Designed by Gene Vernon and first launched in 1976, this compact catamaran represents an innovative approach to small multihull sailing from the era when catamarans were gaining mainstream acceptance. Sol Catamarans Inc. built these fiberglass boats with twin daggerboards, creating a shallow-draft vessel perfect for exploring protected waters, beaches, and sailing areas where monohulls fear to tread. The Sol Cat 20's fractional sloop rig features a rotating spar, allowing for efficient sail trim and enhanced performance across various wind conditions. With its generous beam and lightweight displacement, this catamaran delivers impressive stability and speed potential, making it well-suited for day sailing, coastal cruising, and even informal racing among similar multihulls. The twin-hull configuration provides excellent initial stability and creates a spacious platform for crew and gear, while the shallow draft opens up countless anchorages and beaches inaccessible to deeper-drawing boats. The high sail area to displacement ratio suggests spirited performance in light to moderate conditions, though like most small catamarans of this vintage, it's best suited for protected coastal waters rather than offshore passages. This design appeals to sailors seeking the unique sailing characteristics and beachability that only a catamaran can provide.
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What is the Sol Cat 20's comfort ratio?
The Sol Cat 20 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 1.73. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Sol Cat 20 safe for offshore sailing?
The Sol Cat 20 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 5.13. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Sol Cat 20?
The theoretical hull speed of the Sol Cat 20 is 5.91 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Sol Cat 20 weigh?
The Sol Cat 20 has a displacement of 475.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 19.98 ft.
Who designed the Sol Cat 20?
The Sol Cat 20 was designed by Gene Vernon, first built in 1976.