There are many islands that make up the islands of the Bahamas. Each seems to have it’s own unique identity, weather it be their natural beauty, resort opportunities, access, fishing and on and on, each one seems somehow unique. During a recent first trip to the island of Exuma in the Bahamas, I was immediately taken by the inordinate number of dual hull “Cat” boats that seemed to be everywhere I looked. In fact I told my guide that surely we were on cat Island and not Exuma. Knowing that the actual Cat Island was roughly 120 miles to our north he laughed and assured me that we were indeed on Exuma, but agreed that the name cat Island would be more appropriate here than there. After some research on the island of Exuma my initial observations were proven correct. Exuma, an island with a total population of 800 plus people had over 40 cat hull boat owners. This fact in and of itself is amazing. One out of every person there owns a dual hull “cat” boat. More amazing however is the fact that when taken as a figure against the total number of all vessels on the island, the figure goes to almost 90%.

We were staying at February Point Resort Estates in Great Exuma, Bahamas. For those unfamiliar with this pristine resort, you should know that this resort is a fantastic choice for a get away island experience. In fact, The Wall Street Journal has called it "One of The Top Five Hottest Properties in The Caribbean" February Point is an exclusive boutique resort with eighty acres of prime oceanfront properties and upscale villas.

Speaking with February Point’s General Manager Matthew Marco I asked about the inordinate number of “Cats” on the island. His response has changed my perception of a vessel class that I had somehow overlooked. According to Matthew, the majority of the “Cats” on Exuma were primarily Twin Vees. Manufactured in Ft. Pierce, Florida by legendary boat builder Roger Dunshee, these super shallow draft double hull vessels are not only perfect for the shallow waters of Exuma and many of the Bahamian Out Islands, but because of the excellent stability afforded the dual hull systems also made them an excellent choice for off-shore fishing and island hoping as well. Where two boats were required to accommodate the boating needs of the local residents and visitors in the past, the Twin Vee had been able accomplish the same accommodation with a single vessel.

As I rode on Twin Vees that week in Exuma, I began to realize how totally stable and “fishable” these neat vessels really were. I think Exuma’s got it figured out; one boat, two hulls, go shallow, go deep. I like it. In fact, I’m scheduled to meet with Roger Dunshee at Twin Vee’s Ft. Pierce plant on May 1^st to pick up my 26’. My intentions are to immediately leave out of the harborage Yacht Club in Stuart and return to the Bahamas where I plan on doing a combination of in-shore bonefishing alternated with an equal amount of off-shore trolling for mahi, tuna and marlin. If you haven’t experienced a ride on cat hull vessel I recommend you contact Twin Vee at www.twinvee.com or call Roger Dunshee personally at 772-429-2525. For more information on February Point in Exuma visit www.februarypoint.com or contact Matthew Marco direct at 242-422-7022.

*Twin Vee Catamarans authorized dealer in Georgetown, Exuma, Bahamas is JEL Boat Sales.  Capt. Jerry Lewless can be reached at (242) 345-5076.