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

2. Ballast/Displacement Ratio: 40.5

3. Displacement/Length Ratio: 196

4. Comfort Ratio: 25.4

5. Capsize Screening Formula: 2.0

read more about these Key Performance Indicators...

Summary Analysis of the Design Ratios for the Catalina 42 MkII

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Based on the provided design ratios, the Catalina 42 sailboat would theoretically have the following sailing characteristics:

• Sail Area/Displacement Ratio (17.1): This ratio is within the range of 16 to 20, indicating reasonably good performance. The boat should have a good balance of power and weight, allowing it to sail efficiently in various conditions.

• Ballast/Displacement Ratio (40.5): This ratio is above 40, suggesting that the boat is stiff and powerful, able to stand up to the wind effectively. However this ratio doesn't account for the location of the ballast. A boat with its ballast in a shallow draft keel would be less stiff than the same boat with much of its ballast in a bulb at the foot of its keel.

• Displacement/Length Ratio (196): This ratio falls within the range of 200-275, indicating a moderate displacement. This suggests that the boat has a good balance between speed and stability, but it might require a larger sail area to reach its design hull speed.

• Comfort Ratio (25.4): This ratio falls within the range of 20 to 30, indicating a motion associated with a coastal cruiser. This suggests that the boat should provide a comfortable ride in most coastal cruising conditions. However, it might not fare as well in the more demanding conditions encountered in bluewater cruising.

• Capsize Screening Formula (2.0): This value is at the upper limit of suitability for ocean passages. While the boat might be capable of bluewater cruising, it would be less stable than boats with a lower capsize screening value.

It's important to note that these ratios are theoretical and based on certain assumptions. They provide a general idea of a boat's performance and comfort but may not fully reflect the actual sailing characteristics.

For example, the Ballast/Displacement Ratio doesn't consider the location of the ballast, which can significantly impact a boat's stiffness.

Similarly, Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio favors heavy displacement, narrow-beamed vessels with long overhangs. Therefore, modern light-displacement, beamy cruisers with plumb bows might not score well on this ratio, even though they may have good bluewater capability.

Actual performance can also be influenced by factors such as hull shape, rigging design, and the skill of the crew. It's always recommended to test sail a boat to get a true sense of its characteristics.