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Catana 48
Designer: Lock Crowther / Christophe Barreau  ·  Builder: Catana (Fra)  ·  First built: 1992
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About the Catana 48

French builder Catana launched this performance cruising catamaran in 1992, combining the expertise of renowned designers Lock Crowther and Christophe Barreau. With its fractional sloop rig and twin daggerboard configuration, the Catana 48 represents a serious approach to multihull sailing that prioritizes speed without sacrificing offshore capability. The generous beam of over 23 feet provides exceptional stability and interior volume, while the moderate displacement keeps performance sharp. Its impressive sail-to-displacement ratio of 39.47 marks this as a spirited sailor capable of thrilling passages, yet the substantial construction and proven design make it equally suited for extended offshore cruising. Catana built its reputation on creating fast, seaworthy catamarans that appeal to sailors seeking performance-oriented cruising, and the 48 exemplifies this philosophy. The twin daggerboard setup allows for excellent upwind performance while maintaining shallow-water access when boards are raised. This combination of speed, comfort, and versatility has made the model popular among serious cruising sailors who refuse to compromise on sailing performance. The fiberglass construction ensures durability for long-term cruising, while the thoughtful design details reflect decades of multihull expertise from both the French builder and its accomplished design team.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 48.00 ft / 14.63 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 44.00 ft / 13.41 m
Beam 23.33 ft / 7.11 m
Max Draft 5.92 ft / 1.80 m
Min Draft 2.33 ft / 0.71 m
Displacement 12,600.00 lb / 5,715 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 1,331.00 ft² / 123.65 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Catamaran Twin Dbrd.
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Lock Crowther / Christophe Barreau
Builder Catana (FRA)
First Built 1992
Related Sailboats Privilege 482 · Outremer 4X · Outremer 45 2
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
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
6.44
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
4.02
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. 8.89 kn
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. 22.0 pounds/inch
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Type dsl.X2
Fuel Capacity 160 gals / 606 L
Water Capacity 160 gals / 606 L
KSP 1.08
How It Compares

vs. Outremer 45 2, Outremer 4X, Privilege 482

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Catana 48 ★
48.0 ft
Outremer 45 2
48.0 ft
Outremer 4X
48.0 ft
Privilege 482
48.1 ft
LWL
Catana 48 ★
44.0 ft
Outremer 45 2
48.0 ft
Outremer 4X
45.2 ft
Privilege 482
46.6 ft
Beam
Catana 48 ★
23.3 ft
Outremer 45 2
23.5 ft
Outremer 4X
23.5 ft
Privilege 482
26.4 ft
Displacement
Catana 48 ★
12 lbs
Outremer 45 2
19 lbs
Outremer 4X
18 lbs
Privilege 482
25 lbs
Sail Area
Catana 48 ★
1 sq ft
Outremer 45 2
1 sq ft
Outremer 4X
1 sq ft
Privilege 482
1 sq ft
Performance
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Catana 48 ★
6.4
Outremer 45 2
Outremer 4X
9.0
Privilege 482
10.5
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Catana 48 ★
4.02
Outremer 45 2
Outremer 4X
3.59
Privilege 482
3.61
Hull Speed
Catana 48 ★
8.9 kts
Outremer 45 2
Outremer 4X
9.0 kts
Privilege 482
9.1 kts
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