Introduction Introduction This page contains the factory technical specifications for the Catalina 42 Mark I (per spec. sheet dated 2-11-91); Catalina Yachts has made changes in these models over the years (e.g., water tank locations and capacities). This page will be updated as more information is received by the Webmaster. For further details, please visit the homepage of Catalina Yachts.
Index to Technical Specifications
Common Specifications for Mark I & Mark II Models
Cockpit & Cabin Features
Common Specifications for Mark I & Mark II Models
The Catalina 42 Mark I was introduced in 1988 and evolved until 1995 when it was replaced by the Mark II Model. The hull was adapted from an earlier racing hull designed by Nelson Merik. Catalina Yachts modified the racing hull with a new cabin top, interior, and rig in order to make it a comfortable coastal cruising boat which two people could easily handle. The spacious design is comfortable for a gang of crew on a week-long cruise. With a race-bred hull and a substantial rig, the boat is moderately stiff and capable of weather legs approaching 8 knots, and downwind action which can push the knot meter past 15 knots. She has a PHRF handicap rating of 102/108 (So. California), which has been the subject of many heated discussions by Cat42 skippers. But as the sun sets over your favorite hideaway anchorage, there is little argument that the Catalina 42 is hard to match for her comfort.
The Catalina Mark II was introduced with the two cabin MK II hull #480 in 11/94. The first three cabin MK II was hull #505 built in 5/95 . The most significant changes were the carrying of the beam further aft with a subsequent enlargement of the cockpit and a larger transom with softer lines. The rudder has also been redesigned and features a larger elliptical shape for increased control.
Fin Keel |
Wing Keel |
|
| L.O.A. | 41' 10" | 41' 10" |
| L.W.L. | 36' 0" | 36' 0" |
| Beam | 13' 10" | 13' 10" |
| Draft | 6' 8" (not 6'0" as previously specified) | 4' 10" |
| Ballast | 8,300 lbs. | 8,300 lbs. |
| Designed Weight | 20,500 lbs. (EST) | 20,500 lbs. (EST) |
| Displacement/Length | 174.6 | 174.6 |
| Hull Speed (calc'd) | 7.8 knots | 7.8 knots |
| Sail Area (rated) | 797 sq. ft. | P 46' 9" |
| Mainsail (rated) | 362 sq. ft. | I 53' 0" |
| 100% Foretriangle | 435 sq. ft. | J 16' 5" |
| Sail Area/Displacement | 18.56 | E 15' 6" |
| Waterline to Masthead Height | 58' 7" |
Polar diagram-140% Fin Keel Polar diagram-155% Fin Keel
Standing Rigging
Most of the world considers hull speed as 1.34*LWL^.5. Gurr's added displacement factor not only makes analytical sense, but (as you see from the C-42 polars) accurately reflects actual boat speed of semi displacement sailboats. Also, to make the numbers really useful, the 20500 lb factory displacement starting point needs to be defined in a word or two, i.e., with or without full tanks, sails, ground tackle, person's on board, etc. I suspect it's for an empty boat.
Since semi-displacement hull speed is also a function of displacement (which is why the C-42 exceeds theoretical hull speed of 8.2 knots), it appears that the published polar must have been determined for a C-42 with a loaded displacement of about 24500#. The top speeds for various displacements from the factory number (20500) upward are as follows with the loss of about 0.1 knot with every added 1000 lbs.
Pounds: hull speed
20500: 9.6 kts
21500: 9.4 kts
22500: 9.3 kts
23500: 9.1 kts
24500: 9.0 kts
25500: 8.9 kts
26500: 8.8 kts
27500: 8.7 kts
28500: 8.6 kts
29500: 8.5 kts
31500: 8.4 kts
32500: 8.3 kts
33500: 8.3 kts
34500: 8.2 kts - becomes displacement hull
The actual hull speeds are from an algorithm that takes displacement into account formulated by David Gurr: "The Nature of Boats".
The Intact Stability Curve (above) is
actually from Catalina Yachts, therefore is considered to be accurate. Please be
aware, it is a calculated curve, and is based on a Catalina 42 (either Mark I or
II, fin keel only) the way it leaves the Catalina facility. There has been some
discussion on this curve, see our discussion group, currently:
http://catalina42discussionforum.yuku.com/reply/3959
| Two-cabin Model | Three-cabin Model | ||
| Pre-1991 Models | |||
| Main Salon Settee | 43 total | Main Salon Settee | 43 total |
| Forward | 50 | Forward | 50 |
| Water Heater | 11 | Aft Port | 23 |
| Water Heater | 11 | ||
| Totals (U.S. Gallons) | 104 | 127 | |
Post-1991 Models |
|||
| Main Salon Subsole | 27 each | Main Salon Subsole | 27 each |
| Forward | 50 | Forward | 50 |
| Water Heater | 11 | Aft Port | 23 |
| Water Heater | 11 | ||
| Totals (U.S. Gallons) | 115 | 138 | |
Holding Tank Capacities:
L.P.G. Tank Capacity (aluminum w/solenoid):
Last Updated on January 14, 2008