CATALINA 42
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 41.86 ft |
| LWL | 36 ft |
| Beam | 13.83 ft |
| Draft | 6 ft |
| Displacement | 20,500 lb |
| Ballast | 8,300.4 lb |
| Material | 41’ 10”12.75 m |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 8.0 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 53 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 16.4 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 46.75 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 15.5 ft |
| FLforestay | 16.4 ft |
| Mainsail | 825.9 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 434.6 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 738.8 sq ft |
Accommodation
| Heads | 6 |
| Water | 111 L |
| Fuel | 46 L |
| CE category | N/A€ |
Engine
| Yanmar | 4JH3E56 hpSee all 62 parts → |
About the CATALINA 42
The CATALINA 42 is an adaptation of an earlier racing hull designed by Nelson/Marek with a new deck and coachroof, interior and rig. A MK II versions was introduced in 1995 (hull #480). It is thought that more than 1000 CATALINA 42's (including MKII) have been built, making it one of the most popular sailboats in this size range ever! Wing keel: draft: 1.47m/4.83'.
Designed by Nelson/Marek / Catalina and built by Catalina Yachts (USA) from 1989–1995, the Catalina 42 is a robust masthead sloop with 477 hulls produced. It offers a comfortable cruising experience with a displacement of 20500.0 lb and a beam of 13.83 ft, though owners frequently report structural maintenance needs in the deck and keel areas.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and those seeking a spacious, stable platform for weekend getaways or moderate offshore passages, particularly owners willing to invest in proactive maintenance of the deck core and rudder systems.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 20500.0 lb, a capsize ratio of 2.03, and a fin keel, the boat is capable of offshore passages, but its bluewater readiness is heavily dependent on the condition of the rudder assembly and the integrity of the deck core.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Cal 40 and O'Day 42, which share similar production eras, displacement ranges, and full-keel or modified fin designs aimed at the family cruising market.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(1 certificate)
Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.
Polar Diagram
Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC
Racing Ratings
Triple Number
ORC Measured
Sail Areas (ORC)
Speed Table (kn)
| TWA \ TWS | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 | 24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 3.4 | 4.7 | 5.7 | 6.5 | 7.0 | 7.3 | 7.5 | 7.6 | 7.6 |
| 60° | 3.7 | 5.0 | 6.1 | 6.8 | 7.3 | 7.5 | 7.7 | 7.8 | 7.9 |
| 75° | 3.9 | 5.2 | 6.3 | 7.0 | 7.4 | 7.7 | 7.9 | 8.2 | 8.3 |
| 90° | 3.7 | 5.1 | 6.3 | 7.2 | 7.6 | 7.9 | 8.1 | 8.3 | 8.6 |
| 110° | 3.7 | 5.2 | 6.4 | 7.3 | 7.8 | 8.1 | 8.4 | 8.9 | 9.3 |
| 120° | 3.6 | 5.0 | 6.2 | 7.1 | 7.7 | 8.0 | 8.3 | 8.9 | 9.6 |
| 135° | 3.1 | 4.5 | 5.7 | 6.6 | 7.3 | 7.8 | 8.1 | 8.7 | 9.4 |
| 150° | 2.6 | 3.8 | 4.9 | 5.8 | 6.6 | 7.2 | 7.6 | 8.2 | 8.7 |
| Beat VMG | 2.1 | 3.0 | 3.7 | 4.3 | 4.7 | 5.1 | 5.3 | 5.4 | 5.3 |
| Run VMG | 2.2 | 3.3 | 4.2 | 5.0 | 5.7 | 6.3 | 6.7 | 7.4 | 7.9 |
Estimated Value
Medium ConfidenceAsking price by model year
48 listings · boat years 1989–1995 · median $75,000
Each dot is one listing · hover for details · dashed red line marks the median · obvious data-entry outliers (top & bottom 2.5%) excluded.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 41.86ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Featured YouTube Videos
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
26 reported issues across 9 systems for the CATALINA 42, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a CATALINA 42? 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 26 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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Engine Parts & Maintenance
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Used sails that fit the CATALINA 42
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