Design and Construction
Christophe Barreau's hull lines give the Catana 55 a waterline stretched to 58.58 feet inside a 61.92-foot hull, a proportion that Cruising World credited as central to the boat's pace anchor. The build itself uses Catana's carbon-infusion process, a construction approach the same reviewer described as unique to the marque anchor. Beneath the waterline, the daggerboards define the draft envelope: with boards raised the yacht draws only 1.20 meters, and with them lowered she reaches 2.95 meters, letting the owner choose shoal gunkholing or deep-weatherly grip. Steering runs through two balanced spade rudders carried on JP3 self-aligning bearings, and the cockpit is framed by two Catana-design GRP pulpits and a pair of stainless steel leather-wrapped wheels.
Rig and Handling
The rig is a white-lacquered aluminium mast and boom, carrying a main-sail luff on a ball-bearing batt-car system and a double windvane at the masthead. Winch duty is split with intent: two for genoa and spinnaker sheets, two for mainsail sheets, two for daggerboard and furler lines, and one on the mast for foresail halyards. Mechanical engine controls sit at the starboard helm. With the sail plan and waterline working together, the boat packs on sail area to address what Cruising World called the most demanding cruiser's need for speed anchor, and the daggerboard control winches let a short-handed crew manage the foils from the helm area.
Accommodations
Below, the salon is a luxury, comfortable space with an outside panoramic view, separated from the passage by a sliding door. Seating uses high-resilience foam with Suedine on the back and Sunbrella on the armrests, grouped around an extendable saloon table with a built-in bar. Stainless steel handrails run in each hull step for secure movement. The galley is a U-shape to port with a large worktop, and the owner version adds a vanity or desk with a seat. Bathrooms are large moulded units; the shower stall carries teak grating and a built-in seat. Two glass-composite benches ease access to the roof, linking indoor comfort to the outdoor deck.
Equipment and Systems
Electrical architecture splits cleanly: two 120 Ah gel engine-start batteries feed the diesels, while a 60 A / 24 V shore charger and twin 80 A / 12 V engine alternators for start banks sit alongside twin 75 A / 24 V alternators for the service bank. The boat carries a structural warranty of five years from the builder. The black-water tank is a 55-liter standard fitment.
The Verdict
The Catana 55 is a serious offshore catamaran that trades some simplicity for speed and volume. Barreau's long-waterline hull and carbon-infused structure give a performer with real passage-making reach, and the daggerboard draft range is a genuine dual-mode advantage. The accommodation is polished rather than merely functional. The systems wiring is elaborate, and the many winch circuits and deep draft with boards down ask for an engaged owner.
Pros
- Long waterline and heavy sail area deliver speed Cruising World noted as meeting demanding expectations
- Carbon-infusion construction unique to the builder
- Daggerboards give 1.20 m shoal or 2.95 m deep draft
- Panoramic salon with extendable bar table and refined fabrics
- Dual alternator banks and 24 V service charging
Cons
- Complex winch and electrical system demands owner attention
- Deep 2.95 m board-down draft limits some anchorages
- Five-year structural warranty is shorter than some rivals offer
