Catana 51 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The defining characteristic of the Catana 51 is its use of daggerboards rather than fixed keels. This feature allows the vessel to point significantly higher than its contemporaries, reaching up to 35-40 degrees apparent wind angle with minimal leeway. According to an editorial evaluation by Sail Magazine, the ability to raise the boards also significantly reduces drag when sailing off the wind and offers an added safety margin in heavy seas, as the boat can "slide" down the face of a wave rather than tripping over a fixed keel.

The helm stations are another hallmark of the Catana 51’s performance DNA. Positioned at the extreme aft end of each hull, the twin outboard helms provide the helmsman with an unobstructed view of the sails and the horizon, though they offer less protection from the elements than a centralized bulkhead helm. Handling is typically described as crisp and responsive, behaving more like a large performance monohull than a typical catamaran. With a high bridge deck clearance, the 51 avoids the "pounding" common in heavier designs, maintaining momentum in choppy conditions. When the wind picks up, the 51 is known to comfortably sustain speeds of 12 to 15 knots, with bursts approaching 20 knots under professional handling and optimal conditions.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Catana 51 is defined by a refined, "owner-centric" layout that prioritizes high-quality joinery over maximum cabin count. Most hulls were configured in a three-cabin "Owner’s Version," where the entire starboard hull is dedicated to a master suite featuring a large head, separate shower, and a dedicated desk or dressing area. The port hull typically houses two guest cabins sharing a central head.

In the saloon, the Catana 51 features a seamless transition between the galley and the cockpit, separated by a large sliding door and window. The woodwork is generally light-colored cherry or foam-cored laminates to save weight, a detail emphasized in reviews by Cruising World. While the 51 and the nearly identical 52 represent the core of this platform, the shipyard also produced the Catana 50, a slightly shorter Barreau design that features a more modern, upright aesthetic compared to the 51’s sleeker, classic lines. Variations also exist in the rigging; some owners opted for a taller carbon fiber mast to further enhance light-wind performance, while others preferred the more robust aluminum spar for conservative cruising.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Catana 51 with a technical eye toward the performance systems that set it apart.

• Daggerboard Trunks: Because the daggerboards are central to the boat's performance, the trunks should be inspected for structural stress or "star-crazing" in the gelcoat, which can indicate heavy groundings. The lifting mechanisms and plastic bearings often require replacement after years of use to prevent sticking.
• Outboard Helm Cables: The long cable runs from the outboard helms to the rudders can develop friction over time. Buyers should check for "slop" in the steering and ensure the emergency tiller system is fully operational.
• Twaron and Gelcoat: While the Twaron-reinforced hulls are incredibly strong, Catana's of this era sometimes show signs of "clouding" or oxidation in the gelcoat if they spent significant time in the tropics. A moisture meter test is essential, though osmosis is rarely reported as a systemic issue for this model.
• Standing Rigging: Given the high righting moment of a 50-foot catamaran, the standing rigging is under immense tension. If the vessel is equipped with the original carbon fiber mast, a professional NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) scan is recommended to check for internal fractures.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Catana 51 benefit from a dedicated and highly technical community. The Catana Owners Group is the primary hub for technical exchange, providing documentation on everything from rudder bearing replacement to optimal sail plans. For technical specifications and historical context on the transition from the 51 to the 52 series, the Multihulls World archives serve as the de facto record for the shipyard’s engineering milestones.

The Verdict

The Catana 51 is a "sailor’s catamaran" that refuses to compromise speed for cabin count, making it a premier choice for experienced couples looking to cross oceans quickly.

Pros:

• Superior upwind performance due to deep-reaching daggerboards.
• High-quality, weight-conscious construction using Twaron and vacuum-infusion.
• Excellent bridge deck clearance minimizing slamming in heavy seas.
• Twin outboard helms offer a visceral, engaging sailing experience.

Cons:

• Exposed helm positions require high-quality foul weather gear in poor conditions.
• The narrow hull profiles offer less interior storage than contemporary "condo-cats."
• Maintenance of daggerboard systems is more intensive than fixed-keel alternatives.
• Significant price premium on the used market compared to mass-produced competitors.