Used Catalina 42 Mk II Sailboats for Sale

The Catalina 42 Mk II represents one of the most successful production runs in American yachting history, evolving from the original 1988 design to become a benchmark for the coastal cruising category. Launched in the mid-1990s as a refinement of the Mark I, the Mk II transitioned the model from a traditional flat transom to a contemporary "sugar scoop" integrated swim platform, while retaining the hull's reputation for predictable handling. Designed by the in-house team led by Frank Butler and Gerry Douglas, the 42 Mk II was built to satisfy the "middle-of-the-road" sailor—someone who prioritizes interior volume and ease of maintenance without sacrificing the ability to make offshore passages. As noted in a retrospective by Cruising World, the model’s longevity is a testament to its structural balance and the manufacturer's ability to iterate on a proven hull.