PowerCat 2800 Review

When it comes to designing stylish, versatile, and trailerable outboard-powered catamarans, few local manufacturers do it better than PowerCat. The brand has earned a strong reputation for building high-quality family cruisers and entertaining vessels—and whilst I personally love them all, I particularly love their most impressive sportsfishing models. Having previously owned a 28' flybridge Shark Cat, I was very keen to put the PowerCat 2800 Platinum Sports Fisherman to the test, and it delivered outstanding results, proving itself a serious offshore contender and a joy to operate.

I’ll admit upfront—I’ve always been a fan of PowerCat. But the praise is well deserved. The company consistently produces exceptional, high-performance cats across multiple sizes, and they’re proudly Australian-made. In a niche market, PowerCat stands out for its innovation and craftsmanship.

PowerCat Catamarans Combine Family, Friends & Fishing

So, what makes the PowerCat 2800 so appealing? To start, it’s a significant upgrade from the 2500 Sports Fisherman, boasting a larger size and a layout packed with fishing features that any dedicated angler will appreciate. Yet, it’s equally suited for families, offering plenty of comfort and amenities to keep everyone happy during leisurely or perhaps not so leisurely water sports outings. Add in its strength, performance, overnight capability, and full trailerability, and you’ve got a boat designed for real adventure.

At first glance, the 8.6m hull, 2.5m beam, and high freeboard give a commanding presence. Twin 175hp Suzuki four-stroke outboards supply the muscle, while the sleek hardtop and clears give it a modern, polished look.

The cockpit layout strikes an outstanding balance between fishing practicality and comfort. The owner’s addition of optional removable port and starboard transom lounges provides extra seating and storage—perfect for family days out. When it’s time to fish seriously, the lounges and clip-in carpet can be unclipped and left behind, allowing easy access to deck hatches and kill tanks.

The non-slip gelcoat, self-draining decks are easy to clean, and the gunwales include deep storage pockets while maintaining a good height all the way aft. On the port side amidships is a compact and very functional galley, featuring a 12V fridge, plumbed sink, and storage—simple but useful touches that enhance livability but still allow maximum deck space.

At The Helm

The helm and dashboard are neatly laid out, with room for all electronics without feeling cluttered. Our test boat featured twin Raymarine eS98 HybridTouch screens with DownVision sonar and Wi-Fi, paired with a Raymarine Evolution Auto Pilot and Power Assist steering. An enclosed switch panel and tackle-drawer system sits conveniently in the middle of the bulkhead with communications and entertainment head units above, with the lockable cabin entry to the port side.

The extended hardtop offers excellent weather protection, and the front and side clears can be opened for ventilation or closed to stay dry and warm. The marine vinyl upholstered underside adds a refined, finished look.

Fully Enclosed Cabin

Below deck, the 2800 provides a proper double bunk cabin, complete with full lining and a plumbed toilet—perfect for overnight stays or longer trips with the family. There’s also generous storage throughout.

Serious Sport & Game Fishing

As a serious sportsfisher, the 2800 comes well equipped with premium gear, including outriggers, extra rod holders, dual livewells, advanced electronics, and a side-mounted baitboard. Of course, fishos are all different, hence PowerCat offers extensive customisation options, allowing buyers to tailor the boat exactly to their needs.

Like its bigger sibling, the 3100, the PowerCat 2800 combines thrilling performance with superb handling. It’s lighter and more agile than the 31-footer, yet still provides the same smooth and stable ride.

Typically, cats like to get up and boogie with the air lift under the tunnel, yet it's always a balance between optimum hull speed and conditions. I find the usual cruising speed in a bit of sea is around 20 knots where I found the 2800 a breeze to handle in the sloppy conditions—just set the autopilot and enjoy the ride without constant helm input. For those who want a bit more throttle, the hull responds eagerly and remains exceptionally quiet, confident and composed, even at higher speeds.

Moreton Bay’s choppy conditions are no match for this cat. The 2800 easily maintains a solid 30 knots even in rough water, offering a soft, stable, and dry ride thanks to excellent hull design and tunnel airflow.

One of PowerCat’s strengths is that you don’t need to be an expert cat driver to handle their boats confidently. The 2800 stays level through turns, feels predictable, and is remarkably easy to control. I would feel comfortable enough for anyone in the family to take the helm, and low-speed maneuverability is a breeze with the well-spread twin outboards.

Combined with 500 litres of underfloor fuel, these characteristics make it ideally suited for long offshore runs, big seas, long-range fishing missions, and terrific maneuverability in a fast-moving, prolonged fight with a rampaging pelagic.

The Wrap

While the PowerCat 3100 remains a personal favourite thanks to its versatility and layout options, it’s a large vessel requiring a heavy-duty tow vehicle like an F-Truck or Dodge Ram. On the other hand, the 2800 offers much of the same capability in a more manageable, 3.5-tonne-towable package.

Whether you’re exploring local bays, chasing pelagics offshore, heading north for a 1770 adventure, cruising the Whitsundays, chasing tuna in the wilds of the Southern Ocean, or simply just spending time with family on the water, the PowerCat 2800 Platinum Sports Fisherman does it all—comfortably, efficiently, and with style.

Highs

  • Excellent offshore fishing capability

  • Ideal for families

  • Strong all-round performance

  • Fuel-efficient for its size

  • Towable for extended adventure trips

Lows

  • Ummmm??

Options Fitted

Engine upgrade; side-mount baitboard; outriggers; 49-lt stainless steel fridge; portside workstation/kitchenette; removable rear lounges; additional Raymarine eS98; and more.

General Specifications

Type: Powercat
Material: Fibreglass
Length: 8.6m
Beam: 2.5m
Weight: 2400kg (hull & engines dry approx)
Deadrise: 28°

Capacities

People: 8
Berths: 2 + 2
Rec. HP: 300
Rec. Max HP: 400
Fuel: 500lt
Water: 240L
Holding Tank: 40lt

Engine/s

Make/Model: 2 x Suzuki DF175AP
Type: DOHC Inline, four-cylinder four-stroke outboard
Rated HP: 175 (each)
Displacement: 2867cc (each)
Weight: 241kg (each)
Gear Ratio: 2.5:1
Propeller: 16in x 21.5in three-blade

 

Supplied By: PowerCat Marine.

 

Ready to Set Sail? 

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