catalina 42 sailboat review

Catalina 42

catalina 42 sailboat review

First impressions I confess, the 42 is one of my favorite Catalinas. It's a handsome boat. The bow is raked just enough to give it a clean entry and still maintain a relatively long LWL of 36 feet. There is enough of a forefoot to keep the bow from pounding, at least most of the time. The hull flares quickly but the wide, 13-foot, 10-inch beam is nicely absorbed into the overall flow of the boat. The beam is carried well aft, providing space for double aft cabins and a roomy cockpit, yet it doesn't seem excessive like many of today's boats. It actually tapers a bit at the transom. Good design demands a sense of subtlety and that's always been one of Douglas' best attributes. The 42 is rigged as a sloop with slightly swept-back double spreaders. The working sail area is just under 800 square feet. The design displacement is 18,000 pounds, translating into a respectable SA/D of 18.5. However, everybody knows that used boats, and new ones too, especially cruisers, weigh more than advertised, limiting the usefulness of design ratios. It wouldn't surprise me if the Catalina 42 you're interested in buying tips the scale at well over 20,000 pounds when you haul it out for a survey. The 42 came with two keel arrangements. A 4-foot, 10-inch wing keel or a 6-foot fin keel. I prefer the deep keel because it tracks better.

Construction The Catalina 42 is a well-built production boat. Several have made impressive bluewater voyages, although that wasn't the primary design ethos. The 42 was designed to be affordable and to appeal to a broad spectrum of sailors: daysailors, club racers, weekenders, and to a lesser extent, long-distance cruisers. Are there more ruggedly built boats? Yes. Is the Catalina 42 built to sail around Cape Horn? No. Is it built to do what most sailors want it to? Absolutely. Would most 42 owners buy it again? Overwhelming so. That speaks volumes about the construction of the boat. The hull is solid fiberglass, reinforced with a molded liner that incorporates the cabin sole and furniture facings. Liners are a mixed bag, they are an efficient way to build a boat, and when done well, they provide more than adequate structural support. On the downside, they depend on a secondary bonding and they limit access to the hull. Catalina has a long history with molded liners and there are few if any reports of problems. The deck is cored with balsa except in areas that support hardware where one-half inch plywood is used instead. This isn't the best method of backing up hardware. The hull and deck are joined on a flange and includes stainless steel fasteners and 3M 5200. Catalina has always used lead ballast. The interior finish work is nicely executed.

What to look for Unlike other boats we often review, the Catalina 42 is relatively new. The oldest model afloat is just 18 years old. That's an interesting statement, and a testament to sailboats in general. A 1989 model is not really considered an old boat and that partially explains why it is so challenging to sell new boats. You can go out and buy a 1989 Catalina 42, a truly spacious and capable cruiser, for less than $100,000. Those same dollars translated into a new boat purchase barely cover a Catalina 309, a sprightly 30-footer. For the most part the Catalina 42 has held up quite well over the years. Some specific items to inspect include the aluminum rubrail and vinyl sleeve that is undersized, and the rudder bearings. With the onset of the MKII, Catalina switched to vinylester resin, limiting osmotic blistering. Earlier models may have a few blisters, although Catalina's warranty covered most repairs. Also check the forward sections of the hull liner to make sure it is still well bonded to the hull and doesn't show signs of flexing or cracking. Age-related items that should be carefully inspected include the standing and running rigging. Be sure to examine the chainplates as well as the wire and terminal ends. Also, look carefully at the plumbing system, it may be time to update hoses and through-hull valves and this is a deceptively expensive project.

On deck The Catalina 42 cockpit is spacious and well laid out. The boat is a pleasure to sail and to socialize aboard while dockside, and this is rarely the case. The seats are long enough to stretch out on. The 40-inch wheel is large enough to make steering enjoyable but still easy enough to climb around when going aft to the stern step. The helm seat opens to allow access to the molded stern step. I like this arrangement better than the twin wheels of the similar but beamier Catalina 400. The 42 was one of the first boats with the stern step feature and it's nicely incorporated into the lines. The primary winches are not easily reached from the helm and secondaries were not a popular option. Visibility is for the most part good, however, an extensive dodger and bimini arrangement can make it tough to see where you're going. Two deep lazerettes and two coaming hatches offer plenty of storage. The traveler is forward of the companionway, with a midboom sheeting arrangement that really loads up the boom. The mainsheet is led aft to the starboard coachroof and it's tough to get much purchase when trimming. Of course the tradeoff is an uncluttered cockpit. The shrouds are inboard, allowing for relatively tight sheeting angles and easy mobility on deck. Cleats and deck hardware are adequate. The anchor windlass is located in the chain locker and the stemhead fitting is small but functional. The new MKIIs have an improved double roller arrangement.

Down below The 42 was offered with two interior plans, either a two or three cabin arrangement. Both plans feature a large head and shower forward in lieu of a traditional V-berth. This is a much better use of space. Nobody really wants to sleep all the way forward anyway and by pushing the saloon farther aft it becomes more useful while underway. There's a small head aft for use while sailing. The forward cabin is a Pullman-style berth to port. Maybe this doesn't seem as friendly as the newer island berths offered on the latest versions of the 42 but it is very practical. Pullman berths are easily fitted with lee cloths for sleeping and are an efficient use of space. The saloon in the popular three-cabin version features a nice L-shaped dinette to port with the galley opposite. This isn't the best place for cooking while underway. On starboard tack it is hard for the cook to find support and everything tends to fly off the counter, despite a decent sized fiddle. It's difficult just to open lockers without items falling. The nav station is aft to port and uses the settee for the seat. In the two-cabin model the galley is to port, aft of the dinette, and there is a settee and nav station to starboard. Both models have a small second head to starboard. The three-cabin model features two double cabins aft. The cabins are, for the most part, more spacious than similarly styled European boats. Each contains a hanging locker and enough elbowroom to stand up and change clothes. The two-cabin model features a good-sized aft cabin to starboard. There's plenty of storage with a hanging locker and shelves along the bunk. While the three-cabin model was popular with the original 42s, the two-cabin version became the interior of choice with the MKII. Overall the interior is roomy, bright and airy. There are seven to eight opening ports, depending on the model year, and overhead hatches throughout. There is also a distinct lack of handholds, something that can be easily rectified.

Engine The standard engine has always been a Yanmar diesel. Prior to 1991 it was the four-cylinder, 44-horsepower model. After 1991 the 4JHTE, a 50-horsepower model, became standard. Access to either engine is surprisingly good, and the stuffing box can be reached from a panel in the aft cabin. The fuel tankage of 39 gallons is a bit on the light side but these engines are incredibly fuel-efficient and the 42 hull is easily driven. Owners claim that the boat will move at 6-plus knots, at half throttle, burning all of a one-half gallon per hour. While this means that the realistic cruising range is around 400 miles, extended cruising will require additional fuel capacity. A three-bladed fixed prop was standard.

Underway The Catalina 42 is not under-rigged, a design feature that I appreciate. It can hoist a lot of sail and move along smartly in light air. Owners talk of attaining 8 knots off the wind without surfing and 7 knots upwind. Throw a following sea into the equation and the 42 can really make miles on passage. The fin keel model is weatherly, and the polars indicated that with a 140-percent genoa the 42 should maintain 6-plus knots in a moderate breeze at 35 degrees apparent. The motion will be decent, although the 42 does pound in a seaway. At the same time the boat is moderately stiff and doesn't usually need the first reef until it's blowing close to 20 knots. The PHRF rating averages 105.

Conclusion The Catalina 42 is a capable and versatile cruiser with a comfortable interior and a nice sailing hull shape. It is also a sound value on the used boat market. When you start looking seriously at what $100,000 buys, chances are the Catalina 42 will be up near the top of the list.

Also in Used Boat Notebook

  • Hunter Passage 42
  • Pearson Rhodes 41
  • Santa Cruz 52
  • Allied Princess 36
  • Kelly-Peterson 46

Also from John Kretschmer

  • Hove to in the gales of Biscay
  • Sailing's Promise
  • Passage to nowhere
  • Farewell to brothers of the sea
  • Plotting a course to Caribbean sabbatical cruise
  • Passage Planning
  • Ready to Rumble
  • Good vibrations
  • Launching and boarding a life raft
  • The Great Circle Route: Connecting the dots of a sailing life

catalina 42 sailboat review

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Catalina 42 Mkii – Boat Review and Video Tour

Catalina 42 MkII Boat Review from the Foster Journey (1)

The Catalina 42 was our first look at a sailboat over 40 feet and our first look at one of the Catalina Yachts in this size range. Previously, we explored the Beneteau 361 and the Catalina 350 , but we felt their space limitations when considering them as long-term cruising sailboats. The Catalina 42 is a classic, best-selling sailboat from Catalina Yachts, but it comes in two versions: Catalina 42 and Catalina 42 MkII.

The next option was to look at a sailboat in the low 40-foot range, and Josh from Little Yacht Sales was more than willing to guide us along.

Watch this boat review video to see what you think, and we’ll share some facts about the Catalina 42 Mkii below.

*This post contains Amazon affiliate links, which help us fund our journey at no cost to you.

About the Catalina 42 Mkii

The Catalina 42 we looked at is a the two-cabin centerline owner’s berth version. It’s 43’2″ overall in length, and 13’10” wide (beam).

catalina 42 sailboat review

The forward cabin is the “owner’s suite”. It features a pedestal berth flanked by two small settees. There are two hanging lockers and five drawers under the bed. The owner’s cabin also has private access to the forward head.

catalina 42 sailboat review

The salon and galley are both spacious and provide ample storage in lockers and shelves. The galley highlights 10 cabinets, a top and side loading icebox, and an almost 360-degree countertop with the collapsable counter extension.

The aft cabin only spans half of the boat but features a fair double-sized bed, hanging locker, and shelf space.

On the port side, just beyond the galley, there is mechanical access and plenty of utility space for additional gear, tools, washing machine, or portable freezer (such as the Engel or Dometic , Amazon paid link ).

Four Versions of the Catalina 42 mkii - is this sailboat good for living aboard?

Pros and Cons of the Catalina 42

We’re thinking of the boat in terms of a long-term cruise and with the option to sail open oceans for weeks at a time. Yes, we know she’s designed for coastal cruising, but on the chance, we’d want to cross the Atlantic on trade winds…would she be up to the task?

We do know plenty of Catalina 42 sailboats all around the world. So that’s a good sign.

Here’s a list of our pros and cons for this sailboat.

This Boat in Our Journey

We seem to be gravitating toward Catalina Yachts in our search for the right sailboat. Probably because they have the comfort features and build quality that matches our needs within our budget.

Other mass-produced, affordable sailboats seem to either focus on comfort at the dock or speed for weekend races. Those are certainly nice features, but our journey is about freedom and not so much bay cruising or racing.

The Catalina 42 matches many of our needs, and may be the boat for us. However, we feel the following drawbacks are keeping us from immediately saying this is the one:

  • Aft cockpit feels a little tight for long-term living.
  • Capsize screening is a little too high for us (we’re inexperienced sailor, so we need more forgiveness from a boat).

Catalina 42 vs Catalina 42 mkii

Frank Butler, the founder of Catalina Yachts, used the philosophy: as much boat as possible for the money. Both the Catalina 42, and mark 2 version fit this mantra. But what’s the difference?

First off, the Catalina 42 is the first version, the mark 1. The first version of the Catalina 42 were hulls 1-477, which finished production in 1995. The Catalina 42 Mark 2 took immediate production in 1995 all the way through the end of its production and was replaced in 2016 by the Catalina 425.

The Catalina 42 mkii introduced a few key differences from the Catalina 42:

  • Rounded Stern
  • Larger swim platform and storage on transom
  • Yanmar Engine instead of Universal
  • New Rudder Design
  • Option of a two-stateroom layout
  • Extra cockpit stowage
  • Wing-keel became more common
  • Interior layout options

Catalina 42 Design Philosophy “The Catalina 42 is a rather simple, sturdy boat. What you get is good quality, because the structure is there. If you want to make it more elaborate, you can take it as far as you want to go…We followed in the footsteps of the designs for the 36- and 38-footers, which were very successful, then stretched this two feet to allow room for the swim platform.” – Gerry Douglas, Chief Design Engineer

What Do You Think About This Sailboat?

As always, if you’ve read this far, thanks so much! I’d love to hear your thoughts or questions about this sailboat.

Leave a comment below.

And if you have a friend who may be interested in following our journey, please use the buttons below to share with them!

5 responses to “Catalina 42 Mkii – Boat Review and Video Tour”

Such a nice boat!

It is a great boat, and one of our favorites so far with just enough space. Thanks for leaving a comment!

This boat looks so much bigger than the others you’ve looked at. Good luck in shopping!

Thanks, Kate. As I type this, we’re still shopping…and selling, but the sale is a story for an upcoming episode. I appreciate you leaving a comment here!

[…] example, the Catalina 400 and the Catalina 42 are both shorter boats overall, but they are wider and made better use of the space…at least […]

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catalina 42 sailboat review

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catalina 42 sailboat review

CATALINA 42: A Modern Classic

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The Catalina 42 was introduced in 1989 and was one of the first mass-produced American boats to feature both a sugar-scoop transom with a swim platform and a three-stateroom layout with two aft cabins under the cockpit. It was very much a response to similar boats that first appeared in Europe in the mid-1980s, but unlike its contemporaries it stayed in production for over 20 years. Over 1,000 were built, making it one of the most successful cruising sailboats of its size ever created.

Boats like this have long dominated the mass-production market, but what distinguishes the Catalina 42 from more modern boats is its moderation. Where many contemporary mass-production boats now have rather exaggerated shapes to maximize interior volume, the Catalina 42 has a much more balanced form. Its bow is well raked and has a clean entry, but its waterline is not too short. Its beam is carried well aft, but not excessively so, and tapers quite a bit at the transom, so the boat does not gripe too much sailing hard to windward. Freeboard is not too high, the coachroof lines are crisp, and the boat has very clean, handsome profile.

Performance under sail is crisp but amiable. The Catalina 42’s original hull was based on an old Nelson Merek racing design, and the boat is just fast enough and closewinded enough to win club races if appropriately handicapped (a PHRF rating of 105 is typical. It is relatively stiff–-it normally doesn’t heel much past 15 degrees–and can be pressed hard if you like. Loafing along in cruising mode, the boat trims out quite nicely and doesn’t need a lot of fiddling to keep moving well. During a month I once spent skippering a Catalina 42 in the West Indies in moderate tradewind conditions, I found I didn’t have to work hard to keep the boat sailing around 7 knots.

Many Catalina 42 owners have raced their boats hard. Here’s one sprinting round the buoys in Sydney Harbor

There were two keels available–a shoal-draft (4’10”) wing keel and a deeper (6’8″) straight fin keel–and the deeper one, of course, helps the boat point and track better. There are also two different rudders, both installed behind shallow partial skegs. On earlier Mark I boats (477 were built between 1989 and 1995) the rudder is rather short, and on the later Mark II boats it was replaced with a deeper, more elliptical foil that improves handling. On some Mark I boats the deeper rudder has been retrofitted.

Aside from the rudder, the only real difference between the two versions of the boat is that the Mark II has a rounder transom and more cockpit storage, plus a fixed, rather than collapsible, cockpit table. Otherwise, the cockpit on both boats is quite roomy and comfortable with 6’8″ long seats that are great for stretching out on. The one drawback to the large cockpit is that the mid-boom mainsheet is led to the coachroof and cannot be reached by the helmsman. Without an effective autopilot, it is therefore not easy to singlehand this boat, though it is quite easy to sail doublehanded.

Example of a cockpit on a more recent Catalina 42

The Catalina 42 was very much a mass-produced boat and was constructed accordingly. The hulls are solid hand-laid fiberglass and though there have been some reports of blisters, both before and after Catalina started applying vinylester barrier coats in 1995, most blistered hulls were repaired at Catalina’s expense. The hull is stiffened with a large molded fiberglass liner/pan that incorporates furniture foundations as well as the cabin sole. The liner, as on many mass-produced boats, does limit interior access to the hull. Also some storage compartments are not segregated from the space behind the liner, so gear can get lost back there if you’re not careful.

The deck is balsa-cored with plywood substituted in places where deck hardware is installed; the deck joint is of the shoebox type, bonded with adhesive sealant and through-bolted with stainless-steel fasteners on 8-inch centers. Quality overall is good compared to most other mass-produced boats. Though it was designed primarily for coastal cruising, several Catalina 42s have been used for bluewater cruising in tropical and middle latitudes. On many of these bluewater boats, aside from the usual systems upgrades, the only significant modifications have been the addition of extra fuel tanks and handholds below.

There are three different accommodations plans. The original three-stateroom layout, the only one installed in the first 238 hulls, can comfortably sleep three couples (or a couple and a large bunch of kids who don’t mind sharing double berths) for a reasonably long period of time. During my month-long West Indian cruise I shared this layout with five other people. We were a bit pressed for storage space, but we were definitely happy campers. Bulkier, more modern three-stateroom boats in this size range may offer the illusion of more space, but in practice it usually doesn’t amount to anything terribly useful.

The saloon looking forward on a three-cabin boat

Port aft cabin on a three-cabin boat

There are also two two-stateroom plans, one with a Pullman double berth forward (as in the three-stateroom layout), the other with a centerline island double. To my mind, the Pullman layout is superior. It affords more storage space and a larger forward head with a separate shower stall, plus the berth itself is a bit farther aft and can be fit more easily with a leecloth, thus is more likely to be habitable in a seaway. The biggest advantage of the two-stateroom layout, regardless of which forward stateroom you prefer, is the super-sized galley aft with a cavernous pantry space that is great for systems installations and serious gear storage.

The saloon looking forward on a two-cabin boat

Pullman berth in the forward cabin

Gerry Douglas, Catalina’s inhouse design maven, considers the Catalina 42 one of his better efforts, and I’m inclined to agree with him. It is one of the best cruising sailboats of its type ever produced in North America and represents an excellent value. The youngest examples compare well to current models and sell at a premium. Older examples are very attractively priced and make great project boats, both because the 42 offers a reasonably sound foundation on which to build and because Catalina, unlike many builders, works hard to support owners of older boats.

Specifications

LOA 41’10”

LWL 36’0″

Beam 13’10”

–Shoal wing keel 4’10”

–Deep fin keel 6’8″

Ballast (both keels) 8,300 lbs.

Displacement 22,500 lbs.

Sail area (100% foretriangle) 797 sq.ft.

Fuel 46 gal. Water

–3-cabin layout 131 gal.

–2 cabin layouts 111 gal.

D/L ratio 215

SA/D ratio 15.97

Comfort ratio 27.65

Capsize screening 1.95

Nominal hull speed 9.3 knots

Typical asking prices $85K – $230K

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How functional is the Navigation station ? I am planning to use the vessel to teach an introduction to Near Coastal Cruising.

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Catalina 42 reviews, specs and more … (MKI & MKII)

catalina 42 sailboat review

______________________________________________________________ Catalina 42 By Jack Hornor

Revised by BoatUS editors in October 2012

READ REVIEW

______________________________________________________________

Catalina 42

Perry design review: catalina 42.

Comfort, performance and affordability a winning combination

Boats & Gear

Catalina 42: a modern classic.

READ REVIEW ______________________________________________________________

Technical Specifications

READ REVIEW ______________________________________________________________ Trade A Boat CATALINA 42

By: Steve Raea

Date: 20.02.2008

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Catalina 42 for Blue Water?

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My wife and I are looking at a 1995 Catalina 42'', thinking of buying it, putting it in charter for about 2 years while we finish padding our cruising kitty here in Idaho, and then head out. We look to be the type of cruisers whose schedules are strictly decided by weather, not time. We look to circumnavigate and have been told by some that the Catalina 42 would do just fine, not ideal, but fine. Others have said that the Catalina would not do the job at all. They talk about the boat flexing in heavier weather and not being as stiff as some. We have heard that most cruisers spend about 10% of the time sailing and about 90% of time at anchor or in a slip. Looking for opinions. We like what the Catalina has to offer for living space, and have been impressed with other Catalinas that we have owned and been on before. Thanks for any input. Brad  

Jeff_H

Sailing around the world places the kinds of wear and tear on a boat that is the equivilent of decades of normal coastal cruising. The conditions can be very harsh, repair facilities are often widely spaced, and the boats are always heavily loaded placing higher stresses on the boat. A circumnavigation can pretty much wear out a purpose built boat. Putting a boat into charter can be very tough as well. The boats are used hard by people who are not familiar with that model. Charter boats are out on the water several times the number of hours that a normal cruiser might experience in a year. The Carribean is very hard on a boat and its gear. Charter company maintenance is notoriously underwhelming.Most of the boats that I have been involved with that have been in charter come out really trashed and to one degree or another in need of major restoration. Of the big three, solely in my opinion, Catalina has generally struck me as the poorest engineered of the three (although Hunter''s current rolled out hull to deck joint does nothing to warm my heart.) One of the big issues with most of the higher production boats is getting access to the hull and underdeck for repairs and to maintain systems. In a boat that you intend to sail around the world, instant access becomes even more critical. So you are talking about taking an already abused and used hard production cruiser and going around the world. If you were very lucky you might make it but I would never suggest that it is a reasonable way to go. There are a lot of really good distance cruisers out there that are a lot less expensive than the well over $200K that it would take to buy and prepare a Cat 42 for distance voyaging. Respectfully Jeff  

There was a review of that boat in a recent Practical Sailor. Good boat, but maybe a little light for world cruising. It''s true that you spend far more time at anchor while cruising, but that dosen''t mean a giant, easy to fill cockpit or a rudder made for speed will make you confident when the going is snotty - and it will occaisonally be snotty. Think strong and simple.  

Brad, I''d like to echo Jeff''s observations except that I''m a little (that''s "a little") less worried about the charter side of your plan and a lot more concerned about the blue water/extended offshore sailing side. A circumnavigation puts wear on a boat that isn''t just ''decades of coastal cruising'' but is uniquely and extraordinarily harsh in its own right. As just one example (and there are others), which route are you planning for your circle: Red Sea or Cape of Good Hope? Either choice will present something well beyond coastal cruising, for an extended period, and that''s after a 3,000 mile rumble in tough tho'' fair winds across the Indian Ocean. OTOH I''ve been especially impressed - perhaps ''amazed'' is a better word - with the Copeland''s experience sailing their (early 90''s, I believe) Beneteau. They''ve circled, done a subsequent circle around N/Central America W to E, and then put the boat thru a real bashing by sailing her too early in the season across the N Atlantic to the Med. Yet the boat has handled all this well, not that Liza nor her sailing/racing husband are slouches at knowing when to push the boat and when to protect her. This doesn''t mean I think buying a Beneteau is a grand idea, but to me this is evidence that shopping by brand name alone can be misleading, whether one is ''pro'' or ''con'' WRT a given brand. Another wrinkle is the spotty quality of these production boats. I personally know of one Catalina (a 40, as I recall) where the rudder could not be turned under certain points of sail. The cause was that the hull flexed so extremely (we''re talking in Charleston Harbor''s open bay) that it fouled the quadrant. The boat was toast, and was quietly recalled by the factory (to be ''fixed'' and then resold, of course). How you reconcile your desire for long-term structural health with the history of these boats - no survey is perfect, nor does it offer a guarantee - I don''t know. (Just to be fair, I''ll add that a Hinckley 60 we came to be quite familiar with in the Caribbean had a massive hull failure when only a few years old, again due to shoddy build practices on a cored hull). One suggestion: review the recommended characteristics discussed in John Neal''s website, along with the many boat brands on which he comments. John is about to complete 400,000 ocean sailing miles; his experience is unique and he''s a fair, thoughtful fellow. And then shop by basic build & design characteristics rather than first by brand; this is harder but gets you closer to your goal. You''ll find his site at www.mahina.com. Jack  

Benetau is a fine boat with good and bad points as is any other boat. there are many Catalina 42's that have circumnavigated so they would not be the first. I am a fan of Catalina great boat as is Benetau,Jenau,Morgan and many others I would not say that Hunter is bad just not my cup of tea. having sailed all of these boats I can't say that I fint a problem with the 42 MKII I would take it in blue water with some modifications (more fuel and so on). But if one is serious about blue water you might want to look into something more in the line of Island Packet or pacific seacraft, there are plenty true blue water boats made with this in mind. Choose what works for you and understand that comfort at dock and comfort at sea are two diferent things and saftey comes first. I would look at as many boats as I could learn exactly where I plan to cross what is my experiance and budget are. Don't choose a boat from what anyone says (me included) it is just an opinion see what other people are actualy circumnavigating in knowledge in this case is your best friend! I have sailed Benetau, Jenau, Hunter, Irwin, Catalina, Santana, Morgan, Cal, Newport, C&C, Tartan just to name a few and all are good for what they were made for some better than other some just ok. I realy like the I.P's and Tartans as well as Dephi these are some good over built boats. what you realy want to look at is constuction and hull design, Keel type, rigging how much fuel does she carry? this is real important you will need it in bad weather and in duldrums. How much you are willing to spend on setting it up for offshore all this is important for a good safe cruise. happy hunting and best wishes.  

paulk

In a word, no. Taking a Catalina 42 on a rtw trip is somewhat akin to plowing for 2000 acres of potatoes (you're from Idaho, right?) with a Cadet Cub tractor. You may be able to get the job done, (others referred to above apparently have) but it will likely kill the tractor and may not be as enjoyable as using a tractor that was better suited to the task (a Massey/Ferguson 7400 comes to mind...) Books could help you learn more about what to expect and what your boat will need to do. Beth Leonard and Steve Dashew each have written books about extensive cruising and preparing for it. They would be worth reading before you make a 42' mistake.  

Sabreman

IMHO and bluntly, find another boat. My father owed 3 Catalinas in the 70's and I worked for two dealers. I think that they're great coastal boats, but a s friend who is a very experienced boat carpenter, delivery captain, and licensed captain said, "I wouldn't sail around the world in one". Ene though it's true that boats spend most of their time tied to a dock (99%??), it's that last 1% that could get you and your crew killed. I wouldn't climb Mt. everest in WalMart boots, nor would I take my chances at sea with a coastal boat. I've seen deep water, having about 17000 offshore miles. This is serous business.  

Five year old thread. They probably gave up the dream and bought the Massey Ferguson tractor.  

blt2ski

Last post by Brad was in feb 07, from some others, it appears like he may have bought a Cal 2-46. So anyway, off to the boat race! marty  

ebs001

I have come to the conclusion that without spending a small fortune (or large) that it is not possible to find a blue water boat that it is a good liveaboard boat. You have to make the decision which way you want to go and buy accordingly. Catalina make boats for the costal cruising market with easy access to shore support. Plenty of volume but lacking in storage space both wet and dry. 50 gallons of fuel is not going to get you very far but that walk around queen sure is nice at anchor. Don't be fooled by that 90%/10% statistic - when your at sea it's 0%/100%. That's a coastal cruising statistic.  

Having read the string bashing the Catalina 42 it seems to me most comments are based on bias and not first hand knowledge and experience with the boat. I own hull 615, 1997 MKII, which I believe to be a good solid boat, certainly not perfect. The one weakness, that I believe needs to be strengthened is the rudder post; gusset plates port & starboard against the post is recommended. The chain plates and tie in ins are plenty rugged, the deck is through bolted every 4 inches. Anyway, my boat and another MKII, Common Sense, just crossed the north Atlantic, the hard way, from west to east as part of ARC Europe 2012. we spent 4 days in a gale (winds 35+ waves 20+) and experienced a knock down, thank god we were below deck during knockdown, and the boat came through fine with only gel coat cracks on the leeward side which had been pounded into the sea by a rogue wave. the knockdown destroyed the dodger. Fours years pr ior I was in a storm off Long Island in 45 to 55 kt winds for 26 hrs; a Swan 44 that was 20 miles east of me was demasted. so say what you will about the Catalina 42 MKII, I think it is a fine boat; I prefer the MKII because. The hull is vinyl resin which is much stronger than polyester and does not have moisture adsorption issues. One real issue, is the lack of handholds inside; the interior layout is a bit too open for days at sea. Regarding fuel capacity (40gal), I carried 30 in cans on the transom and 20 more along the forward lifelines - it was not an issue.  

chall03

Great information from someone in the know. Thanks and welcome to Sailnet! It is worth noting however that this discussion dates back 10 years, however there is another general discussion taking place now in the following thread about Catalina's being suitable for 'bluewater'. http://www.sailnet.com/forums/general-discussion-sailing-related/88448-she-bluewater-interesting-story-help-these-questions.html It would be great to get your take on that discussion as well. How was the ARC???? My wife and I last night were on the ARC website talking about how it is something we would love to do one day. Possibly as our first ocean crossing, it seems like it would be a great experience.  

I realize the original query about whether a Catalina 42 is adequate for blue water is nearly 10 years old, though I imagine the debate continues. I have owned hull number 615 a 42 Mk II for 5 years and lived on her for nearly two of those years. She is a wonderful boat. The boat is very well built contrary to what others on this string may think. I have pounded through 26 hrs of 8 to 12 waves (3 second period between them) off Long Island while a Swan 44 20 miles behind me was demisted and sank (Oct 2008). I recently crossed the north Atlantic with another 42 Mk II in the ARC Europe group. And about 200 nm west of the Azores took a knock down from a rogue wave. No damage to the rigging, though the dodger was smashed, the rub rail pulled loose and some cabinetry below deck loosened. That story is briefly recounted in Sail Sept 2012. A Solid boat. What does she need ? - more hand hold below deck, more fuel capacity (I carried 55 extra gallons on the sugar scoop stern and foredeck). The rudder post should be reinforced - that is the single weakness I can see with this boat.  

OK, I know. Late to the party. But I have a question for you all that is close to this topic. I just want to coastal sail. From Martha's Vineyard to the Keys. I will do just coastal. I heard someone say Island Packet. I have looked into them. Great boats but I need to find one with a good price if I go there. I am looking at something 34 to 40 feet.  

night0wl

If you're withing range of a 3-5 day weather forecast, near any coastal cruising boat could do that kind of journey. For the sake of comfort of crew, I'd probably do it in a 35' boat or bigger, but many many smaller boats have done it. Just make sure that the rig (mast, shrouds, stays, chainplates, deck, load bearing bulkheads, mast base step, etc), systems (engine, fuel, plumbing, steering, anchoring) are in good condition. One thing I'd pay attention to is backup steering...since these modern coastal cruisers have very exposed rudders. My coastal cruiser came with a backup tiller in case the wheel goes bad, but not if the rudder goes. Still need to research that!  

Thanks night0wl. Those are good suggestions. I think a good survey would let me know those issues.  

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YM's Review of Catalina 42

  • Thread starter dulcibella
  • Start date 10 Feb 2005
  • 10 Feb 2005

dulcibella

Active member

YM\'s Review of Catalina 42 The YM review (March 2005) of the Catalina 42 Mk 2 expresses the opinion that this boat "should prove a sound and reliable coastal and offshore cruiser". On the same page of the review, the stability curve shows an AVS of 105 degrees and the length/beam ration (2.55) sounds more suitable for a sauceboat than a sailboat. Couldn't it be considered a teeny bit irresponsible not to raise any questions about stability in the entire review? Perhaps the reviewers mean that it should prove a sound and reliable coastal and offshore cruiser provided there aren't any big waves about?  

ColdFusion

Re: YM\'s Review of Catalina 42 [ QUOTE ] Couldn't it be considered a teeny bit irresponsible not to raise any questions about stability in the entire review? [/ QUOTE ] The answer has to be a categorical 'yes'. See here for a discussion on the Scuttlebutt forum for further info.  

Colvic Watson

Colvic Watson

Well-known member.

Re: YM\'s Review of Catalina 42 It's funny how every review of a new Yacht ends with something like "well, I personally wouldn't have put the pan hooks quite so close to the tea towel hooks; but overall she's a safe, fast, comfotable yacht which will suit the family or singlehander alike". But then how 'independent' is any boat review going to be when you are being paid several thousand pounds a month in advertising revenue by the company whose product you are reviewing?  

Re: It\'s the reviewers opinion. We all know that what you feel and what the numbers say isn't always the same thing. JJ has sailed a few boats in his day and probably trusts his instincts. Is it a tippy thing like the numbers say or a reassuring old warhorse like the reviewer and sales indicate. The real answer is likely to be both or neither or somewhere in between.  

jimi

Re: It\'s the reviewers opinion. In these reviews there's usually a few subtle phrases which bring out the the "real" opinion. It is a shame they cannot be more overt .. the word "coastal" sprung out at me in this review??  

Birdseye

Re: YM\'s Review of Catalina 42 Independant reviews have to be a bit more subtle these days particularly with US companies whose attitude to the law is perhaps more aggressive than we are used to. But I am not so cynical as to believe that you will be told a bad boat is good just for the sake of a bit of advertising revenue. Apart from the personal ethics issue (and most people are honest in my experience) advertisers only pay money to mags who sell, and misled punters arent going to buy. So the mags first loyalty has to be to us rather than the advertisersIMHO. As a potential customer for the OVNI and also with a tech background, I have puzzled long and hard over the AVS issue. I am still not sure I have a real handle on it, but there are some obvious points to make. The first is that the large majority of ocean going vessels have an AVS below 90 deg namely the big commercial ships. It has also been said that modern broad beamed cats have survived conditions that laid low their mono equivalent, so clearly there is more to the issue than simply the AVS. Weight and size are obvious issues - if energy transfer from a breaking wave is the basic mechanism of capsize, then the more energy required to rotate the boat (ie area under the curve) in relation to the size of the boat the better. And the less the grip on the water, the better. And somewhere in there must be the roll frequency of the boat in relation to the wave frequency. A research project done for the USCG showed that all monos could be capsized if broadside on to a reasonable (I think it was wave height = boat beam) breaking wave and that in extremis, the only good strategy was a drogue from the stern. Google USCG and you should fuind the report. But perhaps more to the point we need to be realistic about the conditions we are out in. Most new boats are family boats chosen in part with a wifely eye to the accomodation. And their use is in sheltered coastal waters, not the Southern Ocean. Whats more, we have good weather forecasts available, and lots of ports of refuge. So why do we need to sail in the modern equivalent of a Contessa, with not enough room to swing a cat, an alarming inclination to roll downwind, and poor accomodation. Arent we doing the marine equivalent of buying a Chelsea tractor?  

Re: YM\'s Review of Catalina 42 I don't think that they would deliberately give a bad boat a good review. But the pressure to be positive is amplified by the company whose products you are reviewing being your paymaster! I agree about the Contessa argument - boat design has moved on and you get vastly more volume for your linear foot than you used to. Jeremy Clarkson is very unsentimental about old MGB's, we think they have character (I had one and I thought so), he also says they were crap designs mechanically (I had one and I thought so as well!). Having said that, something has been lost in the development of the AWB. In between the AWB and the 40 year old narrow beamed long keel design has to be room for individuality. But I suspect that with the almost complete death of the British sailboat industry, we will see the AWB follow the Dell computer model of products becoming commodities with nothing to strive for but reduced build costs and the 'innovative' being confined to small production run niche products  

Re: YM\'s Review of Catalina 42 [ QUOTE ] Arent we doing the marine equivalent of buying a Chelsea tractor? [/ QUOTE ] But did the magazine review say that it was fit for purpose as a Chelsea tractor or did it paint an altogether different picture?  

  • 11 Feb 2005

Re: YM\'s Review of Catalina 42 I take JJ' side on this. The design has a 40% ballast ratio and a 6ft keel, this should put it ahead of most AWBs in terms of offshore handling. The hull also has a pleasant shape although the wide beam might explain the high inverted stability. The low AVS does not make sense and in another thread JJ said he is asking for clarification from the designers. The review is interesting for another reason, I think someone was slipping happy pills into JJ's porridge. I particularly liked the following extract "the sails turned gold by the evening sun. The dark mud banks lining the creek were speckled white with wading birds".  

Re: YM\'s Review of Catalina 42 Delivered a Catalina 42 down to Gibraltar a few years ago. Didn't feel tender, bit like a Westerly in build quality. this boat had a big fully battened main (in boom furling) & sailed extremely well. Took heavy weather ok & cockpit remained dry (although I was concerned by the size of this & how shallow it was)- I made it madatory for the first washboard to be fitted whenever at sea, to prevent any possible water slopping down companionway. Main problem according the the Hamble Agent (who seems to have vanished), was that the build quality made them too expensive compared with the Austrian Navy AWB.'s, even considering £/$.  

Re: YM\'s Review of Catalina 42 Nice range of views. Perhaps I should have made my question a bit more precise - I was thinking about ability to right after a knockdown/rollover rather than "stability", which may well be high for the Catalina because of its extremely broad beam. I hope that JJ will come back with what he gets from the designers.  

Re: YM\'s Review of Catalina 42 One other issue you should bear in mind when looking at AVS. Once the boat gets to 90deg or even less, stability is being heavily influenced by the volume of the topsides. So a flush deck low topsides boat will have a worse AVS (all other things being equal) than a high topsides boat with (say) a deck saloong. Which do you think would truly be more seaworthy? And this will undoubtedly be one factor in the Catalina figs if they are indeed correct. Incidentally, AVS is measured by inclining a boat with weight by one degree to establish the c of g and them calculating the rest of the curve using a yacht design program. Short of guessing, its difficult to imagine a method with more potential for error. How accurately can you measure one degree inclination? What about loads shifting as you roll? What about loads at all? What about changes in profile lengthwise (ie a boat wont roll parallel to the ground anyway)? And what about things like bagged sails, radar reflector, scanners etc all of which will add up. I would happily take the figure as a guide, but I wouldnt attach any importance to the difference between 110 and 120 - not without a naval architect giving me chapter and verse as to why the numbers are precise and my gut feeling is wrong.  

  • 12 Feb 2005

Re: YM\'s Review of Catalina 42 More importantly, may not recover at all if any hatches open, particularly companionway. Unless conditions are severe, how many boats are ever completly battened down? Fore/Saloon hatches are usually ok, but would your companionway hatch even if closed, survive a roll over? How secure are the pretty B&Q deadbolts fitted by the builders/previous owner? Are washboards properly lashed in? The Titanic probably had some great statistics, but---  

birdseye said: .. As a potential customer for the OVNI and also with a tech background, I have puzzled long and hard over the AVS issue. I am still not sure I have a real handle on it, but there are some obvious points to make. The first is that the large majority of ocean going vessels have an AVS below 90 deg namely the big commercial ships. It has also been said that modern broad beamed cats have survived conditions that laid low their mono equivalent, so clearly there is more to the issue than simply the AVS. Weight and size are obvious issues - if energy transfer from a breaking wave is the basic mechanism of capsize, then the more energy required to rotate the boat (ie area under the curve) in relation to the size of the boat the better. And the less the grip on the water, the better. And somewhere in there must be the roll frequency of the boat in relation to the wave frequency. A research project done for the USCG showed that all monos could be capsized if broadside on to a reasonable (I think it was wave height = boat beam) breaking wave and that in extremis, the only good strategy was a drogue from the stern. Google USCG and you should fuind the report. .. Click to expand...
Polux said: Yes I agree, also in what regards stability and not only on motor ships, traditional sailing ships also have an AVS a lot less than 90º and that 's why some were lost recently. You cannot sail them like modern yacht, more like cats. They are ships and have a huge stability (due to weight) and therefore sailed with care (the sail ships) are probably not knocked down on practically no circumstance and when knocked-ed down they sink. Click to expand...

pvb

Did it take you 10 years to think that reply up?  

johnalison

I regard the reviews as part of the entertainment section of YM and pay little heed to the personal comments except when they refer to matters of obvious fact. What I do take note of are the figures relating to the hull, along with such items as bunkerage, batteries and sail handling equipment. Over the years, I have found that I can readily choose a suitable boat for me just by walking round one on land and a quick tour.  

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Catalina 42 MK II

Catalina 42 MK II is a 41 ′ 10 ″ / 12.8 m monohull sailboat designed by Gerry Douglas and built by Catalina Yachts starting in 1995.

Drawing of Catalina 42 MK II

  • 2 / 20 Miami, FL, US 1996 Catalina 42 MK II $99,900 USD View
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  • 20 / 20 Miami, FL, US 1996 Catalina 42 MK II $99,900 USD View

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

  • SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
  • D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

  • D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
  • LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

  • D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
  • LOA: Length overall in feet
  • Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

Shallow draft wing keel version: 4.92’/1.5m It is thought that more than 1000 CATALINA 42’s (including the MKII) have been built making it one of the most popular sailboats in this size range ever!

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Common Issues With Catalina Yacht Sailboats

Common Issues With Catalina Yacht Sailboats | Life of Sailing

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

August 30, 2022

Catalina sailboats have always been known for durability and quality, but they have some common issues to look out for.

Catalina sailboats, especially older vessels, commonly suffer from deck core failure, mast boot compression fatigue, keel separation, chain plate attachment failure, and fiberglass delamination issues.

In this article, we'll cover six of the most common problems unique to Catalina sailboats. Additionally, we'll show you how to spot these issues, along with a general idea of the time and effort required to repair them.

We sourced the information in this article from Catalina sailboat owners and sources familiar with repairing these vessels.

Table of contents

‍ Do Brand New Catalina Sailboats Have Any Problems?

Generally no, brand new Catalina Yachts are extremely high-quality and have virtually no common issues down the line. These sailboats are manufactured using the highest-quality materials that are economical.

And thanks to modern manufacturing techniques, even the best materials are now affordable for standard sailboats. Catalina yachts are high-end sailboats today and cost upwards of $200,000 in many cases. Thus, you can expect top-quality reliability and design.

Do Older Catalina Sailboats Have Any Problems?

Used Catalina sailboats are a different story. These boats were produced and sold at a much lower price point and with more 'standard' quality materials. For example, veneer was used instead of wood in some applications and whatnot.

However, they're still great boats—some of the best on the used market. Catalina yachts are affordable, especially the models built en masse in the 1970s and 1980s.

Most Common Problems with Catalina Sailboats

Catalina sailboats are some of the most numerous ever produced. These boats were built during a time when fiberglass boat building was fairly well established, but we didn't have as many quality materials to choose from.

It has been over 50 years since the first Catalina yachts rolled off the production line, and we've learned a lot since then. Additionally, despite their high quality, there are some common issues with these boats that warrant some inspection by owners and prospective buyers.

Here are some of the issues we look out for, along with how to spot them on used Catalina yachts.

1. Broken Mast Stays

Standing rigging is extremely important on Bermuda-rigged sloops, especially fiberglass vessels with aluminum masts. Unlike solid-masted vessels, like gaff-rigged catboats, virtually all Catalina sailboats rely on stainless steel stay cables to keep their masts up.

It's common on older Catalina sailboats for stays to be corroded or improperly tightened. This is bad news, as it often leads to complete stay failure and subsequent mast collapse. You should always inspect your standing rigging on an old fiberglass sailboat and replace it promptly if it stretches or shows signs of corrosion.

2. Deck Failure from Water Ingress

Old Catalina sailboats are notorious for deck failures, and they're pretty easy to spot once the degradation becomes advanced. Deck failure on Catalina sailboats is usually caused when water or rot makes its way into the organic deck core material and rots it away.

Remember, the decks of fiberglass boats are usually made from a combination of wood, foam, particleboard, and fiberglass for strength and water tightness.

When the outer layer deteriorates or cracks, water can get inside and turn the structural support below into worthless goo. Then it's only a matter of time before someone's boot makes a hole in the deck, which was once safe to walk on.

Usually, small soft spots in the deck of a Catalina sailboat can be repaired with relative ease, though it will require you to cut out and remove the affected area. It becomes a bigger issue when the rot affects a more vital area of the boat, such as a structural support beam.

You can find weak spots in the deck by looking for play in the deck surface. Usually, a weak spot will feel spongy or buckle under your weight. If you're walking around on the deck (on a surface that's supposed to be stepped on) and the deck moves from your weight, it's a bad sign.

3. Mast Compression Fatigue

Catalina masts are usually fastened to a strengthened point on the deck. If you follow the mast below decks, you'll notice a wooden beam (usually part of the woodwork between compartments) which leads to a solid mast step below the deck.

Catalina masts are held down by the stays with tremendous pressure, as hollow aluminum masts can be pushed hard but not bent. This transfers a heavy load through the support beam in the cabin and into the block in the floor. Over time, this pressure can deform or crack the compression post block.

This phenomenon is called compression fatigue, and it's pretty easy to spot. You probably won't have any indication of compression fatigue from the above decks unless the deck below the mast begins to sag noticeably. By that point, you've got bigger problems to deal with, and the vessel will need extensive repairs.

You can spot compression fatigue in a few ways. First, severe fatigue will usually be visible from the deck itself in the form of a sunken mast mount or cracks around the surface. Inside, any deformation or cracking in the ceiling around the compression post is cause for concern.

Finally, you can look below the floor at the mast block and look for cracks or deformation. A healthy mast block will have nice, even lines and an asymmetrical appearance. Most importantly, the top will be flat, and the fiberglass around the top of the post will be straight and free of cracks.

4. Keel and Hull Separation—The "Catalina Smile"

One of the most notorious failures on older Catalina sailboats is the separation of the keel and hull. Catalina sailboats are designed with a joint that connects the hull and the keel section of the vessel, and this area is known to fail from running aground or just from aging.

In fact, this form of separation is so common that there's a name for it. Sailors call it "the Catalina Smile," and it refers to the smile-shaped separation that occurs on the leading edge of the keel. This is an issue that anyone buying a 30+-year-old Catalina should definitely look for.

So what happens? This is due to the way the keel mounts to the boat. Catalina sailboats usually use heavy lead keels that are bolted to the bottom of the hull. These keels separate due to stretched fiberglass, impact, and loosened bolts.

It also happens when, over time, the seal between the keel and the hull fails and water corrodes the bolts. This problem isn't unique to Catalina sailboats—it can happen on any fin keelboat. It's common because the company was an early and widespread adopter of the fin keel design.

So can it be fixed, and is the Catalina Smile a fatal flaw? It depends entirely on the extent of the damage and when it occurs. If corroded bolts cause the keel to loosen, it can swing from side to side and crack the hull. There are a few cases of boats sinking this way.

But if it's not too severe, then you can have a competent boatyard repair it for a reasonable price. Additionally, you don't have to repair all cases of the Catalina Smile immediately, as minor cases require attention but aren't an immediate threat to the boat.

5. Chain Plate and Chain Plate Attachment Failure

Chainplates and chain plate attachments occasionally fail on Catalina sailboats, especially if they've been allowed to corrode. Another common cause of chain plate failure is the use of dissimilar or weak metals for replacement parts.

Some of these sailboats are over 50 years old. There have likely been many owners, and some may have improperly replaced chain plate attachments over the years.

Some use hardware store parts to replace high-strength and corrosion-resistant rigging components, which can break under pressure or cause irreversible galvanic corrosion when exposed to saltwater.

Luckily, this isn't the end of the world on used Catalina sailboats. Assuming the chainplate hasn't deformed the hull or torn out, you can replace all the potentially dangerous parts and bolts for a reasonable cost.

Failure most often occurs around chainplates when sails are deployed or when rigging is tightened. Replace all corroded or questionable parts before tightening rigging, and especially after you upgrade your standing rigging.

6. Fiberglass Delamination

Fiberglass delamination is a common issue on earlier fiberglass boats, especially those produced by Catalina in the 1960s and 1970s. Fiberglass delamination happens due to exposure to sunlight, abrasion, and water ingress, and it can happen almost anywhere on the boat.

Delamination occurs when one (or several) layers of fiberglass cloth become unglued from the others. Since Catalina sailboats are built with several layers of cloth, the occasional delamination due to age or abuse isn't uncommon—and it usually isn't immediately catastrophic.

Delamination can become an issue if it runs deeper than the first layer. Additionally, de-lamination can allow water to seep into the core and rot out the deck from within—a process that is extraordinarily difficult to stop once it starts.

Luckily, most cases of fiberglass delamination can be repaired with relative ease. Small areas of delamination can be fixed with a simple fiberglass cloth and resin kit from West Marine or by an experienced boatyard for a reasonable cost.

Related Articles

I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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CATALINA 42 Detailed Review

https://images.harbormoor.com/originals/d7779c24-dbd1-431a-8562-130fe1f1fc78

If you are a boat enthusiast looking to get more information on specs, built, make, etc. of different boats, then here is a complete review of CATALINA 42. Built by Catalina Yachts and designed by Nelson Marek, the boat was first built in 1989. It has a hull type of Fin w/spade rudder and LOA is 12.76. Its sail area/displacement ratio 17.09. Its auxiliary power tank, manufactured by Yanmar, runs on Diesel.

CATALINA 42 has retained its value as a result of superior building, a solid reputation, and a devoted owner base. Read on to find out more about CATALINA 42 and decide if it is a fit for your boating needs.

Boat Information

Boat specifications, sail boat calculation, rig and sail specs, auxillary power tank, contributions, who designed the catalina 42.

CATALINA 42 was designed by Nelson Marek.

Who builds CATALINA 42?

CATALINA 42 is built by Catalina Yachts.

When was CATALINA 42 first built?

CATALINA 42 was first built in 1989.

How long is CATALINA 42?

CATALINA 42 is 10.97 m in length.

What is mast height on CATALINA 42?

CATALINA 42 has a mast height of 14.25 m.

Member Boats at HarborMoor

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Catalina 425

  • Catalina 445
  • MAINSHEET MAGAZINE

catalina 42 sailboat review

The Catalina 425 is an all-new design that assumes the position in the Catalina line held by the legendary Catalina 42. Although it is new and contemporary in styling it is designed to endure in function and aesthetics in the Catalina tradition. The 425 incorporates all the valued hallmark Catalina features; a functional spacious cockpit, a comfortable, carefully detailed interior and all the “5 Series” featured that have redefined the Catalina brand.

Virtual tour provided by Sail Place, Inc.

Catalina 425

As American production boatbuilding huddles on the sidelines, the builders of the homegrown, impressive Catalina 425 knock one through the uprights.

Cruising World Magazine

The Catalina 425 is an excellent cruising boat that will carry you just about anywhere in comfort, safety and, yes, speed and style. She’s a worthy winner of a SAIL Best Boats award.

SAIL Magazine

Catalina 425

GENERAL DIMENSIONS

Length Overall: 43′ 6″

Length of Hull: 41′ 8″

Length at Waterline: 39’ 1″

Beam: 13′ 8″

Distance from Waterline to Masthead*: 62′ 11″

(not inclluding lights and antennas)

Draft: 5′ 0″

Ballast: 7,700 lbs

Basic Weight: 19,100 lbs

Draft: 6′ 8″

Ballast: 6,700 lbs

Basic Weight: 18,100 lbs

RIG MEASUREMENTS

100% Foretriangle: 429 ft 2

Main by Measurement: 436 ft 2

Total w/100%: 865 ft 2

Sail Area – Displacement Wing Keel: 19.4

Sail Area – Displacement Fin Keel: 20

Standard Furling Main: 464.5 ft 2

Standard Jib Self Tacking: 398 ft 2

Optional Genoa 110%: 434 ft 2

Optional Genoa 135%: 538.5 ft 2

Optional Genoa 155%: 620 ft 2

Optional UPS Spinnaker: 922 ft 2

Optiona APC Spinnaker: 1223 ft 2

TANKS & CAPACITIES

Water: Forward 50 gal, Starboard 56 gal

Water Heater: 11 gal

Total Water: 117 gal

Sanitary Holding Tank: Fwd. 31 gal, Aft. 23 gal

Total Holding: 54 gal

Fuel: Primary Tank 62 gal, Optional Auxiliary Tank 18 gal

ENGINE & CONTROLS

Yanmar 4JH57CR, 57 mhp @3000RPM

Common Rail, Electronic Diesel

3 Blade Michigan MP3 18×14

1 1/4″ S.S. Shaft

Twin Edson Performance Pedestals with 32″ Stainless Wheels.

Single Lever Engine Controls on Starboard Cockpit Coaming.

WINDLASS & CHAIN

Quick Rider 1000 with 5/16″ Chainwheel Gypsy for 5/16″ High Test Gd 40

or BBB Gd 30 Chain and/or 1/2″ – 5/8″ Rope

Primary – 55ST EVO Lewmar

Cabin Top / Secondary – 45ST EVO Lewmar

All specifications are approximate and subject to change without notice.

Actual equipment also subject to change without notice.

STANDARD EQUIPMENT

Construction.

  • One-Piece Fiberglass Hull with End Grain Balsa Core Sandwich Construction Above the Waterline, and a Vinylester Integral Barrier to Resist Osmosis Blistering
  • One-Piece Fiberglass Deck with End Grain Balsa Core and Molded-In Diamond Pattern Non-Skid Surfaces Finished in Two-Tone White and Grey
  • One-Piece Fiberglass Deck Liner Finished in NonGlare Texture
  • One-Piece Molded Fiberglass Structural Grid
  • One-Piece Molded Fiberglass Hull Liner with Satin Finish
  • Lead Fin Keel with 316 Stainless Steel Attaching Bolts
  • Five Year Gel Coat Blister Protection * ( 2 )
  • Five Year Hull Structure Warranty * ( 3 )

SPARS & RIGGING

  • Furling Mainsail with Vertical Battens
  • Self Tacking Jib, with U.V, Protection, White
  • Complete Standing and Running Rigging, 316 SS
  • Internal Pre-Stretched Dacron Halyards
  • Wiring Conduit with Messenger in Mast
  • Selden In-Mast Mainsail Furling System
  • Selden Anodized Double Spreader Mast and Boom

SAIL HANDLING & EQUIPMENT

  • ( 2 ) Two-Speed Self Tailing Primary Winches
  • ( 2 ) Two-Speed Self Tailing Jib Halyard Winches ST Port/Starboard
  • Double Ended Mainsheet System Led Aft to Helm Position
  • ( 1 ) 10 ” Winch Handle, ball bearing
  • Ball Bearing Mainsheet Traveler with Car Adjuster System led to Portside
  • 11 ’ Genoa Tracks Inboard with Ball Bearing Low Lead Blocks
  • All Halyards led Aft, to Sheet Stoppers
  • Headsail Furling System
  • Selden Boom Vang, Rigid Adjustable Type

PROPULSION, STEERING & CONTROLS

  • Single Lever Engine Controls Mounted on Starboard Side
  • Yanmar ( 4 ) Cylinder Diesel Engine, 57 HP, Fresh Water Cooled with Common Rail Electronic Fuel System
  • Bronze Propeller, Three Blade
  • Sea Water Filter for Engine Cooling
  • Centrally Mounted Electronic Engine Instruments
  • Emergency Tiller Access and Emergency Tiller
  • Dual Station Pedestal Steering with wheel brake
  • Twin 32 ” Destroyer Wheels
  • Bilge Blower and Ventilation System
  • Illuminated Compass in Cockpit Table

DECK HARDWARE

  • Fiberglass Cockpit Table with ( 2 ) Leaves, Foot- brace, Center insulated Compartment, and Handrails
  • Walk Through Stern with Transom Boarding Platform
  • Stern Boarding Ladder. Telescopic Type
  • 27 ” Double Lifelines with Gates Port and Starboard
  • Mooring Cleats, Two Fore and Aft
  • Midship Spring Line Cleats
  • Molded-In Gel Coat Waterline, Midwatch Blue
  • Midwatch Blue and Silver Sheer Stripes
  • Large Double Anchor Rollers on Foredeck with Mounting Point for Code “ 0 ” or Asymmetrical Spinnaker
  • Electric Anchor Windlass with Power Up and Down Handheld remote control
  • Large Divided Anchor Locker for Below Deck Chain and Rode Storage
  • Stainless Steel Handrails on Cabin Top
  • Stern Rails with Observation Seats, Cup Holders, Outboard Bracket and flag staff mount
  • LPG Storage Locker for ( 2 ) 10 lb. alum. Tanks
  • Hot & Cold Shower Mounted In Transom Boarding Area
  • Water-Tight Strike Zone Collision Bulkhead at Bow
  • Multi coat Varnish Finish On Interior Teak and maple
  • Veneer Bulkheads with Solid Teak Trim
  • Cabin Window Shades
  • Navigation Station with Chart Table and 110 and 12 volt outlets & USB port
  • Owner’s Stateroom with Large Double Berth. Cedar lined Hanging Locker, Drawers, and Private Head with vessel sink
  • Teak and Holly Textured High Pressure Laminate Sole
  • Inner Spring Mattresses on Fore and Aft Berths with Custom Fitted Sheets
  • LED Interior Lighting
  • Main Saloon Features Large Dinette, Gloss Finished Dining Table to Port, Seating Starboard with central navigation table
  • Guest Stateroom Aft on Starboard, Features Large Double Berth, Hanging Locker, and ample storage
  • Third Cabin Aft to Port, Convertible to Double Berth, Upper/Lower Berths, or Storage Locker
  • Dedicated Cabinet for easy access to Engine Filters located in Aft Port Cabin
  • Front Loading Refrigeration, D.C. Powered with Freezer Compartment
  • Top Loading Insulated Compartment, Available as a Second Refrigerator or Freezer
  • Polished Double Stainless Steel Sinks
  • Large Storage Cabinets over Galley
  • Large Storage Lockers with Drawers and Bins
  • Gimbaled ( 3 ) Burner L.P.G. Stove w/Oven, Polished
  • Multi-Drawer Bank with Utensil Storage Rack
  • Microwave Oven, AC Powered
  • Single Lever Faucet with Pull-Out Sprayer

PLUMBING SYSTEM

  • Pressure Water Distribution System with Filter at Pump and Tank Selection Valves for ( 3 ) Tanks
  • 11 Gallon Hot Water Heater with Engine Heat Exchanger and 110V Electric Heating Element
  • ( 2 ) Electric Macerating Heads with Holding Tanks and Deck and Thru-Hull Outlets
  • Electric Bilge Pump with Float Switch
  • Manual Bilge Pump and Bilge High Water Alarm
  • Head Compartment Forward with Vanity Counter, Medicine Chest and Shower Compartment Stall
  • Head Aft with Vanity, Sink, Medicine Chest, and Shower

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  • Three Heavy Duty 8-D 12 Volt Marine Deep Cycle Batteries
  • 60 Amp Battery Charger, Multi-Bank Automatic
  • L.E.D. Running Lights, Fore and Aft
  • 110 Volt, 30 AMP Shore Power System with circuit breakers
  • ( 1 ) 110 Volt, 30 AMP, Shore Power Cord 50 ft.
  • L.E.D. Anchor Light at Masthead
  • 12 Volt Lighting Throughout
  • Custom 115 Volt AC/12 Volt DC Electric Panel
  • Circuit Breakers for AC and DC Electrical Panel and Windlass Control
  • Shore Power Galvanic Isolator
  • Ground Fault Circuit Protection with ELGCI
  • A.C. Duplex Receptacles Throughout

SAILING INSTRUMENTS

  • Raymarine i70 2-Multi Function Displays with Transducer 1 Mounted at Port and the other at Starboard Helm Stations – Speed, Depth & Wind

FIND YOUR LOCAL DEALER

Additional resources.

  • Brochure Archives
  • Associations

PARTS & TECH SUPPORT

727-544-6681

7200 Bryan Dairy Rd

Largo, FL. 33777

IMAGES

  1. The Catalina 42 Used Boat Review

    catalina 42 sailboat review

  2. Catalina 42 Review

    catalina 42 sailboat review

  3. 1989 Catalina 42 Sail New and Used Boats for Sale

    catalina 42 sailboat review

  4. 1993 Catalina 42 Sail New and Used Boats for Sale

    catalina 42 sailboat review

  5. 1994 Catalina 42 Mk I Sail Boat For Sale

    catalina 42 sailboat review

  6. CATALINA 42

    catalina 42 sailboat review

VIDEO

  1. CHRIS CRAFT Catalina 28 seen at FLIBS 2023

  2. Catalina sailboat 34 ⛵️

  3. Catalina 35 sailboat ⛵️ #westernaustralia

  4. 2001 Catalina 42 Three Cabin

  5. Catalina sailboat C-30

  6. Sailing on a Catalina 27 #catalina #sailboat #sailing

COMMENTS

  1. Catalina 42 Mk I and Mk II

    Two versions of the Catalina 42 have been built, each in a two-or three-stateroom configuration. The Mark I (hulls #1-477) was produced until February 1995, when the Mark II, which is still in production, was introduced. More than 670 have been built, evenly divided between the two- and three-stateroom models.

  2. Catalina 42

    It wouldn't surprise me if the Catalina 42 you're interested in buying tips the scale at well over 20,000 pounds when you haul it out for a survey. The 42 came with two keel arrangements. A 4-foot, 10-inch wing keel or a 6-foot fin keel. I prefer the deep keel because it tracks better. Construction The Catalina 42 is a well-built production boat.

  3. The Catalina 42 Used Boat Review

    The sailing performance of the Catalina 42 is very respectable, and she has taken her share of silver in club racing. The sail area/displacement ratio of the 42 is a conservative 17, the displacement/length ratio is 196, and the PHRF rating of a stock Catalina 42 is usually around 105. As would be expected the deep keel version is slightly more ...

  4. Catalina 42: Still Beloved, a Quarter-Century Later

    The final boat we bought was the Catalina 42—and we lived aboard for several years. "I'm not unique," he adds. "There's a tremendous amount of continuity within the Catalina family of owners. ... Capt. Zuzana Prochazka reviews the new Hanse 510 sailboat from the German builder. 5 Stunning New Sailboats Launched at Barcelona Boat ...

  5. Catalina 42 Mkii

    The Catalina 42 was our first look at a sailboat over 40 feet and our first look at one of the Catalina Yachts in this size range. Previously, we explored the Beneteau 361 and the Catalina 350, but we felt their space limitations when considering them as long-term cruising sailboats.The Catalina 42 is a classic, best-selling sailboat from Catalina Yachts, but it comes in two versions: Catalina ...

  6. CATALINA 42

    Notes. The CATALINA 42 is an adaptation of an earlier racing hull designed by Nelson/Marek with a new deck and coachroof, interior and rig. A MK II versions was introduced in 1995 (hull #480). It is thought that more than 1000 CATALINA 42's (including MKII) have been built, making it one of the most popular sailboats in this size range ever!

  7. Perry Design Review: Catalina 42

    The Catalina 42 is rigged as a sloop with slightly swept-back spreaders and single lower shrouds. The backstay is slightly off center to allow free access to the boarding gate, presumably. ... Boat Reviews. Perry Design Review: Catalina 250. Bob Perry. August 25, 2000. Boat Reviews. Perry Design Review: Catalina 470. Bob Perry. August 25, 2000 ...

  8. CATALINA 42: A Modern Classic

    1. The Catalina 42 was introduced in 1989 and was one of the first mass-produced American boats to feature both a sugar-scoop transom with a swim platform and a three-stateroom layout with two aft cabins under the cockpit. It was very much a response to similar boats that first appeared in Europe in the mid-1980s, but unlike its contemporaries ...

  9. Boat Review: Catalina 425

    Boat Review: Catalina 425. With this, the fifth model in Catalina's "5" series of cruising boats, head designer Gerry Douglas has taken a second bite at the competitive 40-42ft market segment. The original Catalina 42 went through several iterations to become one of the most successful boats ever in this size range, with more than 1,000 ...

  10. Our Review of the Catalina 42 MkII Ep. 34

    There are several configurations of the Catalina 42 MK II. We captured video on 1, and talk about the options.

  11. Catalina 42 reviews, specs and more … (MKI & MKII)

    The CATALINA 42 MK I is an adaptation of an earlier racing hull designed by Nelson/Marek with a new deck and coachroof, interior and rig. A MK II versions was introduced in 1995 (hull #480). Wing keel vers. draft: 1.47m/4.83′. It is thought that more than 1000 CATALINA 42's have been built (MKI & MKII), making it one of the most popular ...

  12. Catalina 42 for Blue Water?

    2 posts · Joined 2012. #14 · Jan 21, 2013. I realize the original query about whether a Catalina 42 is adequate for blue water is nearly 10 years old, though I imagine the debate continues. I have owned hull number 615 a 42 Mk II for 5 years and lived on her for nearly two of those years. She is a wonderful boat.

  13. YM's Review of Catalina 42

    dulcibella. The YM review (March 2005) of the Catalina 42 Mk 2 expresses the opinion that this boat "should prove a sound and reliable coastal and offshore cruiser". On the same page of the review, the stability curve shows an AVS of 105 degrees and the length/beam ration (2.55) sounds more suitable for a sauceboat than a sailboat.

  14. Boat Review: Catana 42

    Boat Review: Catana 42. As the saying goes, "perfect is the enemy of good.". But that's no reason not to strive for perfection, especially as part of a process of continual improvement, as Catana seems to be doing with its revamped line of sailing catamarans, the smallest of which is now the Catana 42. Zuzana Prochazka. Updated:

  15. Catalina 42

    Catalina 42 is a 41′ 10″ / 12.8 m monohull sailboat designed by Nelson Marek and built by Catalina Yachts between 1989 and 1995. Great choice! Your favorites are temporarily saved for this session. ... The CATALINA 42 is an adaptation of an earlier racing hull designed by Nelson/Marek with a new deck and coachroof, interior and rig. A MK II ...

  16. Catalina 42 MK II

    Catalina 42 MK II is a 41′ 10″ / 12.8 m monohull sailboat designed by Gerry Douglas and built by Catalina Yachts starting in 1995. ... Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay). D: ...

  17. Catalina Sailboat Reviews

    Sailboat Reviews. All Multihulls New Sailboats Sailboats 21-30ft Sailboats 31-35ft Sailboats 36-40ft Sailboats Over 40ft Sailboats Under 21feet used_sailboats. Cal 2-46: A Venerable Lapworth Design Brought Up to Date. ... And that's important when you are buying a Catalina or any other boat. Practical Sailor is different. Its candor is as sharp ...

  18. Common Issues With Catalina Yacht Sailboats

    August 30, 2022. Catalina sailboats have always been known for durability and quality, but they have some common issues to look out for. Catalina sailboats, especially older vessels, commonly suffer from deck core failure, mast boot compression fatigue, keel separation, chain plate attachment failure, and fiberglass delamination issues.

  19. CATALINA 42: Reviews, Specifications, Built, Engine

    If you are a boat enthusiast looking to get more information on specs, built, make, etc. of different boats, then here is a complete review of CATALINA 42. Built by Catalina Yachts and designed by Nelson Marek, the boat was first built in 1989. It has a hull type of Fin w/spade rudder and LOA is 12.76.

  20. Catalina 42 boats for sale

    Find Catalina 42 boats for sale in your area & across the world on YachtWorld. Offering the best selection of Catalina boats to choose from. ... 1989 Catalina Catalina 42. US$93,900. Sail Place Inc | Kenosha, Wisconsin. Request Info; Price Drop; 2000 Catalina 42. US$139,000. ... Expert Catalina 42 Reviews. In partnership with: |

  21. Catalina 425

    The Catalina 425 is an all-new design that assumes the position in the Catalina line held by the legendary Catalina 42. Although it is new and contemporary in styling it is designed to endure in function and aesthetics in the Catalina tradition. The 425 incorporates all the valued hallmark Catalina features; a functional spacious cockpit, a ...