Twin Vee Catamarans
by Ben Martin
(reprinted with permission; originally published in Coastal Angler Magazine, June 2010 Edition)

It's an undeniable fact that power catamarans offer an exceptional ride in the open water.  We decided to see how they perform in the big water flats and open bays.

Most catamarans are powered with twin engines to maximize engine effficiency, i.e., one engine behind each hull.  The area between the hulls is usually full of aerated water and a single engine prop has trouble getting a good grip on the water.  However, there is one brand of power catamarans that has designed a complete line of boats from 10 to 22 feet, with one engine, and claims great performance and ride.  We decided to put two of their boats to test.

We met Roger Dunshee, the CEO of Twin Vee Catamarans, Inc., at the boat ramp in Stuart, Florida.  He had two of his popular single engine catamarans already launched and ready to go.  The first was a 19-foot Bay Cat Model equipped with a single 90 hp Suzuki 4-stroke outboard, and the second was a 22-foot Bay Cat model equipped with a single 115hp Suzuki 4-stroke outboard.  We really liked the great look of these boats but felt they would probably be underpowered.  But once out in the water and up to speed, we realized these boats were extremely nimble and jumped up to 30mph in less than 4 seconds.  The top speed of both boats was about the same, just under 40mph.  The 19-foot model accepts engines up to 140hp and the 22 foot up to 175hp - I can just imagine that they would really fly with that kind of power.  Similar length V-hull boats would certainly require much larger engines than these boats.

With a catamarans, it's all about the ride!  The wind was 12 to 15mph out of the northeast.  There were definitely whitecaps on the top of the 2-foot plus chop running against us, as we ran at full speed, north, up the wide Indian River.  WOW, what a ride!  For a boat with such a shallow draft, I could not believe how smooth and dry these boats were.  Roger claims these boats give you more fishing days on the water, and when a black cloud comes up, you don't have to run for home because these boats will bring you back safely, if caught on the open water, in an afternoon storm.

These boats were well equipped with self bailing, foam filled hulls, front decks, live well leaner seats, and the 22-foot even had a rear deck.  Many options are available to customize them the way you choose.

The last shocker of the day was their price.  The Twin Vee 19 foot, with the 90hp Suzuki and trailer was $25,500, and the 22 foot with the 115hp Suzuki and trailer was only $30k.  They come with a Limited Lifetime Hull Warranty and one of the best resale values on the water.  Ride, stability, fishability, warranty and price - no wonder Twin Vee sells so many of these great riding, single-engine catamarans.