Burlington, Washington-based Aspen Power Catamarans officially launches itself into the weekender/runabout category with their new Aspen 32 CC (center console). We saw a prototype model at the recent South Lake Union Boats Afloat Show and had to ask company founder and head designer Larry Graf more about it. The 32 CC deviates from her more cabin- and flybridge-centered sisterships with an open center console layout, although a simplified queen-sized berth and enclosed head can still be found below.
Immediately notable are the two outboards off the transom, a 200-horsepower on starboard and 70-horsepower on the port to balance the asymmetrical proa hull design. This moves the boat away from the inboard set-up of most Aspen designs. However, there is still that Aspen catamaran proa hull at work under the water that should provide similar performance and fuel efficiency that Aspens are known for. The 32 CC is long and narrow, built more like an arrow than most power catamarans, thereby avoiding the common error of blowing up the beam at the expense of seaworthiness.
What’s apparent aboard is that the 32 CC is made to be an entertainment platform. Transom bench seating at a removeable table, integrated foldable seating back-to-back aft of the seating behind the helm, and a forward lounge built around another removeable table translates to plenty of guests. It’s easy to imagine multiple families or a bunch of pals invading Lake Union in one of these on a nice summer day. Perhaps the 32 CC could make a good chartered day-tour platform? While the prototype at Boats Afloat didn’t feature the queen berth and enclosed head below, the addition should make the 32 CC a good island hopper.
Overall, the newest addition to the Aspen Power Catamarans family appears to be an experiment for the brand and potentially a way to burst onto the center console scene, while offering many of the design fundmentals Aspen fans are familiar with. If interested, reach out to Aspen Power Catamarans for more information or pricing.
