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Sailboat Specifications

Catalina 400

Masthead Sloop · Fin W/Bulb & Spade Rudder

Designed by Frank Douglas/Gerry Douglas · Built by Catalina Yachts (Us) · First built 1994

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LOA 40.50 ft  ·  Beam 13.50 ft  ·  Displacement 18,000.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 808.00 ft²  ·  Masthead Sloop  ·  Fin W/Bulb & Spade Rudder
About the Catalina 400 Sailboat

Launched in 1994, this 40-footer from Catalina Yachts represents the builder's commitment to creating accessible cruising sailboats for the American market. Designed by the father-son team of Frank and Gerry Douglas, the Catalina 400 strikes a balance between comfort and performance that has made it a popular choice among coastal cruisers and weekend sailors. The boat's moderate displacement of 18,000 pounds and generous beam of 13.50 feet create a stable platform with ample interior volume, while the fin keel with bulb and spade rudder configuration provides responsive handling. With a theoretical hull speed of 7.91 knots and sail area-to-displacement ratio of 18.89, the 400 offers respectable performance without sacrificing the predictable sailing characteristics that Catalina is known for. The masthead sloop rig with 808 square feet of sail area is well-suited for shorthanded sailing, and the moderate comfort ratio of 23.79 suggests good motion at sea without excessive weight. The capsize screening formula of 2.06 indicates this boat is best suited for coastal cruising and protected offshore passages rather than blue-water voyaging. Catalina's reputation for solid construction and reasonable pricing has made the 400 an enduring choice for sailors seeking a capable, comfortable cruiser.

Videos
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The lead bulb keel is attached via a fin with keel bolts that are prone to weeping rust staining in the bilge sump. The bilge area around the keel sump should be inspected carefully for signs of movement, elongated bolt holes, or rust streaking indicating compromised keel bolt integrity.
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The chainplates on the Catalina 400 are glassed into the hull liner rather than bolted to structural bulkheads in a fully inspectable way, making it difficult to assess their condition without removing interior joinery. Corrosion and cracking at the deck penetration point is a known issue.
Medium
The deck-to-hull joint on the Catalina 400 uses an inward-turning flange bolted and bonded together, but the joint is known to weep water over time, leading to delamination of the balsa core in the deck near the toerail. Inspect the toerail fasteners and surrounding deck for soft spots.
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Market Price Estimate Beta
Small sample size. This estimate is based on fewer than 5 listings and may not be representative of the true market. Use with caution.
$125,000 – $125,000
typical asking price
Median $125,000  ·  2 listings used
All listings
$125,000 – $125,000 2
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Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 40.50 ft / 12.34 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 34.83 ft / 10.62 m
Beam 13.50 ft / 4.11 m
Max Draft 6.75 ft / 2.06 m
Displacement 18,000.00 lb / 8,165 kg
Ballast 7,200.00 lb / 3,266 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 808.00 ft² / 75.07 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/bulb & spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Frank Douglas/Gerry Douglas
Builder Catalina Yachts (US)
First Built 1994
Associations Catalina 400/445
Related Sailboats Hunter 405 Legend · Tartan 412
Owner Reviews

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Engine & Accommodations
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 42
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Catalina 400's sail area to displacement ratio?

The Catalina 400 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 18.89. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Catalina 400's comfort ratio?

The Catalina 400 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 23.79. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Catalina 400 safe for offshore sailing?

The Catalina 400 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.06. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Catalina 400?

The theoretical hull speed of the Catalina 400 is 7.91 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Catalina 400 weigh?

The Catalina 400 has a displacement of 18,000.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 40.50 ft.

How much does a used Catalina 400 cost?

Based on 2 recent market listings, used Catalina 400 sailboats typically sell for between $125,000 and $125,000, with a median asking price of $125,000. Price varies significantly based on year, condition, location, and included equipment.

Who designed the Catalina 400?

The Catalina 400 was designed by Frank Douglas/Gerry Douglas, first built in 1994.

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