Robert Underwood Multihulls was born out of our passion for multihulls.
Robert Underwood Multihulls is an independent source for discerning multihull customers, offering a full range of services backed up by Robert's 35 years of hands-on experience in all areas of multihull design, construction and sales.
Robert has owned and sailed many multihulls over the years and has been responsible for the construction of over 1500 catamarans during his career giving him unique insight into the specialist multihull field and all its complexities.
Meet Robert Underwood
My father, a marine engineer and boatbuilder, always said that boating was in the blood - and I reckon he was right. Although I’ve spent my whole life around boats and boatyards, I still find it really exciting to follow a boating project through from concept to completion! And catamarans have come to play a special part in that excitement.
I built my first 45ft cat between 1973 and 1975. I was working for a sailboat builder at the time so it was 24/7 in one yard or another. I raced the cat to the Azores and then raced and cruised it extensively offshore. It was the first of numerous multihulls I’ve owned but the first is always something else, isn’t it?
As my own-build catamaran was completing its sea trials, I knew I’d found my niche and was honoured to be asked to join forces with Roland and Francis Prout to form a new company, Prout Catamarans. The Prouts were already regarded as the founders of the modern catamaran and, together, we further developed many aspects of catamaran design and construction still in use today.
Developing the full range of Prout Catamarans, which are recognised as some of the finest ocean-going catamarans in the world, wasn’t always easy. It called for patience, commitment and tenacity. It required shrewd financial planning, keen negotiating and up-to-the-minute knowledge of all available manufacturing options. We set up a worldwide dealer network, introduced many new models, met the challenge and earned the rewards. We achieved the Queen’s Award for Export in 1989 and the coveted Boat Builder of the Year Award. It was an exciting 14 years.
Broadblue Catamarans presented a similar challenge as I set up the design, manufacturing and marketing business for the development of a new range of innovative, top quality sailing catamarans. After six years at the Broadblue helm, however, it was time to ‘think consultant’, advising other companies and private individuals on multihull matters.
Looking back, I’ve been responsible for the design, construction and marketing of over 1500 catamarans. As a qualified Yacht Master, I’ve delivered or overseen delivery of hundreds of boats and personally built up tens of thousands of sea miles.
Looking forward, I’ll be sharing all this experience to give discerning multihull customers independent – and expert – advice.
Happy cruising!
Robert Underwood
