Many boaters equate catamarans with inboard engines or sail rigs, yet the option for outboard-powered cats can deliver remarkable simplicity, ease of maintenance, and robust performance. By mounting outboards at the stern of each hull (or centrally on a bracket spanning the bridgedeck), an outboard catamaran gains agile maneuverability, quick acceleration, and a user-friendly setup that appeals to anglers, day cruisers, and even moderate offshore adventurers. Combine that with the cat’s trademark stability and broad deck areas, and you get a platform that’s both high-performing and flexible—perfect for coastal hops, watersports, or serious fishing excursions.

In this blog, we’ll dig into why outboard catamarans are surging in popularity, from minimal engine upkeep to efficient, space-saving designs that free the bridging deck for seating, gear, or livewells. We’ll also showcase how Novelli Boats extends those benefits further via 5083 aluminum hulls, foam-filled safety, and custom rigging options—ensuring owners can tailor an outboard cat to their exact speed, draft, and usage preferences. If you’ve ever dreamed of swift, stable cruising with the simplicity of outboard motors, read on to see how an outboard cat could be the ideal match for your on-water lifestyle.

1. The Case for Twin Outboards over Inboard Systems

While inboard propulsion can be common in some cat designs, outboard catamarans offer unique advantages:

• Simpler Engine Access: Outboards reside outside the hull, so routine servicing (oil changes, spark plugs, lower unit checks) is more direct—no engine room contortions needed.
• Reduced Cabin Heat & Noise: Eliminating in-hull engines means less motor vibration or exhaust smell inside living areas, preserving a quieter deck environment.
• Trim & Tilt Flexibility: Outboard tilt helps reduce draft when exploring shallows, or fully lifts the engines clear of saltwater—handy for mooring or beaching.
• Repower Convenience: Upgrading to newer outboards is straightforward. Unbolt the old motor, mount the new—no major hull modifications required. This can also boost resale if prospective buyers value fresh power.
• Weight & Space Savings: Freed engine compartments open up below-deck or bridging deck real estate for extra storage, a bigger lazarette, or even small stateroom expansions.

These perks—alongside a cat’s stability—can drastically simplify ownership. For anglers and day cruisers who want efficient, user-friendly propulsion that’s a breeze to maintain, outboard-based catamarans shine.

2. How Novelli Perfects Twin-Hull + Outboard Pairings

At Novelli Boats, we harness outboard setups on our aluminum cats in a way that maximizes performance and reliability:

1. 5083 Aluminum Hull & Foam-Fill:
   The cat’s two hulls carry foam compartments, ensuring near-unsinkable buoyancy and shrugging off impacts near docks or shorelines. Perfect for exploring shallow or debris-laden waterways.
2. Engine Brackets & Hull Reinforcement:
   We weld robust transoms or bracket systems capable of supporting dual outboards. Extra plating and gussets handle the thrust and torque from modern, high-horsepower motors.
3. Optimized Weight Distribution:
   By placing fuel tanks, batteries, or gear smartly across the bridging deck or inside each hull, we retain balanced trim—critical for swift planing and stable handling at speed.
4. Custom Layouts & Cockpits:
   From fishing-centric deck designs (livewells, rod holders) to family day-boat lounge seating, we adapt the bridging space for each owner’s usage, keeping engine rigging tidy and out of the way.
5. Minimal Overhead, Direct Benefits:
   We channel your budget into premium materials, skilled welding, and advanced rigging solutions, rather than inflated brand markups—ensuring top value for your investment.

The result? An outboard cat that rides smoothly, planes rapidly, and remains easy to service—ideal for owners who prize convenience, robust hull durability, and the stable deck catamarans are famous for.

3. What to Look For When Evaluating Your Next Outboard-Powered Twin Hull

Buyers should examine these attributes to find the right outboard cat design:

Weigh these details carefully—particularly if you plan to trailer the cat or frequently fish near rocky structures—so you end up with an outboard-powered hull that fits your typical waters and usage patterns.

5. Speed, Fuel Economy, and Maneuverability

An outboard cat can deliver spirited performance while sipping fuel:

• Quick Plane & Shallow Draft: Dual outboards help the cat pop onto plane with minimal bow rise, navigating shallow waters easily—particularly if you tilt engines up for creek or bay approaches.
• Great Handling at Low & Mid Speeds: The widely spaced outboards can pivot or rotate the cat in tight spaces, simplifying docking or weaving among anchored boats.
• Efficient Cruising: At 20–30 knots, many outboard cats exhibit stable, comfortable rides, using moderate horsepower effectively—less strain on motors, fewer fill-ups per season.
• High Top-End Potential: Some owners mount larger outboards (200+ HP each), letting them push beyond 40 knots if hull design supports it—ideal for quick runs to offshore fishing grounds.

    Speed (Knots) | Fuel Burn (GPH) | Approx Range (NM)
    ---------------------------------------------------
         10       |    5 - 7        |    350 - 450
         20       |   12 - 15       |    200 - 300
         30       |   20 - 25       |    140 - 200
    

Whether you crave mid-range cruising efficiency or the adrenaline of higher speeds, an outboard cat’s twin-engine design plus catamaran hull geometry typically deliver a remarkable balance of cost-saving fuel usage and exhilarating performance under a range of conditions.

6. Configuring a User-Friendly Platform

One strength of outboard catamarans is the broad bridging deck space, left largely unoccupied by an inboard engine room. This fosters:

1. Expansive Cockpit Seating or Fishing Area:
   Many owners prefer a wide open deck, flush with rod holders, fish boxes, or livewells if they primarily angle. Alternatively, add bench seats or a convertible lounge for day cruises.
2. Seamless Access to Engines:
   Step-around transoms, integrated swim platforms between hulls, or walk-through passages let you reach the outboards easily or enjoy water-level activities (swimming, diving).
3. Optional Cabin or T-Top:
   For added weather protection, a small enclosed helm or T-top shading can be installed, perfect for extended outings, sun relief, or storing electronics overhead.
4. Console Variants:
   Center console if you desire 360° fishability, dual console for passenger comfort, or side console for maximum open deck. All flexible thanks to minimal in-deck mechanical hardware.
5. Storage Solutions:
   With no large inboard compartments, you can allocate under-deck or bridging deck space to lockers, gear stowage, or even small cabins if the LOA permits.

Novelli Boats refines these deck elements with top-tier welding, integrated seat bases, or specialized compartments—ensuring your outboard cat emerges as a streamlined, clutter-free environment that suits your favorite on-water activities.

7. How Outboard Cats Stand Up Under Demanding Conditions

Relying on outboards doesn’t diminish a cat’s offshore or nearshore credentials—especially when built by Novelli:

• Foam-Filled Hulls & Multiple Compartments: Even if one hull’s compromised, the cat remains afloat. Critical if frequenting rocky structures or potential debris zones.
• Marine-Grade Aluminum: 5083 plating shrugs off impacts, salt corrosion, or repeated beach landings. We reinforce the transoms or brackets to handle engine torque plus wave pounding.
• Sturdy Deck & Crossbeams: Aluminum crossbeams anchor the bridging deck, preventing flex or stress cracks—key when twin outboards accelerate or corner sharply at speed.
• Redundant Engine Setup: If one outboard fails, limp home on the other. This reliability appeals to owners venturing further from shore or needing consistent daily ops (like charters).
• Smart Electrical & Fuel Systems: We route wiring/fuel lines away from wet areas, use robust connectors, and integrate easy shut-off or isolation valves for safe, simple servicing or emergencies.

By uniting outboard convenience with the cat’s stable, foam-filled base, outboard catamarans from Novelli handle rigorous usage—be it fish-chasing in choppy waters or day cruising with family—while sustaining minimal mechanical headaches or hull upkeep over time.

8. Stories from Outboard Catamaran Owners

Boaters who switch from inboard power or single-hull outboards frequently share positive experiences:

“I can’t believe how quick it planes. My 24-foot aluminum cat with twin 115 HP outboards leaps onto plane, stable at 25 knots. We fish reefs easily, tilt up the engines to beach. Maintenance is a breeze.” – Mike, Coastal Angler

“The deck feels enormous for a 26-ft boat. No engine box inside—just wide, open space for friends. We do day trips to local islands, the cat’s so stable and fueling is straightforward at local marinas.” – Cynthia, Family Cruiser

“Novelli’s foam filling plus transom bracket is genius. My outboards stay easy to service, the boat’s nearly unsinkable, and it rides waves with minimal pounding. Best purchase we made for our fishing charters.” – Paul, Charter Operator

Their accounts confirm outboard-powered cats combine user-friendly operation, easy handling, and robust, confidence-inspiring performance that fosters both day-to-day convenience and longer-term satisfaction.

9. Budgeting & Long-Term Benefits

Outboard cats can be costlier than single outboard monohulls, but owners often see:

• Reduced Maintenance Costs: Outboards isolate mechanical systems from the hull, so major repairs or repowers are simpler. This typically outweighs the initial purchase difference over time.
• Fuel Efficiency & Speed Gains: With twin hulls distributing buoyancy, you can plane quickly on moderate HP—helping you save fuel on daily runs or frequent short voyages.
• Flexible Repower Options: If you decide to upgrade engines after a few years—like going from 115 HP to 150 HP—no extensive hull modifications are needed. This benefits resale as well.
• High Resale Among Cat Aficionados: Quality aluminum cats with twin outboards remain in demand. Potential buyers appreciate the stable ride and simplified engine care.

    Hull & Deck (Aluminum + Foam Fill)    $35k - $70k
    Outboards (twin 115-150 HP)           $20k - $40k
    Rigging & Electronics                 $5k  - $15k
    Interior/Seating (Fishing or Lounge)  $3k  - $15k
    ------------------------------------------------
    Total Estimated                       ~$63k - $140k+
    

By selecting reliable outboards sized to your usage, plus a well-built cat hull, you’ll likely recoup any initial premium through lower upkeep, fewer repairs, and improved fuel efficiency—especially if you regularly venture out on the water.

10. Novelli’s Ongoing Commitment to Outboard Catamarans

Novelli Boats consistently champions outboard-based cats due to their proven combination of simplicity, performance, and owner-friendly maintenance:

• Direct Collaboration: We tailor hull lengths, deck layouts, and outboard configurations for your fishing, family cruising, or charter business usage—no forced factory patterns.
• Foam-Filled 5083 Hulls: Aluminum plating plus compartments keep your cat unsinkable, shrugging off collisions or beach landings without major hull damage concerns.
• Engine & Rigging Expertise: Our teams ensure seamless outboard mounting, correct bracket geometry, and robust transom bracing—vital for harnessing the power of modern outboards safely.
• Minimal Overhead & Fair Pricing: We invest in skilled labor and premium materials, not inflated brand margins, passing on genuine value to owners.
• Long-Term Support & Upgrade Paths: If you outgrow your initial motors, we can assist with up-powering or adding new electronics. Our designs anticipate repower cycles from day one.

This approach fosters a worry-free relationship between boaters and their cat—knowing routine service can be done quickly, hull integrity remains solid, and onboard experiences meet the highest standards of comfort, stability, and performance.