Sailing Performance & Handling
The sailing characteristics of the Edel Cat 43 are defined by the pedigree of Sylvestre Langevin, a designer whose background in racing multihulls significantly influenced the hull forms of the Edel series. Unlike many modern production catamarans that utilize high-volume hulls for maximum interior space, the Cat 43 retains relatively slim hulls below the waterline to reduce drag. This design choice, combined with a low-profile coachroof that minimizes windage, allows the vessel to perform admirably on a reach.
Handling is generally described as predictable and "sea-kindly," a trait often attributed to the moderate displacement-to-length ratio that prevents the hobby-horsing common in shorter, lighter cats. While the boat does not typically feature the deep daggerboards found on high-performance boutique catamarans, its fixed keels are profiled to provide a reasonable compromise between upwind tracking and the shallow draft (approximately 1.1 meters) required for tropical cruising. Anecdotal reports from long-distance cruisers suggest that the Cat 43 feels more "connected" to the water than newer, taller cruisers, though its bridge deck clearance, while adequate for its era, can lead to occasional slamming in short, steep head seas—a common characteristic discussed in Multihulls World retrospectives of the Langevin-designed Edel range.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The interior of the Edel Cat 43 reflects a transition point in French boatbuilding, moving away from the utilitarian aesthetic of the earlier Edel 33 toward a more refined, albeit still functional, living space. The standard configuration typically features four double cabins and two or four head compartments, a layout necessitated by its popularity in the Mediterranean charter trade. The use of molded fiberglass liners finished with wood trim was a hallmark of the Meyzieu factory, designed to be both durable and easy to maintain.
One of the Cat 43’s most distinguishing features is its panoramic visibility from the saloon. Unlike the "sunken" galleys of earlier monohulls, the Cat 43 places the social hub and galley on the bridge deck level, facilitating an open-concept flow between the cockpit and the interior. Sibling variations are rare, as the 43 was the peak of the range; however, some units were customized for private owners with an "Owner’s Version" layout, which dedicated one entire hull to a master suite, office, and larger head, significantly increasing the storage capacity for long-term liveaboards.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers of an Edel Cat 43 must account for the age of the vessel and the construction methods used during the early 1990s. While the hulls are generally considered overbuilt, there are specific areas that require a surveyor’s scrutiny:
- Core Integrity: The Edel shipyard utilized foam core sandwich construction for the decks and upper hull sections. Over thirty years, hardware beddings can fail, leading to localized delamination or water ingress into the core. A "percussion test" or moisture meter reading across the deck is essential.
- Rudder Bearings: Owners have frequently noted that the rudder bushings and bearings are prone to wear, leading to play in the steering system. Replacing these on an Edel Cat 43 can be labor-intensive due to the integrated nature of the aft steps and steering quadrants.
- Engine Access and Seals: Many units were originally fitted with Volvo Penta or Perkins sail-drive units. Potential buyers should inspect the sail-drive rubber seals (diaphrams), which typically require replacement every seven to ten years. Access to the engines is functional but tight, and any signs of corrosion on the engine mounts should be noted.
- Rigging Loads: Given the Cat 43’s ability to carry significant sail area, the chainplates and mast step should be inspected for stress fractures, particularly if the boat has a history of heavy-weather offshore passages.
Community & Resources
While there is no longer a formal manufacturer support network, the Edel community remains active, primarily through French-speaking maritime associations. Owners often find technical support through the Association des Propriétaires d'Edel, a dedicated group that preserves the technical drawings and owner manuals for the various Maurice Edel designs. Technical discussions regarding the Cat 43 often appear on broader multihull forums, though the most specific data remains archived in French sailing journals like Voiles et Voiliers.
The Verdict
The Edel Cat 43 is a robust, honest multihull that offers a distinctive alternative to the "condo-marans" of the current era. It appeals to the sailor who values a lower profile and better-than-average sailing performance over maximum interior volume.
Pros:
- Excellent performance-to-comfort ratio thanks to Sylvestre Langevin’s hull design.
- Relatively low windage compared to modern catamarans of similar length.
- Robust fiberglass construction capable of serious offshore work.
- Shallow draft ideal for coastal exploration and "gunkholing."
Cons:
- Aged interior aesthetics may feel dated compared to contemporary yachts.
- Bridge deck slamming can occur in specific sea states due to 1990s-era clearance standards.
- Limited secondary market availability, as production ended in 1995.
- Maintenance of sail-drive units and foam-core decks requires diligent oversight.
