Todays Assignment an Insurance Survey on this Catalina 42

Insurance Survey in Malagari Boatyard Samos Island.

I'm not a great lover of 'American Yachts', but I must say I was really impressed with the design and build of this one. As all Catalinas, the 42 was designed around accessibility – to wiring, plumbing and other systems because the designer Gerry Douglas believed boats should be low maintenance to maximise the owner’s time on the water. It was a smart approach that was copied by competitors. Its a shame not more Yachts are built with the same principles in mind.

Hull construction is a solid laminate with no coring and a structural liner anchors the furniture foundations. The deck is cored with end grain balsa except where hardware is installed where solid plywood was used. 

1,022 were built over about 25 years. This one launched in 1990, the prolific 42 went through a few tweaks and iterations including the Mark II that was introduced in 1995, but these were mere improvements on an already classic design.

The fin keel was offered with a six-foot draft but a 4’10” version was created like this example for the shallow waters of the East Coast.

Expect to see speeds of six and seven knots on a beam reach with a wind of 12-15 knots true. Auxiliary power will depend on the year. This one a Yanmar diesel of 44HP. Situated under the companionway steps, the engine has fairly good access from all four sides.

I liked this! The mainsheet traveller is on the cabin top, and two winches on either side of the companionway manage halyards and reefing lines. 

Because there were so many 42’s built, there are quite a few for sale so it’s easy to find a good example of this wonderful boat that sails like a witch, is nimble in tight quarters, and is quite shapely to boot.

         Do your require an Insurance Survey. Is your Yacht located in Greece.

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