HAMMER YACHTS

Owner Stories

Real Owners. Real Stories.

In their own words

We can build a hardcore fishing boat, a comfortable day boat, or a combination of day boat, fishing boat, dive boat and yacht tender. No other power-cat builder offers this versatility in a semi-custom concept. Here is what that means to the owners who run them.

Why I switched from a center console to a HammerCat

For years, I thought my center console was the ultimate offshore boat. I owned several of them, fished extensively, made countless trips to the Bahamas, and genuinely enjoyed the speed and versatility they offered. But after enough long runs offshore, I started realizing that there were compromises I had simply accepted as part of boating.

The biggest one was ride quality. On rough days, everyone onboard felt it. We would arrive at our destination tired from the pounding, holding on through inlets and offshore crossings. The boat was fast, but comfort was always the tradeoff.

The first time I ran a HammerCat here in Stuart, FL, I immediately noticed the difference. Instead of climbing over waves and coming down hard, the boat seemed to slice through the water. The ride was softer, drier, and far more controlled. Conditions that would normally have us slowing down and bracing ourselves became comfortable cruising conditions. The stability when drifting is also way better than my previous monohulls. We were dependent on a Seakeeper to keep the boat from rolling gunnel to gunnel. On the HammerCat we don't need a gyro; a well designed power cat does not need it. We walk around easily and the high gunnels provide excellent comfort and safety.

What surprised me most was that I wasn't giving anything up. The HammerCat still offered the open layout, fishability, and versatility I loved in a center console. In many ways, it improved on all of them. The impressive efficiency means we can cover serious distances without constantly thinking about fuel.

My family noticed the difference immediately. Friends who normally dreaded rough crossings were suddenly asking when the next trip was. Long days on the water became more enjoyable because nobody arrived exhausted.

Looking back, I don't think I switched because I wanted a catamaran. I switched because I wanted a better boating experience. The HammerCat gave me everything I loved about a center console, but with a softer ride, greater efficiency, more stability, and a level of comfort that completely changed how we use the boat.

Today, when people ask why I made the change, the answer is simple: once you've experienced offshore boating in a HammerCat, there is no way I would go back.

"I didn't switch because I wanted a catamaran. I switched because I wanted a better boating experience."

How we run to the Bahamas on a single tank

One of the things that attracted us to the HammerCat was the fuel efficiency. What ultimately sold us was what that efficiency allows us to do.

We spend a lot of time in the southern Bahamas and Exumas every winter, and anyone who regularly makes the crossing knows that fuel range isn't just about saving money; it's about freedom. Freedom to explore farther, freedom to stay longer, and freedom to make decisions based on weather and conditions instead of constantly thinking about the next fuel stop. No more range anxiety.

The HammerCat's lightweight construction and efficient hull design have completely changed how we plan our trips. What used to require careful fuel calculations and multiple stops now feels far less restrictive. We can leave South Florida, make the crossing comfortably, spend the weekend exploring multiple islands, and return with fuel still in reserve.

The confidence that comes from knowing you have that kind of range is hard to overstate. You're not watching the fuel gauges every hour while holding the steering wheel with white knuckles. You're focused on enjoying the trip, finding the next anchorage, or deciding whether to take the scenic route to another island.

What's equally impressive is that the efficiency doesn't come at the expense of performance. We can cruise comfortably, maintain good speed, and enjoy an exceptionally smooth ride while still benefiting from fuel consumption that surprises almost everyone who steps onboard. The shallow 18" draft means we can get very close to the beach.

For us, the biggest benefit isn't what we save at the fuel dock; it's what we gain on the water. More destinations. More flexibility. More confidence. More time enjoying the Bahamas and less time worrying about logistics.

When friends ask what stands out most about the HammerCat, I usually tell them this: it's the first boat we've owned that makes the Bahamas feel closer than ever before. That's the real advantage of being able to run to the islands on a single tank.

"It's the first boat we've owned that makes the Bahamas feel closer than ever before."

The ultimate yacht tender

We've owned several tenders over the years, but the HammerCat is in a different league, and the first tender we kept for four years (and counting)! What impressed us most wasn't just the ride quality; it was the versatility. Whether we're transporting guests from the mothership to shore, running provisions, diving remote reefs, or spending the day exploring the islands, the HammerCat handles it all effortlessly.

The stability is exceptional, especially when boarding guests or loading gear. Everyone feels comfortable and secure, even in conditions that would have people holding on in a conventional center console. The ride is soft and dry, which makes a huge difference when you're making longer runs or crossing open water.

As a yacht tender, reliability and efficiency matter. The HammerCat delivers both. It gets us where we want to go quickly, comfortably, and with impressive fuel economy. The amount of usable deck space is remarkable for a boat this size, and the layout works equally well for entertaining guests, watersports, diving, or simply exploring new destinations. The U-shaped lounger and the additional stern seats ensure everyone has a comfortable place to sit down. Our captains love towing the HammerCat: the high bow and the tow eyes at the waterline are exactly how it should be. We have towed the HammerCat tens of thousands of miles: the US east coast, the west coast and Alaska, Central America and the Caribbean.

What we appreciate most is that the HammerCat doesn't feel like a compromise. It's not just a tender; it's a capable offshore boat in its own right. Our guests love it, our crew loves it, and it's become one of the most frequently used vessels in our fleet. For us, it truly is the ultimate yacht tender.

"It's not just a tender; it's a capable offshore boat in its own right."

The boat that brought our family back together on the water

When we first started looking for a new boat, performance and appearance were important to me. My wife had a different priority: safety. After chartering a HammerCat a few times, we realized we didn't have to choose between the two.

What immediately stood out was how stable the boat is. Whether we were boarding at the dock, anchoring at a sandbar, or running offshore, the HammerCat inspired confidence. The wide beam and catamaran platform create a sense of security that everyone onboard notices, especially guests and children who may not be experienced boaters. The fact that the HammerCat 35 is unsinkable offers a very reassuring thought.

The biggest surprise was how much more time our family wanted to spend on the water. On previous boats, rough conditions often meant uncomfortable rides and tired passengers. The HammerCat's soft, dry ride changed that completely. My wife no longer worries about crossings, and the kids can actually enjoy the journey instead of just waiting to arrive. The very large carbon fiber hardtop and the fore and aft shades keep us out of the direct sun, and make a huge difference at the end of the day.

As a parent, safety is always in the back of your mind. We've used it for everything from family cruises and beach days to offshore fishing trips and weekends in the FL Keys and Bahamas. What we appreciate most is that everyone wants to come along. The boat is comfortable enough for our non-boating friends, capable enough for serious adventures, and versatile enough to accommodate whatever the day brings.

The memories we've made on this boat have far exceeded our expectations. Sunsets, sandbars, island trips, fishing with the kids, and weekends with friends: those experiences are what matter most. The HammerCat has become more than just a boat; it's become the centerpiece of our family's time together on the water.

If you ask me why we chose a HammerCat, the answer is simple: we tried every boat out there, and there is simply no better power-cat in this size range.

"The HammerCat has become more than just a boat; it's the centerpiece of our family's time together on the water."

The ultimate fishing machine

I've spent most of my life chasing fish offshore. Growing up in the mid Atlantic region, I always believed the only real choice was a center console. Speed, fishability, deck space, and range were what mattered to me. Comfort was nice to have, but catching fish was always the priority. The HammerCat changed my perspective.

What first caught my attention was the amount of usable deck space and the ability to walk around. When you're running multiple anglers, managing tackle, fighting fish around the boat, or carrying a full spread of gear, every square foot matters. The HammerCat feels much larger than a typical 35-footer, and the stability makes it an incredible fishing platform.

At drift, the boat is remarkably stable. When we're kite fishing, live baiting, bottom fishing, or fighting a fish around the bow, the platform stays composed and predictable. Anyone who has spent long days offshore knows how much energy that saves over the course of a trip.

What really impressed me was how often we fish when others stay at the dock. We can maintain comfortable cruising speeds in conditions that would have us slowing down significantly in previous boats. That means more time fishing and less time getting beat up on the ride out. Since I own the HammerCat, the amount of fishing days has doubled. That keeps me happy, and my wife happy.

The efficiency has been another major advantage. We regularly make long offshore runs and island trips without constantly thinking about fuel. More range means more options, whether we're chasing tuna offshore, heading to distant wrecks, or exploring new grounds in the Bahamas.

I've owned a lot of fishing boats over the years. The HammerCat is the first one that genuinely made me rethink what an offshore fishing boat can be. I used to buy a new boat every three years. I have owned a HammerCat for four years and have no plans to change. (Well, perhaps a new one, but don't tell the guys at Hammer Yachts!)

A 35HH Owner's Top Ten

I took delivery of my 2026 HammerCat 35HH in early 2026. My top ten must-haves were simple:

The boat should not be too large to be able to handle by myself.
It must be a twin engined boat.
Shallow draft is a must have; we boat on the west coast of FL, lots of shallow water.
Must have a cuddy, I am done with being in the sun.
Must have a stand up toilet.
The boat must be able to be held in position with one trolling motor.
Must be fuel efficient.
Must ride well in a short chop.
Must be affordable.
Must look good!
The tunnel clearance is as high as I have ever seen on a power cat in this size range; that means no slamming or slapping in bad conditions.
I was able to get certain custom features incorporated in my build order. This was impossible with the other boat builders I reached out to while choosing my next boat.

No boat is perfect, but the HammerCat 35HH is as close as I am going to get to perfection. I am very happy with it!

M.C., HammerCat 35HH Owner

"Since I own the HammerCat, the amount of fishing days has doubled."

Long range trips are part of the game

I live on the Gulf coast of Florida. Long range trips are part of the game here. The HC35 is the comfortable boat I've been looking for, no matter if it's heading 100 miles offshore to go fishing or cruising 200 miles to be in the Keys.

Most of my trips are with six to eight guys on the boat. Plenty of room for everyone's gear, even on overnight trips where we bring a few extra bags and tackle. This is the only boat I know of where you can have bags under the gunnel and they're out of the way.

After injuring my back in a car accident, I thought my offshore days were over. The HC35 is smooth riding in conditions I normally wouldn't be able to stay out in. This boat keeps me on the water.

Capt. Justin Lambeth, Carbon Cat Charters, Bradenton

"The HC35 is smooth riding in conditions I normally wouldn't be able to stay out in."

The search for the perfect offshore boat

My search for "the perfect offshore boat" has been years in the making, owning over 20 boats and having ridden on many more. My offshore experience is extensive to say the least. I've always wondered why there were not more performance catamarans being made, since it is mere physics that they will perform better by having less hull to hit the water. Less hull means less bang on your body and equates into more efficiency.

Without going into brand names, cat boats existed but they were stone age technology, making a good product but cutting themselves seriously short in the performance and efficiency department. I looked for years, even considering having them built in other countries, but they always fell short in one respect or another, such as smaller fuel tanks, working with someone out of country that I couldn't see face to face, and none incorporated new technology efficiency such as the stepped hull design. Not only does the stepped hull design provide a mat of air for better ride and comfort, it also provides faster cruising speeds and of course a longer fuel range.

I was determined to not cut myself short until I found my dream boat that filled these qualifications. When I found HammerCat in my relentless searches, it was a true no brainer to inquire more about this new hull design and new company. It was at that moment the true gut feeling felt right: this is the boat I've only dreamed about. A boat that is built like a tank with high quality workmanship, a high bow front of a sportfish, but the feature interior qualities of a yacht that even the most prestigious person could appreciate.

Buying a boat and having all of the right aspects to it are certainly important, but it goes farther than that, with trust in the manufacturer and their long term intentions. Peter has communicated fully during the entire process. One of my personal issues with any manufacturer is lack of communication, which of course leads to concerns, especially with something as expensive as this dream will be. There was never a 24 hour period that went by that I was not contacted and felt at ease with any of my questions; this is hard to find these days, as anyone can appreciate.

Thank you Peter and Francois for an AWESOME fishing and entertainment dream vessel that anyone will love to experience.

Shawn Gore, Black Pearl Cast Nets

HammerCat 35 running with its high sportfish bow

"This is the boat I've only dreamed about."

The best riding hull I have ever been on

We love the HammerCat 35. What an amazing hull; we are blown away with everything the HammerCat offers. I have no skin in the game, I have been on boats my whole life, and it is the best riding hull I have ever been on.

We are absolutely blown away by the fuel economy. We cruise at 35 knots, and in pretty much any conditions the HammerCat offers an amazing ride. The hull goes through anything; it slices through the waves without pounding. On the HammerCat we can go out fishing in pretty much any weather, and the boat stays dry and the ride is soft.

We go out to the oil rigs, 80 miles out, and since we have the HammerCat, we are fishing more days than we ever did on other boats we owned. And to top it off, your after market service has been outstanding.

Captain Brazos Grosz, Surfside, TX

"Since we have the HammerCat, we are fishing more days than we ever did."

More detailed and refined than any other boat

I was in the market for a 35 to 40 foot boat, and Peter's design and manufacturing of the HammerCat yacht was more detailed and refined than any other boat on the market for the price point and the specification I was looking for.

The boat is designed with great features, from its large electronics display screens, surround sound speakers, and diamond stitched seats, to a spacious design perfect for numerous passengers. The hull design and the way it is built with the wide beam makes the ride extremely smooth and dry, and the fuel consumption is very economical.

As an owner of many various other vessels, I can confidently say that the HammerCat brand is at the top of the line, and Peter is an extremely kind and accommodating person that makes the experience of purchasing a HammerCat seamless. Peter is always available and ready to answer any questions or deal with any issues or concerns.

It is a pleasure to own a HammerCat yacht and I would recommend it strongly every single time.

N.A., Ft. Lauderdale, FL

"The HammerCat brand is at the top of the line."

Proud owner of hull number three

We bought the HammerCat 35 sight unseen, online, via references and studying the concept presented by Peter and his company. We are happy with the fruits of our trust in Hammer Yachts; the boat has a comfortable, yacht-like feel and ride.

Beautiful on the outside and superior craftsmanship on the inside, particularly on the electrical and plumbing. After 28 years in the construction business myself, I can say this boat is well built on the outside and on the inside. Fuel economy is optimal (well over 1 nm per gallon).

This boat makes everyone happy and I am the proud owner of hull number three. Thanks for your service, and congratulations on a winning concept.

F.G., Puerto Rico

"This boat makes everyone happy."