Supercat 20 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Sailing the Supercat 20 is often described as a lesson in power management. With a sail area that rivals much larger cruising yachts, the boat possesses an exceptional sail-area-to-displacement ratio, allowing it to accelerate in whispers of wind where other boats remain becalmed. In heavy air, the boat’s handling is defined by its stability; the hulls are designed with significant "reserve buoyancy" in the bows, a signature Roberts trait intended to keep the platform level even when the large asymmetrical spinnaker or reaching sails are deployed.

According to technical specifications provided by the manufacturer, the boat features a 20-foot length and an 8.5-foot beam, though some custom racing variants utilized wider platforms for increased righting moment. The handling is crisp, aided by high-aspect-ratio daggerboards that allow for tight upwind angles. Because of its size and the physical forces generated by the rig, the Supercat 20 is rarely sailed solo in racing conditions; it requires an active, coordinated crew to manage the traveler and mainsheet tension. Performance data from historic multihull regattas suggests that the Supercat 20 remains competitive even against modern carbon-fiber designs, owing to its efficient hull shape and the lift generated by its deep-V sections.

Sibling Models & Variations

The Supercat 20 belongs to a broader family of performance catamarans designed by Bill Roberts. Its most direct sibling is the Supercat 19, which shares much of the design DNA but in a slightly more manageable package for recreational sailors. At the smaller end of the spectrum, the Supercat 15 and 17 provided entry points into the brand’s high-buoyancy philosophy.

For those seeking the ultimate expression of the Supercat design, the "Great White" or Supercat 22 represents the apex of the line. The 22-foot model expanded on the 20’s strengths, offering even more trampoline space and a rig capable of sustaining speeds well into the 25-knot range. While the hulls across the 19, 20, and 22-foot models share aesthetic similarities, the 20 is widely considered the "sweet spot" of the range, balancing the transportability of a 20-foot boat with the blue-water capability required for long-distance coastal raids.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective owners of a used Supercat 20 should focus their inspection on the structural integrity of the hull-to-beam connections. Because these boats generate immense torque, the "bolting" areas where the aluminum cross-beams (spars) meet the fiberglass hulls can experience stress cracking or elongation of the bolt holes over decades of use.

Another critical area for inspection is the daggerboard trunks. High-speed grounding or heavy lateral loading can lead to hairline fractures in the trunk liners, which may result in slow leaks into the hull compartments. Given the age of many Supercat 20s, the trampoline and its hiking straps should be checked for UV degradation; a failure of the trampoline under sail can be catastrophic on a boat of this speed. Finally, the mast—often a tall, rotating teardrop section—should be inspected for any corrosion at the spreaders or the mast base, as these components are under significant compression when the rig is tuned for racing.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical support and new components remains Aquarius Sails, which continues to offer parts and expertise for the Supercat line. While the formal class association has seen varying levels of activity since its peak in the 1980s and 90s, a dedicated "cult following" persists among distance racing enthusiasts. Technical discussions and tuning guides are frequently archived within general multihull communities, where the Supercat 20 is still revered as one of the fastest production beach cats ever built in the United States.

The Verdict

The Supercat 20 is a "pilot’s boat" that offers blistering speed and a more forgiving hull design than the razor-thin hulls of the Olympic-class catamarans. It is an ideal choice for the sailor who prioritizes performance and the ability to sail in a wide range of sea states.

Pros:

• High Buoyancy: Large hull volume significantly reduces the risk of nose-diving (pitch-poling) compared to older catamaran designs.
• Light Air Dominance: The massive sail plan ensures movement in the lightest breezes.
• Rugged Construction: Built to higher standards than many mass-market beach cats of its era.

Cons:

• Physical Demands: The high sail area requires significant strength and experience to manage in heavy air.
• Width: The 8.5-foot beam makes it trailerable, but the overall length and weight make it more difficult to beach-launch than a standard 16-foot catamaran.
• Complexity: The rigging and daggerboard systems are more complex than those found on simpler "resort-style" catamarans.