The search results provide a good amount of information.
Key findings:
- Introduction: The Catalina 400 was introduced at "Sail Expo" in February 1994. Cruising World called it "a comfortable cruiser with surprising speed". Designed to offer modern design while remaining practical. Catalina's philosophy is about building "good boats" that are "straightforward, offer price for value, are solid and honest".
- History and Design: Production started in 1994 and was discontinued in 2012. There were MkI and MkII versions. The notes mention both fin and wing keel options, and search results confirm this. The builder article highlights Catalina's five-piece construction method, structural grid, and full molded fiberglass hull liner.
- Sailing Performance: Owners report it "performs extremely well under sail" and is "a nice sailing boat, particularly in light to moderate air". It's described as "quick for the size and weight" and having "stability in rough offshore conditions". Some mention potential for heavy weather helm if not trimmed properly. It's rigged for cruising, with a powerful sail plan.
- My calculated ratios: SA/Disp ~18.75, Ballast/Disp ~0.40, D/L ~190.4. These align well with a comfortable cruiser with good performance.
- One search result provides "Published Design Ratios for the Catalina 400 MkII: 1. Sail Area/Displacement Ratio: 17.8. 2. Ballast/Displacement Ratio: 36.6." These are slightly different from my initial calculations based on the (which might be for the MkI or a general 400), but still indicate a similar performance profile. I will use the provided numbers and my calculations, as the prompt specifies using the. The interpretation will remain consistent.
- Accommodations and Layout: It's known for a "roomy interior" and "spacious interior". There are two-cabin and three-cabin layouts. The two-cabin layout features a "massive aft owner's cabin with private access to the larger of the two heads" and a large salon. The galley is described as "gourmet" with "fantastic storage and dual refrigeration". It has a "huge cockpit" with twin helms. One video shows a forward cabin and head.
- Owner's Perspectives: Owners praise its ease of sailing, stability, roomy cockpit, and comfortable motion. Many would buy it again. It's considered good for multi-week coastal cruising and even rated for open oceans. Common issues mentioned include stiff steering, mast base rotting, and original deck fittings developing leaks. Some mention a poorly designed trash can door, which was later fixed by Catalina. There is an active owners' group.
Now I have enough information to construct the article.