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  • Sailboat Guide

Catalac 8M is a 27 ′ 0 ″ / 8.2 m catamaran sailboat designed by J. Winterbotham/T.M. Lack and built by Catalac / Tom Lack Catamarans Ltd. starting in 1980.

Drawing of Catalac 8M

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

  • SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
  • D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

  • D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
  • LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

  • D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
  • LOA: Length overall in feet
  • Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

A shortened version of the CATALAC 9M/CATALAC 30.

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CATALAC 8M Detailed Review

https://images.harbormoor.com/originals/e0af272c-1d8e-4d8a-bea4-a0d241f2275b

If you are a boat enthusiast looking to get more information on specs, built, make, etc. of different boats, then here is a complete review of CATALAC 8M. Built by Catalac / Tom Lack Catamarans Ltd. and designed by undefined, the boat was first built in 1975. It has a hull type of Catamaran (no boards/asym.) and LOA is 8.23. Its sail area/displacement ratio 12.96. Its auxiliary power tank, manufactured by 76 L, runs on undefined.

CATALAC 8M has retained its value as a result of superior building, a solid reputation, and a devoted owner base. Read on to find out more about CATALAC 8M and decide if it is a fit for your boating needs.

Boat Information

Boat specifications, auxillary power tank, contributions, who builds catalac 8m.

CATALAC 8M is built by Catalac / Tom Lack Catamarans Ltd..

When was CATALAC 8M first built?

CATALAC 8M was first built in 1975.

How long is CATALAC 8M?

CATALAC 8M is 7.77 m in length.

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catamaran 8m

8 Best Catamarans That Are 30 Feet or Less

catamaran 8m

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Large-sized catamarans are appealing due to their ample spacing and comfort. Therefore, a cruising family or couple looking to buy a boat is more likely to go for one of these. But are there small cruising catamarans that provide the performance, comfort, and amenities found in larger boats?  

The best catamarans under 30 feet (9.14 m) include the TomCat 6.2, Cadillac 27and 30, Gemini 30, Endeavour 30, and Maine Cat. These time-tested cruising cats are easy to handle, premium built, and are great for daytime sailing, overnight trips, and some even suitable for long-range sea passages. 

In this article, you’ll find a list of the best cruising catamarans below 30 feet (9.14 m). Keep reading to discover which catamarans make this list, what they have to offer, their pros and cons, and how much they cost.

If you are unsure whether or not 30ft is too small for your needs, then I suggest you check out another article I wrote named Best Size Catamaran , it will discuss why length matters and how it affects safety.

Unlike most catamarans designed for racing purposes, the TomCat 6.2 is a medium-sized cat that’s well-suited to daytime cruising. It boasts high-quality construction, vacuum-bagged hulls, and a plywood-reinforced deck.

This 20 footer (6.09 m) comes with an 11-foot (3.35 m) beam and not only offers you safety and comfort but performance and versatility as well. 

This boat has a centrally placed outboard engine and two rudders that allow it to turn quickly and maneuver confidently into and out of marina slips. The 9.9 hp outboard propels it to speeds of around 8 knots (9.21 mph or 14.8 kph), though the boat has the potential to move faster if desired.

This simpler type of cat (just one engine as an example) also allows for cheaper and easier maintenance. Maintenance costs are something most people underestimate when getting a cat, if you want to get some real numbers from actual sailors then I suggest you read this article (How much does it cost to maintain a cat).

The boat sails with minimal heeling, comfortably accommodate 6-8 people, and you can sail it single-handed or take a crew. 

High and narrow hulls bearing arched bottoms allow for a low wetted surface. The hull design provides low resistance and a great deal of reserved buoyancy and also enables you to drive through closely spaced waves.

On most 20-footers (6.1 m), driving through waves generates a smooth but wet ride, but with the TomCat’s enclosed deck (link to parts names explained here ), you are safe and protected behind a windshield and the high bulwark.

The TomCat makes an excellent cruiser because it performs impressively well both under sail and power. It combines the performance of a modern sailing cat with the comfort, style, and convenience of a powerboat. It’s also trailerable since you can detach the hulls from the deck , winch up the deck on a trailer, and slide the hulls underneath.

But the best part is that it’s easy on the pocket, with the price ranging between $36,750 and $44,580 .

catamaran 8m

Catalac 30 (9M)

The Catalac brand consists of strongly built vessels that sport thick hulls, glass windows, narrow beams, and vertical transoms . Catalac 30 was the first vessel in this popular British cruising line designed by Tom Lack in the late 60s. The boat’s appeal was attributed to its safety, ample spacing, well-built interior, and load-carrying abilities.

These characteristics are extremely important on a safe catamaran, overloading your cat makes it sit lower in the water, increases drag, reduces handling and speed, there is stuff you should know about this (so that you can make an educated buy). I have created an article where I try to explain the basics of a safe cat ( link here )

Sporting 5 berths, a massive galley, plus a cockpit with a sheltered steering position, the 30-foot (9.1 m) Catalac makes an excellent floating home for a cruising family. It sails exceptionally well, doesn’t heel ( heeling explained here ), and delivers a reasonable motor-sailer level of performance.

Furthermore, the hulls provide adequate headroom, allowing those on board to move around comfortably, and there’s enough space on the deck for sunbathing. 

catamaran 8m

The Catalac’s structure features solid fiberglass, chined hulls, and a staggered sheerline that allows easy aft access. With a modest rig that’s easy to handle, the Catalac can deliver top speeds of up to 12-14 knots (13.81-16.11 mph / 22.22-25.9 kph) under sail.

Given that the boat’s design focuses more on comfort than speed, this is a spectacular performance.  

Catalac 9M requires a skilled hand when turning into the wind as it is prone to blowing sideways. This is because the boat lacks ballast (which helps in keeping momentum during a tack) but also centerboards ( explained here ).

Skills are always the most essential things to bring aboard and you can acquire them in many ways, my two favorite ways are through NauticEd courses (two free courses here ) or by reading books (my top 15 books here )

Back to the boat! This model came in two versions; the standard layout contained a 30-40hp outboard, while the second option had duo engines. The latter is easier to maneuver into a marina. 

catamaran 8m

These cats retain their value pretty well. However, they might not be easy to come by since most owners find it challenging to get their hands on a larger boat with similar qualities and performance.

A Catalac 30 (9M) goes for between $33,000 and $55,000.

catamaran 8m

Catalac 27 (8M)

The Catalac 27 8M is a pocket cruiser that boasts a strong reputation for high quality, durability, and strength. Besides, the boat’s design makes it somewhat suitable for bluewater sailing ( understand why the small size is an offshore problem).

Built like a battleship, the boat contains solid fiberglass hulls. Additionally, it comes with double engines, a large cockpit fitted with cushions all around, and features standing headroom in each hull.

catamaran 8m

Like the Catalac 9M, this boat comes with two different layouts; a twin inboard diesel engine or an outboard engine. The twin-engine models can motor up to 1000 km (621 miles, read more on cat fuel consumption here ) without needing to refuel, while the 70 amps of charge plus water tanks (70 gallons / 265 liters) make these vessels remarkable coastal cruisers. 

Catalacs equipped with outboard engines sail faster since you can raise the engine during sailing and are also lighter. This helps to minimize drag . Catalac 8M sports a short but thick mast that helps make the boat stable. 

catamaran 8m

Though small in size, this catamaran packs a lot of features in its small frame. It has a full-sized berth, a large galley that’s almost 8 feet (2.4 m) long, a quarter berth, head, and navigation station.

What’s more, the cockpit is as large as that of a 38 to 40-foot (11.5 to 12.1 m) cat.

Catalac 27 costs about $31,836.

catamaran 8m

The Endeavour 30 

The Endeavour 30 catamaran is a boat characterized by stability, ample deck space, and a spacious interior. It boasts fast cruising speeds under both sail and power.

The boat has mini keels and rudders plus symmetrical hulls separated by a hydra-cell. The latter is a center section with a characteristic V-shape. 

The boat’s vacuum-bagged construction helps enhance strength and stiffness while reducing weight. Furthermore, the interior has a fiberglass mold, providing extra strength and rigidity. With sufficient breeze, this vessel can deliver reasonable off-the-wind and doable upwind speeds.

As such, you can expect to attain speeds of about ~10 knots (11.51 mph or 18.5 kph) on power reaches. Below is a video showing a panoramic tour of the Endeavour 30:

This vessel has the internal capacity of a 40-foot (12.1 m) monohull. And you can tell this from the unique layout merging the cabin and cockpit with wide doors to the numerous features packed into this 30-foot (9.14 m) vessel.

It has a spacious salon, an enormous galley, two queen berth staterooms with plenty of storage space, a head with separate showers, and a sizable U-shaped dinette. 

You can get this boat for under $50,000 .

catamaran 8m

The Geminis by Tony Smith were the United States’s first production cruising cats. Today, these vessels remain the most appealing American-built cruising catamarans. Built between 1981 and 1990, the Gemini 30 does not have a contemporary design, but it works remarkably well for cruisers desiring generous living space in a small affordable sailboat.

At only 14 feet (4.2 m) across, Gemini cats are somewhat narrow. But this mean s they can easily fit into most of the regular marina berths.

Besides, the boats still contain enough interior space for a queen-size double berth and two smaller doubles housed in separate guest rooms.

There’s also a modest but serviceable saloon with duo settees and a collapsible table that can transform into an additional double berth.

catamaran 8m

For the Gemini 30, this translates to a cruising cat with standing headroom that can comfortably accommodate 3 couples in private cabins or a family with small children. A good-sized galley, a spacious head with a shower, nav desk, and a large comfy cockpit make up the Gemini 30’s cruising palace.

Catamaran layout is highly personal and if you want to learn more about different characteristics then I suggest you read my article Designing the perfect catamaran layout ( Link )

While not that fast, the Gemini 30 will easily outsail the Endeavor 30 discussed above. Its daggerboards (which are explained in detail here ) can point well, and if you keep it light, it can do 7-8 knots (12.9-14.8 km/hr) under sail.

Besides, raising the daggerboards reduces the wetted surface area, and increases the speed downwind.

catamaran 8m

The Gemini 30 tends to pound and hobbyhorse a little when sailing in choppy waters – particularly when overloaded (more on load carrying capabilities in this article ), but the deep pivoting daggerboards provide stability and lift underwater.

Furthermore, the Gemini’s retractable rudders enable it to venture into shallow waters.

This is a very popular cruising cat that’ll give you a lot of bang for your bucks.

You can find a Gemini for less than $65,000.

catamaran 8m

Maine Cat 30 

The Maine Cat 30 combines premium quality construction materials with the most advanced building techniques to create a lightweight vessel capable of handling most offshore conditions. What’s more, this boat can remain trouble-free for years on end with little effort.

If you are in the market for a simple liveaboard cruiser that you can use for a short weekend getaway or a cruising voyage, this is it.

The boat has a sizable primary stateroom berth with ample overhead space and a dresser fitted with a hanging storage cabinet. The enormous head includes a toilet, sink, 20-gallon (75.71 L) holding tank, vanity, and a pressurized shower.

Covering the open bridgedeck is a permanent hardtop. This spacious bridgedeck can hold quite a crowd and comes with a convertible dinette that turns into an extra berth. If need be, you can even enclose the entire space using acrylic windows or screens. Gabo

catamaran 8m

The 360-degree visibility from the cockpit allows the captain plus the crew a panoramic view, and all sail controls go back to the cockpit, which is very useful if wanting to sail single-handedly.

I believe that most boats should be set up in this way since sooner or later you might be in a situation where there is only one person to handle the controls, such as in an emergency. But more on that in another article ( Link ).

The Maine Cat 30 is a classic boat that delivers on high-performance multihull sailing. Designed to offer much better performance than catamarans bearing tall and heavy bridge decks, this cat weighs less and suffers less windage thanks to the acrylic windows.

The boat’s interior layout allows for easy cleaning as surfaces sport a smooth gel coat and satin-finished cherry trim. The solid but lightweight furniture bears the same Core-Cell foam core employed on the hull, deck, and hardtop. Plus, there’s ample storage for all your sailing equipment, cleaning supplies, and provisions.

A Maine Cat 30 can cost up to $110,000.

Heavenly Twins 27

The overall design of this well-equipped catamaran makes it a superb pocket cruiser.

Heavenly Twins 27 manages to fit not one but two coachroofs on hulls that are only 27 feet (8.20 m) long. Canoe sterns and a central cockpit separating the duo coachroofs form the boat’s other prominent features. 

Famous for their excellent build quality, medium-depth draft, and narrow beams, Heavenly Twins 27 appeals to a wide range of boating enthusiasts.

These include solo sailors, weekend sailors, cruising families, circumnavigators, beginner sailors, and experienced liveaboards such as this famous Youtube channel “Kittiwake”.

The vessels house double cabins in the hulls while the forward starboard contains the heads and, to port, the galley. You can easily access the bar from the well-protected cockpit while the Comfordesk accommodation converts into a double dock. 

A stoop through allows access from below-deck to the aft compartment without going through the cockpit. There’s ample storage space throughout the boat, plus you can section off the large stateroom into smaller double compartments if desired.

The price range for this boat is $ 20,098 to $24,193. (I believe that kittiwake is for sale too)

catamaran 8m

The last cruising catamaran on my list is the Aquilon 26 . This French-built cruising vessel is light in weight and trailerable, which means you can disassemble it in a few hours or transport it as-is.

Designing a boat that is possible to disassemble usually means that it is structurally less strong, which by no means is a problem during coastal sailing but the Aquilon 26 is mostly attractive to sailors who prefer inland lake sailing. It’s also suitable for beginner sailors.

Although there are no real “beginner cats” there are specs to consider if you are a beginner with catamarans, most of them I have listed in another article ( here ). Gabo

This 26-footer (7.92 m) has the potential for good speed though its layout is anything but conventional- which forms part of its appeal.

The cockpit works as the saloon, and a full bimini protects the crew from lousy weather. The starboard hull contains a dinette and galley, and the port has a double berth stateroom. The windows are quite unusual, but they provide lots of light, remarkably enhancing interior visibility.

Aquilon 26 can deliver an average cruising speed of 10knots (11.51 mph or 18.5 kph).

On a beam reach, you can expect around 25 knots (28.77 mph or 46.3 kph) with an adequate breeze ( I have never sailed at 25knots but researching this boat supposedly it is possible).

You can get this boat for under $50,000.

What Makes Small Cruising Cats Attractive?

Small cruising cats are ideal for sailing along the coast. But that’s not all. Under capable hands, properly fitted smaller cats can also deliver spectacular offshore passages similar to their larger counterpart (Heres a list of full-sized bluewater cats).

They can operate over long cruise ranges, cross oceans , and circumnavigate the globe . Smaller cats are also suitable for day sailing, overnight trips, and coastal or inland voyages. 

For most sailors, comfort on board is crucial, so they’ll look for a vessel that guarantees a comfortable cruising experience. The good thing is that smaller vessels provide almost the same qualities and amenities that bigger vessels offer. Plus, you can do quite a bit with the available space, especially if it’s well laid out.  

You’ll find that most 30-footer (9.14 m) or more miniature cruising cats comprise a galley, head, bunks, navigation and entertainment electronics, and refrigeration.

Sailors usually talk about these benefits of smaller cats:

  • They’re less expensive. Large boats are costly to buy. They also cost more to hire, maintain, and dock. You can buy a small-sized boat at a much lower price, and parts tend to cost less too. Besides, you get to use smaller sails, winches, and lighter lines than those applicable on a larger boat. And since marine services such as moorings and haul-outs get billed via boat length, a smaller cat makes sailing more affordable.
  • They boast superior builds. Most cruising boats under 30 feet (9.14 m) feature designs that are 30+ years old. In those days, weather forecasts were hard to come by and not as accurate, so boat builders used hulls with thicker fiberglass than the type found in today’s builds. Furthermore, everything in the boat, including rigs, rudders, hulls, keels and decks, was designed to withstand strong winds and high waves. 
  • They have simpler systems. This means less time spent fixing and maintaining your boat. For instance, most small cruising cats often lack water-makers, hot water systems, or electric anchor windlasses. 
  • They’re easier to handle. Smaller cats are simpler to sail than larger cats. It’s also easier to sail one single-handed or with a small crew.

What is the largest cat on person can sail?

The Disadvantages of Smaller Cruising Cats

Below are some of the most discussed downsides of small cats:

  • They have limited living space, storage, and amenities.
  • Though they don’t heel much, they are less comfortable than larger boats since they get tossed around much more easily in big ocean swells.
  • It’s not easy to accommodate crew for extended periods; hence there are fewer hands to share work.
  • They are slower and take longer to get to their destination.

Though fewer are on the cruising trails than their larger counterparts, small catamarans make ideal cruisers because they are simple, seaworthy, and pocket-friendly.

When choosing the best cat for your needs, focus on quality rather than size. A well-planned 30-footer (9.14 m) is reliable and provides ample space for your accommodation, dining, and relaxation, plus a storage room for provisions and any spare parts you might need. 

And if you want even more info than I have presented to you in this article I would recommend a book from Serj, he makes it easy to understand why size matters and how to find a cat suited for your needs (amazon link )

Owner of CatamaranFreedom.com. A minimalist that has lived in a caravan in Sweden, 35ft Monohull in the Bahamas, and right now in his self-built Van. He just started the next adventure, to circumnavigate the world on a Catamaran!

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Elf 8m trailable open deck production boat

Provisional Specification LOA 7.6m BOA 5m Sail Area: Mainsail 27sqm Jib 14.5sqm Mast length 11m Empty weight 850kgs Displacement to WL 1350kgs Draft 300mm (1300 boards down, 900 for LAR keels) 2 single berths in each hull: Fwd 900 wide, aft 800 wide Headroom 1.85m

The 8m Elf has had several reincarnations as different builders developed the boat. The original Mk1 was a 25ft boat built in Germany. Only a few were made, but some sailed long distances, see owners comments below and video here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5nMxIwiBeg

The Mk2 was also an open deck boat and was built, very heavily in solid glass, in S Africa and was extended to 26ft. It also became a well proven design, again see owners comments below

Then in the 1990's a few were built in the UK. We added a removable cuddy cabin, even so it was still transportable,though not really trailable.

Now the Elf has another new lease of life. Updated, with a modern, lighter laminate and rig. Once again it is an open deck design and available with daggerboards or LAR keels. The transom has been shortened to allow for the simpler transom mounted rudders. Although it is a big boat it is still trailable, each hull is under 1.2m wide. The aluminium crossbeams are fitted with metal straps as on Strider to allow for complete disassembly. The first hulls have now been made for a UK buyer, see photo above and launching below

Initially just hulls and decks will be available allowing owners to fit out their own boats. Later complete boats will be available. Hulls are built using pvc foam and biaxial glass.

The drawings below show the open deck Mk2 version, the new one is similar but the hatches are now at the back of the cabin, not at the side. There is a lot of room in the hulls, especially compared to the Strider and Sango. The woman in the photo below is 1.7m tall

=========================

Owners Comments

“At the end of March 2007 I sailed single handed, as always, the 900 miles back from the Canaries to Almeria in Southern Spain. On the last day, after three and a half days at sea, a storm of wind of a steady force 8 with gusts to F10 caught me and my Elf catamaran. The Woods Design made 5 to 7 knots without sails and I also used a car tire to slow down somewhat, and to keep control.”

“Two Elves set off for Langebaan the weekend before Christmas and en route, stopped off at Dassen Island to catch, cook and eat crayfish, that are in ample abundance. The trip was a total distance of about 115 nm. The average speed attained during this trip was 12 knots.

We moored the two boats at the Langebaan Yacht Club and returned on the 26 th December for the start of the West Coast Cruise. Sixty-eight yachts took part and the start was at 7am on the 27 th December with the wind at about 6 - 8 knots. Both the boats had 4 adults on board plus stores and provisions for the same for 5 days. I estimate that we had 800kg loading per boat.

After a slow start the wind slowly picked up to 25/30 knots on the beam. We upped the kites and hauled in boats like there was no tomorrow. We kept the kite up when it started gusting 35 knots and, believe me, if there was a dinghy on board, old Pete would have gone home. Swells were running at about 4 metres, wind gusting 36 knots, boat speed 18 knots, creaking, groaning and flexing and overtaking monohulls like it was a demolition derby. We arrived at the first stop-over in 11 th and 12 th position over the line.

The Elf was the talk of the cruise. We were even blamed for causing a severe broach on a 43' Mono-hull. The skipper said, “We were humping along at 10 knots when one of the crew on board said to me, 'Look at the little spinnakers bearing down on us'. Within minutes you guys were alongside, then disappeared forward, drinking out of glasses while we were walking on the windows - I just lost my concentration and we ended up in a horrendous broach.” Another had just launched his IMS Racer and could not believe what we did to him. He said that it felt like he had put his brakes on.

Reckless decided on day two to beach in Lamberts Bay. The race to Elands Bay and Port Owen started at 6 am with Reckless left high and dry on the beach. Etienne managed to get off at 1500 hrs that afternoon and in winds pushing 40/50 knots decide to beat for Port Owen @ 70 nm. I was not aboard naturally, but they said they were beating @ 12 knots 35 degree apparent wind, swells 5 metres. They arrived in Port Owen at 23.55 hrs that night to a very angry reception from me, for their radio had packed up and they had notified no-one as to where, when or how they were going. Etienne's remarks were, “I'm tired, the boat didn't fall apart and we're home,” and promptly retired for the night. “

“Fred took the Elf 26 out for a sail recently in fairly rough conditions. The average wind speed was 28 knots, gusting to 35 knots. The planned route was from Willik Marina, past Groot Eiland to the power lines. This distance is normally covered in 2 ½ hours by a keel boat sailing with good winds. Fred left the marina and some 16 minutes later had passed Groot Eiland and a further 36 minutes saw them at the power lines.

Fred commented that at no time did the boat feel unstable, if anything it appeared quite unexciting until you looked over the stern and saw the water thrown up to resemble a huge rooster's tail. An estimate of the speed was an average of 15 knots and possible close to 20 knots on occasions. This was achieved using the full main and standard jib. The boat was sailed on a reach most of the time and occasionally running down wind.

Fred praised the boat's performance saying it was superbly stable and immediately inspired confidence. This praise from an experienced skipper confirms several other reports of the vessel's seaworthiness for safe, fun, family cruising.”

“Just back in England from Sark, Herm and Guernsey in our Elf. Still loving her versatility, like drying out on the beach and anchoring in 1m.”

“I was thinking about an asymmetric spinnaker, easier to handle with two small boys aboard! We fully intend to enjoy her, we are teachers, we have two boys 6 and 2. We're looking to spend the six week summer break along the Brittany / Normandy coast.”

“I bought one of your 26ft Elf cat designed boats built in South Africa. I sail it in Tanzania and I really enjoy the boat. It was modified by raising the boom and fitting a solid Bimini which reduced the sail area and increased the weight. So the boat is slow in light winds but great in any thing above 12 knots and I have never had to reef the main.”

"We averaged between 8-10 knots on a broad reach in 15-18 knots of wind and a 1.5m (5ft) swell. 12 guests and 2 crew - 14 adults on board! Everyone was mega impressed."

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Catalac 8m for sale in Port Charlotte, Florida United States of America

Port Charlotte, Florida United States of America

Make & Model

MEASUREMENTS

Description.

- Stock #NEW BOTTOM PAINT- Only draws 2 ft 4 in without any center boards! 1983 Catalac 8M 27' Catamaran Catalac catamarans have a great reputation for their solid build and great cruising abilities! She's a wonderful liveaboard cat and a true bluewater pocket cruiser that's completely at home in Florida with her shallow 2' 4" draft. She will sail the Bahamas with comfort and safety with her shallow draft as well. The Mercury four-stroke engine pushes her nicely.

NEW BOTTOM PAINT- Only draws 2 ft 4 in without any center boards! 1983 Catalac 8M 27' Catamaran Catalac catamarans have a great reputation for their solid build and great cruising abilities! She's a wonderful liveaboard cat and a true bluewater pocket cruiser that's completely at home in Florida with her shallow 2' 4" draft. She will sail the Bahamas with comfort and safety with her shallow draft as well. The Mercury four-stroke engine pushes her nicely. The solar panel is 180w with batteries dated 8/2021. This 27FT Catalac has been used as a liveaboard and needs a good home. She has plenty of space and storage and 2 cabins, you can sleep 5 comfortably wherever she might take you. A homemade dinghy is included. (no engine) We are looking for people all over the country who share our love for boats. If you have a passion for our product and like the idea of working from home, please visit WhereFreedomTakesYou [dot] com to learn more. Please submit any and ALL offers - your offer may be accepted! Submit your offer today! Reason for selling is bought another catamaran. At Pop Yachts, we will always provide you with a TRUE representation of every vessel we market. We encourage all buyers to schedule a survey for an independent analysis. Any offer to purchase is ALWAYS subject to satisfactory survey results. You have questions? We have answers. Call us atto discuss this boat. Selling your boat has never been easier. At Pop Yachts, we literally sell thousands of units every year all over the country. Calland we'll get started selling your boat today. Take a look at ALL ***211 PICTURES*** of this vessel on our main website at POPYACHTS DOT COM. We appreciate that you took your time to look at our advertisement and we look forward to speaking with you!

Engine Count

Engine Horse Power

Engine Hours

Engine Tankage

Gallons Per Hour

Propeller Type

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Hull Material

J. Winterbotham/t.m. Lack

NAVIGATION EQUIPMENT

Navigation Lights

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

GENERAL EQUIPMENT

ABOUT CATALAC 8M

The Catalac 8m is a 27 feet long that boasts a 13 feet beam. This 1983 Petrol Catalac 8m, with 50 horsepower. The Catalac 8m is made of fiberglass. comes equipped with bilge pump, anchor, battery. as well as being equipped with gps, navigation lights, vhf, autopilot.

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Catalac 8M Performance Page

  • Post author By Rick
  • Post date June 29, 2010
  • 1 Comment on Catalac 8M Performance Page

catamaran 8m

This page is fairly technical … but in 2005 the Catalac 8M was my new boat and calculating performance characteristics satisfied my curiousity. 

Essentially this page displays crucial data which is used to calculated max speed and stability for the Catalac 8M / 9M (same hulls). The data can be used in the context of hull design or racing handicaps. There’s no way a Catalac 8M (or most cruising catamarans for that matter) can be mistaken as a racer.

The link to my hull design formula page can be found here. Catamaran Hull design page

Catalac 8M / 9M Specifications

Rick

Owner of a Catalac 8M and Catamaransite webmaster.

1 reply on “Catalac 8M Performance Page”

Super helpful! Thank you!

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COMMENTS

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    The Catalac 8M is a pocket cruising catamaran which has a solid reputation for quality, strength and durability. Many of the boats found in North America today, were sailed there from Great Britain. The Catalac 8M, although classified as a pocket cruiser was designed with blue water sailing in mind. Twin diesel models can easily motor almost ...

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  3. Catalac 8M Review and Owner Interview "S/V Chateau Cat"

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  8. Catalac 8M Catamaran

    Catalac 8M Cruising Catamaran for sale by owner. The original pocket cruising catamaran is still crossing oceans today. check out catamaransite.com

  9. CATALAC 8M: Reviews, Specifications, Built, Engine

    Built by Catalac / Tom Lack Catamarans Ltd. and designed by undefined, the boat was first built in 1975. It has a hull type of Catamaran (no boards/asym.) and LOA is 8.23. Its sail area/displacement ratio 12.96. Its auxiliary power tank, manufactured by 76 L, runs on undefined. CATALAC 8M has retained its value as a result of superior building ...

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  14. Catalac 8m for sale

    Catalac 8m for sale - - Stock #NEW BOTTOM PAINT- Only draws 2 ft 4 in without any center boards! 1983 Catalac 8M 27' Catamaran Catalac catamarans have a great reputation for their solid build and great cruising abilitie... View over 1000s of new and used boats and yachts for sale online. Buy a boat, Sell or list your boat for rent or sale, find ...

  15. Catalac catamarans

    Catalac catamarans. Catalac is a defunct English maritime construction company that specialised in building sailing catamarans. The company was founded by Tom Lack (hence "Cata + Lac" ), in Christchurch, Dorset. [1] After a successful period of production, the company closed in 1986. In the 1990s, the Catalac 9M was briefly revived and updated ...

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  17. Catalac 8M Boat Show Review

    Catalac 8M Boat Show Review. By Rick. June 30, 2010. No Comments. That I first took the helm of the new catamaran after dark for a trial sail was novelty enough in itself, but I very soon discovered that connected to the other side of the wheel was an excellent blend of well-tried, sea-proven and moreover much-loved ingredients. The art of ...

  18. Catalac 8m in Montego Bay

    The Catalac 8M is an exceptional, sought after, pocket cruising catamaran, which is considered one of the best production boats ever. British built to Lloyd's standard, these boats are an excellent value today. Catalac 8M's are ideal for a couple or family with 2 - 3 children. Catalac 8M's are a pleasure to sail and are comfortable in ...

  19. Catalac 8M Performance Page

    This page is fairly technical … but in 2005 the Catalac 8M was my new boat and calculating performance characteristics satisfied my curiousity. Essentially this page displays crucial data which is used to calculated max speed and stability for the Catalac 8M / 9M (same hulls). The data can be used in the context of hull design or racing ...

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