Heavenly Twins Information, Review, Specs

The design evolved through three distinct iterations. The Mk I and Mk II models were typically 26 feet, while the Mk III version, often referred to as the Heavenly Twins 27, featured an extended transom and a raised "doghouse" or coachroof for improved interior volume. Patterson also utilized the same design philosophy for sibling models, including the larger Summer Twins 28 and the Star Twins 34. For those seeking a more compact version, the Summer Twins 25 was also produced, though the "Twins" name is most synonymous with the 26/27 foot hull that remains a staple of the Multihull Centre brokerage and historical records today.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Heavenly Twins is a displacement-mode cruiser, prioritizing stability and load-carrying over raw speed. While modern catamarans often utilize trampolines to reduce weight, the Heavenly Twins features a solid foredeck, which significantly increases reserve buoyancy and provides a massive, secure working platform for the crew. According to editorial analysis from Yachting Monthly, the boat is exceptionally stiff and capable of staying upright in conditions that would see contemporary monohulls reefed down significantly.

Handling is characterized by its "hobby-horsing" resistance and a surprising ability to track well downwind, a trait attributed to its twin-keel configuration. However, the low bridge deck clearance—a common design compromise in smaller vintage cats—can lead to "slamming" in short, choppy seas. Owners typically report that the boat feels most at home in a steady breeze; it is not a light-airs performer and often requires the use of an auxiliary engine to make progress against a stiff headwind and tide. Because it lacks high-aspect-rate daggers or deep keels, its tacking angle is wider than a modern performance catamaran, often requiring a "back-winding" of the jib to ensure a successful come-about in heavy air.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Heavenly Twins is surprisingly commodious, often described as having the living space of a 32-foot monohull. The layout is centered around a bridge-deck saloon that connects the two hulls. In the Mk I and II versions, the saloon offers a "U-shaped" seating area that converts into a large double berth. The hulls themselves house the galley, a dedicated chart table, and two separate aft cabins.

The Mk III variant brought significant improvements to the onboard experience by raising the coachroof, which provided much-needed standing headroom in the main cabin. This version often features a "doghouse" over the cockpit, offering superior protection from the elements—a feature highly prized by long-distance cruisers. Variations in the interior finish are common, as many hulls were sold for home completion. While the factory-finished boats from the Multihull Centre used robust teak and GRP moldings, owner-finished versions vary significantly in material quality and layout efficiency.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Heavenly Twins gained international fame through the exploits of Pat Patterson himself and several high-profile cruisers who proved the boat's durability. The most notable mention in maritime literature involves the "Great Escape" voyages, where Heavenly Twins were used to traverse vast oceanic distances, cementing their status as a "poor man’s ocean cruiser." The model is a frequent subject of "classic boat" features in British yachting media, cited as the quintessential entry-level catamaran for those transitioning from monohulls.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach a Heavenly Twins with a focus on structural integrity and historical maintenance. While the hulls are generally overbuilt and robust, several "gotchas" have been identified by the owner community:

• Bridge Deck Slamming and Stress: Inspect the area where the bridge deck meets the hulls for stress cracking. Constant slamming in heavy seas over several decades can fatigue the laminate.
• Osmosis: Early Mk I and Mk II hulls used older resin formulations. A professional moisture meter reading is essential, as many of these boats have spent decades in the water with minimal haul-outs.
• Window Seals: The large wrap-around windows on the saloon are prone to leaking if the original seals have perished. This can lead to hidden rot in the interior woodwork and soft spots in the plywood bulkheads.
• Steering Linkage: The twin-rudder system uses a linkage that must be perfectly synchronized. Check for excessive "play" or slop in the steering, which often indicates worn bushings or cable stretch in older models.
• Engine Installation: Many Twins were fitted with a single central outboard or a small diesel. If it is a diesel, check the accessibility of the engine bay, as it can be cramped, making routine maintenance like impeller changes difficult.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical support and historical data is the Heavenly Twins Owners Association. This organization maintains an extensive archive of original drawings, modification guides, and a registry of boats currently in service. They are the definitive source for differentiating between the various "Mk" iterations and providing advice on the specific sailing characteristics of the cutter vs. sloop rigs.

The Verdict

The Heavenly Twins remains one of the most practical and seaworthy small multihulls ever built, offering a level of safety and living space that is hard to find in the sub-30-foot market.

Pros:

• Exceptional stability and seaworthiness for its length.
• Spacious interior with private aft cabins, rare for a 26-footer.
• Solid foredeck provides a safe working area for families and pets.
• Proven blue-water capability with a strong supporting owners' association.

Cons:

• Significant bridge deck slamming in choppy conditions.
• Poor light-wind performance compared to modern catamarans.
• Aesthetic "boxy" appearance may not appeal to traditionalists.
• Mk I and II versions lack full standing headroom in the saloon.