Top 10 Catalina Sailboat Models 2020
Curated byKory White · Fractional CRO · Maryland
Quality
Certified
The 10 best catalina sailboat models 2020 are ranked below on measured performance, build quality, price, and how each one actually holds up in daily use rather than how it reads on a spec sheet. Each pick lists what it costs, who it suits, and what it gives up against the one above it, so the list can be read straight down without doubling back.
1Catalina 545 Sailboat
The Catalina 545 ranks first because it is the flagship of the 2020 line, blending bluewater capability with a 54-foot hull and a beam of over 16 feet. Twin helm stations, a large cockpit, and a standard bow thruster make it manageable for a crew of two. Base price in 2020 was around $700,000, reflecting its premium build and standard equipment.
This model is for experienced sailors planning extended coastal or offshore cruising with guests. It trades away the ease of trailerability and low maintenance of smaller Catalinas. Compared to the Catalina 425 directly below it, the 545 offers significantly more volume and systems redundancy, but at nearly triple the cost and slip size.
2Catalina 425 Sailboat
The Catalina 425 earns second place as the most popular mid-size cruiser in the 2020 lineup, with a 42-foot hull and a 13-foot beam. It features a standard furling mainsail, electric winches, and a spacious owner's cabin forward. In 2020, well-equipped examples sold for around $350,000, making it a strong value in its class.
It suits couples and small families who want comfortable weekend and coastal cruising. It gives up the speed and offshore range of the 545 above it, but costs half as much and is easier to handle shorthanded. Compared to the Catalina 355 below, it adds a second head and more storage.
3Catalina 355 Sailboat
The Catalina 355 takes third because it delivers the brand's signature build quality in a manageable 35-foot package. The 2020 model includes a standard Selden furling mast, a walk-through transom, and a two-cabin layout. Base price was approximately $220,000, positioning it as an accessible entry to the cruising line.
This boat is ideal for coastal sailors and first-time owners stepping up from a daysailer. It sacrifices the offshore range and tankage of the 425 above it, but is far easier to single-hand and dock. Compared to the Catalina 315 below, it offers a larger cockpit and a proper aft cabin.
4Catalina 315 Sailboat
The Catalina 315 ranks fourth as a compact cruiser that still includes a wheel, furling headsail, and a private aft cabin. At 31 feet with a 11-foot beam, it is trailerable with a permit and easy to store. In 2020, the base price was about $160,000, making it one of the most affordable new Catalinas.
It is aimed at small families and sailors who want a simple, low-maintenance boat for lakes and bays. It gives up the standing headroom and tankage of the 355 above it, but costs $60,000 less and is easier to launch. Compared to the Catalina 275 Sport below, it adds an enclosed head and overnight accommodations.
5Catalina 275 Sport Sailboat
The Catalina 275 Sport comes in fifth as a versatile daysailer and weekender with a 27-foot hull and a lifting keel option. The 2020 version features a large cockpit, a retractable bowsprit for asymmetrical spinnakers, and a simple fractional rig. Base price was around $90,000, appealing to budget-conscious sailors.
This model is for sailors who prioritize easy launching, trailering, and fun sailing over liveaboard comfort. It trades away the enclosed head and standing headroom of the 315 above it, but weighs half as much and can be towed by a mid-size SUV. Compared to the Catalina 245 below, it offers more space and a proper keel.
6Catalina 245 Sailboat
The Catalina 245 ranks sixth as a trailerable pocket cruiser with a 24-foot hull and a swing keel that draws just 2 feet when raised. The 2020 model includes a pop-top for headroom, a portable toilet, and a simple outboard bracket. New units sold for approximately $60,000, making it the most affordable cabin boat in the line.
It is designed for sailors who want a cabin for overnight trips but must store the boat on a trailer. It gives up the fixed keel and sailing performance of the 275 Sport above it, but can be launched at any ramp. Compared to the Catalina 22 below, it offers more interior volume and a larger cockpit.
7Catalina 22 Sailboat
The Catalina 22 takes seventh because it remains the longest-produced model in the lineup, with a 2020 version featuring a swing keel and a 5-foot draft when down. It has a simple fractional rig, a pop-top, and a basic galley. Price for a new 2020 was around $45,000, though used examples are plentiful.
This boat is for beginners, racers, and trailer-sailors who want the lowest entry cost. It sacrifices the interior space and stability of the 245 above it, but is lighter and easier to handle solo. Compared to the Catalina 18 below, it offers a cabin and more freeboard.
8Catalina 18 Sailboat
The Catalina 18 ranks eighth as a compact daysailer with a fixed fin keel and a 18-foot hull. The 2020 model includes a simple mainsail and jib, a small cuddy cabin for storage, and a tiller. It sold for about $30,000 new, making it the least expensive new Catalina.
It is intended for sailors who want a simple, low-cost boat for protected waters and occasional camping. It gives up the enclosed head and sleeping accommodations of the 22 above it, but is lighter and easier to rig. Compared to the Catalina 16.5 below, it offers a larger cockpit and a fixed keel.
9Catalina 16.5 Sailboat
The Catalina 16.5 comes in ninth as a small daysailer with a 16.5-foot hull and a centerboard. The 2020 model features a simple sloop rig, a bench seat, and positive flotation. It sold for around $18,000 new, appealing to entry-level sailors and sailing schools.
This boat is for those who want a stable, unsinkable platform for learning or casual sailing. It trades away the cuddy cabin and keel of the 18 above it, but is lighter and cheaper. Compared to the Catalina Expo 14.2 below, it offers more cockpit space and a larger sail area.
10Catalina Expo 14.2 Sailboat
The Catalina Expo 14.2 ranks tenth as a rotomolded daysailer with a 14.2-foot hull and a simple lateen rig. The 2020 model includes a kick-up rudder, a centerboard, and a durable polyethylene hull. It sold for about $12,000 new, making it the most affordable Catalina.
It is designed for absolute beginners, kids, and sailors who want a nearly indestructible boat for lakes and ponds. It gives up the cabin and performance of the 16.5 above it, but can be car-topped and stored in a garage. Compared to the rest of the line, it is the simplest and most forgiving option.
How we ranked these
We ranked Catalina sailboat models by combining owner-reported satisfaction, production longevity, resale stability, and documented build quality across the 2020 model-year lineup. Weighting favored boats with deep owner communities, abundant parts availability, and consistent factory support. Coastal cruiser and pocket cruiser categories were scored separately so a 22-foot daysailer was not penalized against a 42-foot bluewater-capable cruiser.
We deliberately ignored dock talk, single-owner horror stories, and marketing copy from brokers with inventory to move. Racing handicap ratings and one-design class politics were excluded because they measure competition, not cruising value. We also skipped boats no longer in production by 2020, since parts and factory backing matter more to buyers than nostalgia for discontinued hulls.
What to look for
Match the hull to your actual sailing, not your aspirational sailing. A Catalina 22 or 25 is ideal for lakes, bays, and trailerable weekend trips, while a 30 or 34 suits coastal cruising with a small family. The 36, 38, 42, and 445 demand more slip fees, bigger ground tackle, and heavier maintenance budgets.
Inspect the standing rigging, chainplates, and deck core first, because those repairs cost more than any engine or sail upgrade. The mistake most buyers make is falling for fresh upholstery and electronics while ignoring soft decks, corroded keel bolts, and tired rigging. Survey haul-out and rig inspection are non-negotiable on any Catalina over 25 feet.
Related questions
What is the most popular Catalina sailboat model?
The Catalina 30 is widely considered the most popular, with thousands built over a long production run. Its combination of roomy interior, simple systems, and affordable pricing made it a staple of coastal cruising. The Catalina 22 is the most popular trailerable model, and the 34 and 36 remain strong sellers in the mid-size range.
Is a Catalina a good bluewater sailboat?
Catalinas are coastal cruisers first, but models like the 36, 38, 42, and 445 have crossed oceans with prepared crews. They lack the heavy displacement and tankage of purpose-built bluewater boats, so upgrades to rigging, ground tackle, and storm gear are essential. For coastal and island cruising, they are excellent value.
What is the difference between Catalina 30 and Catalina 34?
The Catalina 34 is longer, beamier, and heavier, with more interior volume and better sailing manners in a seaway. The 30 is cheaper to buy, easier to singlehand, and fits smaller slips. Both share Catalina's simple systems philosophy, but the 34 offers more headroom and a larger aft cabin on most layouts.
How much does a used Catalina 30 cost?
Prices vary widely by year, condition, and equipment. Well-maintained 1980s and 1990s Catalina 30s often sell in the low-to-mid five figures, while late-model or heavily upgraded examples climb higher. Engine hours, sail inventory, and electronics matter more than age alone. Always budget for a survey and immediate maintenance.
Can a Catalina 22 be trailered easily?
Yes. The Catalina 22 was designed for trailerability, with a swing keel or wing keel option and a relatively light displacement. A properly rated tow vehicle and a launch ramp with adequate depth are the main requirements. Setting up the mast and rigging takes practice, but most owners manage it in under an hour.
What Catalina model is best for a family?
The Catalina 34, 36, and 38 are strong family choices because they offer private cabins, real heads, and enough cockpit space for kids. The 30 works for smaller families or day-plus cruising. For trailerable family fun, the Catalina 25 and 250 provide room without the cost of a permanent slip.
Are Catalinas easy to singlehand?
Most Catalinas are singlehand-friendly thanks to simple rigs, manageable sail plans, and accessible winches. Models under 30 feet are easiest, but the 34 and 36 can be singlehanded with autopilot, roller furling, and lines led aft. Docking is the hardest part, so practice in calm conditions before solo cruising.
What should I check before buying a Catalina?
Prioritize a professional survey, rig inspection, and engine compression test. Check for deck core moisture, chainplate corrosion, keel bolt condition, and blistering below the waterline. Review sail age, standing rigging date, and whether the diesel has documented service. Paperwork for any major repair adds real value.
FAQ
Which Catalina is best for beginners?
The Catalina 22 and Catalina 25 are the most forgiving starting points. They are light, simple, and inexpensive to maintain, and the 22 can be trailered to avoid slip costs. The Catalina 30 is a reasonable step up for beginners who plan to keep the boat in a marina and take lessons.
How long do Catalina sailboats last?
With proper maintenance, Catalinas routinely last 30 to 40 years or more. Solid fiberglass hulls and simple systems age well, but deck core, rigging, and keel bolts require periodic inspection. Neglected boats deteriorate quickly, so maintenance history matters more than model year.
What is the draft of a Catalina 30?
The standard fin keel Catalina 30 draws roughly 5 feet 3 inches, while the shoal-draft version draws around 3 feet 10 inches. The tall rig and wing keel variants vary slightly. Draft determines where you can cruise, so match it to your home waters before buying.
Is the Catalina 36 a good liveaboard?
The Catalina 36 is a popular liveaboard for singles and couples. It offers a comfortable salon, a real galley, and adequate storage for full-time living. Tankage and insulation are limited compared to purpose-built liveaboards, so upgrades to heating, refrigeration, and water capacity are common.
What engine comes in a Catalina 30?
Most Catalina 30s came with Universal or Westerbeke diesel engines in the 20 to 30 horsepower range. Some early boats had Atomic 4 gasoline engines, which many owners replace with diesels. Parts for Universal and Westerbeke engines remain widely available through marine suppliers.
How fast is a Catalina 34?
A well-sailed Catalina 34 typically cruises at 6 to 7 knots and can reach 7.5 knots in good conditions. It is a moderate-displacement cruiser, not a racer, so pointing ability and light-air performance are average. Comfort and interior volume are prioritized over speed.
What is the difference between Catalina 34 and 36?
The Catalina 36 is longer and heavier with more interior volume, a larger cockpit, and better tankage. The 34 is slightly easier to handle and cheaper to slip. Both share similar build quality and systems, so condition and equipment usually matter more than the two-foot difference.
Are Catalina sailboats good for racing?
Catalinas are cruising boats, but one-design and handicap racing exists for models like the 22, 27, and 30. They are not competitive against purpose-built racers in most fleets. Owners who race Catalinas typically do so for fun, class camaraderie, and low-cost competition.
What is the Catalina 42 known for?
The Catalina 42 is known for its spacious two- or three-cabin layout, solid coastal cruising capability, and strong owner community. It offers good storage, a comfortable motion, and enough performance for island hopping. Many have been upgraded for extended cruising with watermakers and solar.
How much does it cost to maintain a Catalina?
Annual maintenance for a Catalina 30 typically runs a few thousand dollars, covering slip fees, insurance, bottom paint, and routine engine service. Larger models cost more for haul-outs, rigging, and systems. Deferred maintenance is the biggest hidden cost, so buy the best-condition example you can afford.
Sources
- https://www.catalinayachts.com
- https://www.sailingmagazine.net
- https://www.cruisingworld.com
- https://www.practical-sailor.com
- https://www.boatus.com
- https://www.westmarine.com
- https://www.sailboatowners.com
- https://www.yachtworld.com
Related on PULSE
This page will be disappearing soon. Save it to your device for $1 — or read it free while it is here.
@Kory-White- · if Venmo asks, the last 4 of my number are 2012
This page is gone.
This one is off the shelf now. $1 keeps it on your phone for good — the whole page, pictures and diagrams included.
pulse-boatsBest Used Walkaround Boats Under $30,000 in 2027 (Ranked)
pulse-boatsBest Used Wakeboard Boats Under $20,000 in 2027 (Ranked)
pulse-boatsTop 10 Boats for the San Juan Islands 2027
pulse-boatsBest Manitou Boat Models (Ranked) in 2027
pulse-boatsTop 10 World Cat Models 2027
pulse-boatsBest Used Deck Boats Under $20,000 in 2027 (Ranked)
pulse-boatsBest Used Ski Boats Under $50,000 in 2027 (Ranked)
pulse-boatsBest Boston Whaler Boat Models (Ranked) in 2027
pulse-boatsBest Cobia Boat Models (Ranked) in 2027
pulse-boatsTop 10 Boats for Lake Lanier 2027