Catana 42

About the Catana 42

The Catana 42 is a Christophe Barreau-designed sailing catamaran from Catana’s earlier numbered range, distinct from the older Crowther 42S. Tulip-shaped bows, a low coachroof and straight lifting daggerboards give it a purposeful profile, while its moderate size suits owners seeking a manageable cruising platform without abandoning the brand’s performance-oriented fundamentals.

The saloon opens directly to the cockpit, creating a single social area for meals, watchkeeping breaks and relaxed evenings at anchor. An aft galley keeps the cook within conversation of cockpit guests and shortens the route for serving outside, while panoramic glazing brings broad views from the interior. The original brochure presented a three-cabin owner arrangement and a four-cabin charter arrangement.

Twin open steering stations sit aft, placing the helmsperson close to the cockpit and offering a clear view forward along the corresponding side deck. Their low, exposed position preserves the coachroof profile and communication with guests, though it provides less shelter than a raised or enclosed helm. Wide separation between the stations also lets a skipper choose the more useful sightline during manoeuvres.

Straight daggerboards can be lowered to increase lateral resistance when sailing to windward, then raised to reduce draft for shoal-water exploration. With the boards up, the brochure quotes 0.80 metres of draft; fully lowered, it quotes 2.70 metres. Choose the Catana 42 when shallow-water access and a compact cruising platform matter more than sheltered, elevated steering.