Edel Cat 43 Buyer's Guide
The Edel Cat 43 is a French-built coastal catamaran designed by Maurice Edel and produced from the early nineties, a 42-foot-plus multihull that won Boat of the Year in France in 1991. On the used market she appeals to buyers who want volume and shallow-water access over bluewater credentials. Solid fiberglass hulls and deck, a fractional sloop rig, and a twin-keel layout that permits beaching define the platform; the broad beam of about 25 feet is the single biggest differentiator from slimmer cruising cats.
Layouts on the Used Market
Expect a two-hull plan built around the boat's 1.73 length-to-beam ratio, which the yachtdatabase review notes makes her more spacious than 90% of similar sailing catamarans. The twin-keel arrangement means each hull carries its own grounding shoe, so layouts typically separate private quarters across the port and starboard sides. Shallow draft of roughly 3.94 to 4.24 feet depending on load is consistent across the class, so bridge clearance and marina access are rarely the limiting factor a buyer faces.
Equipment and Common Upgrades
The most consequential factory option was dual 56-horsepower diesel engines, and on the brokerage trail a boat so fitted will handle docking and shallow transits far better than a single-engine example. Beyond that, buyer attention should center on the sail plan — the fractional rig with about 1,162 square feet of canvas — and any added canvas or rigging that supports short-handed sail handling. Power and energy systems, navigation electronics, and comfort equipment will vary by owner, but none of these define the boat the way the twin engines and beaching keels do.
What to Inspect
Confirm the integrity of the twin keels and their attachment to the solid fiberglass hulls, since the beaching capability depends entirely on that structure remaining sound. Check the fiberglass deck for soft spots or crazing, and verify the optional dual diesel installation runs cleanly at 56 horsepower per side. The shallow-draft claim of 3.94 to 4.24 feet should be confirmed against the actual load and keel wear on any candidate.
Buyer's Takeaway
- Verify twin-keel structure and bedding for beaching use
- Confirm both diesels produce rated 56 hp without smoke
- Sound the solid fiberglass deck for delamination
- Measure draft under current load against stated 3.94–4.24 ft
- Inspect fractional rig and 1,162 sq ft sail for UV damage
Comparable models
Similar length, displacement, and era. Open a row to compare that model's market page.
Similar boats to compare
6 similar designs| Model | LOA | Median ask | Listings · 12 mo | Active · 90 d |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beneteau 43 | 43' | $ 134,995 | 152 | 32 |
| Robertson and Caine 43 | 42.49' | $ 291,939 | 61 | 6 |
| X-Yachts X-43 | 42.42' | $ 249,543 | 42 | 5 |
| Trimeran 43 | 43' | $ 445,650 | 34 | 9 |
| Baltic 43 | 43.34' | $ 140,193 | 10 | 2 |
| Catalina Morgan 43 | 43' | $ 55,000 | 5 | 2 |