Twenty hulls had been commissioned before the press sailed hull number one, a sign that the design had already found firm support among buyers.
Design and Construction
The 425 follows Catalina’s tradition of building for functional and aesthetic durability. Its one-piece fiberglass hull uses end-grain balsa-core sandwich construction above the waterline, with an integral vinylester barrier to resist osmosis blistering. The one-piece fiberglass deck also has an end-grain balsa core, and the builder additionally cites a carbon core in the deck. Its surface is finished with two-tone white-and-grey molded-in diamond non-skid.
Below, a one-piece molded structural grid, a satin-finished hull liner, and a deck liner with a non-glare texture complete the five-part structural approach. The lead fin keel attaches with 316 stainless steel bolts, while the molded hull-to-deck joint eliminates aluminum toerails.
At the bow, Catalina’s proprietary Strike Zone watertight bulkhead adds security in a collision. At the other end, the rudder is seriously bulked up. The 81-degree stem keeps the anchor from banging against the bow. Overall, the 425 is roughly 2,000 pounds lighter than the original Catalina 42.
Catalina backed the structure with five-year gelcoat blister protection and a five-year hull-structure warranty.
Rig, Deck Layout, and Handling
The 425 carries a modified Seldén B&R rig, with an extra set of forward shrouds intended to prevent mast pumping. The rig includes an anodized double-spreader mast and boom, along with Seldén in-mast mainsail furling. Doyle Sails supplies the furling main and the standard 100 percent self-tacking jib.
A double-ended, German-style mainsheet leads to both the helm and coachroof. It can be worked from the cabintop winches or from the primary winches near the helms. A ball-bearing traveler is adjusted from port. Twin Lewmar 55ST EVO primaries and 45ST EVO secondaries handle the loads.
The secure bowsprit has a bobstay and serves both as an anchor roller and as a tack point for an asymmetric kite or code zero. A split backstay terminates forward of the twin Edson steering pedestals, keeping it clear of tall watch-standers’ heads.
During a test sail on Florida’s Manatee River and Tampa Bay, the helm remained light and responsive. In 6 to 10 knots of breeze, the shoal-draft hull made more than 6 knots upwind and touched 8 knots on a tight reach under the asymmetric spinnaker during the test sail.
Cockpit and Accommodations
The enormous cockpit sits farther aft than on other 5 Series models, thanks to a more vertical transom. A passage between the twin helms leads to the swim step and boarding platform. The starboard settee unfolds into a double berth, while the port settee opens through a gull-wing hatch into one of the two aft cabins. The steering quadrant is accessible from those cabins.
Below, the three-cabin layout centers on a forward owner’s cabin with a large centerline berth. Its adjustable mattress can be elevated for reading. A roomy head with a large shower stall serves the cabin.
The saloon has a U-shaped settee and dining table to port, facing a central table to starboard. Two comfortable starboard seats double as the navigation station, which includes USB and 12-volt chargers. Opposing butterfly hatches above the saloon open in different directions for maximum ventilation.
The galley is to port and is described as both L-shaped and having a U-shaped plan. A second head sits to starboard at the foot of the companionway. Light maple hardwood appears throughout, with multi-coat varnish on the teak and maple. All interior LED lights are fitted with dimmers.
Equipment and Systems
The Catalina 425 is powered by a 57-horsepower Yanmar 4JH57CR common-rail diesel. It turns a three-blade bronze Michigan MP3 propeller through a stainless steel shaft. The single-lever engine control is mounted high on the starboard coaming, allowing the driver to keep looking toward the dock while maneuvering.
Twin Edson pedestals carry 32-inch wheels. Raymarine i70 displays at both helm stations show speed, depth, and wind information, while a chartplotter pod sits forward of the wheels.
Dedicated lockers house filters and machinery, including the genset. All through-hulls are grouped in the port cabin, and testers found the diesel fully accessible quickly and easily. Deck equipment also includes a Quick Rider 1000 windlass and a cockpit table with a refrigerator.
Verdict
Cruising World’s reviewers judged the 425 an excellent cruising boat capable of carrying its crew just about anywhere in comfort, safety, and speed. SAIL’s panel considered it a worthy Best Boats winner.
The 425 is a thoughtfully modernized successor to a proven design lineage. It is lighter and better-cored than the old Catalina 42, with genuine offshore-minded details and a layout suited to couples as well as charter use.
Pros
- Watertight collision bulkhead and bulked-up rudder add security
- Light, responsive helm and strong light-air pace upwind and reaching
- Well-grouped systems and quick, full engine access for owners
- Particularly refined ventilation in the forward cabin and saloon
Cons
- The self-tacking jib is modest; reaching and light-air punch depend on optional kites
- The shorter waterline and shoal wing-keel version trade some performance for reduced draft
