Ocean Class (Catana) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Catana Ocean Class emerged in 2020, signaling a fresh direction for the esteemed French builder, Catana Catamarans. From its inception in 1984, Catana has distinguished itself by crafting swift and capable cruising multihulls, a philosophy directly referenced in its name, a nod to the "Katana" sword and its signature thin, piercing hulls. The Catana Ocean Class was conceived by the brand's in-house naval architects and design teams, with the explicit goal of renewing the heritage of earlier Catana models while elevating standards for luxury and exceptional performance in blue-water sailing.

True to Catana's enduring ethos, the Ocean Class is built with fiberglass foam core for both its hull and deck, emphasizing strength and lightweight construction. The design incorporates new hulls and daggerboards, signifying a continuous pursuit of hydrodynamic efficiency and enhanced sailing characteristics. This model reflects Catana's ongoing dedication to its core principles of quality construction, innovative hull designs, and thoughtful deck plans, ensuring both comfort and exhilaration on the water.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Catana Ocean Class is engineered as a true performance cruiser, adept at handling varied sea conditions while delivering an engaging sailing experience. With a substantial sail area of 1657.64 sq ft and a length overall of just over 51 feet, she boasts a generous sail plan that contributes to her impressive performance, even considering her displacement of nearly 28,000 lbs. Descriptions of the Ocean Class frequently highlight its "muscly" nature, indicating a powerful yet refined vessel capable of eating up miles on long voyages.

A defining feature for her handling characteristics is the presence of two deep daggerboards, allowing for excellent upwind performance and control. The boat is praised for its balance of performance and comfort, making upwind sailing and extended passages remarkably manageable. Feedback from those who have sailed her consistently points to a stable and rigid platform that instills confidence in various sea states. The design also incorporates a single raised mid-helm station on the starboard side, providing excellent visibility and centralized control for the helmsman.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the Catana Ocean Class is widely recognized for its voluminous and innovative interiors, designed to maximize living space and enhance the onboard experience. The layout emphasizes an open-plan concept, featuring large sliding doors and windows that seamlessly merge the indoor salon with the outdoor cockpit, creating an airy and expansive environment.

The typical interior arrangement is characterized by spacious cabins, including an owner's version that is frequently highlighted for its comfort and generous proportions. The design aesthetic leans towards a sleek, modern finish with light and warm tones, contributing to a welcoming and luxurious atmosphere. Owners and reviewers often comment on the clever use of space, efficient galley design, and ample storage solutions, all contributing to the vessel's suitability for extended cruising and liveaboard lifestyles.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Catana Ocean Class consistently laud its unique blend of performance, comfort, and perceived value within the luxury catamaran market. Many praise the boat's solid construction and its ability to handle demanding blue-water conditions with ease, underscoring its reputation as a reliable world cruiser. The Catamaran Gurus, who purchased and extensively reviewed the first hull of the OC 50, attest to its balance of these crucial elements, fulfilling their personal goals for a performance cruising catamaran. The "extraordinary living space" and "spacious cabins" are frequently cited as significant assets, particularly for those planning to live aboard or undertake long voyages. While specific recurring common problems are not widely published, the overall sentiment from the owner community points to a highly capable and well-regarded vessel.