Catalac 11 Information, Review, Specs

The model is part of a cohesive family of designs, including the entry-level 8M (27), the legendary 9M (30), the 10M (34), and the flagship 12M (41). The 11M occupies a unique niche, often viewed as a refined version of the 10M, offering slightly more buoyancy and refined interior moldings. While production figures for the 11M are significantly lower than the 250 units produced for the 9M, its scarcity on the brokerage market today is often a testament to the loyalty of its owners, many of whom utilize the boat as a permanent liveaboard platform.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Catalac 11 are defined by its heavy displacement and relatively conservative sail plan. With a low aspect ratio rig and fixed keels, the 11M is not designed for high-pointing windward performance; rather, it excels on a reach or a run, where its weight provides a stable, predictable motion that reduces fatigue during long passages. Because the boat lacks daggerboards, leeway is a factor in light winds when beating to windward, often necessitating the support of one of its twin engines to maintain a competitive heading.

A critical aspect of its handling is the bridge deck clearance. Like many catamarans of this era, the 11M sits relatively low to the water. In choppy head seas, this can result in "slamming" or bridge deck pounding. However, the sheer mass of the solid fiberglass construction helps to dampen these vibrations. According to technical overviews provided by Multihull World, these vessels were built to withstand significant structural stress, making them exceptionally safe in a blow. The twin-engine configuration—typically Yanmar or Volvo Penta diesels—provides the 11M with exceptional maneuverability in tight marinas, allowing the boat to rotate on its own axis.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Catalac 11 is where the design truly differentiates itself from its monohull contemporaries. The "Great Room" concept is central to the layout, featuring a sprawling bridge deck salon with panoramic views that remain a hallmark of the brand. This salon typically serves as the primary social hub, connecting the two hulls and providing a level of light and ventilation rarely found in 1980s cruisers.

The hulls themselves are dedicated to sleeping quarters and service areas. The 11M usually features a "galley-down" arrangement in one hull, which provides ample counter space and storage for extended voyaging without infringing on the social space of the salon. Cabin configurations vary, but the model typically offers three to four private cabins, providing enough separation for a family or two couples. The joinery is predominantly functional, using durable laminates and heavy teak trim designed to survive the rigors of salt-air environments. Headroom is generous throughout most of the vessel, a benefit of the high-sided hull design.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Catalac 11 should focus their surveys on several age-related and design-specific areas:

• Window Seals and Plexiglass: The large, iconic salon windows are prone to leaking as the original bedding compounds dry out. Replacing these large acrylic panels is a common but labor-intensive maintenance task.
• Deck Delamination: While the hulls are solid GRP, the decks and coachroof often utilize a balsa or foam core for weight savings. Moisture ingress around stanchion bases or cleat penetrations can lead to localized delamination and soft spots.
• Steering Linkage: The Catalac 11 uses a complex cable and quadrant steering system to link the rudders across the wide beam. Any "play" in the wheel often indicates stretched cables or worn pulleys that require immediate tensioning or replacement.
• Osmotic Blistering: Although the hulls are thick, boats from this era are susceptible to osmosis. A moisture meter reading during haul-out is essential, particularly around the keels and the waterline.
• Engine Access: While twin engines are a benefit for handling, access in the narrow aft hull sections can be cramped, making routine maintenance like impeller changes or belt adjustments challenging for larger owners.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Catalac 11 benefit from a dedicated and highly technical community. The most prominent resource is the Catalac Owners Group, which maintains a repository of original manuals, wiring diagrams, and modification guides. These resources are invaluable for navigating the unique "embedded wiring" technique used by Tom Lack, where wiring was often glassed directly into the layup. Technical support and historical documentation can also be found through regional multihull associations in the UK and North America, where many of these boats eventually migrated.

The Verdict

The Catalac 11 is a "fortress at sea," offering a level of security and interior volume that few modern production cats can match at its price point. While it lacks the speed and sleekness of a racing multihull, it provides a safe, upright, and spacious environment for those who prioritize the destination over the duration of the journey.

Pros:

• Extremely robust solid fiberglass hull construction.
• Exceptional living space and 360-degree visibility in the salon.
• Excellent low-speed maneuverability due to twin-engine placement.
• Very stable motion at sea, ideal for those prone to seasickness.

Cons:

• Sluggish performance in light winds and poor windward pointing ability.
• Potential for bridge deck slamming in short, steep chop.
• The age of the fleet requires careful inspection of core integrity and window seals.