Leader 220 Cat

Brief Summary

The 220 CAT is the largest of the Leader fleet and boasts a sleek looking design. She’s a versatile fishboat that can get in close to the shallows and also take to offshore waters without a problem.

Key Features

The 220 CAT offers all the fishing features you will need while out on the water. The cockpit features good non-skid, four gunnel-mounted rod holders, and port and starboard tow rails for greater safety. Other fishing features include a lighted aerated livewell, raw water washdown, and lighted 40-gallon fishbox. The command console includes a locking electronics box, full instrumentation, and a wrap around windshield. There is easy access to all wire harnesses behind the console and this area can also be used for storage or a porta-potty.

Test Results

Specifications

Length Overall	22'00''
Beam	8'6''
Dry Weight	3000 lbs
Draft	12''
Deadrise/Transom	~
Max Headroom	open
Bridge Clearance	~
Fuel Capacity	110 gal
Water Capacity	none

Acceleration Times & Conditions

Time to Plane	4.4 sec.
0 to 30	6.4 sec.
Ratio	2.6:1
Props	14 1/4 x 22 3-bld stainless steel
Load	2 persons, 1/3 fuel, no water, min. gear
Climate	85 deg., 80% humid., wind: 5 knots; seas: 1 foot

Engine Options

Tested Engine	2 x 115-hp Suzuki 4-stroke outboards
Std. Power	2x115-hp Suzuki 4-stroke outboards
Opt. Power	2x140-hp Suzuki 4-stroke outboards

Captain's Report

Leader 220 Cat has serious Offshore Ability!
When you’re ready to do some fishing, the last thing you want is to be fighting sea conditions rather than fish. That’s why the superb handling and design of the Leader 220 Cat makes sure that nothing comes between you and a box full of fish.
With the Leader 220 Cat, there won’t be many days where rough conditions will keep you off the water. Leader is one of the more recent builders in the catamaran market, but has already established itself as a benchmark for quality and performance. Closed cell foam flotation is used in the wood free construction process ensuring strength and durability. The twin sponsons are also high and narrow providing excellent rough water capability.
Any serious fishing machine must be functional as well, and the 220 Cat is exactly that. At the bow there’s a convenient anchor locker between the sponsons and there’s a large casting deck with deep diamond tread non-skid that also has a pad for sunning or sitting. Four flush mounted gunnel rod holders with rack rod holders beneath keep your gear organized. Stainless steel toe rails help keep you secure when leaning over the gunnel to grab your trophy fish. There’s also six pop-up stainless cleats that keep snags to a minimum and a full stainless bow rail for added safety.
Just forward of the center console is a 94-quart Igloo cooler and there’s room for a second cooler under the leaning post at the helm.
The command center in the console includes a locking electronics box, full instrumentation, and a wrap around windshield. Inside the console there’s room for a porti-potti and all wiring is easily accessed there as well. A built in 3 piece tackle center and a custom aluminum leaning post round out the key features of the helm.
The entire inner liner is non-skidded with a deep diamond pattern that’s much deeper than most boats and the liner has oversized scuppers to ensure dry feet when offshore and there are waterproof lights in the cockpit for missions after dark. And fishing at night is easy using the lighted 20-gallon aerated live well and the lighted oversized fish box. There’s also a handy raw water wash down located just below the bait prep center to assist in clean up.
The 220 Cat is capable of slipping into just 12” of water or running in big seas well offshore. The level tracking of the tunnel hull took some getting used to as it rolled to the outside of the turn like all cats. The wide 8’6” beam of this 22 footer really provides for a lot of deck space and you’ll feel as if you’re in a much larger boat.
Our test boat was rigged with a pair of Suzuki 115 four stroke engines. The 220 reached a top speed of 40.8 mph at 5800 rpm, and maximum fuel efficiency was recorded at a nice cruising speed of 30.15 mph. At that speed the 220 Cat can cruise for almost 11 hours or for nearly 320 miles based on the 110 gallon fuel cell…..incredible ! That’s 3 miles per gallon of fuel! She’s also quick to plane with a time of 3.95 seconds.
So if your looking for a serious fishing machine with a brash go anywhere attitude, try the Leader 220 Cat on for size. Not only will you stay dry, but you’ll swear you’re on a 30 footer!
---- Capt. Matt Barkley
Test Captain/ Senior Editor