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216data points analyzed by Sailpages.com to compile this CATALAC 8M buyer’s report
CATALAC 8M

CATALAC 8M

Tom Lack Catamarans🇬🇧· Design: J. Winterbotham/T.M. Lack
from 1975212 built
$1.2K – $3.2K est. annual maintenance
Catamaran / MultihullmultiMasthead Sloop

Specifications

Hull

LOA27 ft
LWL25.5 ft
Beam13.67 ft
Draft2 ft
Displacement6,283 lb
Hull speed1.34·√LWL6.8 kn

About the CATALAC 8M

A shortened version of the CATALAC 9M/CATALAC 30. Also called the Catalac 27.

Sailpages Buyer's Take

Designed by J. Winterbotham/T.M. Lack and built by Tom Lack Catamarans (UK), the Catalac 8M is a compact catamaran with a production run of 212 hulls starting in 1975. Its lightweight displacement of 6283.0 lb and narrow 2.0 ft max draft define its performance characteristics and coastal cruising utility.

Best for:
This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize shallow draft access and easy trailering over heavy offshore protection. Its low comfort ratio of 11.5 indicates a lively motion that appeals to those seeking speed and agility in protected waters.
Bluewater capability:
With a capsize ratio of 2.97 and a displacement of 6283.0 lb, the 8M is generally considered suitable for coastal and nearshore cruising rather than extended bluewater passages due to its light weight and narrow beam.
Comparables:
Comparable to other 1970s trailerable catamarans like the Lagoon 280 or early Beneteau First series, the 8M shares a similar 27.0 ft LOA and masthead sloop rig configuration. These boats are grouped by their era-specific construction methods and role as accessible entry-level multihulls.

Performance

Comfort11.5
Capsize2.97
SA/Disp13.0
Disp/Len169

Pricing

We don't have market pricing data for the CATALAC 8M yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.

Estimated Cost of Ownership

Based on 27ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.

$/ft/mo
Annual Maintenance
$1.2K – $3.2K
Hull, rigging, sails, engine service
Annual Docking
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Annual Insurance
N/A
No price data available

Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection

13 reported issues across 8 systems for the CATALAC 8M, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.

5 critical4 major4 minor
Engine3Rudder2Hull2Structural2Rigging1Deck1Keel1Electrical1

Unlock the full inspection report

Thinking of buying a CATALAC 8M? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.

  • ✓ All 13 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
  • ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
  • ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep

One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep

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Which engine powers your CATALAC 8M?

We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.

Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar, Perkins, Kubota — is it one of these?

Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.

Used sails that fit the CATALAC 8M

Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…