Design
Alan Wright's design brief for the Catalina 7 (of which 30 have been sold in 12 months since its introduction) was for a trailer yacht with a I.O.R rating of approximately quarter ton. It was also important that the yacht be capable if competing in the short offshore races of up to 320km. The hull therefore had to be strong, ballast as low as possible and a very efficient rig had to be used. The centre plate was to be unballasted so that raised or lowered the stability of the yacht was not affected.
Dimensions
Length overall 7.025m
Waterline 6.075m
Beam 2.46m
Beam on waterline 2.18m
Ballast 408kg
Displacement 1246kg
Weight of trailer 1610kg
Sails and Rigging
Mast Height 9.1m
Main 14.7m2
No.1 Genoa 14.1m2
No.2 Genoa 9.2m2
Boom Length 2.7m
Draught keel up 0.61m
Draught keel down 1.54m
Hull
The general hull form indicates light displacement with a fine waterline forward for efficient windward work and firm bilges for stiffness and power to sail to windward. The ballast/displacement ratio is moderate with the ballast resin set into the moulded G.R.P stub keel. This therefore brings the ballast lower than the hull to provide positive righting properties.
Interior
The accommodation area is very roomy especially in the absence of any centre plate housing. The standard interior layout provides for five berths. a complete galley unit, sink, stove, bench space and storage cupboards is positioned to starboard of the main cabin. The head, either portable or permanent, is positioned to starboard of the main port bulkhead. Stowage areas are under all berths. There is adequate sail stowage under the forward berths. Locker space is provided along both port and starboard sides of the main cabin. All timber trim is mahogany. The cabin top is adjustable to provide head-room while at anchor. This facility is a must once experienced and the operation of the "Pop Top" is simple yet sturdy and when locked in the normal setting position is totally watertight.
Cockpit
The Catalina has a roomy 1.8m cockpit. The absence of any bridge deck makes the yacht suitable for the family cruising man. The mainsheet traveller, positioned just aft of the main hatch entry, can be removed whilst at anchor. The yacht is fitted with a transom hung rudder. The pivoting blade is raised and lowered by the use of an internal endless rope operated from the top of the rudder cheeks. The fiberglass centre plate is operated by a quadrant/lever system. A self draining anchor well is in the foredeck and the forward hatch adds to the ease of sail changing.
Rig
The flexible three-quarter rig is well balanced and easily controlled by cruising or racing yachtsmen. Recent performances in races throughout the country have been quite exceptional with the Catalina 7, often showing a clear view of the transom to the rest of the fleet. The yacht has also proven herself in heavy weather outside harbour limits by sailing to windward in relative comfort in winds frequently gusting to 60 knots.