Edel Cat 15 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Edel Cat 15 are defined by its lightweight displacement and symmetric hull design. In the context of 1980s catamaran design, the Cat 15 utilized a relatively high-aspect rig for its size, allowing it to perform well in light-to-moderate Mediterranean breezes. Because the hulls were designed with a deep "V" section and integrated skegs rather than daggerboards, the boat offers a forgiving experience for novice sailors, eliminating the mechanical complexity of moving underwater foils while sacrificing a few degrees of upwind pointing ability.

Handling is reported to be nimble, though, like many beach cats of its era, it requires active weight management to prevent the leeward bow from "pitch-poling" in heavy gusts. The boat’s power-to-weight ratio is sufficient to lift a hull in roughly 12 to 15 knots of wind, providing the classic catamaran "flying" sensation. According to historical design notes from the yard's archives, the Cat 15 was intended to be "self-tacking" in philosophy, emphasizing ease of motion through the stays, a common struggle for smaller multihulls. While specific modern velocity prediction programs (VPP) for this model are scarce, the boat is generally regarded as a spirited performer that tracks better than contemporary rotomolded plastic competitors due to its stiffer, more rigid fiberglass hulls.

Sibling Models & Variations

The Edel Cat 15 was the entry point for a wider multihull range that eventually redefined the shipyard. Its most direct sibling was the Edel Cat 18, which utilized a nearly identical design philosophy but offered more buoyancy and a larger sail plan for two-adult racing. As the company moved toward cruising, the lineage evolved into the Edel Cat 26, a "pocket" cruising catamaran that introduced a small cabin structure—a radical departure from the open-deck Cat 15. While the 15 remained a pure beach cat, its hull form influenced the later, more stable platforms used in the shipyard's early catamaran training fleet.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective owners of an Edel Cat 15 should focus on the structural integrity of the hull-to-deck joins and the tensioning system of the trampoline. Because these boats have been out of production since the mid-90s, the fiberglass can suffer from typical age-related fatigue.

1. Hull Softness: Check for "soft spots" on the decks forward of the main beam. Repeated high-stress sailing can lead to delamination between the fiberglass skin and the core material.
2. Trampoline Condition: The original trampolines were often made of UV-sensitive mesh. If the material feels brittle or "chalky" to the touch, it is likely at the end of its lifespan and will require a custom replacement, as OEM parts are no longer available.
3. Beam Bolts: Inspect the aluminum cross-beams where they bolt into the hulls. Look for signs of "working" (elongated bolt holes) or galvanic corrosion between the stainless steel fasteners and the aluminum beams.
4. Rudder Gudgeons: The kick-up rudder system is a common failure point. Ensure the locking mechanisms engage securely and that the gudgeons (the brackets attaching the rudder to the transom) are not pulling away from the fiberglass.

Community & Resources

While there is no longer a formal factory presence, the community for these vessels is largely centered in France. The most robust technical resources are found through the Association des Propriétaires d'Edel, a dedicated group of enthusiasts who maintain archives of original brochures and technical drawings for the entire Edel range, including the catamaran line. Technical discussions and parts-sourcing advice are frequently shared among members who specialize in the restoration of Maurice Edel's fiberglass designs.

The Verdict

The Edel Cat 15 is a vintage "pure" sailing machine that offers a nostalgic and tactile multihull experience. While it lacks the raw speed of modern carbon-fiber foilers, it remains a robust and charming choice for sailors who appreciate French maritime history and the simplicity of a beach-launched catamaran.

Pros:

• Ease of Use: Skeg-based hulls eliminate the need for daggerboards, making beach landings simple.
• Build Quality: Historically superior rigidity compared to rotomolded plastic cats of the same era.
• Weight: Easily trailered and moved by two people on a beach dolly.

Cons:

• Parts Availability: All specialized hardware and sails must be custom-ordered or sourced from the used market.
• Upwind Performance: The lack of daggerboards results in more leeway when sailing close-hauled compared to high-performance racing cats.
• Age: Most units will require some level of fiberglass restoration or rigging replacement.