The First American 17 Takes Shape in South Florida

It’s official — the very first American 17 from American Custom Catamarans is well on its way from concept to reality. Last week marked a huge milestone for our team, as we completed the first major step in bringing this boat to life.

We started by moving the first deck cap into the shop, where our crew went to

work with precision and care. We shot the mold with a flawless gel coat to ensure that signature smooth finish, then laid down the skin coat to create a strong base. From there, we added layers of fiberglass, a precision-fit composite core for stiffness and durability, and even more fiberglass for unmatched structural integrity.

Once the layup was complete, we bagged the part and executed a successful resin infusion — locking in strength, lightness, and quality control all in one process. The result? Our very first American 17 deck is now complete and ready to pop from the mold this week. Next up: moving right into the hull build.

And we’re building it all right here in sunny South Florida — where the waters this boat will call home are just steps from our shop.

The American 17 is designed for serious fishing, family fun, and performance on the water, featuring:

• Under-seat livewell for easy bait access

• In-floor fish boxes to keep the deck clear and the catch fresh

• Honda 150 iST outboard for reliability and power

• 12 rod holders to accommodate your entire arsenal

• 12” multi-function display (MFD) for navigation, fish finding, and system monitoring

• Trolling motor for precise, quiet positioning

• Shallow water anchors for effortless spot-holding

• And a host of other thoughtful touches for anglers and adventurers alike

“This is a huge step for American Custom Catamarans. The American 17 represents everything we believe in — precision craftsmanship, innovative design, and a love for life on the water. Seeing the first deck infused and knowing we’re just days away from starting the hull build is incredibly exciting for our whole team.”

— Jacob Youngman, CEO of American Custom Catamarans

Stay tuned — in the coming weeks, we’ll share updates as the hull takes shape, systems are installed, and the American 17 makes her way toward sea trials. This is just the beginning of a new chapter in American boatbuilding, and we’re proud to be making it happen right here at home.