4 Center Console Catamarans Under 30 Feet
Not so long ago, the ultimate fishing boat was a big diesel-powered sportfisher, the kind of rugged battlewagon designed to run offshore. Over the past couple of decades, however, increasingly powerful outboards have helped transform the center console from a simple fishing platform to a serious bluewater machine. Power catamarans have played an important role in that evolution. Builders have paired twin-hull designs with today’s high-horsepower outboards, expansive fishing layouts, and higher standards for onboard comfort to give offshore anglers more choices than ever, including center console catamarans.
Not everyone needs a 40- or 50-foot center console with three or four outboards hanging off the transom, either. These four center console catamarans deliver solid fishing capability in packages measuring less than 30 feet. Each takes a different approach to balancing performance, versatility, customization, and family-friendly amenities.
After all, days on the water rarely look exactly the same.
Tideline 280 Bluewater
Base price: Consult manufacturer
The newest boat in this group, the Tideline 280 Bluewater brings the North Carolina boatbuilder’s offshore design philosophy to the under-30-foot category. Introduced in 2025, the 280 is a smaller counterpart to the 365 Offshore and features a non-stepped planing catamaran hull.
Tideline builds its boats to order and sells them directly from the factory. Owners enjoy considerable flexibility when choosing how their boats are equipped. On the 280 Bluewater, for example, the standard 123-quart cooler seat forward can be replaced with a larger coffin-box lounger.
The 280’s fishing credentials are substantial. Two 25-gallon pressurized transom livewells are standard equipment, and a 55-gallon leaning-post livewell is an available option. Two insulated 320-quart in-floor fish boxes accommodate the day’s catch. Abundant rod storage keeps gear readily accessible.
With a 10-foot beam, 290 gallons of fuel capacity, and up to 700 horsepower from twin outboards, the 280 Bluewater is aimed at offshore anglers who want to tailor their boat to the way they fish. This is definitely one of the center console catamarans that makes that possible.
Specifications:
- LOA: 28 feet (without engines)
- Beam: 10 feet
- Draft: ~1 foot, 6 inches
- Ready-to-fish weight: ~8,000 pounds
- Fuel capacity: 290 gallons
- Water capacity: 15 gallons
- Maximum horsepower: 700
Freeman 28
Base price: Consult manufacturer
Freeman Boatworks’ large, high-horsepower center console catamarans have made this South Carolina builder a familiar name among serious offshore anglers. The lineup extends to 56 feet, but the Freeman 28 brings many of the features associated with those bigger boats to a model that serves as an intriguing entry point at the other end of the range.
The Freeman 28 is equipped for serious offshore fishing. Freeman gave it a 340-quart aft fish box, a 30-gallon in-floor livewell, and twin 21-gallon pressurized transom livewells. Twin Mercury 300 Verado outboards are standard, and Mercury Racing 300s, Yamaha 300s, and Yamaha 350s are available options. The boat is rated for up to 700 horsepower.
At 28 feet, 9 inches, with a draft of just 16 inches, the 28 can venture into shallow waters that are inaccessible to larger offshore cats, and owners can add a 36-volt trolling motor and dual 8-foot Power-Pole shallow-water anchors for fishing the skinny spots. Available cushioned bow lounges, forward-facing seating, Freeman’s Mega Bench, and an electric marine head provide added comfort when fishing isn’t the only priority.
Specifications:
- LOA: 28 feet, 9 inches
- Beam: 9 feet, 10 inches
- Draft: 1 foot, 4 inches
- Dry weight: 6,500 pounds (with engines)
- Ready-to-fish weight: 8,900 pounds
- Fuel capacity: 250 gallons
- Water capacity: 13 gallons
- Maximum horsepower: 700
Twin Vee 280 GFX2
Base price: Consult dealer
Twin Vee has been building power catamarans since 1996, and the 280 GFX2 reflects the Florida builder’s long experience making the most of a relatively small footprint. The company reports 228 square feet of deck space. That’s enough to give families the room they need for fishing and recreation.
For anglers, the Twin Vee 280 GFX2 provides macerated in-deck fish boxes and storage, under-gunwale rod storage, multiple rod holders, and an integrated hardtop with outrigger mounting pads. Passengers have plenty of space as well. Bow bench seating and a forward coffin box with upholstered lounge seating create an inviting gathering space. Passengers can find additional fold-down seating at the stern.
A marine head is tucked inside the center console for added convenience on longer days aboard. Plus, a transom walkthrough provides easy access to the water for swimming or relaxing at the sandbar. Buyers also have a choice of twin 300 horsepower Yamaha, Mercury, or Suzuki outboards.
Specifications:
- LOA: 28 feet
- Beam: 9 feet, 6 inches
- Draft: 1 foot, 8 inches
- Dry weight: 6,882 pounds
- Fuel capacity: 230 gallons
- Water capacity: 13 gallons
- Maximum horsepower: 600
World Cat 280CC-X
Base price: Consult dealer
Not every center console power cat owner wants to spend every day chasing fish. World Cat designed its 280CC-X for a wider range of activities. Families get a platform that is also well suited to cruising, swimming, diving, and entertaining. The boat’s overall seating capacity is 11.
Passenger comfort is particularly evident forward. There, the bow provides seating for up to seven people, including an extra-wide forward-facing seat incorporated into the console door. Inside the console, a fiberglass-lined compartment contains a freshwater marine head, a counter, a mirror, and storage. And a walkthrough transom, swim platform, and commercial-grade dive ladder make getting into and out of the water easier when it’s time to swap out fishing gear for snorkels and fins.
Yet the World Cat 280CC-X remains well equipped for anglers. It features twin 355-quart floor fish boxes, a 30-gallon leaning-post livewell, tackle storage, and eight stainless steel rod holders. An optional fishing package adds even more rod storage.
Specifications:
- LOA: 27 feet, 6 inches
- Beam: 9 feet, 2 inches
- Draft: 1 foot, 2 inches
- Dry weight: ~7,400 pounds (with twin 200-hp outboards)
- Fuel capacity: 220 gallons
- Water capacity: 17 gallons
- Maximum horsepower: 450
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Heather Steinberger
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