Catalina Yachts has announced its most ambitious project yet: the Catalina 48, a new flagship cruiser born from a design collaboration with Tripp Design Naval Architecture. As Catalina’s first-ever production 48-footer, the yacht represents more than just a model launch. For many, it signals a shift in how America’s largest sailboat builder sees its future.
For more than half a century, Catalina has earned a reputation for building strong, simple, and affordable boats that carry families on their first daysails, extended coastal adventures, and full-blown liveaboard voyages. With the Catalina 48, the company aims to evolve that legacy while staying rooted in the values that made it a household name.
“This is not just a new boat. It’s the beginning of something bigger,” said Patrick Turner, president of Catalina Yachts. “The Catalina 48 brings together the best of who we’ve been and where we’re going. It’s American luxury, redefined for the sea.”
The yacht will feature sleek lines, expansive accommodations, and a deck layout shaped by both function and comfort. Tripp Design—celebrated globally for creating elegant, seaworthy yachts—has brought a fresh design language to the project. The partnership introduces a new dimension to Catalina’s range, one that emphasizes modern styling while keeping practical cruising needs at the forefront.
“We’re thrilled to bring a new voice to a brand with such a storied legacy,” said Bill Tripp, principal of Tripp Design. “There’s an authenticity in Catalina’s approach that aligns perfectly with our philosophy—beautiful, honest boats built for people who love to sail.”
Details of the Catalina 48’s interior are still unfolding, but the builder emphasizes generous living spaces, warm finishes, and thoughtful ergonomics intended to make long-term cruising more comfortable. Above deck, sailors can expect a cockpit engineered for handling ease and confidence underway.
As the first of several new-generation models now on the drawing board, the Catalina 48 marks a turning point for the builder. It’s American-designed, American-built, and a proud signal that Catalina is ready to shape the next era of cruising under sail.
