Catana 651 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Catana 651 is defined by its use of retractable daggerboards rather than fixed keels, a signature feature that allows the vessel to point significantly higher into the wind than most production multihulls. In its original review, Multihulls World noted that the 651’s ability to reduce leeway makes it a formidable upwind performer, while the ability to raise the boards off the wind reduces drag and increases safety in heavy following seas by allowing the boat to "slide" down wave faces rather than tripping on a fixed keel.

The handling is managed from two outboard steering stations located at the very aft of each hull. This "Catana-style" helm arrangement provides the helmsman with an unobstructed view of the sails and the horizon, though it leaves the operator more exposed to the elements than a central bulkhead station or a flybridge. With a generous sail area-to-displacement ratio, the 651 is capable of maintaining double-digit speeds in moderate breezes. Owners often report that the boat feels more like a large dinghy than a 25-ton yacht, largely due to the hydraulic steering systems that were often customized to provide more tactile feedback.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The 651’s interior was built during a period when Catana utilized high-quality wood veneers, typically cherry or light oak, paired with Alcantara upholstery. Because the 651 was often semi-customized, two primary configurations exist: the "Owner’s Version" and the "Charter Version." The Owner’s Version typically dedicates the entire starboard hull to a massive suite featuring a king-sized berth, a dedicated office space, and an expansive head with a separate shower stall.

The bridgedeck salon is characterized by a 360-degree panoramic view, a hallmark of Barreau’s designs. The galley is usually positioned "up" in the salon, allowing the chef to remain part of the social activity while underway. A notable sibling to the 651 is the Catana 582; while the 582 uses the same design language, the 651 provides significantly more volume in the aft cabins and a larger cockpit footprint. For those seeking even more space, the subsequent Catana 70 evolved the 651's performance DNA into a superyacht format.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Catana 651 has long been a favorite for high-latitude explorers and circumnavigators who require speed to outrun weather systems. The model gained visibility through its association with the "Arc de l’Alizé" and various trans-oceanic rallies where Catana flagships frequently claimed line honors in the cruising divisions. It is often cited in technical discussions by Yachting World as a benchmark for how to balance the weight of luxury amenities with the structural requirements of a high-performance multihull.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach a Catana 651 with a rigorous survey focused on its complex mechanical and structural systems:

• Daggerboard Trunks: The trunks are high-stress areas. Inspect for any signs of delamination or impact damage, especially at the lower bearings. If the boards have been grounded, the internal structure of the trunk may require specialized composite repair.
• Hydraulic Systems: Given the size of the 651, many were equipped with hydraulic winches and furling systems. These require meticulous maintenance to prevent leaks and ensure the safety of the rig under load.
• Bimini Structure: The large, fixed bimini on the 651 is a major windage factor. In older hulls, look for stress cracking where the bimini supports meet the deck or the cockpit coaming.
• Core Integrity: While the vacuum-bagged construction is superior to hand-laid fiberglass, any aftermarket through-hull installations that were not properly "de-cored" and sealed with epoxy can lead to moisture ingress in the balsa or foam core.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical support is the Catana Owners Association, a global group of sailors who share maintenance logs and modification tips specifically for the Barreau-era models. For technical specifications and historical documentation, the Catana Catamarans official site maintains archives of their legacy performance range, though direct support for these older models is often handled by specialized refit yards in Canet-en-Roussillon, France.

The Verdict

The Catana 651 is a "sailor’s catamaran" that refuses to compromise on speed for the sake of interior volume. It remains one of the few 60-foot-plus multihulls that can genuinely be sailed hard and fast in blue-water conditions.

Pros:

• Exceptional upwind performance thanks to deep daggerboards.
• High-quality composite construction using Kevlar and carbon fiber.
• True 360-degree visibility from the salon and galley.
• Sufficient payload capacity for long-term autonomous cruising.

Cons:

• Aft helm stations offer little protection from rain and spray.
• Large sail plan and complex systems require an experienced crew or professional maintenance.
• The wide beam can make finding dockage in older marinas challenging.