Family Cat 23 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Sailing the Family Cat 23 is a study in stability rather than raw speed. Unlike the high-performance racing catamarans that gained popularity in the 1970s, the Cat 23 was engineered for predictable family cruising. Its symmetrical hull design and modest sail plan ensure that the boat remains upright even in stiff breezes, a trait that made it an attractive option for sailors moving away from the "rail-down" experience of traditional sloops like the Halman 20.

The boat typically tracks well due to its twin hulls, though like many cruising catamarans of this vintage, it lacks the windward "bite" of a deep-keeled monohull. Handling in a seaway is characterized by a quick, jerky motion common to small multihulls with high initial stability. While it does not offer the "hobby-horsing" typical of the Halman 20’s short waterline, the Cat 23 can experience bridge deck slamming when heading into a chop, a common trade-off for its generous interior volume. Owners often note that the boat excels on a reach, where the increased beam allows for more sail area to be carried safely compared to a 23-foot monohull.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The primary draw of the Family Cat 23 is its remarkable interior volume for its length. By utilizing the width of the bridge deck, the boat offers a living area that feels significantly larger than a traditional 23-foot sailboat. The layout generally features berths situated within the hulls, providing a sense of privacy rarely found in small vessels. The central cabin area serves as the primary social hub, often featuring a small galley and a dinette.

While the Halman 21 and Horizon 27 featured the traditional teak-heavy interiors common to Canadian builders of the time, the Family Cat 23 leaned toward more practical fiberglass liners and easy-to-clean surfaces, reflecting its mission as a "family" boat. There are no major documented production variants (such as a 4-cabin version), as the 23-foot hull reaches its displacement limit quickly; however, variations in owner customizations—such as the addition of pop-tops for increased headroom or modified galley layouts—are common in the second-hand market.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

When inspecting a Family Cat 23, the most critical area is the bridge deck structure. As an early fiberglass catamaran, the connection points where the hulls meet the central platform are under significant stress. Potential buyers should look for "stress crazing" or spiderweb cracking in the gelcoat at these junctions, which may indicate structural flexing.

• Bulkhead Integrity: Check the wooden bulkheads within the hulls for signs of rot or water intrusion, particularly where chainplates are through-bolted.
• Deck Delamination: Like many boats built in the late 1970s, the deck may use a balsa or plywood core. Use a plastic hammer to sound for "dull" thuds that indicate delamination, especially around the mast step and stanchion bases.
• Rudder Hardware: The twin rudder system requires precise alignment. Inspect the connecting rods and bushings for excessive play, which can lead to "wandering" while under power or sail.
• Window Seals: The large forward-facing windows on the bridge deck are prone to leaking over time. Look for water staining on the interior liners beneath the ports.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Family Cat 23 often find common ground within the broader Halman and Nordica communities. The Halman/Nordica Owner's Association serves as the primary repository for technical knowledge, though much of their documentation focuses on the monohull models. Because the Cat 23 is relatively rare, technical support often comes from general multihull forums where enthusiasts discuss the specific maintenance requirements of vintage fiberglass catamarans.

The Verdict

The Family Cat 23 is a unique piece of Canadian maritime history, offering a stable, spacious, and shallow-draft platform that is increasingly rare in the used market. It is an ideal vessel for families cruising protected waters or for sailors who prioritize comfort and a level deck over high-pointing ability.

Pros:

• Exceptional stability with minimal heeling.
• Large interior volume and deck space for a 23-foot boat.
• Shallow draft allows for "gunkhole" cruising and easy beaching.
• Robust Halman fiberglass construction.

Cons:

• Limited windward performance compared to monohull counterparts.
• Difficult to trailer due to its wide beam.
• Susceptible to bridge deck slamming in heavy chop.
• Relatively rare, making model-specific replacement parts hard to find.