Catalina 400
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About the Catalina 400
Launched in 1994, this 40-footer from Catalina Yachts represents the builder's commitment to creating accessible cruising sailboats for the American market. Designed by the father-son team of Frank and Gerry Douglas, the Catalina 400 strikes a balance between comfort and performance that has made it a popular choice among coastal cruisers and weekend sailors. The boat's moderate displacement of 18,000 pounds and generous beam of 13.50 feet create a stable platform with ample interior volume, while the fin keel with bulb and spade rudder configuration provides responsive handling. With a theoretical hull speed of 7.91 knots and sail area-to-displacement ratio of 18.89, the 400 offers respectable performance without sacrificing the predictable sailing characteristics that Catalina is known for. The masthead sloop rig with 808 square feet of sail area is well-suited for shorthanded sailing, and the moderate comfort ratio of 23.79 suggests good motion at sea without excessive weight. The capsize screening formula of 2.06 indicates this boat is best suited for coastal cruising and protected offshore passages rather than blue-water voyaging. Catalina's reputation for solid construction and reasonable pricing has made the 400 an enduring choice for sailors seeking a capable, comfortable cruiser.
Market Price Estimate
Beta
Small sample size. This estimate is based on fewer than 5 listings and may not be representative of the true market. Use with caution.
$125,000 – $125,000
typical asking price
Rate a listing price
$
About this estimate
- Prices are based on recent asking prices from public listings — not actual sale prices, which are typically lower.
- Condition is not factored in. A well-maintained boat with new sails and engine can be worth significantly more than a project boat of the same model.
- Location affects price. Boats in landlocked states or areas with fewer buyers often sell for less than those on the coast.
- Year of manufacture is not filtered. Older examples of this model will generally be priced lower than newer ones.
- Included equipment varies widely. A boat with a full suite of electronics, dodger, and new standing rigging may command a large premium.
- Outliers are automatically excluded using statistical filtering to improve accuracy, but some bad data may remain.
Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall)
40.50 ft / 12.34 m
LWL (Waterline Length)
34.83 ft / 10.62 m
Beam
13.50 ft / 4.11 m
Max Draft
6.75 ft / 2.06 m
Displacement
18,000.00 lb / 8,165 kg
Ballast
7,200.00 lb / 3,266 kg
Sail Area (Reported)
808.00 ft² / 75.07 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type
Fin w/bulb & spade rudder
Rigging Type
Masthead Sloop
Construction
FG
Designer
Frank Douglas/Gerry Douglas
Builder
Catalina Yachts (US)
First Built
1994
Associations
Catalina 400/445
Related Sailboats
Saga 409 · Catalina 42 · Scanner 392 · Tartan 4100 · Catalina 400 Mk Ii
Owner Reviews
No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.
Known Issues & What to Watch For
The deck-to-hull joint on the Catalina 400 uses an inward-turning flange bolted and bonded together, but the joint is known to weep water over time, leading to delamination of the balsa core in the deck near the toerail. Inspect the toerail fasteners and surrounding deck for soft spots.
Balsa core is used extensively in the deck, and water intrusion around chainplate and stanchion base fasteners is a well-documented problem on this model. Soft or spongy deck areas near these fittings are common on older examples.
The lead bulb keel is attached via a fin with keel bolts that are prone to weeping rust staining in the bilge sump. The bilge area around the keel sump should be inspected carefully for signs of movement, elongated bolt holes, or rust streaking indicating compromised keel bolt integrity.
The chainplates on the Catalina 400 are glassed into the hull liner rather than bolted to structural bulkheads in a fully inspectable way, making it difficult to assess their condition without removing interior joinery. Corrosion and cracking at the deck penetration point is a known issue.
The rudder on early Catalina 400s has been reported to develop play and slop in the rudder bearings over time. Inspect for any lateral movement in the rudder stock, which can indicate worn or degraded bearings requiring replacement.
1994–2000 models
The Catalina 400 was typically fitted with a Universal 5432 or Yanmar 4JH diesel. The engine mounts on both installations are known to deteriorate and allow engine movement, causing misalignment of the shaft coupling. Check for vibration and inspect all four engine mounts.
The hull liner and interior furniture are bonded together as a module, which limits access to the space behind cabinetry for inspection or repair. Hidden water damage from leaking ports or chainplates can accumulate undetected in these enclosed spaces.
Portlight and opening hatch frames on the Catalina 400 are known to develop leaks as the original sealant ages and the aluminum frames oxidize. Water intrusion around these fixtures frequently saturates the balsa-cored cabin sides.
Early production boats used undersized wiring runs to some DC circuits and relied on a minimal bus bar configuration. As owners have added electronics and equipment over the years, overloaded circuits and deteriorated connections at the original bus bars are commonly found.
1994–1998 models
Own or have surveyed a Catalina 400? Submit a known issue
Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating
PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
102
SA/Displacement
Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
18.89
Ballast/Displacement
Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
40
Displacement/Length
Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
190.18
Comfort Ratio
Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
23.79
Capsize Screening Formula
The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
2.06
Hull Speed
Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions.
7.91 kn
S# (Speed Number)
The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
3.05
Pounds/Inch Immersion
Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline.
1,680.09 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc)
Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure.
18.89
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height)
52.67 ft / 16.05 m
J (Foretriangle Base)
15.50 ft / 4.72 m
P (Mainsail Luff)
47.00 ft / 14.33 m
E (Mainsail Foot)
17.00 ft / 5.18 m
SA Fore
408.19 ft² / 37.92 m²
SA Main
399.50 ft² / 37.11 m²
SA Total (100%)
807.69 ft² / 75.04 m²
Est. Forestay Length
54.90 ft / 16.73 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Type
Diesel
Horsepower
42
How It Compares
vs. Catalina 400 Mk Ii, Catalina 42, Saga 409, Scanner 392, Tartan 4100
This boat
Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Catalina 400 ★
Catalina 400 Mk Ii
Catalina 42
Saga 409
Scanner 392
Tartan 4100
LWL
Catalina 400 ★
Catalina 400 Mk Ii
Catalina 42
Saga 409
Scanner 392
Tartan 4100
Beam
Catalina 400 ★
Catalina 400 Mk Ii
Catalina 42
Saga 409
Scanner 392
Tartan 4100
Displacement
Catalina 400 ★
Catalina 400 Mk Ii
Catalina 42
Saga 409
Scanner 392
Tartan 4100
Ballast
Catalina 400 ★
Catalina 400 Mk Ii
Catalina 42
Saga 409
Scanner 392
Tartan 4100
Sail Area
Catalina 400 ★
Catalina 400 Mk Ii
Catalina 42
Saga 409
Scanner 392
Tartan 4100
Performance
PHRF Rating
(lower = faster)
Catalina 400 ★
Catalina 400 Mk Ii
Catalina 42
Saga 409
Scanner 392
Tartan 4100
SA / Displacement
(higher = more powerful)
Catalina 400 ★
Catalina 400 Mk Ii
Catalina 42
Saga 409
Scanner 392
Tartan 4100
Ballast / Disp
(higher = stiffer)
Catalina 400 ★
Catalina 400 Mk Ii
Catalina 42
Saga 409
Scanner 392
Tartan 4100
Comfort Ratio
(higher = more comfortable offshore)
Catalina 400 ★
Catalina 400 Mk Ii
Catalina 42
Saga 409
Scanner 392
Tartan 4100
Capsize Screening
(lower = safer)
Catalina 400 ★
Catalina 400 Mk Ii
Catalina 42
Saga 409
Scanner 392
Tartan 4100
Displacement / Length
(lower = lighter)
Catalina 400 ★
Catalina 400 Mk Ii
Catalina 42
Saga 409
Scanner 392
Tartan 4100
Hull Speed
Catalina 400 ★
Catalina 400 Mk Ii
Catalina 42
Saga 409
Scanner 392
Tartan 4100
Speed Number
(higher = faster)
Catalina 400 ★
Catalina 400 Mk Ii
Catalina 42
Saga 409
Scanner 392
Tartan 4100
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