Four Winns TH36

The Four Winns TH36 running.

There are some pretty good reasons that all the high-speed ferries that ply the busy routes between airport hubs and resorts around the world are all catamarans. Higher speeds mean travelers get where they’re going in less time, and they often pay more for the privilege. Efficiency at speed means the ferry operator has to spend less on fuel. And two hulls are better than one when it comes to both onboard deck space and stability that means more, and more comfortable, passengers. It’s no wonder then that multihull designs have trickled down to recreational boats and yachts over the recent decades.

Say hello to one of the more recent catamaran introductions, the Four Winns TH36, which joined the ranks at the forefront, garnering the 2023 Multihull of the Year Award in the multipower category given by Multihulls World Magazine. This American-made entry did her parent company Beneteau proud by combining several strong features: a fashion-forward design, outboard power, and onboard space to rival that of much longer monohulls.

First, the outboards: A pair of 350-horsepower Mercury Verados outboards is the standard option, and brings quiet power and efficiency. The wide separation between the outboards gives the outboards leverage for greater control and quick reaction time to the joystick, making close-quarters maneuvering simple. The outboards’ signature angular shape fits in with the TH36 striking profile.

Now about the TH36’s looks: Catamarans sometimes wrestle with their appearance, at least occurring to the opinions of some monohull purists. It’s not every catamaran, and it’s not from every angle, but some examples can really put off the boat-buying public. That’s the benefit of evolving a new boat from the design language that helped make the company an industry leader with bowriders, hybrid decks, and wakesurfing boats, but, even better, it builds on the raked windshield and classic hull colors with substantial room to do even more.

And that brings us to the onboard space, where a 38-foot, 5-inch LOA is matched to a 14-foot, 7-inch beam. That means each hull can host its own stateroom, and both of them are en suite, (with a separate, standup shower), hullside windows, a berth for two, and stowage. That wide hull also provides deck space for an aft settee with dining table, additional seating at the forward end of the cockpit, an alfresco galley console for food prep and entertaining, and a starboard helm with companion seat all sheltered by the hardtop. Don’t forget, Four Winns knows its bow seating, and this version is fit for a large group.