Catalac 900 Information, Review, Specs

While bearing the iconic Catalac name, the 900 model's production was undertaken by Blue Water Catalacs, a different builder who revived and updated the design in the 1990s, several years after the original Tom Lack Catamarans Ltd. ceased operations. The design itself, however, is credited to John Winterbotham, maintaining the lineage of the successful Catalac models.

History and Design

The Catalac 900 began production in 1993, representing a significant evolution of the earlier Catalac 9M design. While the original Catalac company, founded by Tom Lack, was renowned for its "very strongly-built" fiberglass catamarans from 1970 until its closure around 1985, the 900 series continued this ethos under new stewardship. Blue Water Catalacs took on the task of modernizing the popular 9M, aiming for a sleeker look and improved functionality, primarily achieved through the integration of a fully enclosed pilothouse.

The underlying design principles, rooted in John Winterbotham's naval architecture for the Catalac 8M/9M, persisted in the 900. This design was notably influenced by the Sunderland, a British World War II era sea plane, which contributed to the Catalacs' distinctive hull shape: hollow and deep forward, transitioning to an almost flat aft. This evolution aimed to provide a more comfortable and weather-protected cruising experience, making the 900 a warm, dry, and inviting vessel even in inclement weather.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Catalac 900, with its substantial 13.92-foot beam and displacement of 8,000 pounds, is characterized by its stability and spaciousness rather than its outright speed. Owners generally describe these catamarans as comfortable and surprisingly capable when sailing downwind. While not designed for high-performance upwind sailing, the Catalac 900's twin diesels and sail drives, combined with skegs positioned in front of the rudders, contribute to its maneuverability.

Anecdotal reports suggest that while the 900 can sail around 40 degrees to windward, or even through 70 degrees with minimal leeway, its optimal performance is achieved by keeping the vessel light. The hull's distinctive design, with its wide, flared load-bearing structure, contributes to its stability, allowing it to stand up well to wind and sea. Its shallow maximum draft of 2.5 feet also allows access to shallower anchorages and marinas, a significant advantage for cruisers.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Catalac 900 is designed for comfort and practicality, making excellent use of its catamaran platform to provide generous living spaces. A standout feature is the fully enclosed pilothouse, which provides a protected helm station within the cabin, offering standing headroom and a warm, dry environment in all weather conditions. This contrasts significantly with the earlier 8M and 9M models, which had external helms.

While the exact interior configuration could vary depending on the builder's specifications and owner customizations, the main layout largely retained the essence of the Catalac 9M. Typical arrangements often include a V-berth forward, a head compartment, a comfortable salon area, and a functional galley. The wide beam allows for ample storage throughout the vessel. The solid fiberglass hull and cored deck construction provide a robust feel, and the emphasis is on durable, practical finishes suitable for extended cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Catalac 900 consistently praise its robust construction and the comfortable motion it provides in a seaway, reflecting the builder's long-standing philosophy of creating "very strongly-built" vessels. The enclosed pilothouse is a frequently lauded feature, significantly enhancing comfort and livability, particularly in less-than-ideal weather conditions. The inherent stability of the catamaran design also contributes to a sense of security and ease for those on board.

Common discussion points among owners sometimes revolve around optimizing upwind performance, with the consensus being that keeping the vessel light can significantly improve its sailing characteristics. As with many older vessels, occasional maintenance issues, such as those related to electronic autopilots, have been noted, but these are generally manageable and reflect the age of the systems rather than inherent design flaws. The strong community of Catalac enthusiasts often shares insights and solutions, further supporting the long-term viability of these dependable cruising catamarans.