Catalina Catamaran Information, Review, Specs

The Catalina Catamaran emerged during a pivotal period for W.D. Schock, a company that had established itself on the U.S. West Coast as a significant builder of quality fiberglass yachts. Founded by William "Bill" D. Schock in 1958, the company quickly gained prominence with models like the Lido 14, known for their accessible yet competitive nature. The introduction of the Catalina Catamaran in 1960 marked an expansion of W.D. Schock's design portfolio into multihulls, reflecting their commitment to forward-thinking design and craftsmanship using fiberglass. With Seymour Paul at the helm of its design, the Catalina Catamaran was specifically intended to serve as both a racing platform and a recreational day sailer. Production ran for five years, concluding in 1964, with 54 hulls produced, showcasing a focused but brief production run for this particular model.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a 17.04-foot catamaran with a reported sail area of 234 square feet and a light displacement of 565 pounds, the Catalina Catamaran was designed for spirited performance. Its hull type is explicitly a catamaran, featuring two hulls constructed of solid fiberglass, contributing to its inherent stability and shallow draft. With a wide beam of 7.95 feet, she would offer a stable platform, particularly for a boat of her length, contributing to an exhilarating sailing experience. The boat features a centerboard, allowing for a variable draft from a minimal 0.8 feet to 2.0 feet when deployed, which would enhance its upwind performance and enable access to shallow waters. The fractional sloop rig, combined with its lightweight build, suggests a design optimized for quick acceleration and responsive handling, characteristic of a racing day sailer with a hull speed estimated at 5.44 knots. Her dual rudders would provide precise steering control, a common benefit of catamaran designs, making her agile and fun to sail in various wind conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its compact 17-foot length overall and designation as a racer and day sailer, the Catalina Catamaran features a minimalist accommodation layout typical of small multihulls of its era. The design prioritizes open-air sailing and performance over extensive interior comforts. While specific details on the internal arrangement are limited, it is understood that such a vessel would primarily consist of an open cockpit area for crew and helmsman. It is unlikely to offer stand-up headroom or enclosed living spaces. Any "accommodations" would be basic, possibly limited to small, dry storage compartments within the hulls for gear or provisions. The focus of the layout is on functionality for sailing and potentially racing, providing ample deck space and an uncluttered environment suitable for short excursions and competitive events.

Owner's Perspectives

Due to the limited production run of 54 units and the age of the Catalina Catamaran (produced in the early 1960s), comprehensive owner reviews or common problem discussions are not readily available through general grounded search. Information regarding the collective viewpoints of owners, frequently mentioned strengths, or recurring maintenance issues specific to this model could not be sufficiently synthesized for inclusion in this article.