Aspen C110 Boat Test, A different kind of catamaran

If you are looking for a boat that is a bit different, but in a positive way, the new Aspen C110 is a good place to start. The unique patented power PROA cat hull form used on this model (and on all Aspen’s) has some distinct advantages in ride, performance, and interior space when compared to other boats in the 38’ (11.6m) size range. Before we get into the details, I warn you that I am a bit biased because I have driven and tested a lot of Aspens over many years. I also help with marketing for both Aspen and their Carbon Cat tenders but I will be as objective as possible in my assessment of the new Aspen C110.

The Background

At the heart of Aspen is their founder Larry Graf who is Aspen’s chief designer and an experienced boater/adventurer. I have known Larry since he was running Glacier Bay catamarans in the late 1990s. He later sold Glacier Bay leaving in 2007 to start Aspen. To really understand Aspen, you have to understand that Larry looks at things from a different perspective and is always trying to innovate. He comes up with an idea and then tests it and refines it to make it work better. Innovations evolve into modifications and eventually new models. The new Aspen C110 is the latest example but a quick review of Aspen’s history will help you understand the essence of the brand and how these unique boats continue to evolve.

A power proa cat is born

Aspen began with Larry’s idea that by building a catamaran with one hull narrower than the other he could make a boat that would perform better and be more fuel efficient and still have a lot of useable space. In 2008, he built a prototype and I was one of the first to ride on it. At the time I was working for Power & Motoryacht magazine and he asked me to come down to Everett, Washington to check out his latest creation. The prototype was an open boat powered by a single diesel inboard motor which would later evolve into the L90 and C90 series. The Aspen C100 is currently the most similar model. Before I saw the boat, Larry had explained enthusiastically about how with the port side hull 35% narrower than the other, and propulsion coming only from the single engine in the starboard hull that the boat would be super-efficient. He was still working out positioning of tanks to get the weights and balances right, but the new boat was fully functioning, so we could take it for a spin.

I couldn’t help but envision some kind of Polynesian style proa with an engine, but arriving at the dock I was surprised to see that the boat looked normal. It was a catamaran, but both hulls were the same length, and you couldn’t really tell that they were different. The beam also wasn’t extreme like some cats, which allowed the boat to be trailerable but also fit in normal slips, no end tie needed. Once onboard, the Aspen felt very stable. I was concerned that with two different hulls the boat might list noticeably when loaded but it didn’t.

Driving around on an Aspen for the first time I began to see why Larry was so excited. Aspen’s drive differently than other boats. They don’t plane so there is no “hump” to get over they simply come up to speed smoothly and evenly. You can also choose whatever speed you like as they perform similarly at any given speed. When turning there is very little difference whether turning to port toward the thinner hull or to starboard on the wider one. There wasn’t much in the way of waves when we tested the prototype Aspen, so when a boat came by throwing up a large wake we headed right for it. The Aspen hull simply sliced through the large wake without any splashing or bouncing, it felt remarkably stable. Larry and I looked at each other and smiled, these new boats were going to be different and special.

Larry’s idea back then turned into Aspen’s patented proa cat hull which is now used on all Aspens albeit with subtle changes that have been implemented over the years. They still build single inboard diesel-powered boats, but as outboard power became more popular Larry modified the hulls to work with outboards too. When Larry first developed outboard powered Aspens he put a second motor on the smaller hull which was intended to be more of a trolling motor that wouldn’t be used when cruising. What he found was that because the outboard boats lacked the keel and rudder of the inboard models the boats tracked better with both outboards in the water. If the outboard was going to remain in the water when running it made more sense to use it so he experimented with different outboard types and sizes. What he found was that to maximize efficiency, matching the motor size to each hull worked well. This is why most outboard powered Aspens have their engines matched to each hull. It looks a bit peculiar when you first see two different sized outboards on one boat, but it makes sense because the thinner hull doesn’t need as much power to push it. Recently Larry has expanded to include some models that have identical outboards on both hulls. Twin outboard Aspens use slightly more fuel but are still remarkably efficient.

The new Aspen C110 can be ordered with optional twin Mercury 225 HP outboards but the one that I tested had a 175 HP engine on the port side and a 225 HP engine to starboard. Both the Mercury 225 and 175 HP outboards are the same physical size so both fit equally well on the C110. In fact, this model designation was designed around these engines adding buoyancy aft to support them. I did not test the twin outboard model but suspect it will have a slightly higher top speed and use a little more fuel. These Mercury outboards can be ordered with optional 115-amp alternators which allows the C110 to have enough power to support the plethora or electronics and electrical equipment found on today’s cruisers. With the high output alternators and custom Victron Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery package the Aspen C110 can run all systems including a 17,000 BTU Air Conditioning system even overnight without having a generator.

Running the Aspen C110

On a sunny July day in Anacortes, Washington near where Aspens are built Larry and I set out to test this new model. This has been a familiar pattern for us over the years. I set up test gear like inclinometers and my decibel meter and Larry explains the latest revisions that make the newest model better. The Aspen C110 has the same beam and layout as their popular C108 model but is slightly longer. This additional length has several benefits, the extended swim platform provides additional buoyancy aft which helps support the Mercury outboards. It also allows the tender (typically a Carbon Cat T11 or RIB) mounted on an EZ Davit to sit further aft which creates more useable cockpit space. In addition, the longer waterline of the C110 improves performance, especially when carrying a tender.

Out on the water I ran the Aspen C110 from idle to full throttle measuring speed, fuel consumption, trim, and sound levels on reciprocal courses. At trawler speeds the calculated range with optional 201-gallon expedition tanks and a 10% reserve was 430 miles/374 nm (nautical miles). Cruising at 19.5 mph/16.9 knots our fuel consumption was 11.7 gph (gallons per hour) which gives the C110 a range of 303 miles/269 nms. Running faster at 26.7 mph/23.2 knots the range is still a very respectable 241 miles/229 nm, which will allow owners to explore many different areas, whether day cruising or overnighting.

The Aspen C110 accelerates smoothly, easily, and rapidly with no hole to dig out of since the boat doesn’t plane. This means the boat remains remarkably level through all speed ranges never exceeding 3° of bow rise during all testing. I timed 0-25mph at 8.5 seconds and 0-30mph at 12.2 seconds which is very quick for a boat with this much accommodation space. What matters more for most boaters is the C110’s ability to cruise at any chosen speed. While more fuel is consumed at higher speeds, the boat still has good range even when going fast. At a top speed of 31.5 mph/27.4 knots potentially you could still cruise 169 miles/147 nm, but no one is going to realistically run over a hundred miles at wide open throttle.

The Aspen C110 turns easily in both directions looping around in tight little circles of only a few boat lengths and the boat remains level and doesn’t lose much speed in the turns. Turning to port toward the narrower hull I measured a very slight 1° difference that you can’t really notice unless you are looking at a lev-0-gage. The Aspen C110 is lively and fun to drive, the hull form is known for seakeeping but on our sea trial there were no conditions to test that other than when the boat gently cut across several wakes we encountered.

As we headed back, Larry and I talked about some of the tests we had done back to that first boat when he was still proving the proa cat concept. What stood out was that over the years he had refined and improved each model to work better. He explained how he adjusted the hydrodynamics of the hulls on the C110 to improve efficiency by extending the waterline aft. That added buoyancy improved performance and allowed them to offer optional twin engines in addition to providing a little more useable space.

Spacious Interior

The accommodations aboard like the C108 include a well-appointed galley opposite a dinette/lounge. A specially designed table pulls out for better seating access and then rotates back into place. There are three sleeping cabins and a single head. The owner’s stateroom features an incredibly large (6’9” square) bed that is actually bigger than a king-sized bed unprecedented in a boat this size. There is a quarter berth cabin with a single bed accessed through a private entrance off the salon, and the third cabin has a double bed. The double bed VIP cabin is entered through the head which I don’t think is ideal although you could possibly enter through a hatch in the cockpit. The owners of the boat I tested seemed to be using this large cabin for storage, and there was still a lot of space even with their gear stowed.

New Aspens, like the C110, are purchased through their factory direct sales team headed up by Larry’s son Nick. Our test boat was an owner’s boat, so we headed to the fuel dock to top off the tanks. There were some other boats on the dock, and we had to spin around in a tight circle using the two engines and ease in sideways to the dock with an assist from the bow thruster, a stern thruster is also an option. This easy dockside maneuvering will allow the Aspen C110 to be easily handled by a couple.

Testing the latest Aspen was fun and brought back memories. What was apparent is that the new Aspen C110 is not just a new stretch model, it incorporates subtle changes and refinements to the line that have been developed over time. It was nice to see that Larry Graf still has that same sparkle in his eye that he did when we tested that first Aspen long ago. You can tell he still loves trying to make every boat he and his family builds a little better and that is part of what makes the new Aspen C110 so special.

https://aspenpowercatamarans.com/aspen-c110/

Pricing: Aspen C110 with standard equipment $664,300.

Aspen C110 Specifications

• LOA with Swimstep: 38’ (11.58 m)
• Beam: 10′ 8″ (3.25 m)
• Draft engines half tilt: 22″ (.56 m)
• Air draft (mast down in water): 8′ 2″ (2.49 m)
• Air draft (mast down on trailer): 12′ 8″ (3.86 m)
• Estimated Dry Weight: 10,840 lbs (4,917 kg)
• Fuel Capacity Standard (Gasoline): 180 US gal (681 L)
• Fuel Capacity Optional (Gasoline): 201 US gal (760 L)
• Freshwater Capacity: 50 US gal (189 L)
• Blackwater Capacity: 30 US gal (114 L)
• Cockpit: 65 ft² (6.04 m²)
• Standard Power: Mercury Outboards: 1X-175HP Port, 1X-225HP Starboard
• Optional Power: Mercury Outboards: 2X-225HP

Best4Boats Performance Snapshot

Aspen C110 w 1X 225hp (starboard) and 1X 175hp (port) Mercury outboards

Performance Data Analysis – Aspen C110

1X 225hp (starboard) and 1X 175hp (port) Mercury outboards
Test based on two way averages of reciprocal course

Arnie Hammerman Publisher

Boats and the ocean define my life. From teaching sailing to captaining yachts, marine publishing, and marketing, I’ve spent decades sharing seafaring tales. At Best4Boats, adventure awaits—welcome aboard!

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