Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Outerlimits 36 SL 2012 vs Outerlimits Catamaran 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat
Matching a deep vee Outerlimits 36 SL 2012 against a catamaran Outerlimits Catamaran 2012 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Outerlimits Catamaran 2012 is rated for 14 passengers, while the Outerlimits 36 SL 2012 caps at 10. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Outerlimits Catamaran 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Outerlimits Catamaran 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 14 passengers and at 48,4 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Outerlimits 36 SL 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 10 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeOuterlimits
MakeOuterlimits
Model Year2012
Model Year2012
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 11 in
Beam11 ft. 11.9 in
Beam - Meters2.72
Beam - Meters3.66
Beam - Inches107
Beam - Inches143.9
Weight - Detail8,600 lbs
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - kg3900.89
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - lbs.86
Weight - lbs.not available
Length - Feet36
Length - Feet48.42
Length overall - Detail36 ft
Length overall - Detail48 ft. 5 in
Length overall - Meters10.97
Length overall - Meters14.76
Length overall - Inches432
Length overall - Inches581
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeDeep Vee
Hull typeCatamaran
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail160 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail300 gal. (2 fuel cells)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters605.67
Fuel tank capacity - Liters1135.62
Fuel tank capacity - Gal16
Fuel tank capacity - Gal3
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard
Outerlimits 36 SL 2012 vs Outerlimits Catamaran 2012 — Common Questions
Which is the larger boat — the Outerlimits 36 SL 2012 or the Outerlimits Catamaran 2012?
The Outerlimits Catamaran 2012 is the longer of the two at 48,4 feet overall. The Outerlimits 36 SL 2012 comes in at 36,0 feet, making it roughly 12,4 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Outerlimits 36 SL 2012 is Coast Guard rated for 10 passengers, while the Outerlimits Catamaran 2012 is certified for 14. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Outerlimits Catamaran 2012 measures 144" wide, compared to 107" for the Outerlimits 36 SL 2012. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Outerlimits 36 SL 2012 or the Outerlimits Catamaran 2012?
The Outerlimits 36 SL 2012 has the bigger tank at 16 gallons, versus 3 gallons on the Outerlimits Catamaran 2012. That 13-gallon difference translates to roughly 39–65 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Outerlimits 36 SL 2012 and Outerlimits Catamaran 2012 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Outerlimits 36 SL 2012 and the Outerlimits Catamaran 2012 are built by Outerlimits. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.