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Plans released for the Catalina 48 signal a decisive shift into a new era (and new lines!) for the storied American boatbuilder.
Photo: Catalina Yachts
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).
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.
In October, Catalina president Patrick Turner announced that the company would be pausing production for an indeterminate period of time. All existing new boat orders will be fulfilled, and customer service will remain available, but new orders are unable to be placed as the boatbuilder undergoes "a reset in structure."