Catalina 6 Series Review: A Facelift For Mid-Sized Cruising Models
A refresh of their line gives the US builder a leg up.
January 28, 2025
I’ve always been a fan of Catalina designs. They’re durable, practical and clever. Walking through the neatly designed plumbing and electrical systems with former designer Gerry Douglas was always eye-opening in terms of the thought that went into every detail. Gerry has moved on, but Catalina Yachts perseveres as one of the few U.S. production sailboat builders still operating. They’ve introduced a refresh of their line that they’ve named the 6 Series and it warrants examination.
6 Series Refresh Overview
The 6 Series is expected to roll out on Catalina’s cruising models that now span 31-44 feet. So far, we’ve seen only the 356 and 426 with the new treatment. Substantial changes were made across the board so this facelift isn’t just a cosmetic list of improved door hardware or fabric upgrades and the new models are better off for it.
Above: A 2025 Catalina 426 for sale on YachtWorld by Atlas Yacht Sales in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Photo via Atlas Yacht Sales.
Masts & Keels
The most substantial changes were made up top and down low with new masts and redesigned shoal keels to help with performance and stability. For a more powerful rig, the builder added a Selden spar that is both lighter and stronger than itspredecessor. Less weight aloft is a welcome change on any sailboat and this development alone is expected to significantly improve handling and performance. Aft-swept spreaders combine with shrouds that now terminate at a single point which is well inboard on deck. That makes the side decks clearer and easier to pass when going forward or aft. For better mainsail trimming, Catalina has also added a double-ended mainsheet that can be adjusted from both port and starboard on the cabintop.
To improve the hydrodynamics of their keels, Catalina partnered with Mars Metal to design appendages with a cruising bulb to reduce drag, add stability and improve speed. It’s the center of lateral resistance redefined, and although it’s not a change that can easily be seen, it will be one that is felt under way.
Construction & Ports
There have been changes in the construction process as well. Multiaxial fiberglass has been used for a stronger laminate and stiffer structure with carbon fiber added to strategic locations and assemblies. A stiffer hull with less flex translates to less heeling for a faster and more comfortable ride.
Hull and cabintop ports have been added or reshaped and this has been a bit polarizing because these windows somewhat change the profile of the designs. Some will find it an improved and contemporary flare while others may feel it’s a departure from the Catalina aesthetic.
Above: Main salon interior of a 2025 Catalina 426 for sale on YachtWorld by Atlas Yacht Sales in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Photo via Atlas Yacht Sales.
A stand-out feature on Catalinas is the solid rail that extends from the pushpit seats to the side gates. Stainless steel rails provide better handholds and more security around the cockpit than wire lifelines and they’re a safety feature when going offshore.
Enhancements on Deck
The 356 and 386 (and possibly other models) will benefit from the new Butler Explorer pedestal by Edson. Not only is this a nod to Catalina’s founder Frank Butler, it’s a more compact and much sleeker binnacle designed to hold the wheel, chartplotter and instruments. In addition, it has integrated handles on the sides so those needing to steady themselves in a seaway are less likely to grab for the wheel.
The 426 is based on the 425 that was launched in 2015. That in turn was based on its immensely popular predecessor, the 420, of which over 1,000 hulls were built. Somewhat constrained by the pervious hull and deck molds, the 426 has just a smidgen of a swim step so the builder has added a new drop-down transom platform. It serves four purposes: it extends the deck aft for more space at anchor, it holds the swim ladder, it makes boarding easier even from the dock, and in the up position, it forms a backstop of sorts for the open transom. It’s definitely a functional and practical addition and one that cruisers will love, but aesthetically, it looks a bit like a DYI afterthought.
Systems Upgrades
From a systems perspective, the models have been upgraded in a few ways. A larger Group 31 starting battery has been added for greater capacity, and a new diesel heating system is an option to extend the sailing season. For greater peace-of-mind, a monitoring system by Sensar is available to track the health of the equipment and the location of the boat via a smartphone app. You can remotely check bilge levels and battery charge as well as designate a geofence perimeter so you know if the boat is moving when it shouldn’t be.
In the process of creating the 6 Series, Catalina broadened and deepened their supplier relationships so besides Selden and Mars Metal, you’ll see topnotch equipment from Garhauer, Edson, Sensar, Webasto, Doyle, Lewmar and Dometic. The comfort, convenience and safety items provided by many of these equipment manufacturers have changed sailing significantly and for the better. The days of camping on the water is in the rear view because today’s clientele knows there’s no reason to rough it.
Above: A 2025 Catalina 426 for sale on YachtWorld by Atlas Yacht Sales in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Photo via Atlas Yacht Sales.
History & Outlook
In their more than 50 years of history, Catalina Yachts has been a fixture on the American sailing scene, first manufacturing in California and now in Florida. I’ve taken several of their models on long coastal cruises to Mexico and the Caribbean and have always been pleasantly surprised at how well the boats performed and held up in near coastal conditions. I wouldn’t hesitate to jump on another one today.
Catalina enjoys a loyal following, so a refresh of the line was a smart way to hold onto customers and perhaps help them move up and down the line as their sailing needs change. Company representatives say the new developments were feedback-driven and it’s true that the builder has always listened to their customers as well as their dealers. Although Catalina leans heavily on the appeal of its traditional design, an update was necessary to stay relevant in the market. These smart changes will undoubtedly give them a leg up in the challenging sailing times ahead.
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