallon Integrated Transom Livewells Fresh and Raw Water Washdown 34 Rod Holders (gunnels and coffin box) 7 Stainless Gemlux Pull-Up Cleats LED Navigation Lights Boarding Ladder

Recessed Stainless Bow Rail

Helm / Console

Fiberglass Hardtop with Powder Coated Aluminum Supports Tempered Safety Glass Enclosure for Console 6 Integral Rod Holders Built into Rear Support Molded Fiberglass Leaning Post with Rear Face Seating and cooler 3 Wide Helm Seats 6 S/S Cup Holders Storage Box and Rigging Tray on Rear Facing Seat Storage Drawers Under Helm Seats 165 Qt Leaning Post Ice Box Located Under Rear Face Seats

Base Upholstery

Equipment and Electronics

3 Part Internal Foil System

3 Pump Capacity Sea Chest with Dual Livewell Pumps & Raw Water Feed

4 1100 GPH Bilge Pumps (2 in Each Sponson)

Standard Capacities

490 gallon fuel capacity.

625 Qt Insulated Coffin Box with Divider

165 Qt Leaning Post Ice box

Dual 36 Gallon Livewells

19 Gallon Freshwater

Frequently Asked Questions

IFC is Insetta Boatwork's Internal Foiling System.

You can expect a significant increase in cruise speed; Improved handling and stability in rough conditions; Better acceleration; A boat that is less affected by increased payload; A 20-40% increase in fuel efficiency; and a 20-40% further cruise range! Additionally, the IFC technology will also provide a drier ride in choppy conditions and Provide for more responsiveness when turning at speed!

The system is a fixed setup, there is nothing to operate and there are zero moving parts.

The IFC Technology in effect smooths out rough seas by allowing the boat to run from wave crest to wave crest at a relatively smooth and stable attitude. The IFC System creates lift which help to in effect “Carry” the hull higher in the water. The system acts as a set of wings carrying the boat at speed, keeping the hull from having to follow each wave across its entire contour. In other words the surface of the waves have less effect on the hull as the IFC system is lifting the boat. Additionally, the aerodynamic lift created by the catamaran hulls creates even more lift at the bow of the boat, keeping the nose high and preventing the “slamming” or sneezing found in other catamaran hulls.

No, you don’t. The foils are flush mounted to the bottom of the keels of each sponson (as well as up in the tunnel.) At its centerline the main foil of the IFC system is only slightly lower than the keel line. The boat will easily load onto a standard catamaran trailer. There is no big contraption hanging way down under the boat.

Remember, the foils are INTERNAL to the tunnel. At its lowest point the main foil is only slightly lower than the hull and is higher than the props. Because of this the odds of striking the foils are extremely low. The boat is designed to be lifted by the foil. The structural integrity of the foil system is such that the weight of the boat could be supported many times over by the foil. As such, if you did somehow manage to strike the foil on something EXTREMELY SUBSTANTIAL, like a stone shoal, the likely outcome is that you may (in a very worst case scenario) bend or break a foil wing. If that were to happen, you could still operate the boat to port with the remaining foils. The IFC foils are made from a very high-grade stainless steel and designed to meet or exceed relevant guidelines for impact and strength.

As water travels through the tunnel and around the foil, a tremendous vortex is created. This force keeps most debris from being trapped in the tunnel or around the foil. Between the pressure of the air moving through the tunnel, and the vortex created in the water, the tunnel and foils will stay clean and clear.

The outboards of the 35 IFC are mounted on a slight outward angle to place the propellers properly to maximize the thrust and flow efficiency created as the water travels through the tunnel and around the foils. This mounting also helps the boat to lean into a corner, much like a monohull.

Firstly, we’d ask, “Why would you want to?” But the short answer is no. IFC is an integrated system that is integral to the design of the boat.

The short answer is that boats with technology similar to IFC have been in use for many years, but not in the recreational market. Commercial and Military applications are quite prevalent. The initial design of a hull and system like this is quite complex and can be cost prohibitive. We at Insetta feel the gains in efficiency, speed, range and ride quality far outweigh the initial design and build cost.

Upon deciding to build a foiling Cat, Insetta assembled a team of naval Architects and Marine Engineers to refine an existing and proven design. Using their own state of the art construction techniques, Insetta brought an application specific version to the fiberglass Center Console market.

Optional Features

Customizable Garmin or Simrad Electronics JL Audio 10 Speaker Stereo System Flush Mount Acrylic Helm Bow Shade Custom Gelcoat or Combination of Colors Deluxe Upholstery Third Center Livewell Under Rear Facing Seat 40 gallon Seadek Flooring or Flexiteek Decking Additional Gunnel Rod Holders (18 standard) Recessed Wireless Phone Chargers Swivel Base Rod Holders Outlets for Electric Reels Additional Drink Holders on Leaning Post, Coffin Box, Gunnels and Helm Forward/Rear/Side Spreader Lights T-Top Outrigger Bases/Poles Gemlux Electric Head With 19 Gallon Blackwater Holding Tank Freshwater Sink and Vanity Inside Console Underwater Lights Heavy Duty Dive Ladder LED Under Gunnel Lighting On-Board Battery Charger Windlass Custom Aluminum Trailer Cockpit Table/Bow Table

Why did Insetta Boatworks decide to build a boat with IFC?

For decades, Hydrofoil power boats have proven to be the most efficient craft for a variety of offshore operations.

While pursuing a B.S. in physics in 1960, Victor Insetta was employed doing anti-submarine research that utilized high speed Deep-V patrol boats equipped with hydrofoils. Their ability to pursue submarines at high speed, operate safely offshore, and, being foil borne: allowed their hull to run clear of the water avoiding direct hits from torpedoes. Decades later, Vic and his family rode comfortably on hydrofoil ferries in Italy, flying over white capped waves in the bay of Naples.

In 2017, The Insetta 45 was chosen to be the official chase boat of the America’s cup! Four 45’ Insetta’s catamarans were shipped to Bermuda to assist at various cup events. Sailboats, competing from several countries, were catamarans with hydrofoils ! The Insetta 45’s ran parallel to these “foiling sail cats” to assist with TV coverage. The sailing cats were traveling at speeds approaching 50 mph, 2 ½ times the wind speed . Efficient … you bet . They could also turn on a dime at over 40 mph…

It became obvious: that a foiling cat would make a great offshore outboard power boat… Many foil power boat designs in the past, had wide foils that stuck out the sides, increasing their beam and draft. It made them difficult to dock, and they couldn’t operate in shallow waters. Joel Shine (chief operating officer) of Insetta Boatworks found a catamaran design that had hydrofoils mounted in the tunnel, (that location between the tunnel walls actually improves their efficiency), and does not add to its draft. Further improvements could be added by using our ultra-light high strength infused composite construction.

Joel, Vic and our technical staff reviewed the foiling cat’s initial specifications and performance data, and then sea trialed two foiling cats with internal hydrofoils. Our staff includes a second physicist and pilot… Glen Dobbs. We are all active boaters and we determined we would build our version of a foiling outboard powered cat. We contacted a Naval architect, who designed several successful foiling power cats . He is now a member of our technical staff.

Our 35 “foiling cat” design has set the standard for Foil-Assisted Sportfishing boats. The hull, foils, materials, and engines are synergistically combined, to provide: unrivaled high-speed cruising efficiency , and provide safe offshore handling, with unimpeded shallow water operation, including beaching, without foils or props contacting the bottom.

Insetta 35IFC

The premier internal foiling catamaran.

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Integrated 36 Gallon Livewells & 625 QT Coffin Box Standard

Designed to fish.

best catamaran fishing boat

850+ Mile Range!

Shows the Internal Foil Catamaran

Best in Class MPG, Smoother/Dryer Ride!

Performance.

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