Help with buying a Catalac cat... anyone got any experience?

General Discussions Forum
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I’ve been renting a Catalac cat (1987) for a few months now as my living space. I’m seriously considering buying it. Has anyone got experience sailing these yachts? I was set on a mono but the spacious interior really got me hooked. I plan to live in a marina, take short trips around the Canary Islands, spend summers in the Med, and maybe even sail to Cabo Verde or Morocco. I’m curious about crossing the Atlantic in one of these… what could be the potential downsides?

2

I’ve sailed on a Catalac before. They’re pretty spacious and comfortable for living. Just keep in mind they can be a bit slower than monos.

3

Ezri said:
I’ve sailed on a Catalac before. They’re pretty spacious and comfortable for living. Just keep in mind they can be a bit slower than monos.

What do you mean by slower? Like, how much slower?

4

@Gianna
Just in terms of speed under sail. They’re stable but don’t point as well into the wind compared to monos.

5

Sounds like an awesome plan. Just make sure you check the hull condition before buying. Older cats can have hidden issues.

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Teo said:
Sounds like an awesome plan. Just make sure you check the hull condition before buying. Older cats can have hidden issues.

Good point. Any specific issues I should look out for?

7

@Vance
Check for osmosis and any soft spots. Those can be a pain to fix later.

8

I’ve heard that the Catalac can handle rough seas pretty well. That might help if you’re crossing the Atlantic.

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Mackenzie said:
I’ve heard that the Catalac can handle rough seas pretty well. That might help if you’re crossing the Atlantic.

That’s good to know. But are there any downsides for longer trips?

10

@Gianna
Just make sure you have enough storage for supplies. They can feel cramped if you’re not organized.

11

Living on a boat sounds like a dream. Just be ready for maintenance… it can be a lot.

12

Teo said:
Living on a boat sounds like a dream. Just be ready for maintenance… it can be a lot.

Lol, I can imagine. I’m kinda ready for that though. Any tips on staying organized?

13

@Vance
Use bins and label everything. It helps a lot with small spaces.

14

Make sure to get a good survey done before you go for it. You don’t want surprises after buying.

15

Nico said:
Make sure to get a good survey done before you go for it. You don’t want surprises after buying.

Totally agree. A survey can save you a ton of headaches.