Hard Tack Shifts Catalina Yacht Design

BoatU.S. recently reported that Catalina Yachts had been sold to Michael Reardon, founder and CEO of Daedalus Yachts, and we speculated on how this shift might impact the iconic American boatbuilder’s future. An August announcement from Catalina shares insight into changes to come, with glimpses of an all-new Catalina 48 on the way. This will be Catalina’s first-ever production 48-footer, and its first collaboration with Tripp Design Naval Architecture, but more significantly – the initial renderings of the 48 will be unrecognizable as a Catalina to many sailors. With a flat, wide-open deck and low-profile cabin top, plus twin helms situated in a beamy cockpit with a fold-down transom concealing a dinghy garage, the 48’s lines represent a distinct shift toward the modern European aesthetic and away from the traditional, understated design philosophy that Catalina has long been known for.

“The Catalina 48 brings together the best of who we’ve been and where we’re going. It’s American luxury,” says Patrick Turner, president of Catalina Yachts, adding, “This is not just a new boat. It’s the beginning of something bigger.”

No date has been set for the launch of hull No. 1, but Catalina says the 48 is only “the first of several new-generation models.” When the 48 and its sister ships eventually arrive at boat show docks, we’ll give them a thorough walkthrough (and sail, if possible).

In addition to the purchase of Catalina and True North Yachts, Reardon also recently acquired Tartan Yachts and Freedom Yachts. In a statement, the now-owner of five boatbuilders said that Catalina, True North, and Freedom Yachts will now all be built in Catalina’s Largo, Florida, facility, while Tartan will continue to operate in Ohio. Daedalus will remain rooted in North Carolina, but certain administrative functions will be centralized among the brands.

In October, Catalina president Patrick Turner announced that the company would be pausing production for an indeterminate period of time. All existing new boat orders will be fulfilled, and customer service will remain available, but new orders are unable to be placed as the boatbuilder undergoes "a reset in structure."

catalinayachts.com