Catana 471 Information, Review, Specs

The Catana 471 emerged from Catana's commitment to crafting swift and capable cruising multihulls, a vision established since the company's founding in 1984. Introduced in 1997, the 471 was a product of the design talents of Christophe Barreau, who is widely recognized for his expertise in high-performance multihull design. During this era, Catana emphasized building vessels using fiberglass composite materials, prioritizing strength and lightweight construction to achieve both speed and durability. The builder's ethos revolved around quality construction, innovative hull designs, and thoughtful deck plans to ensure optimal comfort and performance. The Catana 471 continued the brand's signature features, including high freeboard and excellent bridge deck clearance, which contribute to a drier and more comfortable ride in varied sea conditions. Production of the 471 continued until 2003, with approximately 68 units built, marking a significant period for the shipyard. Notably, Yves Gallot-Lavallée, who later took control of the Catana shipyard in 1999, was an owner of a Catana 471, underscoring the model's prominence and appeal even among future leadership. The Catana 471 was replaced by a new Catana 47 model later in the brand's evolution, but the 471 remains a very popular boat on the second-hand market.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Catana 471 was specifically designed to be a versatile and capable all-around boat, balancing outright speed with comfortable cruising characteristics. With a reported sail area of 1625.35 square feet and a displacement of 22046 pounds, the Catana 471 boasts a high sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 33.15. This indicates a powerful sailing platform, well-suited for excellent performance in lighter winds while still capable of standing up to stronger breezes, aligning with Catana's reputation for high-performance multihulls. The dual daggerboards (with a maximum draft of 7.55 ft and a minimum draft of 2.62 ft) significantly enhance upwind performance, allowing the boat to point higher than many fixed-keel cruising catamarans.

Owners and reviewers consistently describe the 471 as a performance cruiser that is notably faster than many other cruising catamarans. It is praised for its decent long-distance performance across various wind angles. Anecdotal evidence suggests the boat handles well, providing a good balance between speed and stability, making it suitable for ambitious voyages like circumnavigations. Its robust construction and innovative hull design contribute to a comfortable motion even in challenging sea states.

Accommodations and Layout

While the detailed interior specifications for the Catana 471 are best appreciated through direct inspection or detailed reviews, general descriptions highlight a layout geared towards comfortable blue-water cruising. The catamaran design inherently offers expansive living spaces compared to monohulls of similar length. The interior typically features a well-appointed salon, a functional galley, and multiple private cabins. Some configurations, like the "owner's version," prioritize a dedicated, larger private suite. Reviewers note that the interior often features elements like wood overhead panels and leather upholstery, contributing to a warm and inviting ambiance. The generous beam of 25.26 feet allows for spacious cabins, often accommodating multiple berths, with some configurations cited to have up to five cabins and up to eleven sleeping places, likely including convertible salon berths. Adequate storage is typically integrated throughout the boat to support extended cruising, and effective ventilation is considered in its design to ensure comfort in various climates.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Catana 471 frequently express high satisfaction with their vessels, often considering it a standout model in Catana's history. Many laud its design and overall performance, describing it as a "performance cruising boat that was well designed and fast". The solid construction, a hallmark of Catana, is a recurring strength, providing confidence for long-distance cruising. Owners appreciate the boat's comfortable motion in a seaway, making extended passages more enjoyable. The Catana 471 continues to be a popular choice in the second-hand market, a testament to its enduring appeal and capabilities. While specific recurring issues are not widely detailed in general owner reviews, the overall consensus points to a well-regarded and capable catamaran that lives up to its blue-water cruising aspirations.