Catana 50 Information, Review, Specs

Built by a company synonymous with quality and innovation in the multihull sector, the Catana 50 reflects a design philosophy aimed at optimizing both speed and seaworthiness. The builder, Catana, has historically prioritized lightweight yet strong fiberglass composite construction, innovative hull designs, and thoughtfully planned deck layouts to ensure a superior sailing experience and comfortable living spaces.

History and Design

The Catana 50 entered production in 2009, continuing Catana's legacy of crafting swift and capable cruising multihulls. This specific iteration of the 50-foot model featured significant updates, with new hull and deck molds alongside a new interior design, distinguishing it from any earlier versions of a Catana 50. Production continued until 2013, solidifying its place in the brand's evolution.

The design of the Catana 50 was guided by Catana's in-house design team, drawing on the builder's long-standing ethos of performance and blue-water capability. A core principle of Catana's approach is the emphasis on high freeboard and excellent bridge deck clearance, which contribute to a drier and more comfortable ride, particularly in challenging sea conditions, 9]. The catamaran's piercing hull forms, a hallmark referenced in the brand's name, are central to its speed and efficiency through the water. A crucial design element of the Catana 50, and indeed many Catana models, is the integration of daggerboards, which are pivotal to its sailing characteristics and versatility.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Catana 50 is engineered for impressive sailing performance, especially for a cruising multihull of its size. With a reported sail area of 1829.86 square feet and a light displacement of 29983 pounds, the Catana 50 boasts a high Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 30.32. This ratio indicates a powerful sail plan for its weight, translating to excellent performance in light winds and the ability to maintain good speeds across a wide range of conditions. In stronger winds, the design allows for reduced sail area to manage power effectively, ensuring easier handling.

A defining feature for the Catana 50's performance is its retractable daggerboards. Unlike fixed keels, these daggerboards significantly improve upwind performance, allowing the catamaran to point much closer to the wind, akin to a monohull. They also offer the practical advantage of reducing draft from 9.68 feet to a minimum of 3.94 feet, enabling access to shallower anchorages and enhanced maneuverability in confined waters. Owners and reviewers frequently note the Catana 50's responsive handling and its ability to tack quickly, providing a highly engaging sailing experience. The vessel is also designed for ease of operation, often manageable by a couple, with sail lines typically led back to a single raised helm station, aided by electric winches. The generous beam of 26.02 feet contributes to its inherent stability and spaciousness on deck.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Catana 50, which received a "new interior" design during its 2009-2013 production run, reflects Catana's commitment to comfortable and practical living spaces essential for blue-water cruising. While specific headroom details are not in the provided data, Catana catamarans are generally known for ample interior volume. Layouts often include both owner's versions, offering expansive private cabins, and charter versions, which might feature up to five guest cabins to maximize accommodation capacity.

Common to Catana designs, the saloon typically provides panoramic views and serves as the central hub for dining and relaxation. The galley is well-appointed, designed for efficiency while underway. Sleeping accommodations generally include spacious berths, often with en-suite heads, depending on the specific layout. While detailed information on materials and storage for this exact model iteration is not extensively documented in available public reviews, Catana maintains a reputation for quality finishes and robust construction, suggesting durable materials and thoughtful storage solutions tailored for extended voyages. Ventilation is also typically well-considered to ensure comfort in diverse climates.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Catana catamarans, including the Catana 50, generally express strong satisfaction with their vessels, often forming a "vibrant and engaged owner community", 16]. The design and development of Catana models, including the 50, have historically incorporated owner feedback, ensuring the boats meet the practical needs of liveaboard cruisers and long-distance sailors.

Owners consistently praise the Catana 50 for its robust construction, exceptional sailing performance, and the comfortable motion it exhibits in a seaway. The combination of speed and stability makes it a favored choice for those undertaking ambitious offshore passages. While specific recurring issues for the 2009-2013 Catana 50 are not widely documented in general reviews, the overall sentiment points to a well-built and highly capable multihull that delivers on its promise of performance cruising.