Catana 50 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing philosophy of the Catana 50 is centered around its deep, retractable daggerboards. Unlike fixed-keel cruising catamarans, the 50 can lift its boards to minimize drag when sailing downwind or to reduce the risk of "tripping" over its own keels in heavy breaking seas. According to performance evaluations by Cruising World, the ability to point as high as 30 to 35 degrees apparent wind angle is a transformative experience for sailors used to the leeway-prone performance of standard cruising cats.

The helm configuration features the signature Catana outboard steering stations. These twin pods, located at the very aft end of each hull, provide an unobstructed view of the mainsail and the horizon, though they leave the helmsman exposed to the elements—a trade-off made in favor of tactical visibility and a direct, mechanical feel to the rudders. The boat's displacement-to-length ratio and generous sail area allow it to remain powered up in light airs where heavier boats would be forced to motor. Under power, the twin Volvo Penta engines, typically 75hp variants, provide a cruising speed of 8.5 to 9 knots, though the boat is notoriously sensitive to weight distribution; keeping the ends of the hulls light is essential to maintaining its snappy performance.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Catana 50 moved away from the more utilitarian, darker wood finishes of previous generations, opting for a lighter, more open "contemporary" feel. The standard layout is the "Owner’s Version," which devotes the entire starboard hull to a master suite featuring a large island berth, a desk area, and an expansive head with a separate shower stall. The port hull typically accommodates two guest cabins, each with its own en-suite facilities.

A less common "Club" version was also produced, offering a four-cabin, four-head layout primarily intended for high-end luxury charter or large families. In both variations, the bridge deck salon is characterized by 360-degree visibility and a seamless transition to the cockpit via a sliding glass door. The use of foam-cored furniture—a weight-saving measure found in high-end builds—allows for elegant cabinetry without the weight penalty of solid timber. This model served as a design bridge to its siblings, the slightly smaller Catana 47 and the larger Catana 52, which shared similar design language and construction methods but varied in bridge deck clearance and interior volume.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Catana 50 should conduct a rigorous survey focusing on the specific "high-performance" components of the vessel:

• Daggerboard Trunks: Inspect for stress cracks or wear in the daggerboard trunk liners. While the boards themselves are robust, the lifting mechanisms and the structural integration of the trunks are under significant load when sailing upwind.
• Balsa Core Integrity: While Catana utilized sophisticated infusion, earlier hulls from this era occasionally show signs of moisture ingress in the deck core if hardware was added post-factory without proper sealing. A moisture meter test on the coachroof and side decks is mandatory.
• Helm Station Wiring: Because the steering stations are exposed to salt spray and green water, the electronic displays and engine controls located in the pods are prone to corrosion. Check for "ghosting" on screens and the integrity of the waterproof seals on the throttle controls.
• Rigging Loads: The Catana 50 generates high righting moments; the standing rigging and chainplates should be inspected for any signs of fatigue, especially if the boat has been used for extensive blue-water passage making.

Community & Resources

Owners and enthusiasts of this model are served by the Catana Owners Association, a global network of sailors who share technical modifications and maintenance logs. The Catana Group also maintains a historical archive for older models, providing assistance with original scantlings and wiring diagrams for refit projects.

The Verdict

The Catana 50 remains one of the most sought-after models for the "fast cruiser" demographic, holding its value far better than mass-produced charter catamarans.

Pros:

• Superior Windward Ability: Daggerboards allow for pointing angles that rival performance monohulls.
• Construction Quality: Extensive use of carbon fiber and Twaron results in a light, rigid, and safe hull.
• Visibility: Twin outboard helms offer the best sail-trimming views in the catamaran class.

Cons:

• Exposed Helm Stations: Lack of protection for the helmsman in foul weather without aftermarket biminis.
• Weight Sensitivity: Performance drops off significantly if the boat is overloaded with heavy "live-aboard" gear.
• Complex Systems: Daggerboard maintenance and sophisticated electrical systems require a higher degree of technical oversight.