Catana 40 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Catana 40 is widely regarded as a pure performance catamaran, prioritizing sailing sensations and speed over the voluminous living quarters found in modern production cats. With a light displacement of approximately 5.5 to 5.8 tonnes, the boat is remarkably responsive in light air. Its technical hallmark is the inclusion of high-aspect daggerboards, which allow for a draft of roughly 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) when deployed, enabling the boat to point much higher than its fixed-keel contemporaries. Katamarans.com notes that recorded speeds for the model have reached 19.5 knots under spinnaker and a steady 14.5 knots on a beam reach.

Handling is characterized by a "sporty" feel, largely due to the outboard helm positions typical of early Catanas. This placement provides the helmsman with excellent visibility of the sails and the windward hull but leaves the station somewhat exposed to the elements. The hulls are fine-entry and "tulip-shaped," a Crowther signature designed to provide buoyancy as the bows submerge, reducing the risk of pitch-poling. However, owners frequently note that the design is sensitive to load; to maintain its high-performance profile, the vessel must be kept light, as over-provisioning quickly degrades its ability to "fly" in light winds.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Catana 40 reflects the design priorities of the 1980s, where functional seafaring took precedence over apartment-style luxury. The layout typically features four double cabins, two in each hull, though the limited beam of the hulls makes these cabins narrower than those found on modern Lagoons or Leopard models. The "nacelle" or bridgedeck salon is compact but efficient, housing a galley and a nav station.

Throughout its production run, several variations emerged based on the same fundamental platform:

• Catana 40C: The original Crowther design, emphasizing weight savings and minimalist interiors.
• Catana 40S: A later evolution introduced around 1988. This variant was technically a "hybrid" build; Katamarans.com reports that it utilized a deck mold from the Catana 39 and a cockpit mold from the Catana 42 to create a slightly more refined and spacious outdoor living area.
• Refit Variations: Because so few were made, many surviving 40s have been heavily customized. Some owners have extended the sugar scoops (transoms) to improve waterline length and stability, effectively turning the boats into 44-footers.

Popular Mentions & Media

While the later Catana 44 is more famous for its Southern Ocean exploits, the Catana 40 was instrumental in the brand's early marketing through high-profile voyages. The founders themselves, Thierry Goard and Jean-Pierre Prade, were experienced multihull sailors who used the early designs for ambitious trips, including Arctic expeditions. According to editorial history found at itBoat, the Catana 40’s early success in ocean crossings helped build the brand's reputation abroad, particularly in the United States, where the performance catamaran niche was rapidly expanding.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Catana 40 must account for the age of the vessel and the specific construction techniques of the 1980s.

• Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats of this era, the Catana 40 uses a foam or balsa-cored sandwich construction. Buyers should conduct a thorough moisture survey, especially around deck fittings and stanchions, to check for delamination.
• Saloon Window Leaks: A common issue discussed among the owner community involves the large forward-facing saloon windows. The seals and bedding compounds on these older units often fail, leading to leaks that can damage the interior woodwork.
• Weight Management: The boat’s performance is entirely dependent on its displacement. A "gotcha" for buyers is a previous owner who has added heavy equipment (generators, massive battery banks, heavy davits) without regard for the hull's design limits.
• Rudder and Daggerboard Bearings: Given the performance nature of the boat, the daggerboard trunks and rudder bearings are high-wear areas. Inspect for "slap" or play in the boards when they are partially deployed.

Community & Resources

Owners and enthusiasts of these early French catamarans often congregate through the Catana Owners Group, a prominent technical forum hosted on Groups.io. This community is the primary repository for original wiring diagrams, plumbing schematics, and advice on modernizing the older Crowther-designed hulls.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Exceptional performance and windward ability for a cruising catamaran.
• High bridgedeck clearance reduces slamming in heavy seas.
• Robust, high-quality composite construction that ages well if maintained.
• Rare and sought-after by purist sailors who value "the feel of the helm."

Cons:

• Interior volume is significantly less than modern 40-foot multihulls.
• Extreme sensitivity to payload; performance drops off quickly when overloaded.
• Exposed outboard helm stations offer little protection from rain or spray.
• Older models may require significant investment to update electronics and systems.