I’ve enjoyed several memorable cruises aboard large power catamarans—chartered boats in the 45- to 50-foot range with beams reaching 21 feet. Those twin-hulled cruisers offered incredible space and stability but felt intimidating compared with the 32-foot monohull we kept at home. I was often glad to hand the helm to my husband in tricky docking moments because he had the sharper boat-handling skills. Still, I appreciated how comfortable and roomy those big cats were.
So when I stepped aboard the Four Winns TH36 in Fort Lauderdale, I found the boat refreshingly approachable. This new power catamaram bridges the gap between large, unfamiliar multihulls and the smaller monohulls many owners know well. With an overall length of 38 feet 5 inches and a 14-foot 7-inch beam, the TH36 is compact enough to feel manageable while still delivering the benefits of a catamaran layout.
As Four Winns’ first catamaran, the TH36 arrives amid growing U.S. demand for production power cats that maximize usable space for entertaining, overnighting, water sports and easy coastal cruising. The wide beam provides generous room topside, which translates into comfortable seating, clear walkways and more sleeping accommodations below. The TH36 is rated to carry up to a dozen passengers, making it a versatile choice for family weekends or larger day outings.
At the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show the boat drew a crowd, and standing on the bow with seven other people I was struck by how much open space remains. A U-shaped lounge surrounds the bow area and—thanks to the cat’s full-width forward beam—there’s still ample room to move. Even with a broad layout, I could walk forward to inspect the neatly organized anchor setup and bow pulpit without feeling cramped.
Visitors on neighboring boats gave the TH36 thumbs up for its styling. Unlike boxy catamarans of the past, this model has softer lines and visual appeal, thanks to exterior and interior styling by Garroni, the Italian studio that designs for other Groupe Beneteau brands, including Jeanneau and Prestige. The result is a catamaran that pairs modern aesthetics with practical functionality.
One of the boat’s most useful features is a wide, unobstructed center walkway that runs from bow to stern and ends at a passerelle on the transom. With the deck on a single level, guests can move quickly and confidently from one end of the boat to the other. In rough weather, with enclosures up and guests sheltered under the hardtop, the side decks provide a safe alternative route. Those side decks are a notable advantage for the TH36—several power cats in this size class don’t offer them.
The wide beam also benefits the cockpit layout. Twin lounges—one to port and the other to starboard—create separate social zones with generous deck space between them. Both lounges sit on tracks, so you can slide them together to form a single dining area or a sprawling sunbed. When the lounges are combined, the cleared cockpit sides provide direct access to a boarding gate on the starboard side, simplifying boarding and tender operations.
Belowdecks, the TH36 offers comfortable overnight accommodations with a stateroom in each hull. Both cabins are similarly laid out, each with a double berth and a private head with a large, glass-enclosed stall shower. Compared with a same-sized monohull, these separate hull cabins provide genuine privacy and a more civilized sleeping arrangement for guests.
At the helm, product manager Martin Meyer pointed out the slim, efficient dash design: two 16-inch Garmin displays, Mercury’s VesselView, and centralized controls for lighting, wipers and windlass. To port are the twin throttle controls and an ease-of-use joystick for maneuvering the pair of 350-hp Mercury Verado outboards. With that propulsion package, the TH36 should reach a top speed near 33 knots, cruise around 22 knots and deliver a practical range of roughly 230 nautical miles.
Meyer also mentioned that monohull owners often consider cats for their wider deck and comfortable ride. While initial handling can feel unusual—the boat leans outward in a turn—the learning curve is short. Once the TH36 is on plane it runs flat and predictable, and the integrated joystick helps build confidence in close-quarters handling.
Four Winns plans to expand production of the TH36 and is considering building it in Tunisia, where it has a larger factory capable of higher output. The company’s parent, Groupe Beneteau, has invested heavily in product development since acquiring Four Winns in 2014, and the TH36 reflects that renewed focus on blending heritage with modern innovation.
I asked whether the TH36 might eventually appear in bareboat charter fleets. Meyer didn’t rule it out—an encouraging sign for anyone who wants to try a user-friendly power cat before committing to ownership.
Four Winns TH36
LOA: 38’5”
Beam: 14’7”
Draft: 3’2”
Displ: 15,955 lbs
Fuel: 244 gals.
Water: 50 gals.
Power: (2) 350-hp Mercury Verados
This article was originally published in the February 2024 issue.