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Boating

Power cats, the ultimate party boat

Tammy Kennon
Special for USA TODAY

A feline predator has been invading the boating industry. It’s called a power cat, and with tons of space, a smooth ride and decent cruising speed, you might call it the ultimate party boat.

Despite their longstanding history, catamarans have only recently joined the powerboat revolution. Since the first fishing boat set out with an engine in the 1880s, the motto of the boating industry has pretty much been “put an engine on it!” The fishing fleets came first followed by the shipping industry, and by mid-century the takeover was nearly complete. Even sailboats, including sailing catamarans, came with standard-issue diesel engines for motoring in and out of tight spots and making way without wind.

But catamarans without sailing rigs were late to the power game. The power cat borrows some of the best features from motoryachts: speed, creature comfort and hop-and-go ease of operation. At the same time, the power cat brings with it all the advantages of multihulls.

Catamarans typically have two smaller, lighter engines that minimize fuel usage. Their slimmer hulls mean less drag in the water than monohull designs, which allows these cats to generate fuel economy that rivals a cruising sailboat. And, because the engines are farther apart, power cats have unparalleled steerage in the water.

Two hulls with a connecting bridge combine to create a wide and low center of gravity, giving a stability at anchor that mimics solid ground. Underway, this wide base provides more stability than a rolling monohull and less of the jaw-pounding crash of motoryachts coming off of waves.

Perhaps the most appealing of power cat benefits is the impressive swath of living space, both below and above decks. Dividing the cabins between two hulls has the added advantage of privacy, separated by distance and water rather than just a bulkhead as in monohull cabins. Up top, the flybridge, trampolines, cockpit and side decks make for rambling space to entertain, sun or fish.

Our gallery includes a look at these ultimate party boats in a variety of sizes and price points.

PHOTOS: Dreamy sailboats

PHOTOS: Million-dollar catamarans

PHOTOS: Charming and comfy trawlers

PHOTOS: Luxury yachts

PHOTOS: Classic wooden sailboats

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