Two Oceans 555 Power Cat

HMY Yachts adds an efficient, roomy power cat to its lineup.


Two oceans converge off the coast of South Africa, creating all manner of turbulent seas wrought with strong currents and windswept swells. The preferred type of vessel to navigate these notorious waters is the catamaran, which provides a gentler ride in the chop.

South Africa is also home to Two Oceans Marine, which specializes in building all manner of catamarans that are up to the task of running from one ocean to the next. Located in Cape Town, Two Oceans began building boats in 1989 and offers power and sailing cats from 23 to 110 feet. The respected builder has partnered up with HMY Yachts to bring a new model, the 555, to the U.S. market.

The 555 was designed by Du Toit Yacht Design for cruisers looking for a long-range cat with plenty of room to entertain. The boat is offered in three layouts. The standard, four-stateroom, four-head layout includes a full-beam master on the main deck and three additional staterooms below. This option creates a wide-open studio apartment feel when you walk through the salon doors with the galley starboard, a large settee opposite and the master forward. Windows line the walls of the master and a watertight door provides access to the foredeck lounge. The single-level salon and master combine to create a massive space that truly embraces the open concept design ethos. If an owner wants a lower helm station, however, that can be accomplished by moving the master down below and adding a second salon on the main level. The customer can choose from three different design styles for the interior.

The 555 features large outdoor spaces in the cockpit, flybridge and foredeck. The bridge comes standard with a hardtop equipped with solar panels. Owners can opt for a climate-controlled enclosed bridge if desired. The bridge deck is as big as a dance floor, complete with an upper galley so you don’t need to go up and down the stairs to the cockpit or galley every time someone asks for a refill. The bridge deck also offers more than enough space to store a tender, though the cockpit is perfect for shuttling guests to shore. A hydraulic swim platform can be lowered below the waterline so you can chill out while sitting in the water, jump on the tender or easily go for a swim.

Two Oceans built the 555’s hull with a large planing surface aft and trim tabs, so the boat will pick up and get on plane. They also used prop pockets to reduce the boat’s draft—perfect for island cruising—while improving efficiency and reducing vibration. The boat draws 3 feet, 9 inches, which is definitely on the respectable side for a big cruiser. And should you happen to bump into a coral head, the keels forward of the running gear are sacrificial; they aren’t fixed. This makes repairs much easier as the keels protect the running gear and you can replace the keels without cutting the hull apart. You can even carry an extra set if you’d like.

The 555 comes standard with twin 370-hp Yanmar diesels and is expected to reach a top end around 20 knots and optimal range at a 10- to 12-knot cruise. For a bit more power, Two Oceans offers the 555 with 550-hp Cummins 6.7-liter diesels. There’s also an “off grid” package with lithium batteries, integral charging system, 12/24V watermaker, DC air conditioning for the master stateroom, propane cooktop and energy-efficient appliances. The first 555 is scheduled to hit the water in time for the 2022 Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show. Two Oceans plans to build 25 of them each year thereafter.

But perhaps the best part of ordering a 555 Power Cat is that the vessel comes nearly turnkey with a painted bottom, Garmin electronics suite, ground tackle, windlass and bow thruster. Take delivery, load the boat with provisions and go.

Two Oceans 555 Power Cat Specifications:

LOA: 55’6”
Beam: 25’
Draft: 3’9”
Displ.: 49,600 lbs.
Water: 200 gal.
Fuel: 750 gal.
Power: 2/370-hp Yanmar 8LV
Price: $1.9 million