Catalina 470 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Catalina 470 emerged in 1998, following Catalina Yachts' tradition of in-house design, often with significant input from founder Frank Butler. The design goals for the 470 focused on creating a vessel capable of offshore passagemaking while prioritizing comfort and ease of use. This model marked a new design for Catalina, incorporating a powerful double-spreader rig and a generous sail plan engineered to deliver both performance and manageability. The company's manufacturing ethos during this period, as throughout its history, emphasized robust fiberglass construction using a five-piece method, including a dedicated structural grid and a full molded fiberglass hull liner, ensuring durability and a common-sense approach to boat building.

The Catalina 470 was offered with significant variations to cater to different sailing needs. While the standard deep draft version has a maximum draft of 7.83 feet and 9,020 lbs of ballast, a wing keel version was also available, reducing the draft to 5.5 feet and increasing the ballast slightly to 9,500 lbs. Additionally, a tall rig option with the mast moved aft further enhanced sailing performance.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 17.76, the Catalina 470 indicates a moderate to spirited performer, suggesting good responsiveness in lighter winds while still being manageable as the breeze builds. Her ballast to displacement ratio (B/D) of around 0.331 points to a solid, stable platform, capable of standing up to a good amount of wind and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. The displacement to length ratio (D/L) of approximately 164.26 classifies the 470 as a relatively light-displacement cruiser for her size, which contributes to her performance characteristics.

Owners consistently praise the Catalina 470 for its well-balanced feel and ease of handling. Despite her substantial size, the boat is often described as fast and responsive, particularly for a cruising yacht. The powerful, double-spreader rig and generous sail plan work in harmony to provide a remarkable combination of performance and control, making her suitable for coastal cruising and short offshore passages.

Accommodations and Layout

The Catalina 470 excels in offering an extremely comfortable and spacious living environment, reflecting its design as a serious cruising yacht. The interior layout is thoughtfully designed, with Catalina offering at least two main configurations, differing primarily in the forward cabin arrangement. Typically, the boat features a large V-berth or Pullman-style double cabin forward, often with an en-suite head. The main salon is generous, offering ample seating and a dinette area, often convertible for additional berths.

The galley is usually well-equipped for extended cruising, providing considerable counter space, storage, refrigeration, and a stove/oven. Aft, there is generally a large owner's cabin, often with a queen-sized berth, and sometimes a second aft cabin. A second head, accessible from the salon or the aft cabin, is a common feature. Everywhere you look, the design solutions elevate the cruising experience, with a walk-through stern leading to a transom boarding platform and storage lockers enhancing accessibility and utility. The finish quality generally incorporates a blend of wood trim with fiberglass, offering a classic yet practical aesthetic with good ventilation throughout.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Catalina 470 frequently express high satisfaction with their vessels, often highlighting the boat's solid construction and comfortable motion. Many appreciate its reliability and speed for a boat of its size, making it a popular choice for multi-week coastal cruising and longer trips. The spacious and comfortable interior is a recurring point of praise, with several owners commenting on the excellent liveability and the presence of amenities like air conditioning. The strong and active Catalina owner community, supported by resources like Mainsheet Magazine and numerous owner associations, further enhances the ownership experience.

While generally well-regarded, some owners have noted potential areas for consideration. One owner mentioned the deck-stepped mast as a design element that could be concerning, though the overall consensus leans towards loving the boat despite minor issues. The chainplates feature a new design, specific to the 470, which some owners might need to be aware of for maintenance. Overall, the collective viewpoint underscores the Catalina 470 as a capable and comfortable cruising yacht, embodying Catalina's commitment to value and practicality.