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Shark Catamaran
Designer: Dick Gibbs/J.r. Macalpine-Downie  ·  Builder: Gibbs Boat Co./Alleman Enterprises  ·  First built: 1963
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About the Shark Catamaran

Designed for fun and accessible sailing on sheltered and coastal waters, the Shark Catamaran is a spirited multihull that appeals to sailors looking for an exciting on-the-water experience without the complexity of larger offshore cruising cats. Its catamaran configuration delivers the hallmark benefits of twin-hull design — enhanced stability, reduced heeling, and lively performance in a breeze — making it a popular choice for recreational day sailing and casual racing. Though detailed specifications are limited, the Shark Catamaran's design philosophy appears centered on approachability and enjoyment, making it well-suited for sailors of varying experience levels. The twin-hull platform provides a stable, spacious deck area ideal for families or small groups, while still offering enough performance to keep things interesting for more seasoned helm hands. The boat's manageable size and catamaran versatility make it a practical option for those exploring the multihull world for the first time, or for experienced sailors seeking a straightforward, low-maintenance platform for weekend sailing. Its character leans toward relaxed coastal adventure rather than bluewater passage-making, earning it a loyal following among day sailors who prioritize fun and ease of handling.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 20.00 ft / 6.10 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 17.00 ft / 5.18 m
Beam 10.00 ft / 3.05 m
Max Draft 2.50 ft / 0.76 m
Min Draft 0.42 ft / 0.13 m
Displacement 300.00 lb / 136 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 235.00 ft² / 21.83 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Catamaran Twin Cbrd.
Rigging Type Frac. Sloop (Rotating Spar)
Construction Wood/FG
Designer Dick Gibbs/J.R. MacAlpine-Downie
Builder Gibbs Boat Co./Alleman Enterprises
First Built 1963
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
83.99
How It Compares

vs. Com-Pac Horizon Cat, Hobie Fox, Nacra 20

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Shark Catamaran ★
20.0 ft
Com-Pac Horizon Cat
20.0 ft
Hobie Fox
20.0 ft
Nacra 20
20.0 ft
LWL
Shark Catamaran ★
17.0 ft
Com-Pac Horizon Cat
17.8 ft
Hobie Fox
Nacra 20
Beam
Shark Catamaran ★
10.0 ft
Com-Pac Horizon Cat
8.3 ft
Hobie Fox
8.5 ft
Nacra 20
8.5 ft
Displacement
Shark Catamaran ★
300 lbs
Com-Pac Horizon Cat
2 lbs
Hobie Fox
419 lbs
Nacra 20
390 lbs
Sail Area
Shark Catamaran ★
235 sq ft
Com-Pac Horizon Cat
192 sq ft
Hobie Fox
Nacra 20
Performance
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Shark Catamaran ★
84.0
Com-Pac Horizon Cat
16.7
Hobie Fox
Nacra 20
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Shark Catamaran ★
Com-Pac Horizon Cat
12.4
Hobie Fox
2.1
Nacra 20
1.9
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Shark Catamaran ★
Com-Pac Horizon Cat
2.46
Hobie Fox
4.55
Nacra 20
4.66
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Shark Catamaran ★
Com-Pac Horizon Cat
199
Hobie Fox
38
Nacra 20
35
Hull Speed
Shark Catamaran ★
Com-Pac Horizon Cat
5.7 kts
Hobie Fox
5.5 kts
Nacra 20
5.5 kts
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