Sol Cat 20 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Sol Cat 20 is defined by its high-aspect-ratio sail plan and its use of deep daggerboards, which provided it with a significant aerodynamic and hydrodynamic advantage over the fixed-keel catamarans of its time. Unlike the smaller, asymmetrical hulls found on entry-level beach cats that relied on hull shape for lateral resistance, the Sol Cat 20 utilized symmetrical fiberglass hulls. This design choice required the use of daggerboards but resulted in superior upwind pointing angles and reduced drag when reaching.

Sailing the Sol Cat 20 is described by vintage performance enthusiasts as a "lively" experience; the boat features a narrow waterline on each hull to minimize wetted surface area, allowing it to accelerate rapidly in light air. In heavy air, the boat’s 20-foot length provides a stable footprint that resists the "pitch-poling" (bow-stuffing) tendencies common in shorter 14- and 16-foot models. However, the sheer power generated by its large mainsail and jib—often totaling over 230 square feet of sail area—demands constant attention to the mainsheet and traveler. The boat was typically equipped with dual trapezes, allowing both the helm and the crew to move their weight outboard to keep the hulls level during high-speed reaches.

Sibling Models & Variations

The Sol Cat 20 was part of a tiered lineup that shared a common design language focused on sleek fiberglass construction and Vernon’s signature hull profiles. Its most famous sibling, the Sol Cat 18, was the "bread and butter" of the company. The 18 was widely praised for its ruggedness and was a frequent competitor in distance races. The Sol Cat 15 served as the entry-level daysailer, featuring simpler rigging and a more manageable sail area for solo or family use.

The 20-foot model, however, was built on a wider beam—typically 8 feet 6 inches to remain trailerable without special permits—and featured a more robust mast extrusion to handle the increased rig tension. While the 15 and 18 were often seen as recreational beach cats, the 20 was positioned as a "Pro-Am" racer, bridge-building the gap between weekend sailing and the high-stakes world of offshore catamaran racing.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Purchasing a Sol Cat 20 today requires a diligent inspection of the fiberglass structures, as these vessels have been out of production since 1984.

1. Deck Delamination: The most common "gotcha" for Sol Catamarans is soft spots on the decks, particularly in the areas where the crew stands or sits while trapped out. High-signal indicators include a "crunching" sound when walking on the hulls, which suggests the fiberglass has separated from the internal core.
2. Pylon and Beam Integrity: Because the Sol Cat 20 generates significant torque, the joints where the aluminum cross-beams (aka "aka" bars) connect to the hull pylons are under immense stress. Inspect these areas for hairline fractures in the fiberglass or elongated bolt holes in the aluminum.
3. Daggerboard Trunks: The internal trunks that house the daggerboards are prone to cracking if the boat was ever sailed into a sandbar or grounded with the boards down. These leaks are difficult to repair as they are located inside the narrow hull.
4. Mast Step Compression: Check the area where the mast base sits on the forward crossbar. Over years of high-tension sailing, the aluminum or the supporting hardware can deform, leading to rig instability.
5. UV Degradation of the Trampoline: Given the age of these boats, original trampolines are likely compromised. Inspect the grommets and the hiking straps for dry rot.

Community & Resources

Because Sol Catamarans ceased operations in 1984, there is no longer a factory-backed class association. However, the model maintains a dedicated following among vintage catamaran enthusiasts. Technical data and rigging diagrams are often archived by regional multihull clubs in Southern California, where many of these boats remain in service. Owners frequently look toward general catamaran resources to source generic replacement parts for the rigging, as most of the original hardware was supplied by third-party manufacturers like Harken or Seaway.

The Verdict

The Sol Cat 20 remains a formidable vintage catamaran for sailors who value speed and technical engagement over modern convenience. It is a "purist’s" boat that offers a higher performance ceiling than many modern rotomolded beach cats.

Pros

• Exceptional Speed: High power-to-weight ratio and daggerboards make it very fast, especially upwind.
• Historical Appeal: A classic example of the 1970s Californian multihull revolution.
• Stable Platform: The 20-foot length provides better fore-and-aft stability in choppy water than smaller cats.

Cons

• Parts Scarcity: Specific hull-to-beam hardware and masts can be nearly impossible to replace without custom fabrication.
• Complexity: Daggerboards and dual trapezes make it less suitable for casual, solo beach hopping.
• Weight: Heavier and more difficult to manhandle on a beach than the Sol Cat 15 or 18.