1989 Catalina 42
$93,500
Boat in Hampton, VA 23669 US
Built in 1989
42
1 Engine (--)
42 feet
Diesel
Fiberglass/Reinforced
1989 Catalina 42 Mark I - Extensively Upgraded Family Cruiser - Turnkey & Ready for Adventure!
For the past 15 years (since 2011), this exceptional 1989 Catalina 42 Mark I has been our family's go-to for unforgettable vacations and getaways with our crew of four. She's received constant love and investment in maintenance and modern upgrades, always rewarding us with reliable, comfortable sailing. Now, she's primed and eager for her next owners to continue the tradition!
Key Specifications:
• LOA: 41'10" (12.75m) - Commonly listed as 42'
• Beam: 13'10" (4.22m)
• Draft: 5' (wing keel)
• Displacement: ~20,500 lbs
• Engine: Yanmar 44 hp diesel (hours unknown from non-working meter at purchase; always seasonally maintained and reliable)
• Hull & Rig: Solid fiberglass, masthead sloop with sugar-scoop transom
• Layout: Three-cabin, two-head configuration - Forward Pullman berth (queen with offset access and ample storage), two private aft cabins (each with double berths), forward head with separate shower stall, starboard guest head
Extensive Recent Upgrades (2023-2026 Focus):
• 2026: Hard top bimini added for superior cockpit shade and weather protection
• 2025: Starlink high-speed satellite internet installed • New washdown pump • New fresh water pump + accumulator tank • New 16,000 BTU reverse-cycle A/C • Full LED interior lighting upgrade with USB charging ports • Bow & stern shore power inlets replaced • Forward head: new macerator pump, motor, and sanitation lines • Full lithium power system: (2) 460 AH lithium batteries (heaters + Bluetooth), new Group 31 AGM start battery, 50A DC-DC charger, Renogy Smart Shunt, Renogy 30A MPPT controller, Renogy One Core BMS with remote monitoring
• 2024: New hard top dodger (with windows & covers) • Late-October haul-out: new bottom paint, hull polish/wax, Prop Speed on prop/rudder, fresh zincs • New chest freezer for long-range provisioning
• 2023: Complete standing rigging replacement (wire & fittings) • New Harken roller furler • New Raymarine wind/depth/speed instruments • New Raymarine EV-400 autopilot + ram • New masthead tri-color/anchor light combo • New VHF antenna • New spinnaker crane & masthead sheaves • All-new halyards • Lumitec full-spectrum LED spreader lights • New mast boot • Brand-new fully battened mainsail • New tri-radial roller-furling genoa • New 2000W inverter • Upgraded solar array: (2) 170W panels on arch • Windlass fully serviced
• Earlier Key Work: PYI dripless shaft seal (2021) • New refrigeration (2020) • New stack pack + lazy jacks (2018) • New Princess 2-burner stove/oven (2018) • New non-coated SS lifelines with pelican hooks & 4 gates (2015) • Fuel tank cleaned (2024) • Annual: engine service, impeller/fuel filter changes, engine cleaning
Additional Equipment Highlights:
• Anchoring: 55 lb Bruce with 150' G4 7/16" chain
• Tender: West Marine Hypalon RIB dinghy
• Galley/Comfort: New microwave (2023), new forced air heater (2024)
• Extras: Kiss wind generator removed (reinstall optional) • Lewmar 40 & 50 self-tailing winches (2 each) • Spinlock clutches • Harken furler • Multiple halyards & tracks for versatile sail handling
With her spacious three-cabin interior, proven bluewater-capable design, and this impressive array of recent investments (lithium off-grid power, new sails/rigging/electronics, climate control, connectivity, and more), this Catalina 42 Mark I is in the top tier of her class-far exceeding typical 1989 examples. She's truly turnkey: sail away with confidence, no major refit required.
Asking Price: $98,500 (Priced to reflect extensive upgrades and ready-to-cruise condition-serious inquiries welcome for viewings.
She's been an incredible family boat-safe, fun, and dependable. Ready for new horizons in Norfolk, VA area
The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 3/7/26 | Initial price | $93,500 |
1989 Catalina 42 Video Tours
Overview from around the web 1989 Catalina 42
Customers praise the 1989 Catalina 42 for its spacious and comfortable interior, making it ideal for extended cruising and liveaboard lifestyles
Many highlight its solid construction and reliable performance under sail, noting that it handles well in a variety of conditions. The boat’s ample storage and thoughtful layout receive frequent compliments, as do its large cockpit and easy-to-manage sail plan. Overall, owners appreciate the Catalina 42’s blend of classic design, durability, and practical features that continue to make it a popular choice among cruising sailors.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 1989 Catalina 42 is a popular cruising sailboat known for its spacious layout and solid construction. Here are some of the key pros and cons of this model:
Pros
Spacious Interior: The Catalina 42 offers a roomy and comfortable cabin with ample headroom, making extended cruising enjoyable for families or groups.
Solid Construction: Built with a robust fiberglass hull, it provides good durability and stability in various sea conditions.
Good Sailing Performance: With a well-balanced rig and keel design, the Catalina 42 handles well both upwind and downwind, suitable for coastal cruising and offshore passages.
Ample Storage: Plenty of storage space below deck for gear and provisions, ideal for longer trips.
Popular and Well-Supported: Being a widely produced model, it has good availability of parts and community support for maintenance and upgrades.
Cons
Weight: The boat is relatively heavy, which can affect light wind performance and maneuverability in tight harbors.
Outdated Design Elements: Some aspects of the 1989 model, such as interior finishes and electronics, may feel dated compared to modern boats without updates.
Limited Tank Capacities: Fuel and water tank sizes might require careful planning for longer voyages.
Maintenance: As with many older boats, ongoing maintenance is essential to keep systems and rigging in good condition.
Made For
The 1989 Catalina 42 is ideal for sailors seeking a spacious and comfortable cruising sailboat that balances performance with ease of handling. It’s perfect for couples or small families who want to embark on extended coastal or offshore voyages, as well as for those who appreciate a well-designed interior with ample living space. Whether you're an experienced sailor or relatively new to sailing, the Catalina 42 offers a reliable and enjoyable sailing experience for both weekend adventures and longer passages.
Finance your dream boat!
Finance your dream boat!
Be the first to know when similar boats hit the market
Get notified when new boats become available
Meet the Broker
Address
Boat Location
Contact Hawkins Boat Brokerage about 1989 Catalina 42
170 Green's Cove Rd, Deltaville, VA, 23043
Contact Hawkins Boat Brokerage
170 Green's Cove Rd, Deltaville, VA, 23043
Login with Google
