112 | TRADEABOAT.COM.AU
C
atalina began building this popular
42-footer in 1989 and has gone on to
produce more than 1000 of this model,
including the later MKII design offered here.
These USA-built yachts have a reputation for
being simply, yet strongly built, with monolithic
GRP hulls and solid internal woodwork.
This model came out in 1995 and our review
boat is the two cabin pullman version (with three
cabin versions also produced).
It comes fully equipped for cruising with
dinghy, liferaft and an extensive list of safety gear.
This layout has one double aft cabin to
starboard and a pullman style master ensuite
cabin forward.
The model also has a vibrant international
owners' association (visit http://www.catalina42.org).
Long-running production is another feature
of this well-established American builder, so
the active owners association is a wealth of
information for sailors new to the brand.
However, Catalina is certainly well known
throughout Australia and expertly supported by
Rod Mackay's busy Lake Macquarie brokerage.SAFE CRUISER
Experienced designer Gerry Douglas penned this
model to be a general purpose cruiser, that could
take on the occasional regatta while taking a
family coastal cruising in safety.
To this end, the topsides are dominated by the“This model is a
general purpose
cruiser, that
can take on the
occasional regatta
while taking a
family coastal
cruising in safety.”
deep and large cockpit, with early versions even
having the option of a hard sprayhood for the
ultimate protection.
The review boat has a bimini as well as a canvas
sprayhood, making it ideal for all seasons.
Australia's warm climate demands easy water
access, so the step-down transom with folding
swim ladder is a big plus on this boat.
The cockpit is also walk-through because of the
removable skipper's seat and around the single
steering wheel are deep benches with lockers
underneath.
Wide side decks lead to the bow where a deep
anchor locker and large vertical electric windlass
ensure you will sleep without worry during that
coastal cruise.
Underway, the simple sailplan of slab-reefed
mainsail and roller-furler genoa means there's
little to go wrong throughout the rig.
Lazy jacks and a solid vang mean mainsail
reefing is easily achieved and the sailbag protects
the sailcloth from UV rays.
Sail controls are extensive, with four Lewmar
winches (54 S/T twin primaries and two 40 S/T
for halyards).
The alloy spar is supported by outboard
shrouds and twin backstays, while for downwind
sailing there is a pole for the symmetrical
spinnaker.
Ideally add a cruising chute to simplify this.