MarsKeel and Catalina’s New High Lift Aspect Shoal Draft Bulb Keel

Feb 14, 2024

The Catalina 425 is an all-new design that replaces the Catalina 42. Embracing a contemporary aesthetic, it is designed to endure in function and aesthetics in the Catalina tradition.

Burlington, ON- based MarsKeel’s in-house Keel Technologist, Bill Souter, collaborated with Catalina Yachts to design and produce the first few of these keels for the new 425. The new keel design was to be an option to the existing wing keel. This new design maintained the same draft without the wings while improving the VCG and righting moment. The new modern bulb design also maintains excellent pointing ability and slightly increases boat speed, partly due to the reduction in wetted surface of the wing keel.

This all-lead keel weighs in at approximately 7640 lbs. and incorporates 11 x 1” diameter 316-grade Stainless Steel bolts. MarsKeel worked with Catalina to assist with the design parameters for the pattern and develop the mold for production casting.

MarsKeel has been exclusive keel supplier to Catalina Yachts for over the last decade.