The search results provide a good amount of information. I can now proceed to write the article.
Key findings from search results:
- Designer: John Winterbotham of MG Duff LTD commissioned by Tom Lack (Catalac founder).
- Purpose/Reputation: Strongly built, practical cruising catamaran, comfortable family cruiser, safe, stable, spacious. Sometimes considered a "motor sailor" due to boxy design but sails well.
- Variations: Two main variants, Mk1 and Mk2. Mk1 had a round porthole for the heads and port aft cabin.
- Production: First and most popular Catalac, over 250 built, starting in 1975. Also known as Catalac 30. Shortened version became the Catalac 8M, and a revived version in the 1990s was the Catalac 900.
- Sailing Performance: Sails well, doesn't heel. Better for close-hauled in light winds with a jib. Competent, versatile. May have some windward difficulty. More comfortable and solid than some peers. Generally not known for cutting-edge performance, but for stability and comfort.
- Handling: Dockside maneuverability is good with twin diesels.
- Accommodations/Layout: Known for good interior layout and generous interior room. Owners praise the space. A "blank canvas" for refits. Interiors can be dated. Molded trunk cabin with good ventilation. Catamarans have more interior room than a monohull 50% larger, larger galleys, full-size to king-sized beds.
- Owner's Perspectives: Enthusiastic owner community. Strengths: Robust construction, stability, comfortable motion, spacious interior. Weaknesses/Issues: Original deck fittings might leak (not explicitly stated for 9M but common in older boats), dated interiors. Some concern about windward performance. Low clearance and weak Airex ribs mentioned as a common concern in stock Catalacs, though it's unclear if this specifically applies to the 9M.
I will make sure to cite correctly and interpret the data. I will avoid using ratios for performance since it's a catamaran under 30 feet.
I'm ready to generate the article.