One of the newer offerings from the PowerCat Group is the Carolina Cat 18CC.  According to BoatTest.com, the PowerCat Group is the world’s largest manufacturer of catamarans, having produced more than 80,000 multi-hull boats.  The Carolina Cat 18CC is an 18′ basic utilitarian powerboat that provides a stable, safe ride and gets you where you want to go within a 120-mile range with a top speed of 35 mph and a 23 mph cruising speed.

The total price for the Carolina Cat 18CC and its Yamaha 115 HP 4-stroke engine is less than $35,000.  Read more about the Carolina Cat 18CC on the Carolina Cat website.

Livingston Cat Boats, a company with a 40-year history, is one of the newest additions to the PowerCat Group.  More than 75,000 Livingston boats have been sold for use as fishing boats, dinghies and yacht tenders.  Livingston currently offers 7 models (named 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 19) that range in length from 7′ to 18′.  Prices range from about $1300 to $14,000.  A wide variety of options available, including swivel seats, remote steering, rail systems, protective boat covers and special colors.

Find out more on the Livingston Boat website.

The 3480 Cuddy Hardtop powercat from Glacier Bay is both stylish and versatile, the perfect boat for fishing expeditions and extended cruises.  This 37′ powercat boasts many features normally found on yachts, including two large staterooms, a private head with an enclosed shower, a fully-equipped galley and a large aft cockpit.  The hardtop provides added protection from the sun and elements.

The Glacier Bay brand is known for soft-riding offshore cruising cats that provide maximum comfort on the high seas.  The living spaces below deck are surprisingly luxurious.

Find out more about the 3480 Cuddy on the Glacier Bay website.  Glacier Bay is part of the PowerCat Group that we wrote about in an earlier post.

We’ve written in this blog about WorldCat power cats, a top manufacturer of high-performance fishing and cruising power catamarans.  In 2009, WorldCat owners Andrew Brown and Chris Brockway bought Glacier Bay, the oldest U.S. maker of catamaran’s and WorldCat’s biggest competitor.  Two more acquisitions followed in 2010 – Carolina Cat and Livingston Boats.  At this year’s Miami Boat Show, the PowerCat Group made its debut as the union of these four brands.

We’ll be looking at some of the current offerings of the PowerCat group in our next few posts.  You can learn more about the company on the PowerCat Group website.  You should also check out this PowerCat Group YouTube video that shows why mono-hulls just can’t compete with powercats on the high seas.

Proteus is an altogether new kind of power catamaran. This “Wave Adaptive Modular Vessel” was designed by California Bay Area engineer Ugo Conti, who had spent months sailing around the world with his wife and son but never got over his seasickness. This insect-inspired water craft has twin inflatable pontoons that absorb the motion of the waves and provide a smooth ride for passengers in a cabin that is perched high above the water. It has been dubbed the “Spider Ship” because of the appearance of its support structure.

See stunning footage of Proteus on the water in this short documentary on YouTube. You can also read more about the science behind this adaptive vessel in this Wikipedia article.

If you’re looking for a high-speed powercat with a lower price tag than, maybe it’s time to consider an inflatable. An inflatable catamaran is a versatile boat for fishing, white water rafting or just cruising. When not in use, it can be deflated and easily stored.

The Dux HammerHead Model PD-400 was originally created for the American Power Boat Association racing circuit. It provides precision turning and speed control and extreme rough water handling capabilities and comes with a 10-year warranty. At 13’6”, it’s roomy enough to seat 6 people.

Find out more about the HammerHead on the Dux website.

Founded by Doyle Heckaman in 1989, Splendor Boats are known for their revolutionary design which features a catamaran hull that requires only one engine. Splendor is a custom builder; it’s most popular model is the SunStar 240, a seaworthy deckboat that offers more standard horsepower and a sink and cooler storage area. It’s fitted with stainless steel handrails, drains, faucets and lighting fixtures.

Read a full review of the SunStar 240 on NewBoats.com. Visit the Splendor Boats website to learn more about the company, which is now owned and operated by the 3rd generation of Heckamans. The Splendor Boats Showroom is located in Silver Lake, Indiana.

One of the stars of the 2011 Miami Yacht and Brokerage Show was the Ferretti 750, a yacht born of the collaboration between the Advanced Yacht Technology of the Feretti Group and Studio Zuccon. The Ferretti Group is currently the world leader in the design and construction of luxury motor-yachts, producing models that range in length from 27’ to 278’.

The Ferretti 750, along with 800 and 620 models, features elegance and innovation and classical-contemporary style. Another notable debut from the Ferretti Group is the Aquariva Gucci (pictured above), an exclusive custom-built yacht with amenities designed by Gucci’s Creative Director Frida Giannini. Find out more about Ferretti yachts on the official Ferritti website.

If you’re thinking about investing in a cruising catamaran, these are some of the features to consider:

Read more tips about feature of a cruising cat in this article by Aeroyacht company founder Gregor Tarjan.

Sunreef yachts are well-designed, luxurious composite vessels that combine modern designs with state-of-the-art electronics.  The Sunreef 70’ power catamaran features a room interior, elegant topside and deluxe amenities.  Sunreef also offers an Expedition model which features wave-piercing bows and includes twin Volvo Penta 265 HP diesel engines for long-range cruising.  Its range is approximately 7000 nautical miles when its 4227-capacity fuel tanks are full.

The first 70 Sunreef Power to be sold was the JAMBO, which was built for Laurent Bourgnon, the famous Swiss sailor and adventurer.  He embarked with his family on a five-year around-the-world tour aboard the JAMBO.

Find out more about the 70 Sunreef Power on the Sunreef Yachts website.