| Original Catalac 8M Brochure | First of two Catalac 8M reviews | Second of two Catalac 8M reviews | Catalac 8M Rudder / Skeg upgrade | Catalac 8M Performance Specs |
8 meter: Sold as Catalac 8M or Catalac 27 |
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The Catalac 8M is a pocket cruiser which has a solid reputation for their strength and durability. Many of the boats found in North America today, were sailed there from Great Britain. The boats were designed with
 blue water sailing in mind. Twin diesel models can easily motor almost 1000 kilometers without refueling. The 70 amps of charging and 70 gallons of stock water tanks in the
Catalac 8M and 9M make even these smaller boats terrific coastal cruisers. Constructed with solid fiberglass hulls, these
are quality boats which were built like battleships.Chuck Kanter calls them one of the catamaran brands that live on through the decades. The boats are masthead rigged with a relatively short, but thick mast. As with all boats in the Catalac production lineup, this contributes to a stable boat with a low center of effort. No Catalac has ever been known to fly a hull under any circumstances. The mast is cabin stepped in a tabernacle. These can be  raised and lowered single handed. The standing rigging is over sized to withstand the extra loading experienced by catamarans (the rig doesn't unload because the boats don't heel). 1/4" 1x19 SS on the
Catalac 8M and 9M. They were sold with a mainsail, working jib and a 150% Genoa. When the rig is set up correctly, they sail with a very balanced helm. Twin rudders contribute to their agility and later models (>1980) have matching skegs just forward of the rudders to increase windward ability. The most popular models were the Catalac 9M (30 feet)255 built and Catalac 8M (27 feet)216 built. The entire product line feature solid fiberglass hulls(which can not delaminate) very large cockpits and comfortable accommodations and quality construction. There were two engine options. Twin Yanmar
1GM diesels coupled to a 2.13:1 transmission using prop shafts with propellers just short of the
rudders, or a 9.9 HP outboard gas engine. The diesels add about $10,000 to the used price over the
outboard equipped boats. Another boat options was a "doghouse" mounted above the sliding hatch (shown in photo). As near as I can tell, most European boats have the doghouse as well as about 40% of boats headed to the Americas. The more tropical climates are expected, the less desirable the doghouse becomes. The build quality is as good as it gets and you'll discover these boats age gracefully. If you are looking for a catamaran with stellar performance, buy a Hobie Cat. Catalacs were built for safety and comfort. As a cruiser the Catalac 8M will carry heavy loads for their size due to a relatively wide hull/beam ratio, deep rocker design, and extreme dead rise hulls with hard chines. The Catalac 8M will deliver 6 knots in 10-12 knots of wind, and maintain speed right up to 35 degrees apparent. Boats with outboard engines are slightly quicker than boats with twin diesel engines due to underwater drag of the diesel engine running gear. The boats also have high bridge deck clearance for their size. Anyone who's evaluating smallish used catamarans and is searching for a solidly built boat which is a dependable coastal cruiser and great island hopper with moderate performance and plenty of interior and exterior room, at an affordable price should consider a Catalac. |
| Production started 1975: 216 manufactured; 41 located Americas | |
| Design Intent | Coastal Cruiser (some have made ocean crossings) Perfect weekend or short vacation boat. |
| Current Price Range USD: | $30,000 to $35,000 (outboard) $35,000 to $42,000 (twin diesels) |
| Length Overall: | 27 feet (8.2 meters) |
| LWL: | 25' 4" |
| Beam: | 13'8" |
| Headroom | 6'5" (hulls) |
| Draft: | 2'4" |
| Weight: | 6,000 lbs dry |
| Mast height: | 39' |
| Sail Area: | (main , with two rows of slab reefing; with Jib 348 sq ft.(jib is auto Furling) |
| Aux Power Options: | Single outboard: various manufacturers or 2 Yanmar 1GM10 diesel engines |
| Steering: | Manual steering, cable and rod |
| Fresh Water Tankage | 70 (USA) gallons |
| Fuel Tankage | 24 (USA) gallons (diesel engines) |
| Batteries | 2 Banks |
| Accommodations: | Outboard powered and inboard powered boats had different layouts. However the "IB" plan was available on "OB" boats. |
| 2 plans: | 1 double cabin forward starboard hull 1 single berth mid port hull-(inboard diesels) 1 single berth rear port hull (outboard engine) 2 single berths using settee or 1 queen berth using settee and table 1 head-forward port hull Galley located in starboard hull Twin diesel plan included "Rich Beers" Technicold engine driven refrigeration system in USA destined boats |
| This is me on Catalpa exiting the marina | ||
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| Port Side on Blocks | Twin inboard diesels!! |
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| At Home | Salon |
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A tight Fit |
Starboard Hull |
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| At Home | |
