Introduction
Catalac is a revered name in the world of British catamarans, renowned for its rugged build quality, seaworthiness, and practical design philosophy. Originating in the 1970s, Catalac catamarans have consistently appealed to sailors looking for reliable and comfortable cruising vessels. Whether searching for a Catalac boat for sale or simply exploring classic catamaran brands, enthusiasts are often drawn to the distinct blend of stability and liveaboard capability that Catalac yachts offer.
History of Catalac Catamarans
The Catalac brand was established in 1970 by Tom Lack, who founded Tom Lack Catamarans in Christchurch, Dorset, United Kingdom. The company quickly made its mark with an innovative approach to multihull design, addressing the growing demand for spacious, stable, and easy-to-handle sailing yachts in the post-war cruising market.
Catalac built its reputation on the production of cruising catamarans, starting with the launch of the Catalac 9M (29ft), the company's first and highly successful model. Subsequent models included the Catalac 8M, Catalac 10, and the flagship Catalac 12M, each advancing the brand’s signature combination of robust construction, conservative sailplans, and surprisingly generous interior accommodation.
Innovations and Unique Features
- Uncompromising Stability: All Catalac catamarans are recognised for their exceptional stability, even in challenging weather conditions. This is achieved through conservative beam ratios and sturdy hull construction, lending them a reassuringly safe feel at sea.
- Shallow Draught: With shallow draught keels, Catalac yachts can explore waters off-limits to deeper-keeled monohulls, making them especially popular for coastal cruising and beaching.
- Dual Engine Configuration: Many Catalac models feature twin diesel engines, providing excellent manoeuvrability in harbours and redundancy for long-distance cruising peace of mind.
- Liveaboard Comfort: Spacious cabins, ample headroom, and practical layouts make Catalac catamarans ideal for extended voyages or as liveaboard yachts.
Notable Catalac Models
- Catalac 8M: A compact yet capable cruising catamaran, the 8M is appreciated for its manageable size and impressive use of space.
- Catalac 9M (Catalac 900): The 9M became a best-seller, balancing comfort, stability, and performance for family cruising or bluewater adventures.
- Catalac 10M: Larger and with more powerful engines, the 10M offers enhanced speed and further refinements in interior design.
- Catalac 12M (Catalac 41): The flagship model, renowned for transatlantic capability, offers six to eight berths and outstanding liveaboard facilities.
Legacy and Lasting Appeal
Although Tom Lack Catamarans ceased production in the late 1980s, Catalac boats continue to generate fascination among multihull enthusiasts. The longevity and durability of these catamarans have built a strong second-hand market, meaning those searching for used Catalac catamarans for sale frequently find well-maintained examples worldwide. Owners and fans celebrate their sea-kindliness, the feeling of security they inspire, and the remarkable space-to-length ratio which was ahead of its time.
With a reputation for low maintenance and practical cruising, Catalac remains a benchmark in classic British multihull design. For anyone seeking a trustworthy, traditional cruising catamaran, Catalac stands out as a hallmark of British boatbuilding heritage—a testament to the enduring vision of Tom Lack and his innovative approach to family-friendly yachting.