Buyer's guide

2024 Multipower Buyer's Guide - Under 30 feet

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Article published on 27/10/2023

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

Contact the editor Subscribers access only

published inn°SP21dec. / jan.

purchase

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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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!

Read the boat test
Discover our exclusive video

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