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Hard Tack Shifts Catalina Yacht Design

Plans released for the Catalina 48 signal a decisive shift into a new era (and new lines!) for the storied American boatbuilder.

Aerial view of a large white vessel out on open waters during the day.

Photo: Catalina Yachts

BoatU.S. recently reported that Catalina Yachts had been sold to Michael Reardon, founder and CEO of Daedalus Yachts, and we speculated on how this shift might impact the iconic American boatbuilder’s future. An August announcement from Catalina shares insight into changes to come, with glimpses of an all-new Catalina 48 on the way. This will be Catalina’s first-ever production 48-footer, and its first collaboration with Tripp Design Naval Architecture, but more significantly – the initial renderings of the 48 will be unrecognizable as a Catalina to many sailors. With a flat, wide-open deck and low-profile cabin top, plus twin helms situated in a beamy cockpit with a fold-down transom concealing a dinghy garage, the 48’s lines represent a distinct shift toward the modern European aesthetic and away from the traditional, understated design philosophy that Catalina has long been known for.
Seating view on the deck of a large white vessel at sunset.

This Catalina 48’s design is a distinct change. Will American sailors embrace it? Photo: Catalina Yachts

“The Catalina 48 brings together the best of who we’ve been and where we’re going. It’s American luxury,” says Patrick Turner, president of Catalina Yachts, adding, “This is not just a new boat. It’s the beginning of something bigger.”

No date has been set for the launch of hull No. 1, but Catalina says the 48 is only “the first of several new-generation models.” When the 48 and its sister ships eventually arrive at boat show docks, we’ll give them a thorough walkthrough (and sail, if possible).

Large White Vessel floating on still waters with large white clouds in the background.

A look at the lines of the new-look Catalina 48. Photo Catalina Yachts

In addition to the purchase of Catalina and True North Yachts, Reardon also recently acquired Tartan Yachts and Freedom Yachts. In a statement, the now-owner of five boatbuilders said that Catalina, True North, and Freedom Yachts will now all be built in Catalina’s Largo, Florida, facility, while Tartan will continue to operate in Ohio. Daedalus will remain rooted in North Carolina, but certain administrative functions will be centralized among the brands. catalinayachts.com

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Author

Kelsey Bonham Bailey

Associate Editor, BoatUS Magazine

Kelsey is an associate editor and writer for BoatU.S. Magazine, covering everything from the environment to tech news, new media to personality profiles. A lifelong sailor, at 20 she refit her own boat top to bottom, then skippered the 30-footer down the ICW. She’s been a professional crew and instructor on boats up to 100 feet, written for several other boating magazines, and earned her 25-ton Master’s license in 2024.