Hey guys,

EDIT: budget - $100-250k

I’m starting to seriously research getting into a catamaran and wanted to get input from people who actually run them offshore.

A little background — I currently run a 31’ Fountain center console with twin Mercury Verado 350s. We love the boat. It’s fast and comfortable, but I feel like there may be more to be had.

We split time between Lake Murray, SC and the Florida Keys, but these days we’re primarily based in Marathon.

Typical runs for us are:

• Marathon → Key West
  
• Marathon → Islamorada
  

So usually 40–50 mile runs one way in open ocean, often with the goal of running somewhere, hanging out at a sandbar for the afternoon, and heading back.

Originally I had my heart set on a 32 Doug Wright, but with my dock and lift situation the absolute maximum I can fit is 31’ measured from the back of the motors to the bow.

My dock itself is 32’, so whatever I end up with has to fit without overhang.

I have looked pretty hard at the Trick 23, and it’s a really impressive boat. That said, I feel like it may be a little small for what we do, and I suspect there may be some larger options that still fit my dock constraints.

So realistically I’m looking for the largest outboard cat that fits inside that limit.

Priorities (in order)

1. Ocean ride / comfort in chop
   
2. Cockpit space and passenger comfort
   
3. Speed
   
4. Fuel economy
   

What I’m looking for

• 25–30' range
  
• Outboard powered
  
• Triple-digit capable (100+ mph)
  
• Modern hull design
  
• Prefer fully capped construction (no rub rail), but not a deal breaker
  
• Prefer something newer / modern — not really looking for a 20-year-old hull
  

Brands I'm aware of so far

• Doug Wright
  
• Skater
  
• MTI
  
• Statement
  

But I’m sure there are other boats I should be looking at.

Main question

What cats in this size range actually ride big for their length, especially in real ocean conditions?

Appreciate any input from people who have time in them offshore.

What’s your budget?
The Trick is really nice, the cockpit is a good size as it’s a pretty big beam. It won’t have the tunnel depth of some of the bigger cats, inshore and days that aren’t really choppy would be fine. And it does have a raised center pod, which is good for what it’s designed for but not for offshore.

for a small true tunnel, Eliminator does make the 255 Speedster in a true tunnel version. it’s much bigger than the Trick, it might fit the bill. Not an offshore boat, but inshore could work.

The Valor 27 is well priced.

Performance Powerboats P280, Skater 28, but depends on your budget and with total length pushing 31’. An old 24 Skater might be perfect. Or an Argo 23 which has a really deep tunnel for a smaller boat.

P280 overview

Thanks, I added an edit to original post but budget is $100-250k.

28 Skater

For a composite built newer boat I would look towards the Performance P280. They will run well over 100 with a single or twins. Cockpits are tight but the boats are fast and offer great wind protection for the driver with a wrap around windshield.

Joe

Hands down a 28 skater, faster than a P280 with twin 300Rs. If you can find a good used one even if you have to repower the resale will always be ther. Once a skater, always a skater

..

Thanks, have any offshore experience in a Skater 28?

I see a few write ups online about the Performance P280 claiming its a great lake/river boat but defiantly not an offshore boat. I fully understand giving up size will result in less than ideal for offshore but I know there are certain hulls that will still eat up decent amount of chop. Do you have any experience with the P280? Thanks!

I have had 8 skaters over the years and logged hundreds of hours in 24s and 28s. I now have a DW28 with twin 300R's as one of my boats. The new 28 has no wood--I love Skaters, love Pete, but balsa is not the answer as these boats age or get moisture. The P280 has a narrow running surface and much wider tunnel. With that being said, it will bottom in water that has spaced waves Vs tight chop. The P280 is best described as a "big STV", the turning is absolutely incredible, acceleration is great, and it runs 124 out of the box with twin 300s turning 15' 15 degree 34s. I think it would be a tough rig to beat for blasting with the Island runners group but it will not be used at our LOTO house.

Joe