When Peter and Marianne Pavelic describe their new Twin Vee 280 GFX2, you can hear both excitement and relief in their voices. After more than three decades on the water, they’ve finally found what Peter calls “the boat we’ve been looking for and waiting for for quite some time.”

The couple, who live in Islamorada, the sportfishing capital of the world, spent years searching for the perfect balance of performance, comfort, and size. Their new Twin Vee checks every box.

A Love Story on the Water

The Pavelics named their boat “Islamore,” a combination of Islamorada and Amore, the Italian word for love. It’s a name that captures not only their passion for the ocean but also the life they’ve built together.

“We’re both Italian, and we live in Islamorada,” Marianne said. “So we just combined the two. It’s love in Islamorada—Islamore.”

The name fits perfectly for a couple whose connection to the sea runs deep. They’ve shared a lifetime of boating, diving, and exploring Florida’s waters. And with their Twin Vee catamaran, they’ve entered a new chapter of that adventure.

From Beating Chop to Finding Balance

The Pavelics’ boating story began over 30 years ago on Cape Cod, where Marianne’s family kept a 30-foot Boston Whaler. The boat was sturdy but famously rough in the Cape’s choppy conditions.

“It was the roughest riding boat on the planet,” Peter recalled with a laugh. “We got used to being knocked around and beaten up off Nantucket Sound.”

That experience shaped his lifelong appreciation for stability and ride quality. After years of deep-V hulls, they eventually discovered catamarans. A documentary from Sydney, Australia first introduced Peter to the concept. It showed how twin-hull boats could trap air between their sponsons, creating lift and producing a smoother ride. That image stayed in his mind for decades.

The First Taste of a Catamaran Ride

When their kids were old enough to dive and fish, the couple bought their first powercat, a 26′ Glacier Bay. For over 17 years, that Glacier Bay served as their family boat. But over time, Peter kept watching the power catamaran market evolve.

He saw the performance and price tag of boats like Freeman and Invincible but knew that massive, multi-engine offshore boats didn’t suit their lifestyle in the shallow waters of the Keys. Then, one day by chance, he walked into a local dealership in Islamorada, Seven Sports Marine, and saw his first Twin Vee 280 GFX2.

First Impressions of a Twin Vee

“I saw the design, the hulls were very similar to what I was used to,” Peter explained. “I knew it would offer a great ride. The brackets, the rigging, the electronics—it all impressed me. It was engineered beautifully.” After meeting Twin Vee’s dealer, Seven Sports Marine, at a boat show, they placed an order on the spot.

When their new 2026 model 280 GFX2 arrived, it exceeded expectations. Equipped with Yamaha outboards and a Raymarine system, the boat represented a leap in technology and comfort.

“I went from a dinosaur to a spaceship,” Peter joked. “It does everything for us. The ride is beyond what we expected.”

The Islamorada Lifestyle

Life in the Florida Keys revolves around the water, and the Pavelics use their Twin Vee for everything from diving and lobstering to attending community events.

“When the seas are calm, we pack up and decide—are we going to fish or dive?” said Marianne. “Peter is the preeminent lobster hunter. We pack lunch, some fruit, and we’re out for the day.”

Peter’s passion for diving started decades ago, and today, he uses a surface-supplied air system known as a “third lung” instead of traditional scuba tanks. The roomy deck of the Twin Vee makes it easy to set up his gear and accommodate multiple divers comfortably. The 280 GFX2 has a beam of 9’6 and 228 square feet of deck space, making it comfortable to store traditional scuba tanks or a third lung system.

“It’s a heavy setup, but this boat gives us all the space we need,” he explained. “It’s the perfect dive platform.”

Designed for Comfort and Convenience

For Marianne, ease of use and comfort are just as important as performance.

“I’m not 20 anymore, but I’m not 80 either,” she said with a smile. “The transom and ladder make it easy for me to get on and off. It’s safe, quick, and comfortable.”

That practicality extends throughout the layout. The stern brackets extend the deck space behind the outboards, turning previously wasted space into a usable platform for fishing or lounging.

“It’s actually usable,” Peter said. “You can walk, fish, or move around right next to the dive ladder. That extra space makes a huge difference.”

And for social days, Islamore becomes the perfect entertainment spot.

“We’ll put out some snacks and head to the sandbar,” Marianne said. “You can relax on the bow or even take a nap up front. It’s like having all the comforts of home—but on the water.”

Why Smaller Works Better in the Keys

The couple believes the 280 GFX2 is the ideal size for them in the Keys waters.

“A bigger boat isn’t always better,” Marianne explained. “Here, you have shallows, coral heads, and tight channels. The Twin Vee is easy to handle, easy to dock, and perfect for entertaining or dinner runs.”

With a 20″ draft, the 280 GFX2 can go through many of the Florida Keys’ shallow areas without disturbing the delicate ecosystem that makes the islands so special.

“It’s easier to manage and maintain. Two outboards are plenty. You don’t need four engines and 50 feet of fiberglass to enjoy the Keys.”

Peter also explains that with all of the canal traffic from his waterfront neighborhood, his 28′ center console Twin Vee makes it easier to get in and out without getting too close to his neighbor’s property. The ease of maneuverability from his twin engines are also a big advantage.

That efficiency allows them to focus more on the experience of diving, exploring, and spending time with friends and family, rather than worrying about the logistics of a large offshore rig.

Built for Performance and Purpose

The couple’s Twin Vee isn’t just a toy, it’s a part of the local community. Every year, they volunteer their catamaran to support the Swim for Alligator Lighthouse, an eight-mile open-water charity event that raises funds to restore the historic lighthouse.

“We host the media crew,” Marianne said. “It’s the biggest open-water swim in the country—400 swimmers from around the world. And who better to do it than happy people on a catamaran?”

“It’s a better ride,” Peter added. “The videographers have space to move, film, and stay comfortable all day.”

The Twin Vee Difference

After decades on the water, the Pavelics say their new Twin Vee has elevated every part of their boating experience. From the quiet Yamaha power to the advanced Raymarine electronics, every detail feels intentional.

“The ride is even better than our old catamaran,” Peter said. “The hulls are stiff, stable, and dry. The pilothouse keeps us protected, and the windlass system is flawless.”

They also appreciate the craftsmanship, the upholstery that resists Florida’s sun, non-slip decking, and a large, efficient livewell that keeps bait and lobster fresh.

“It’s comfortable, it’s smartly designed, and it’s built to last,” said Marianne. “And that sound system and lighting—beautiful.”

A Boat That Fits Their Life

For Peter and Marianne, the Twin Vee 280 GFX2 represents more than a new boat. It’s a reward for years of hard work and a vessel for the next stage of their Florida Keys lifestyle.

“It’s the first and last new boat we’ll ever buy,” Peter said with a grin. “So it had to count. And it did!”

From Cape Cod to Islamorada, their journey has come full circle, from battling rough seas to cruising in comfort aboard a catamaran designed for everything they love to do.

Islamore isn’t just their boat’s name, it’s their way of life.