The story of Catalac, or more formally, Tom Lack Catamarans Ltd., begins with its namesake founder, Tom Lack, in the late 1960s. Before establishing his own renowned brand, Lack was deeply involved in the construction of the plywood, O'Brien-designed BOBCAT catamarans. His experience with these early multihulls, hundreds of which were reportedly built under his purview, laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in the burgeoning catamaran industry. It was in 1970 that Tom Lack made the pivotal decision to transition from building O'Brien's designs to creating his own line of production fiberglass catamarans, marking the birth of the Catalac brand.
The company's first boat, and arguably its most iconic, was the Catalac 9M, also known as the Catalac 30. This vessel represented Tom Lack's initial foray into designing catamarans under his own brand, a venture for which he commissioned John Winterbotham of MG Duff LTD for the design. Built from fiberglass, a material that was then revolutionizing boat construction, the 9M embodied Lack's vision for strongly built, practical cruising catamarans.
History and Evolution
From its inception in 1970, Tom Lack Catamarans Ltd. quickly became one of the earliest and most prolific builders of production fiberglass catamarans in the UK. The company's history is characterized by a commitment to robust construction and a steady output of vessels that found favor with cruisers. A key milestone was the full embrace of fiberglass as the primary construction material, setting Catalac apart as a pioneer in mass-produced composite multihulls.
Over its operational period, which spanned from the early 1970s until around 1985, Catalac focused on refining its core design philosophy rather than radical changes. The brand did not undergo major corporate changes like mergers or acquisitions; instead, it remained a family-led enterprise until its eventual cessation of business operations in the mid-1980s. Despite its relatively short lifespan, the company managed to produce an impressive number of boats, with estimates suggesting over 500, and potentially as many as 600, Catalacs were built in total.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Catalac earned a reputation in the sailing world for building incredibly robust, safe, and practical cruising catamarans. Their design philosophy centered on strength and seaworthiness, leading to vessels often described as "very strongly-built". This emphasis on durability meant that Catalacs were generally overbuilt, a characteristic that contributed significantly to their longevity and appeal among those seeking a dependable bluewater cruising platform.
A signature construction technique attributed to Tom Lack was the embedding of the boat's wiring directly into the fiberglass layups, showcasing a unique approach to integration and protection of vital systems. While Tom Lack himself was deeply involved in the design process, the initial Catalac 9M notably benefited from the expertise of naval architect John Winterbotham of MG Duff LTD. This collaboration set the tone for a brand known more for its practical, no-nonsense approach to multihull construction than for cutting-edge performance or luxury aesthetics. Catalacs were designed for comfortable family cruising and proved well-suited for extended voyages.
Iconic Models and Legacy
The Catalac lineup, though not extensive, featured several highly significant and successful models that defined the brand's legacy. The Catalac 9M (or 30) stands out as the most popular, with over 250 units built. This model served as the foundational design, with many subsequent Catalac models deriving from its core concept.
Other notable models include:
- Catalac 8M (27): With 216 units produced, this model famously utilized the same hulls as its larger sibling, the 9M, showcasing a modular approach to design and construction.
- Catalac 10M: A larger cruising platform, of which 45 were built.
- Catalac 12M: The largest in the standard range, seeing 27 units produced.
- Catalac 11M: While a model of this size existed, specific production figures are not readily available.
These production numbers underscore Catalac's position as a significant early player in the production multihull market, particularly in Europe, where they are well-known. The impact of Catalac was in demonstrating the viability of fiberglass catamarans for a broader cruising audience, proving that multi-hulls could be safe, stable, and spacious family boats, built to withstand challenging conditions.
The Builder's Enduring Legacy
Tom Lack Catamarans Ltd. ceased operations around 1985, and the company is no longer in business. However, the legacy of Catalac catamarans endures through the hundreds of boats still sailing worldwide. These vessels continue to be sought after in the used boat market by cruisers who prioritize robust construction, stability, and generous interior volume over high performance.
The ownership experience for a Catalac today often involves a strong community of enthusiasts dedicated to maintaining and sailing these classic catamarans. Their straightforward design and sturdy build quality mean that many original boats remain viable cruising platforms, a testament to Tom Lack's original vision of building "very strongly-built" boats that would stand the test of time. While they might not boast the sleek lines or cutting-edge features of modern multihulls, Catalacs continue to appeal to those who value a dependable, comfortable, and safe passagemaker, upholding their status as pioneering examples of fiberglass production catamarans.
