Catana 58 Information, Review, Specs

The Catana 58 was in production from 2004 to 2010, emerging from a period of significant expansion and development for the Catana brand under the leadership of Olivier Poncin, who recognized the growing demand for high-performance catamarans. The design of the Catana 58 is credited to the esteemed French naval architect Christophe Barreau, who is well-known for his expertise in creating fast multihulls. Barreau's design philosophy for the Catana 58 embraced signature Catana characteristics: narrow hulls and high bridgedeck clearance, features crucial for optimal sailing performance in catamarans. During this era, Catana maintained its commitment to constructing vessels from fiberglass composite materials, emphasizing strength and lightweight build for durability and speed. The company's ethos, from its founding in 1984, has always been to produce high-performance, blue-water cruising multihulls, a vision embodied by the Catana 58's blend of speed, comfort, and robustness. While the specifically refers to the Catana 58 produced from 2004, earlier, closely related models such as the Catana 581 and 582 were also designed by Christophe Barreau, suggesting a continuous evolution of this successful platform.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a high-end performance cruising catamaran, the Catana 58 is engineered to deliver an exceptional sailing experience. Her design features, including narrow, piercing hulls and a high bridgedeck clearance, are integral to her ability to achieve impressive speeds and ensure a dry, comfortable ride even in challenging sea states. The catamaran is equipped with twin daggerboards, a hallmark of performance multihulls, which allow for a variable draft ranging from 4.59 feet to 10.17 feet. This deep draft when the daggerboards are deployed significantly enhances her upwind performance and reduces leeway, offering a notable advantage over fixed-keel cruising catamarans. When retracted, the shallow minimum draft provides access to shallower anchorages and reduces drag for downwind sailing. With a reported sail area of nearly 1,800 square feet and a light displacement of 52,911 pounds, she is well-powered for responsive acceleration and maintains momentum in varying wind conditions. Owners and reviewers highlight her capability for fast cruising, with some indicating she sets a benchmark for modern performance cruising catamarans. The dual rudders contribute to precise steering and maneuverability, common in performance-oriented catamaran designs.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite her performance-focused narrow hulls, the Catana 58 is designed to offer ample living space and luxurious comfort, catering to liveaboard cruisers and those undertaking extended voyages. While specific headroom details are not provided in the primary data, reviews indicate that the interior volume is well-utilized, allowing for comfortable living. Catana 58 models often feature multiple layouts to accommodate different owner preferences. A typical arrangement might include a master cabin, often located on the starboard side, complemented by additional guest cabins, such as a double cabin forward of the main salon. The interior finish quality is consistent with Catana's reputation for high-end construction, typically incorporating quality materials and thoughtful design to enhance comfort and functionality. Information gathered from owner descriptions and reviews suggests a focus on practical storage solutions and good ventilation, essential for long-term cruising in various climates.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Catana 58 generally praise its robust construction and its ability to combine exhilarating sailing performance with a high degree of comfort, solidifying its status as a benchmark in its category. The dual daggerboard system is frequently cited as a significant strength, providing superior upwind performance and flexibility for shallow water access. However, one notable historical point mentioned in reviews is an instance where an owner reportedly sued Catana due to the boat being heavier than advertised, leading the builder to cease publicizing the boat's weight. This anecdote, while isolated, highlights the importance of displacement in performance-oriented multihulls and the high expectations associated with a vessel of this caliber. Despite this, the collective sentiment emphasizes the Catana 58's capability as a fast, comfortable, and reliable blue-water cruising platform.