Supercat 20 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Supercat 20 began production in 1980. Its genesis ties into a brief but notable period when Boston Whaler, under its founder Richard T. "Dick" Fisher's vision for durable and safe boats, ventured into the sailboat market. Between 1977 and 1983, Boston Whaler offered lines like the "Harpoon" and also acquired Formula Racing Sailboats, the original builder of the Supercat, integrating these performance catamarans into their offerings. This strategic move allowed Boston Whaler to apply its robust fiberglass construction techniques, famed for their Unibond™ foam-filled hulls in powerboats, to a sailing platform.

The design of the Supercat 20 was a collaboration between maritime architects Steve Edmunds and Bill Roberts, incorporating early computer hull design to optimize its performance characteristics. While the standard beam was 12 feet, some owners undertook modifications, such as reducing the beam to 9 feet, to facilitate easier launching and retrieval. Certain models were also available with a "Tall Rig," indicating variations in sail plan to enhance performance.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Supercat 20, with its catamaran hull type, twin daggerboards, and fractional sloop rig with a rotating spar, was engineered for speed and agility. Weighing in at a mere 450 pounds, it is an exceptionally lightweight vessel, designed for exhilarating sailing. Contemporaries often described it as a "powerful, fast catamaran" and, in its prime, it was considered among the quickest boats on the market.

Owners frequently praise the Supercat 20 for its stability and balanced helm, largely attributed to its wide 12-foot beam. Its shallow minimum draft of just 0.5 feet with the daggerboards retracted allows it to sail very close to beaches, making it ideal for coastal adventures and easy launching. While capable of carrying three to four people, owners report the boat truly shines when sailed solo, offering an "amazing" experience in the right conditions. However, the wide beam, which contributes to its stability and speed, can also make the boat harder to tack compared to narrower vessels. Due to its performance-oriented design and light displacement, righting a capsized Supercat 20 can be challenging.

Accommodations and Layout

As a 20-foot performance beach catamaran, the Supercat 20 prioritizes speed and open-air sailing over enclosed living spaces. There is no traditional interior cabin or accommodation on the Supercat 20. Its design is focused on the exhilaration of sailing, with any storage typically limited to what can be stowed within the hulls or on deck, with some owners creatively utilizing the interior of the beams for stowing gear.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Supercat 20 consistently laud its exceptional speed and robust construction. Many highlight the pure joy and performance the boat delivers, often referring to its solid hulls. However, owning a Supercat 20 can come with its own set of considerations. Owners have noted that replacement parts, including rigging, trampolines, and sails, can be significantly more expensive than for other similar boats, sometimes costing 1.5 to 2 times more. The boat's wide beam, while beneficial for stability and speed, can make tacking more demanding. Despite these points, the Supercat 20 has fostered a dedicated following, with some owners even modifying their boats for extended day-sailing or short cruising trips, ingeniously adapting the limited space for gear storage.