A customized catamaran for relaxed leisure boating
In this part of our boat presentation article series, we take a closer look at a bespoke W25 CABIN8 project, named “Volvo Penta”. The catamaran was designed for a private owner who wanted to customize the boat for safe, easy and comfortable leisure boating. What makes this catamaran special is the choice of inboard sterndrive engines instead of the more conventional outboard engines.
In this part of our boat presentation article series, we take a closer look at a bespoke W25 CABIN8 project, named “Volvo Penta”. The catamaran was designed for a private owner who wanted to customize the boat for safe, easy and comfortable leisure boating. What makes this catamaran special is the choice of inboard sterndrive engines instead of the more conventional outboard engines.
Volvo Penta inboard sterndrive engines were selected for this project, and the boat is named accordingly. You can learn more about Volvo Penta engines here
Intended use: Open access also from the stern
For the owner, it was important to ensure smooth access also from the stern of the boat. One of the most tangible benefits of inboard sterndrive engines is the freedom to customize the stern area, which is typically occupied by outboard engines. In addition to easy movement, the possibility to add seating behind the cabin on deck was a welcome advantage. On outboard‑powered boats, the aft area often leaves limited space for passage or seating. With this setup, the stern can also be customized to include working or storage areas, if desired.
For the owner, it was important to ensure smooth access also from the stern of the boat. One of the most tangible benefits of inboard sterndrive engines is the freedom to customize the stern area, which is typically occupied by outboard engines. In addition to easy movement, the possibility to add seating behind the cabin on deck was a welcome advantage. On outboard‑powered boats, the aft area often leaves limited space for passage or seating. With this setup, the stern can also be customized to include working or storage areas, if desired.
The excellent handling and stability of ALUCAT® catamarans are not compromised by inboard sterndrive engines – on the contrary, they strongly support safe and comfortable boating. The W25 “Volvo Penta” is a great example of how even a larger boat can be easily customized to suit individual leisure boating needs.
Joystick Steering – Easy and Precise Control
The Volvo Penta inboard sterndrive engines used in our example boat are available with joystick steering. With joystick control, the boat’s direction, gears and power can be managed using a single control, making handling both easy (and fun!).
The joystick control makes handling the boat easier, especially in tight marinas and during lateral movements, as it allows for precise fine‑tuning when maneuvering. In the owner’s intended use, the joystick is particularly useful when approaching shore in archipelago conditions or when maneuvering the boat back to the dock.
The joystick control is also available with other engine configurations, including outboard engines. Watch the Volvo Penta video below to see how the joystick is used when maneuvering the boat alongside a dock.
Fuel Efficiency and Effortless Performance
Volvo Penta is known for its high efficiency and moderate fuel consumption, especially at steady cruising speeds. The catamaran hull’s low resistance combined with an efficient powertrain supports economical operation, which is important both for longer passages and everyday use.
The W25 CABIN8 is sufficiently fast for active leisure use, yet above all stable and predictable in all situations.
Versatile Space for Leisure and Work
This ALUCAT® W25 CABIN8 is designed specifically for private leisure use, which is clearly reflected in the layout. Large windows provide a panoramic view from the cabin, while the interior offers comfortable seating with a table. Behind the cabin, there is a separate seating area that serves as a natural and inviting space to relax.
At the same time, the boat’s spacious deck areas and clear, functional layout make it suitable also for light work and support use. It is precisely this versatility that highlights the core advantages of a catamaran design.
Technical specifications:
Below is a brief overview of the technical specifications of the W25 CABIN8 Volvo Penta:
- Hull length: 10,3 m
- Overall width: 3,43 m
- Deck area: 25 m²
Cabin (external dimensions):
- Length: 4,230 mm
- Leveys: 2120 mm
- Height: 2,240 mm
- Cabin construction: The cabin is sound‑insulated and structurally isolated from the hull using rubber mounts.
The foredeck offers storage space and seating, enhancing the boat’s usability both at anchor and along the shore.
The ALUCAT W25 CABIN8 with Volvo Penta inboard sterndrive engines is a well‑balanced, easy‑to‑handle and versatile catamaran that combines the comfort of a leisure boat with the practical functionality familiar from workboats. This solution is ideal for users who value an open stern layout, excellent driving feel and effortless handling – without compromising on space or usability.