
CATALINA 42 MK II
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 41.86 ft |
| LWL | 36 ft |
| Beam | 13.83 ft |
| Draft | 6.67 ft |
| Displacement | 20,500 lb |
| Ballast | 8,300.5 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 8.0 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 53 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 16.42 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 46.75 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 15.5 ft |
| FLforestay | 16.4 ft |
| Mainsail | 826.4 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 435.1 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 739.7 sq ft |
About the CATALINA 42 MK II
Shallow draft wing keel version: 4.92'/1.5m It is thought that more than 1000 CATALINA 42's (including the MKII) have been built making it one of the most popular sailboats in this size range ever!
Designed by Gerry Douglas and built by Catalina Yachts (USA), the Catalina 42 MK II is a robust cruising sloop with 300 hulls built in 1995. This single-year production run offers a distinct snapshot of mid-90s American cruiser design, characterized by a masthead sloop rig and a displacement of 20500.0 lb.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize interior volume and ease of handling, as evidenced by the high frequency of bimini, dodger, and bow thruster installations. Its moderate performance ratios make it accessible for couples or small families seeking a comfortable, stable platform rather than high-speed racing.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 20500.0 lb, a capsize ratio of 2.03, and a comfort ratio of 25.38, the boat possesses the stability and motion characteristics suitable for protected coastal passages, though its single-year production and specific structural vulnerabilities require careful vetting for extended offshore use.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Cal 40 and the Hunter 410, which share similar displacement ranges and interior layouts from the same era. These models are comparable because they all represent the transition to heavier, more comfortable cruising designs with fin keels and masthead rigs popular in the mid-1990s.
Performance
Estimated Value
High ConfidenceAsking price by model year
70 listings · boat years 1989–2008 · median $119,900
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
15 reported issues across 8 systems for the CATALINA 42 MK II, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a CATALINA 42 MK II? 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 15 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
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your CATALINA 42 MK II?
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Used sails that fit the CATALINA 42 MK II
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