Catana 58 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing soul of the Catana 58 is defined by its deep, retractable daggerboards. Unlike the fixed keels found on mass-market charter catamarans, these boards allow the 58 to point significantly higher into the wind, often achieving tacking angles comparable to performance monohulls. With the boards raised, the boat’s draft is reduced to less than five feet, permitting access to shallow anchorages and reducing drag when running downwind. According to technical insights often shared by the Catana Group, the integration of high-tech materials like Twaron (aramid fiber) and carbon was central to achieving the stiffness required for this level of performance.

Handling is characterized by the brand’s signature twin outboard helm stations. Positioned at the very aft of each hull, these helms provide the skipper with an unobstructed view of the sail plan and the horizon, though they leave the helmsman exposed to the elements—a trade-off Catana enthusiasts accept for the superior "feel" of the mechanical steering. Under sail, the 58 is known for its "long legs"; it is not uncommon for these vessels to maintain double-digit speeds in moderate breezes. Owners often report that the boat truly comes alive in 15 to 25 knots of wind, where the powerful fractional rig and large reaching sails can be fully utilized.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Catana 58 reflects a transition toward luxury that began to define the brand’s larger models in the early 2000s. The layout typically features a sprawling bridgedeck salon with a 360-degree panoramic view, integrating a large U-shaped galley and a dedicated navigation station. Because these boats were often semi-custom builds, interior configurations vary. The "Owner’s Version" typically devotes the entire starboard hull to a master suite, including a desk, extensive hanging lockers, and a large head with a separate shower.

Sibling models like the Catana 581 introduced more refined joinery, often using Alpi wood veneers over foam-core panels to keep the interior light without sacrificing the aesthetic of traditional cabinetry. The Catana 582, the final evolution of this hull, pushed the boundaries of luxury further with upgraded climate control systems and sophisticated electrical arrays. Across all variants, the headroom is generous, often exceeding 6'6", and the ventilation is excellent, provided by numerous opening hatches that facilitate airflow at anchor.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Catana 58 and its direct successor, the 582, gained significant visibility through the exploits of high-profile owners and circumnavigators. Perhaps most notably, the model's reputation for bespoke engineering led to the creation of the Catana 90, which was commissioned by an owner who had previously logged thousands of miles on a Catana 582. This lineage helped cement the 58's status as the "big brother" to the legendary Catana 471, often appearing in blue-water cruising documentaries and long-range sailing blogs as the "ultimate" retirement vessel for performance-oriented sailors.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Purchasing a Catana 58 requires a rigorous survey, as these vessels are complex systems designed for long-range autonomy.

• Daggerboard Trunks: Inspect the trunks for signs of impact damage or wear on the sacrificial bearing strips. If the boards have been grounded, the trunk structure may require composite repair to ensure watertight integrity.
• Hydraulic Systems: Many 58s were equipped with hydraulic winches or furling systems. Check for leaks in the high-pressure lines and ensure the central power pack is functioning without excessive noise.
• Delamination and Voids: While Catana's vacuum-bagging process was high-quality, older boats may show signs of core compression or delamination in areas where heavy hardware (like davits or cleats) was mounted without sufficient solid-glass backing.
• Rigging Loads: The standing rigging on a 58-foot performance cat experiences immense loads. Given the age of most 58s, a full mast-out rigging inspection is mandatory, with specific focus on the chainplates and the "seagull striker" under the front beam.
• Wiring Complexity: Early 2000s French wiring can be difficult to trace. Look for "owner-added" electronics that may have bypassed the original circuit protection, leading to potential ground loops or parasitic draws.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Catana 58 are supported by a tight-knit community of long-distance cruisers. The Catana Owners Association remains the primary repository for technical manuals and historical build data. While the Catana Group has shifted its production focus toward the Bali line and the new Ocean Class, they still provide support for legacy models through their service centers in the Mediterranean.

The Verdict

The Catana 58 is a "sailor’s catamaran" that refuses to compromise performance for the sake of interior volume. It remains one of the few production multihulls of its size capable of legitimate windward work.

Pros:

• Exceptional Speed: Capable of sustained high-speed passage making.
• Blue-Water Pedigree: Built to handle heavy offshore conditions with a high bridge-deck.
• Quality Construction: Use of carbon and Twaron ensures a stiff, durable hull.
• Shallow Draft: Daggerboards allow for versatile cruising in the Bahamas or South Pacific.

Cons:

• Exposed Helms: Outboard steering stations offer no protection from rain or spray.
• Maintenance Intensive: Complex systems and daggerboard mechanics require active upkeep.
• Large Rig Loads: Requires an experienced crew to manage the massive sail area safely.
• Price Premium: Maintains high resale value compared to similar-aged charter-style cats.