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bigelowp
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1795 Posts

Initially Posted - 10/17/2025 : 13:38:31

This was in Sail magazine email blast:

"Just months after being purchased by Michael Reardon of Daedalus Yachts, Catalina Yachts has announced that they will cease production. The company cites �short-term financial challenges� for the reason and intends to return to building boats in the future. Significant concerns raised by employees suggest that major changes will be necessary."

I question if it was really financial problems as, from what I have heard, sales were reasonably strong. I fear another private equity firm overpaid and is cutting bait.

Frank Butler must be spinning in his grave!!!!!!

Peter Bigelow
PO - C-25 TR/FK #2092 Limerick
Rowayton, Ct
Port Captain: Rowayton/Norwalk/Darien CT

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9086 Posts

Response Posted - 10/17/2025 : 13:53:43

Just got that, too. Startling! I had long thought of Catalina as the most solid producer this side of the pond, with such a strong reputation quality, design, and overall value. I guess there just isn't room on their transoms for the three 350 hp outboards everyone wants. (Even Hinckley is making the shift.)

Dave Bristle
Association "Port Captain" for Mystic/Stonington CT
PO of 1985 C-25 SR/FK #5032 Passage before going over to the Dark Side (2007-2025); now boatless for the first time since 1970 (on a Sunfish).

Edited by - Stinkpotter on 10/17/2025 13:59:53

bigelowp
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1795 Posts

Response Posted - 10/17/2025 : 14:29:40

Dave,

Fully agree, but . . . .Catalina owns True North, power boats with those three 350 outboards, so what gives?

Peter Bigelow
PO - C-25 TR/FK #2092 Limerick
Rowayton, Ct
Port Captain: Rowayton/Norwalk/Darien CT

bigelowp
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1795 Posts

Response Posted - 10/17/2025 : 14:33:29

More news:
On April 30, Daedalus Yachts founder Michael Reardon announced that he and his company had acquired Catalina Yachts, but issues behind the scenes have now become public. After disgruntled employees of Catalina Yachts began sharing news on social media of missed payrolls and cancelled health insurance, Catalina Yachts President Patrick Turner released this statement:

"I want to share an important update directly with those who matter most to this company � our owners, future owners, and the broader sailing community that has supported Catalina for more than 50 years.

We have initiated a temporary production pause while we reorganize key areas of our operation. Like many manufacturers in today�s environment, we are navigating short-term financial challenges. Rather than pushing ahead in a way that could compromise quality or consistency, we have chosen to take a responsible pause while we finalize the support needed to move forward stronger.

This decision reflects our commitment to Catalina�s long-term health � not just the next boat out of the factory, but the thousands that already exist and the many more still to come."

Peter Bigelow
PO - C-25 TR/FK #2092 Limerick
Rowayton, Ct
Port Captain: Rowayton/Norwalk/Darien CT

bigelowp
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1795 Posts

Response Posted - 10/17/2025 : 14:38:36

So, if I were considering a Catalina, Beneatau, Jeaneaua, or other boat I would, with this information, stay clear of Catalina. I do feel sorry for the dealers!

Peter Bigelow
PO - C-25 TR/FK #2092 Limerick
Rowayton, Ct
Port Captain: Rowayton/Norwalk/Darien CT

Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5410 Posts

Response Posted - 10/21/2025 : 06:46:08

Yes Peter,
That was my thought as well. And this brief loss of confidence in the current Catalina management is now surely to bring about its destruction. Ah, private capital, the PBS program entitled �Stripped for Parts� about the newspaper business illustrates this trend pretty well.

In yesterday�s email, I received the following message from Catalina Yachts Store, an independent provider of Catalina replacement parts:

�To Our Catalina Family,

For me, the Catalina story has always been about people as much as it is about boats. My mom, Sharon Day, began working alongside Frank Butler over 50 years ago. As Frank�s right hand, she helped guide Catalina Yachts through decades of growth and eventually served as President of the company before her recent retirement.

Sharon also brought Frank the idea of creating a dedicated store for Catalina owners. With Frank�s blessing, Catalina Yachts Store was born�a place where owners could find the parts, gear, and support they needed to fully enjoy their boats. This also served as a way for Sharon to have her family join her at the boat shows, further reinforcing the family-oriented atmosphere that she cultivated for the Catalina brand.

I grew up in the middle of that story, and today I�m proud to carry on the tradition my parents began. While Catalina Yachts has entered a new chapter under new ownership, Catalina Yachts Store remains an independent, family-run business. Our passion hasn�t changed, and neither has our commitment to serving the thousands of Catalina owners who share in this incredible community.

Thank you for trusting us and for being part of the Catalina family. I look forward to continuing this journey with you.

With gratitude,
Holly Hannah
Catalina Yachts Store�

Let�s hope that they continue to thrive.

Bruce Ross
Passage ~ SR-FK ~ C25 #5032

Port Captain � Milford, CT

Edited by - Voyager on 10/21/2025 06:49:46

bigelowp
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1795 Posts

Response Posted - 10/21/2025 : 07:52:38

WOW, I didn't realize that the Catalina Yachts Store was a separate business, but sure am glad it is now!

Peter Bigelow
PO - C-25 TR/FK #2092 Limerick
Rowayton, Ct
Port Captain: Rowayton/Norwalk/Darien CT

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9086 Posts

Response Posted - 10/22/2025 : 07:05:19

Does Catalina Yachts Store relate in any way to Catalina Direct? I never heard of the former--bought a number of things from the latter, and was pleased with the upgrades (not just factory parts) CD offered.

Edited by - Stinkpotter on 10/22/2025 07:05:55

bigelowp
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1795 Posts

Response Posted - 10/22/2025 : 09:02:48

I am presuming that when Frank Butler ran Catalina Yachts some of the related ventures such as the Yacht Store and Mainsheet, etc., may have been owned by related parties and when "Catalina Yachts" was sold they were not part of the deal. However as all are privately owned entities, who knows! Catalina Yachts Store seems to focus mostly on swag, drinkware, etc., vs equipment.

Peter Bigelow
PO - C-25 TR/FK #2092 Limerick
Rowayton, Ct
Port Captain: Rowayton/Norwalk/Darien CT

Edited by - bigelowp on 10/22/2025 09:03:43

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