The Catalina 42 MkII Sailboat
Specs & Key Performance Indicators

Published Specification for the Catalina 42 MkII

Underwater Profile: Fin keel & spade rudder

Hull Material: GRP (Fibreglass)

Length Overall: 41'10" (2.8m)

Waterline Length: 36'0" (11.0m)

Beam: 13'10" (4.2m)

Draft: 6'8" (2.1m)*

Rig Type: Masthead sloop

Displacement: 20,500lb (9,299kg)

Designer: Gerry Douglas

Builder: Catalina Yachts (USA)

Year First Built: 1995

Number Built: 300

* A shallow draft wing keel version was also produced drawing 4'11" (1.5m).

Published Design Ratios for the Catalina 42 MkII

1. Sail Area/Displacement Ratio: 17.1

• Less than 16 would be considered under-powered;
• 16 to 20 would indicate reasonably good performance;
• Over 20 suggests relatively high performance.

2. Ballast/Displacement Ratio: 40.5

• Under 40: less stiff, less powerful
• Over 40: stiffer, more powerful

3. Displacement/Length Ratio: 196

4. Comfort Ratio: 25.4

5. Capsize Screening Formula: 2.0

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Summary Analysis of the Design Ratios for the Catalina 42 MkII

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1. A Sail Area/Displacement Ratio of 17.1 suggests that the Catalina 42 MkII will, in the right conditions, approach her maximum hull speed readily and satisfy the sailing performance expectations of most cruising sailors.

2. A Ballast/Displacement Ratio of 40.5 means that the Catalina 42 MkII will stand up well to her canvas in a blow, helping her to power through the waves. 

3. A Displacement/Length Ratio of 196, tells us the Catalina 42 MkII is a light-to-moderate displacement sailboat. If she's loaded with too much heavy cruising gear her performance will suffer to a degree.

4. Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio of 25.4 suggests that crew comfort of a Catalina 42 MkII in a seaway is similar to what you would associate with the motion of a coastal cruiser with moderate stability, which is not encouraging news for anyone prone to seasickness. 

5. The Capsize Screening Formula of 2.0 tells us that a Catalina 42 MkII would not be as good a choice of sailboat for ocean passage-making, owing to the increased risk of capsize in strong winds and heavy seas when compared to a sailboat with a CSF of less than 2.0.