Sol Cat 20 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Sol Cat 20 began production in 1976, building upon the foundation established by Sol Catamarans, which Gene Vernon founded in 1973. Vernon's vision for Sol Catamarans was rooted in creating fun, fast, and relatively straightforward beach catamarans. During its active years, from 1973 until the company ceased operations in 1984, Sol Catamarans was known for its commitment to lightweight and responsive fiberglass construction. The Sol Cat 20 exemplifies this philosophy, designed to be easily transported and launched. A notable design feature is its ability to collapse its 10-foot beam to 8 feet (2.44 meters), facilitating convenient trailering. While no distinct Mark series variations (e.g., MkI, MkII) are documented for the Sol Cat 20, its fractional sloop rig with a rotating spar underscores its performance-oriented design.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a performance-oriented beach catamaran, the Sol Cat 20 is renowned for its spirited sailing characteristics. With a reported sail area of 245 square feet and a hull speed of approximately 5.91 knots, it promises exhilarating rides, particularly in favorable conditions. Designed as a twin-daggerboard catamaran, the Sol Cat 20 benefits from the enhanced upwind performance and directional stability that daggerboards provide, allowing sailors to effectively tack and hold a course. Its shallow minimum draft of 0.42 feet (0.13 meters) also means it can be sailed close to beaches and shorelines. Owners and enthusiasts describe Sol Cat designs, including the 20, as lively and agile, embodying the brand's reputation for speed and responsiveness in a compact form.

Accommodations and Layout

Consistent with its design as a beach catamaran, the Sol Cat 20 features an open deck layout, prioritizing sailing performance and ease of handling over traditional interior accommodations. Given its nearly 20-foot length, the boat lacks an enclosed cabin or significant headroom. The design is focused on providing a spacious and uncluttered platform for day sailing and recreational racing, with ample deck space for crew movement and gear. As such, there are no berths, a galley, or an enclosed head, which is typical for vessels of this type and size. The simplicity of its layout contributes to its lightweight nature and ease of maintenance, aligning with its purpose as a straightforward and fun sailing craft.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Sol Catamarans, including the Sol Cat 20, frequently laud the brand's robust fiberglass construction, which has allowed many of these classic beach cats to endure decades of use. The Sol Cat 20, much like its siblings the Sol Cat 15 and 18, is often praised for its "fun" and "intense" sailing experience, offering a more spirited feel compared to some contemporaries. Owners appreciate their relative ease of transport and rigging, making them ideal for individuals or families seeking accessible entry into catamaran sailing 7, 12, builder article. While specific common problems for the Sol Cat 20 are not widely documented, general discussions among beach catamaran owners often revolve around routine maintenance of rigging and fittings, and the occasional need to address water ingress into components like masts. The strong community of Sol Cat owners, particularly on online forums, attests to the lasting appeal and enduring legacy of these spirited designs.