Catalina 42 Information, Review, Specs

Emerging from a heritage of robust and value-driven yachts, the Catalina 42 quickly set production records, becoming a highly sought-after model for sailors seeking a blend of comfort, performance, and practicality in a well-built package.

History and Design

The Catalina 42's journey began in 1989, drawing inspiration from an earlier racing hull designed by Nelson/Marek. Catalina Yachts adapted this foundation with a new deck, coachroof, interior, and rig to create a dedicated cruising platform. Production continued until 1995 for the initial MkI version, with a significant update introducing the MkII in the same year, starting from hull number 480. The model's immense popularity is evident in the fact that over 1000 Catalina 42s, including both MkI and MkII versions, were built, making it one of the most prolific sailboats in its size range. By May 1995, the 500th hull had been built, solidifying its position as a highly sought-after cruising yacht.

Frank Butler's design philosophy for Catalina Yachts emphasized building "straightforward, offer price for value, are solid and honest" boats that performed well and offered comfort both above and below deck. This ethos is clearly reflected in the Catalina 42, which aimed to provide a robust vessel capable of standing up to real-world conditions. The company's pragmatic approach to construction, utilizing a five-piece method with a dedicated structural grid and a full molded fiberglass hull liner, ensured durability and a common-sense approach to boat building.

Significant variations occurred with the introduction of the Catalina 42 MkII, which featured a rounded-off transom, a larger swim platform with additional storage, and a new rudder design. Interior layout options also expanded with the MkII, and the wing keel became a more common option. The change from a Universal engine to a Yanmar engine was also noted with the MkII.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Catalina 42, with a length overall of just under 42 feet and a waterline length of 36 feet, exhibits characteristics of a capable cruiser. Her calculated sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 17.5 suggests a boat that will perform adequately across a range of wind conditions, offering a balanced feel without being overtly geared towards light-air racing or heavy-air speed. She is not considered under-rigged.

With a ballast to displacement ratio of around 0.40, the Catalina 42 possesses a good degree of stiffness and stability, indicating an ability to stand up to a decent breeze and provide a comfortable motion in a seaway. This is a desirable trait for a cruising boat, inspiring confidence in various conditions. The displacement to length ratio of approximately 250 positions the Catalina 42 as a mid-weight cruiser—neither an ultra-light performance machine nor a heavy, ponderous vessel. This balance contributes to a comfortable ride and reasonable sailing performance.

Anecdotal evidence from owners often highlights the Catalina 42's reliable handling. Owners report that the boat handles well in varying conditions, from light breezes to winds up to 30 knots. The masthead sloop rig, carrying a total of approximately 800 square feet of upwind sail area, along with shrouds set well inboard, allows for tight sheeting angles, contributing to good upwind performance. The boat is generally considered easy to sail short-handed, reflecting a design focus on practicality for cruisers. Owners also appreciate the motoring speed, often reporting 7.5 to 8.0 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Catalina 42 is renowned for its spaciousness and practical layouts, designed to maximize comfort for cruising families or multiple couples. When introduced, the Catalina 42 was notable as the first American-built sailing yacht in its size range to offer a three-stateroom layout, which was a significant selling point. Four distinct interior plans were available for the Catalina 42 MkII, catering to different sailing lifestyles.

Common interior arrangements typically include a V-berth forward, a large salon with seating and a dining area, a well-appointed galley, and often a private aft cabin or even two aft cabins. The design prioritizes generous living spaces, often featuring wooden cabinetry and trim that contribute to a warm and traditional aesthetic. Descriptions and photos of the interior showcase a functional galley with ample counter space and storage, a comfortable main salon, and well-proportioned sleeping quarters. The focus on comfort makes the Catalina 42 well-suited for multi-week coastal cruising and even liveaboard situations.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners consistently praise the Catalina 42 for its solid construction, comfortable motion in a seaway, and generous interior volume, making it an excellent choice for cruising and extended stays aboard. The ability to comfortably accommodate several people, including grandchildren, for day sails and longer trips is frequently mentioned as a strong suit. Many owners find the Catalina 42 to be a very comfortable boat that easily serves as a home on the water. Its ease of handling, even with a smaller crew, is also a commonly lauded feature.

However, like any yacht of its vintage, some recurring issues have been noted by owners. One common concern is the potential for deck fittings to develop leaks over time, often requiring re-bedding. While Catalina has used a vinylester resin barrier coat since 1995, there have been some reported cases of osmotic blistering of the hull on older models. Other potential issues that owners sometimes encounter include corroded keel bolts and blockages in the toilet system. Despite these common maintenance points, owners generally find the Catalina 42 to be a straightforward boat to survey, with good access to most systems, making potential problems relatively easy to address. The boat maintains excellent resale value, reflecting its enduring appeal and reputation.