Caymas 36 CT: The Swiss Army KNIFE of Boating on the Gulf Coast
By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
I’m Meredith Amon, a Gulf Coast homeowner and real estate advisor. The Caymas 36 CT is made for our waters. This 36-foot center-console power catamaran combines offshore muscle with family-friendly comfort, perfect for days when you want to troll for mahi in the morning and cruise to a waterfront restaurant by evening. The twin-hull design gives it incredible stability – it hardly flinches at Gulf chop. My friend recently mentioned that he we out on his Caymas cat on a blustery day with 3-foot seas, and it glided over waves “like warm butter,” hardly a splash on deck (Caymas 34 CT | Salt Water Sportsman). Unlike some catamarans, it leans confidently into turns like a V-hull, thanks to Caymas’s double-stepped, semi-asymmetric hulls (Caymas 34 CT | Salt Water Sportsman). That means running offshore to the oil rigs or deep-sea reefs is smooth and fast. And when we stop to bottom-fish, the wide stance (about a 11’ beam) keeps us steady – no more holding on for dear life when someone moves around the boat! The Caymas 36 CT is equally at home trolling for wahoo in blue water or anchoring at Robinson Island with friends. It’s that blend of hardcore fishing ability and laid-back Orange Beach leisure that makes this boat so popular around here. This boat is great offshore and nearshore and is a serious fishing machine and a pleasure cruiser in one.
Technical Specifications:
Here are the key specs and features that set the Caymas 36 CT apart:
- Length & Beam: Approximately 36 feet long with a broad beam around 10’10” to 11’ (Caymas 34 CT | Salt Water Sportsman). That extra width gives immense deck space and stability. Walking from bow to stern is easy on this cat’s nearly 11-foot-wide deck (Caymas 34 CT | Salt Water Sportsman).
- Hull Design: Twin asymmetrical catamaran hulls with dual steps for efficiency. The outside of each sponson is longer than the inside, letting the boat bank into turns like a mono-hull (Caymas 34 CT | Salt Water Sportsman). The hulls have a sharp forward entry (50+°) tapering to ~18-22° at the transom (34 CT - Caymas Boats) – a recipe for a soft ride and good tracking. No “cat sneeze” spray up front either (a big relief!).
- Draft: About 26–27 inches draft (Caymas 34 CT | Salt Water Sportsman). Surprising for a 36’ boat, it can float in just over 2 feet – handy for skirting shallow bayou entrances or pulling up to sandbars, yet deep enough for offshore stability.
- Power Options: Typically twin or triple outboards. Most owners here choose twin V10 400s (800 hp total) or triple 300s for ~900 hp. Max rated horsepower is around 900–1000 HP for the 34–36 CT range (34 CT - Caymas Boats) (Caymas 34 CT | Salt Water Sportsman). With twin 400s, the smaller 34 CT hit 64 mph in testing (Caymas Boat CAYMAS 34' 2020 | YATCO), so the 36 CT can easily run 60+ mph wide open. You’ll cruise comfortably in the 35–45 mph range while turning 0.9–1.2 mpg (cats are impressively efficient for their size) (Caymas 34 CT | Salt Water Sportsman). In fact, tests showed about 1.2 mpg at 36 mph (Caymas 34 CT | Salt Water Sportsman) – better than many V-hull competitors. Twin 300s will sip even less fuel at cruise. Dual 200-gallon fuel tanks (400+ gal total) give it marathon range (34 CT - Caymas Boats) – over 400 miles at cruise with reserves (Caymas 34 CT | Salt Water Sportsman). Perfect for running out to the Spur or rigs and back.
- Ride & Handling: Incredibly stable. The boat planes in ~4 seconds (Caymas 34 CT | Salt Water Sportsman) and stays level. Even running beam-to the seas, it hardly rolls – at rest we could stand on one side and the hull “straddled” the waves gracefully (Caymas 34 CT | Salt Water Sportsman). In turns, at low planing speeds you’ll feel a slight outward lean, but punch it to cruising speed and the hulls bite in, carving the turn inward like a sports car (Caymas 34 CT | Salt Water Sportsman). It’s confidence-inspiring. The hull design also eliminates the usual catamaran quirks – one owner noted it “never sneezes and [is] dry in most conditions” (Caymas CT vs Freeman - The Hull Truth - Boating and Fishing Forum). Translation: less spray over the bow and a drier ride when plowing through head seas.
- Deck Layout: Being a center console, everything is open and fishable. Bow: You’ve got a pair of fold-out loungers on the front of the console and hidden foldaway bench seats in the bow gunnels (34 CT - Caymas Boats) – great for cruising comfort without sacrificing fishing space. There’s also a chaise lounge on the console front for sunbathing or watching lines. All these cushions can tuck away, leaving a clear casting deck up front. Stern: In back, a pull-out transom bench offers seating for cruising, then disappears when it’s time to fish (Caymas 34 CT | Salt Water Sportsman). Under every seat is storage or insulated fish boxes – Caymas smartly insulated all compartments for multi-use (Caymas 34 CT | Salt Water Sportsman).
- Fishing Features: This boat is tournament-ready. It’s absolutely swarming with rod holders – one review counted 49 rod holders between the gunnels, T-top rocket launchers, and under-gunwale racks (Caymas 34 CT: Positive Cattitude | FishTalk Magazine). (If you somehow fill all 49, I bow to your fishing prowess!) There are twin 45-ish gallon transom livewells (pressurized to keep bait healthy) plus options to add two 25-gal bait wells in the corners (Caymas 34 CT | Salt Water Sportsman) and even convert two of the in-floor boxes into additional livewells (34 CT - Caymas Boats). You could have up to 5 livewells on this boat (34 CT - Caymas Boats) – a live-baiter’s dream for tuna, marlin or kingfish tournaments. Standard are six huge insulated boxes in the deck (three per side) for fish or gear, with macerator pumps to clear them out (34 CT - Caymas Boats). The forward boxes are long enough for wahoo; the mid-ship boxes are so big “you can literally lie down inside” one (Caymas 34 CT: Positive Cattitude | FishTalk Magazine)! At the helm, the leaning post is a work of art: tackle drawers on both ends, slots for leader spools and knives (Caymas 34 CT: Positive Cattitude | FishTalk Magazine), and even an electric slide-out cooler under the seat (no wrestling with stuck cooler trays – hit a button and it glides out) (Caymas 34 CT: Positive Cattitude | FishTalk Magazine). Overhead, the fiberglass hardtop (T-top) provides ample shade and has more rod holders across the back plus LED lighting and speaker mounts. Many owners add an upper station or second helm up top (optional), which is great for spotting fish when sight-fishing weed lines or Cobia. The console houses a marine head (toilet) with holding tank – crucial for long days offshore (trust me, your family will appreciate it). There’s even a little sink and vanity down there, plus tons of storage for gear and safety equipment.
- Electronics & Helm: The dash can flush-mount dual 16-inch or even 22-inch multi-function displays behind an integrated glass windshield (Caymas 34 CT | Salt Water Sportsman) (Caymas 34 CT | Salt Water Sportsman). The cockpit is designed for modern tech – radar, chirp sonar, autopilot, you name it. A particularly cool feature: the entire front of the helm opens on a hinge like a door, giving unbelievably good access to all the wiring and batteries (Caymas 34 CT | Salt Water Sportsman). That means easier maintenance and no contorting your body to reach electronics – a small thing you’ll thank Caymas for later. Hydraulic jackplates and trim tabs keep the ride optimized. Many owners opt for Mercury’s Joystick Piloting system for effortless docking and 360° control – a game changer for a 36’ boat in tight marina spots (I’ve tried it; docking becomes almost fun!).
Overall, the 36 CT’s build quality feels top-notch – sturdy hardware, deep gunnels, and thoughtful design touches everywhere. It’s over 11,000 lbs dry (Caymas 34 CT | Salt Water Sportsman), with a Fortified hull built to take a beating offshore. Yet it still floats shallow and runs efficiently. That versatility is why it shines as a Gulf Coast boat – we demand a lot from our boats here, and this Caymas delivers.
Pricing Estimates (2025):
If you’re shopping for a new Caymas 36 CT, budget accordingly – this is a high-end boat in the 35–40’ class. Based on current figures for its slightly smaller sibling (the 34 CT), you’re looking at around $500,000 just to start (Caymas 34 Ct boats for sale - Boat Trader). That would get you a nicely equipped base boat with twin engines. Many 34 CTs land in the $470K–$530K range depending on options (Caymas 34 Ct boats for sale - Boat Trader), and the 36 CT will likely be a bit higher. A fair ballpark for a 2025 36 CT is the mid-to-upper $500s for a well-equipped boat with twin 400s. Of course, add more power or gadgets and the price climbs. For example, one fully tricked-out 34 CT (with custom features and electronics galore) came out to about $723,000 (Caymas 34CT: Luxury Performance and Stability)! That included just about every upgrade imaginable – a true “money-no-object” build. Most buyers won’t tick all those boxes, but it shows how the price can rise. Key upgrades like switching to triple outboards (if offered) could add tens of thousands; going from twin 300s to triple 300s or twin 600s might bump cost by $50k–$100k+. High-end electronics packages (twin 16” displays, radar, FLIR camera, premium sound system) can easily add $25k–$50k. The good news is you can start more modest and upgrade over time. But if you want the “Gulf Coast tournament ready” version from day one – sea chest livewells, outriggers, joystick, deluxe stereo, etc. – don’t be surprised to see the invoice crest $600k or $650k. By comparison, that’s still often cheaper than some competitor cats (Freeman, etc.) of similar size. And for what you get in capability, many find the Caymas a strong value. As a real estate analogy (I can’t help myself), think of it like a luxury beachfront home: it’s a significant investment, but it pays off every time you watch a sunset from the deck – or in this case, every time you’re 40 miles out and realize you’re literally in the boat of your dreams.
Owner Testimonials:
Local owners have been raving about the Caymas CT series. I love hearing stories at the marina, and here are a couple that stand out:
- Michael A. (Sarasota, FL): Doug was one of the first to customize a 34 CT, and his feedback has me sold. He mentioned, “This boat isn’t just a vessel; it’s an extension of my lifestyle... It’s the epitome of opulence and functionality.” (Caymas 34CT: Luxury Performance and Stability) Michael outfitted his with twin 400s and every bell and whistle for both offshore fishing and family leisure, and you can hear the excitement in his voice. He basically built his dream boat, and it lived up to the dream. When an owner calls his boat a “nautical masterpiece,” you know it’s special! It balances his need to chase tuna 70 miles out with his desire to take the grandkids island-hopping on Sundays – not many boats can do both with such style.
- Chris J. (Orange Beach, AL): Here on the Gulf, Caymas cats have earned respect even among the Freeman and Yellowfin loyalists. One Orange Beach boating enthusiast admitted he was eyeing the 36 CT because of how stable it is at rest. “It rides the big stuff well,” he said, noting how the Caymas’s heavy build and hull design keep it dry and stable even when quartering seas (Caymas CT vs Freeman - The Hull Truth - Boating and Fishing Forum). That lack of the dreaded catamaran “sneeze” – where some cats throw water up front – really impressed him (Caymas CT vs Freeman - The Hull Truth - Boating and Fishing Forum). Another friend mentioned that his wife’s seasickness is much less of an issue on the Caymas cat, which is a huge plus for family trips. The consensus from owners: ride quality and versatility are the 36 CT’s hallmarks. They love that they don’t have to sacrifice comfort for hardcore fishability. Several folks specifically chose the Caymas over more established brands, and now their buddies are asking them for test rides. As an owner in Orange Beach joked, “I’ve become the most popular guy in the marina – everyone wants to hop on my boat for the day!” Clearly, the Caymas 36 CT has made a splash on the Gulf Coast, converting many skeptics into believers.
Upgrades Popular on the Gulf Coast:
Gulf Coast boaters are known to customize their rigs to handle our unique mix of fishing and fun. The Caymas 36 CT is an amazing platform to personalize. Here are some popular add-ons and upgrades I’ve seen (and absolutely recommend) for this boat:
- High-End Electronics & Navigation: The Gulf can turn unforgiving, so many owners invest in top-tier electronics. We’re talking twin 16″ or 22″ displays, open-array radar, CHIRP sonar, and autopilot integration. For example, a 34 CT I saw came with dual Garmin 16” screens, a radar dome, and Garmin autopilot straight from the dealer (All Inventory | Grander Marine | Orange Beach Alabama). The large screens are fantastic for simultaneously viewing charts, sonar, and radar when running offshore in uncertain weather. A Mercury VesselView or similar engine info display is common to monitor those outboards. And since a lot of Orange Beach anglers run at night or early pre-dawn, radar and even thermal/night vision cameras are popular upgrades for safety.
- Trolling Motor with Spot-Lock: This might surprise folks who think “36 feet is too large for a trolling motor,” but around here, bow-mounted trolling motors are all the rage on big center consoles. A powerful 36V Minn Kota Instinct or Rhodan can hold a 36’ cat in place over a reef with GPS-anchor (spot-lock) (All Inventory | Grander Marine | Orange Beach Alabama). That means no need to anchor in 200 ft for deep drops – game changer! For inshore trips, it also helps maneuver quietly along bayous or bridges for tarpon and bull reds. Many Caymas owners have their boats pre-rigged for a trolling motor, with an onboard charger and battery bank tucked away. It’s an upgrade that brings serious fishing precision to a big boat.
- Outriggers & Fishing Towers: Serious offshore anglers almost universally add outriggers for trolling spreads. The Caymas’s T-top is built to handle them – typically 18-20’ telescoping poles. Some go with Gemlux outriggers (a quality brand) which mount seamlessly to the hardtop (Caymas 34CT: Luxury Performance and Stability). If you plan on tournament kingfishing or billfishing, outriggers are a must for pulling dredges and multiple baits. A secondary helm or upper station on the hardtop is another common upgrade – it gives a higher vantage point for sight-fishing weedlines or cobia. Caymas offers a factory tower option, or you can have a custom fab shop in Pensacola do a fold-down tower. In our calm summer seas, a tower on a 36’ boat is magic for spotting bait schools.
- Extra Livewells & Bait Systems: Gulf Coast anglers are notorious “bait junkies.” If you love live bait, you’ll appreciate that Caymas already plumbs a sea chest system with Hooker Electric pumps for high flow (Caymas 34 CT | Salt Water Sportsman). Many owners here opt to install all available livewell options – that’s two extra 25-gal transom wells plus the two in-deck wells, in addition to the standard 65-70 gal well (Caymas 34 CT | Salt Water Sportsman) (Caymas 34 CT: Positive Cattitude | FishTalk Magazine). Filling all five wells with frisky pogies, pinfish, and eels? Why not! It sounds excessive, but for tournament guys, redundancy is key (backup bait in case one well has issues, or keeping bait separated by type). The Hooker pumps can handle it, and you can never have too much bait when the bite is on. Just be sure to manage the weight of all that water – we’re talking roughly 200 gallons of livewell capacity if fully loaded, which is substantial. But the 36 CT can handle it with ease.
- Comfort & Entertaining Upgrades: Not every addition is about fishing – we like to relax out there too. A lot of owners enhance the sound system, for instance. The boat comes prewired, but swapping in JL Audio speakers and subs, plus a big amp, is a popular move (Doug Mansfield did this on his, calling it a must for family cruise days) (Caymas 34CT: Luxury Performance and Stability). Imagine drifting at Crab Island in Destin with your favorite music playing – awesome. Another cool upgrade I’ve seen is a built-in grill. One owner installed an electric Kenyon grill with a Corian countertop in the leaning post – he literally grills his catch fresh on the ride back (Caymas 34CT: Luxury Performance and Stability)! Talk about Gulf Coast lifestyle – catch and cook on the same boat. For shade, some add a rear sunshade extension (a canvas that stretches off the T-top aft) to cover the cockpit when anchored. And for those scorching August days, mist sprayers around the T-top are a lifesaver (a fine mist of cool water while you’re at the helm – yes please). Finally, underwater LED lights are a trendy add-on – not just for the dock wow-factor, but also for night fishing (they attract squid and baitfish). It’s pretty magical seeing neon blue light radiating under your boat in the Pensacola Pass at night.
The Caymas 36 CT is highly customizable – owners here really take advantage of that to suit their needs. Whether it’s turning it into a tournament fishing beast, a sandbar party cruiser, or a luxe family dayboat, the upgrades allow you to tailor the boat to your Gulf Coast lifestyle.
Comparable Boats:
It’s always smart to compare your options. The 36’ center console market has some stellar boats – each with its own niche. Here’s how the Caymas 36 CT stacks up against a few comparable boats in lower, similar, and higher price categories:
- Lower-Priced Alternative – Twin Vee 340 GFX (34’ Catamaran): If you love the idea of a power cat but your budget is a bit tighter, the Twin Vee 34 is worth a look. It’s a simpler, more value-oriented catamaran. You still get the twin-hull stability and a roomy 10’ beam, but with more basic fit-and-finish and fewer frills than Caymas. The upside: price. A Twin Vee 340 GFX brand new can start around the mid $200Ks, and even well-equipped ones average about $340K (with twin engines) (Twin Vee 340 Gfx boats for sale - Boat Trader) – significantly less than a Caymas. It’s a no-nonsense fishing platform, with a decent ride, though not as refined. The deck layout is more spartan (fewer cushioned seats and fancy touches) and the build feels lighter. It won’t handle rough seas quite as confidently as the heavier Caymas, but many Gulf Coast guides swear by Twin Vees for their toughness and easy maintenance. Think of the Twin Vee as the reliable workhorse – you save money, but give up some luxury and top-end performance. For someone who primarily fishes nearshore reefs and wants a stable cat at a 22-24% lower price, the Twin Vee 34 could be a solid alternative (Twin Vee 340 Gfx boats for sale - Boat Trader). Just be aware, when the weather turns gnarly, the Caymas’s superior hull design and heft will pay dividends in comfort.
- Similar-Priced Competitor – Invincible 36 Open Fisherman (36’ Monohull): Invincible is a big name in high-performance center consoles, and their 36 Open is often cross-shopped with Caymas. It’s a 36’8″ single-hull (V-hull) with a 10′ beam and a twin-stepped ventilated hull (Specifications for the 36' Open Fisherman Invincible Boat). Performance is the Invincible’s claim to fame – with up to 1350 HP on the transom, it’s a rocket ship (70+ mph top end) (Invincible 36 Open: Apex Predator - FishTalk Magazine). A typical setup is triple 400s, which puts the Invincible well into the 60-70 mph club. Priced around $550K for a lightly used recent model (Invincible 36 Open Fisherman boats for sale in Alabama | YachtWorld) (we saw a 2023 with triples listed at $549k in Orange Beach), it’s right in the same ballpark as a new Caymas 36 CT. How it compares: The Invincible will likely outrun the Caymas in flat-water speed and may have an edge when cutting through very steep chop at high speeds (its deep-V slices water sharply). However, being a monohull, it’s narrower and will roll more at drift – not as stable as the cat, especially bottom fishing or trolling in beam seas. It also has less deck space for a given length (cats carry beam forward more). The Invincible 36 has a great reputation for fit and finish and fishing-first design, but it lacks some of the family comforts standard on the Caymas (e.g., no forward lounge seats standard, though you can add a coffin box lounge). Both are absolutely Gulf-capable. If you prioritize speed and a proven tournament record, the Invincible is tempting. If you value stability and multi-use comfort, the Caymas shines. Many Orange Beach captains note that an Invincible (or a Yellowfin 36 Offshore, another similar-priced mono) will get you there fast, but once you’re drifting over a wreck, the Caymas will be the steadier platform. It really comes down to your usage.
- Higher-Priced Option – Freeman 37 VH (37’ Catamaran): In the Gulf Coast offshore scene, Freeman Boatworks is the king of the catamarans. The Freeman 37VH (VH for “Ventilated Hull”) is a legend among serious anglers. It’s about 37’ long with a 11’6″ beam, and is typically rigged with quad outboards (often 300–400 HP each), giving it obscene power and offshore range. Freemans are known for their incredible rough-water performance – they’ve pretty much set the bar for running fast in big seas. However, that performance and reputation come at a steep cost. A used Freeman 37 often goes for $600K to $800K depending on year (Freeman 37 boats for sale - Boat Trader), and new builds (if you can get a slot) are even higher. The average listing is around $700K for a late-model 37VH (Freeman 37 boats for sale - Boat Trader) – and that’s often with used engines and without luxury extras. People pay a premium because the boat has a hardcore following and limited availability (there’s usually a waitlist to get one built). Compared to the Caymas 36 CT, the Freeman is more of a no-compromise fishing machine. It usually has less seating (it’s not about cushy lounges – many Freemans skip forward seating entirely to maximize fishability). It also forgoes some convenience features (Freeman owners are okay bringing a cooler rather than having a fancy slide-out fridge). What you’re paying for is ride quality and status. Does it justify the premium? For some tournament anglers, absolutely yes – a Freeman’s ability to run 60 mph through a stiff chop and its battle-tested design is worth every penny. But for a family fisherman who also wants comfort, the Caymas offers maybe 90% of the offshore capability with a lot more amenities, at a lower price and without the long wait. It’s telling that the Caymas 34/36 CT is often mentioned as a “Freeman alternative” – that’s high praise in itself. Unless you’re truly chasing the bleeding edge and have a hefty budget, the Caymas 36 CT will more than satisfy, while the Freeman remains the dreamboat for those willing to spend big for the ultimate ride.
In summary, the Caymas 36 CT sits in a sweet spot: more upscale and capable than the budget cats, on par with the premium monohulls in price, and nipping at the heels of the elite cats in performance. It gives a lot of bang for the buck in the realm of large Gulf Coast center consoles.
Storage and Marinas:
Owning a 36’ boat means you need a good plan for storing and docking it. Fortunately, along the Alabama-Florida Gulf Coast, we have excellent marina facilities that welcome boats of this size. As a realtor, I often advise clients on where to keep their new toys. Here are some great marina options for a 36’ center console in our area:
- Orange Beach, AL (Sportsman Marina & Zeke’s Landing): Orange Beach is boat central, and two marinas stand out. Sportsman Marina (now part of Safe Harbor) not only has wet slips but also indoor dry storage for boats up to 45 feet long (Sportsman Marina in Orange Beach Alabama - BeachGuide) – yes, you can actually keep a 36’ Caymas in a dry stack! They have massive forklifts (the biggest this side of Destin) to haul boats like the 36 CT into covered storage, protecting it from the elements when not in use. Sportsman is a full-service marina on Canal Road – fuel, ship’s store, service yard, the works – and even has the Tiki Bar for unwinding after a day offshore. Over on Perdido Beach Blvd, Zeke’s Landing Marina is another fantastic spot. Zeke’s is known as the home of the Gulf’s largest charter fishing fleet, so they routinely handle boats 40–50+ ft. Your 36’ CC will fit right in. They offer wet slips, fuel dock, a well-stocked bait and tackle shop, and even dry storage with a forklift for large boats (so a 36 CT is fine). Zeke’s is just minutes from the Gulf – a quick idle through the pass and you’re out in open water, which is super convenient for spur-of-the-moment fishing trips. Both marinas have transient slips too, if you just want to visit. In short, Orange Beach has you covered – dockage is not an issue for this boat. (Honorable mention: Orange Beach Marina on Terry Cove – a high-end marina that can accommodate big center consoles among the sportfish yachts. If you snag a spot there, you’re in good company!)
- Gulf Shores, AL: Just next door to O.B., Gulf Shores has a couple of great options as well. Homeport Marina (at the ICW near Lulu’s Restaurant) is a fun choice. They have slips that can handle a 36’ easily and it’s a lovely location – you can dock and walk right up to Lulu’s for dinner. Being on the Intracoastal Waterway, depth is no problem. Also, Saunders Yachtworks has a big facility on the ICW that, while primarily a service yard, offers some transient slips and could accommodate a boat like this short-term (and it’s the go-to for maintenance on larger vessels). A new Legendary Marina is opening near Gulf Shores/Orange Beach with state-of-the-art dry storage – definitely worth checking out for modern facilities. In Gulf Shores, the vibe is a bit quieter, but you’re still only a short ride through the pass to get offshore. Many people who live on West Beach or Little Lagoon keep their boats at these marinas for quick access.
- Destin, FL: Destin is a boating paradise, famous for its emerald waters. For a Caymas 36 CT, you have a few top-tier choices. HarborWalk Marina in Destin Harbor can easily accommodate a 36’ (they host much larger charter boats). Keeping your boat there puts you in the heart of Destin’s waterfront – you can literally step off your boat and be at Margaritaville or AJ’s. The harbor has depth and the marina offers services, fuel, and the nightly excitement of Destin’s boardwalk. If you prefer dry storage, Legendary Marine in nearby Fort Walton Beach (just across the bridge) has one of the largest dry storage facilities in the region. Their forklifts and storage building were designed for big center consoles – a 36’ will be no issue. Legendary can store boats up to around 40+ ft and they are a dealer for many brands, so they understand how to take care of high-end boats. Another option is Destin Marina (city marina) for a more low-key slip, though availability is tight. In short, Destin offers both the high-energy harbor experience and more private marinas, all capable of handling the Caymas.
- Pensacola, FL: Pensacola boasts several marinas that would happily host a 36’ center console. Downtown, the Palafox Pier & Yacht Harbor is a prime spot – it has floating docks that accommodate vessels up to 175 feet long (Palafox Pier Yacht Harbor Marina - Pensacola), so your boat is a dinghy in comparison! Palafox is great if you love the urban scene: you’re steps from downtown Pcola’s shops and restaurants. Across the bay in Gulf Breeze, Pensacola Beach Marina (on Little Sabine Bay) is another solid choice – you can dock and walk to the beach or Peg Leg Pete’s for seafood. They handle plenty of 30-40ft boats. Further up Bayou Chico, Bahia Mar Marina and Sportsman Marina (not to be confused with OB) are options where local offshore guys keep their boats on lifts or slips. One thing about Pensacola – there’s lots of water access, including many private docks. Some owners with waterfront homes on Pensacola Bay or Santa Rosa Sound simply put a lift in and keep the 36 CT at home (the boat’s weight ~12k lbs dry, probably ~15k loaded, so a robust lift is needed). But for those without private docks, the marinas above are very accommodating. With Pensacola Pass right there, you have quick Gulf access similar to Orange Beach.
No matter where you are – Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Destin, or Pensacola – you’ll find a welcoming home for the Caymas 36 CT. Our coastal infrastructure is built for boating, and marinas here are used to handling boats of this class (and much larger). It’s one of the perks of the Gulf Coast lifestyle: we have as much love for our boats as we do for our houses, and it shows in the quality of our marine facilities.
Ideal Uses:
What can you do with a Caymas 36 CT on the Gulf Coast? Just about everything! Its design makes it a Swiss Army knife of boating. Here are the best uses and activities where this boat truly shines:
- Offshore Trolling: This is the boat you want under you when chasing pelagic fish in the Gulf. With its range and speed, running 50+ miles out to troll the oil rigs for tuna or marlin is well within its wheelhouse. You can set a spread of trolling lines using those outriggers and multiple rod holders – it’ll handle a half-dozen lines for mahi, wahoo, sails, etc. The stable platform means you can work the pit even in choppy seas. I’ve trolled off Destin in a similar cat and appreciated how I didn’t have to fight the roll while rigging ballyhoo. The Caymas’s high freeboard and secure cockpit let you fight a big blue marlin with confidence (and the spacious walk-around decks mean you can follow the fish around the bow if needed). It’s an offshore hunter that will get you to the fishing grounds quickly and keep you comfortable while working them.
- Bottom Fishing & Deep Dropping: Gulf Coast anglers love their reef fishing – red snapper, grouper, amberjack – and the 36 CT is an excellent reef boat. The stability at rest really pays off here; when you’re drifting or anchored over a wreck in say 200’ of water, the boat stays noticeably level even if waves are rolling. That means less fatigue and tangles when multiple anglers are dropping lines. The huge deck space allows for several anglers to fish at once without bumping elbows. And all those insulated fish boxes come into play when the bite is hot – you’ve got room to ice down a limit of big red snapper or a pile of scamp grouper. With optional deep-drop electric reels, you can venture to the 300-600’ depths for tilefish or snowy grouper – the boat will hold position nicely with the trolling motor or sea anchor. Also, the spot-lock trolling motor trick I mentioned means you might not even need to anchor on a reef; just hover and fish – a major convenience. When you hook that 60 lb amberjack, the Caymas’s deep gunnels and stable footing help you safely battle the fish without getting thrown off balance. It truly excels as a bottom fishing workhorse.
- Inshore and Nearshore Adventures: Now, let’s be honest – a 36’ boat is overkill for shallow skinny water, but the Caymas’s relatively shallow draft lets you explore inshore bays and coastal waterways surprisingly well on calm days. I’ve taken a ride on a 34 CT up Perdido Bay and even into Weeks Bay – places I thought a boat that size might struggle – and it did fine. You can stalk the Gulf Shores beachfront for tarpon in summer or chase bull reds at the Dixie Bar off Fort Morgan. In Pensacola or Mobile Bay, it’s stable enough to drift passes for tarpon or big jacks. Nearshore, the boat is superb for running out to the buoy line or a few miles offshore to chase kingfish, cobia, or mackerel. The boat handles the Pensacola Bay chop or Destin’s East Pass currents with ease. And because it has a head and plenty of seating, you can bring family or less hardcore friends along for a nearshore trip without worry – they can lounge while you cast at jetties or bay bridges. So while it’s bred for offshore, I’d call it multi-purpose coastal in a pinch. Just don’t expect to pole it across a grass flat – but you have a bay boat for that!
- Family Cruising & Island Hopping: Not every day is about fishing, and the Caymas 36 CT doubles as a fantastic family day boat. This is where those comfort features shine. Want to take a trip to Crab Island in Destin? Load up the coolers, throw some floaties on board, and the family is set. You can anchor in the shallow sandbar waters, crank up the tunes on the JL Audio speakers, and have essentially a floating patio. The kids will love jumping off the roomy bow, and with the sturdy swim ladder (and likely a side dive door), re-boarding is easy. The boat’s seating capacity means you can bring friends – it legally seats a bunch (check capacity plate, but likely 12-15 people safely). Orange Beach’s Robinson Island is another popular spot – idle over, raft up with friends, and use that onboard grill to cook burgers while enjoying the sun. The stable platform is great for swimming and snorkeling too; you can gear up and roll off to explore reefs or the Whiskey Wreck in Gulf Shores, then climb back aboard without the boat rocking wildly. With freshwater showers onboard, rinsing off salt and sand is convenient. And if a summer storm pops up, the boat’s size and speed let you scoot back to port or find shelter without drama. Essentially, it’s like having a recreational deck boat that also can fish hardcore – the best of both worlds.
- Watersports & Other Uses: While center console cats aren’t typical tow boats, I’ve seen people tubing and wakeboarding behind big CCs on calm bay days. The 36 CT has the oomph to pull toys – just be mindful of the prop wash from twin/triple engines. It’s not a ski boat, but you can absolutely give the kids a fun tube ride in the bay. Additionally, scuba divers love using center consoles as dive boats. The Caymas’s large door (if equipped) and stable dive platform make it a solid scuba diving vessel – you can fit tanks and gear for a group, and the stability helps divers re-enter safely. Some owners use their boats for marine research or volunteer work like reef surveys or lionfish removal, given the space and range. And of course, simply sunset cruising along the Intracoastal Waterway, with a glass of wine in hand, is a delightful use of a boat like this. The 36 CT can be both a party boat and a peaceful escape depending on your mood.
In a nutshell, the Caymas 36 CT is an ideal Gulf Coast companion whether you’re heading offshore for a hardcore fishing expedition, or just enjoying our coastal paradise with family and friends. I often compare it to a dual-role SUV – rugged and capable when you need it, but comfortable and classy when you want to relax. As someone who lives, works, and plays on the Gulf, I appreciate that this boat enables the full coastal lifestyle: thrilling fishing adventures, laid-back beach days, and memorable voyages up and down our beautiful shores. If you see me out at Perdido Pass or cruising the Orange Beach islands on a 36 CT, don’t hesitate to wave or say hi – I’ll likely be grinning ear to ear, living my best life on the water! (Caymas 34 Ct boats for sale - Boat Trader) (Palafox Pier Yacht Harbor Marina - Pensacola)
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