The old saying that there’s more than one way to skin a cat was never truer than when it comes to Twin Vee’s DC (dual console) series. The DC series consists of 19-, 22-, and 26-foot models, some in Bay Cat (single engine) and some in Ocean Cat (dual engine) configurations.

Twin-Vee’s dual-console models, like the 26-foot Ocean Cat shown here, offer protection for a second adult passenger, plus a head compartment.



The dual-console layout has grown in popularity in the past few years, so it’s no wonder Twin Vee decided to expand its offerings. These make for excellent family-fishing boats, since the second console adds protection for another passenger while the bow area gives the kids their own place to hang out, whether the rest of the family is water skiing or trolling for wahoo.

What’s the trade-off? With this arrangement, cover is provided by a bimini instead of a T-top, so 360-degree fishability suffers a bit. And you lose the ability to mount rocket launchers on the top unless you opt for a full arch, which boosts cost and also may interfere with swinging fishing rods.

Of all these models, the 22 Bay Cat style is the most distinctive; it runs on a single screw. Few cats over 20 feet can get by with a single engine, because turbulence between the hulls makes it tough for the prop to get a solid bite on the water. In the case of both the 19-foot and the 22-foot Twin Vee, however, the turbulence is minimal, and its only symptom is a slight rpm variance (usually of 50 to 100 rpm) when you go flying off the back of a wave.

All are built with the usual Twin Vee construction methods: hulls made of hand-laid woven roving are filled with foam, fittings are stainless-steel, and fabrics are marine-grade vinyl. Fit and finish is not as nice as it is on some competing boats, but that’s one of the reasons why Twin Vees carry price tags that are notably lower than most competing boats. Note, for example, that the 22 Bay Cat DC starts at a mere hair over $25,000 with a 90-hp four-stroke Suzuki on the transom.

Most folks buy cats for their ride, of course, and in this regard these don’t disappoint. In fact, foot-for-foot they’re among the softest-riding boats around. The hulls trap and compress air in their “compression tunnels” as they move forward, and that cushion of air softens landings and reduces drag. That not only means your back hurts less, it also means you need fewer horses to go as fast as a monohull of the same size.

So if you want a family-oriented fishing boat with the dual-console design, take one for a test ride… or take two, or three, or four—because whether you want a single engine or twins, a 19-footer or a 26-footer, Twin Vee figures they’ve got you covered.

If you’re interested in comparing between brands, Glacier Bay and World Cat both have dual-console offerings in these size ranges.

For more information, visit Twin Vee Catamarans.

—Lenny Rudow

Written by: Lenny Rudow
With over two decades of experience in marine journalism, Lenny Rudow has contributed to publications including YachtWorld, boats.com, Boating Magazine, Marlin Magazine, Boating World, Saltwater Sportsman, Texas Fish & Game, and many others. Lenny is a graduate of the Westlawn School of Yacht Design, and he has won numerous BWI and OWAA writing awards.
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